Add Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park to the growing lists of scenic drives in the National Park System now open for the summer. The road, the highest paved road in the Lower 48, opened for traffic just after 11 a.m. Monday.

It was just about a week ago that the Tioga Road in Yosemite National was cleared of snow for the summer, and the South Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park opened for vehicles on Friday. Yet to be cleared of snow for summer traffic is the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

While Trail Ridge Road -- which tops out at 12,183 feet -- opened Monday, park officials point out that because weather conditions may change rapidly, particularly in spring and fall, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly and are encouraged to call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded phone line at (970) 586-1222.

When the road status changes, park staff will update the recorded line during and after regular office hours.