There's a road under that snow! Trail Ridge Road, actually. The road closed for the season on October 30. This shot was from last spring as crews were working to reopen it/NPS, Jacob W. Frank

So, did anyone have October 30 in the pool? That was the date that Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park was shut down for the winter months due to accumulating snow.

On average, the road that links Estes Park on the eastern side of the park with Grand Lake on the western side closes Octobrer 23. But there's usually a lot of give and take. Last year, for instance, the road remained open until November 4. Back in 2012, it was closed on October 17.

"At high elevations we continue to receive snow, high winds and freezing temperatures. The snow continues to blow and drift on Trail Ridge Road, making snow clearing operations and driving conditions extremely hazardous. During the winter season, weather permitting, we will keep Trail Ridge Road open to Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and to the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park," said acting park Superintendent Ben Bobowski.

While Trail Ridge Road has closed, the most popular destinations for this time of year -- including Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park and the section of Trail Ridge Road along the Kawuneeche Valley -- are all open. These are all great areas for hiking and wildlife watching.

Trail Ridge Road, one of the most impressive alpine highways in the United States, is the highest continuous paved road in America and reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet.  Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road, as 11 miles of it range above 11,500 feet, and there are few guard rails and no shoulder. The road is currently closed at Colorado River Trailhead on the west side and Many Parks Curve on the east side.

According to acting park superintendent Ben Bobowski, "At high elevations we continue to receive snow, high winds and freezing temperatures. The snow continues to blow and drift on Trail Ridge Road, making snow clearing operations and driving conditions extremely hazardous. During the winter season, weather permitting, we will keep Trail Ridge Road open to Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and to the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park."

The central portion of Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting.This year Trail Ridge Road opened on May 29.

Old Fall River Road closed for the season on October 23. Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road will remain open to bicycles and leashed pets until November 30, re-opening on April 1, except during road maintenance operations and emergency closures as posted. Cyclists and pet owners may utilize the road at their own risk. After November 30, both of these roads will revert to "winter trail status" which means that bicycles and leashed pets are not permitted beyond the closed gates.