Road closure gate near Rainbow Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park / NPS

Trail Ridge Road, officially U.S. Highway 34, which winds through the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), is closed for the season as of October 25. 

With 11 miles of road located at elevations above 11,500 feet, few guard rails, and no shoulders, Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. Trail Ridge Road is currently closed at Rainbow Curve on the east side of RMNP and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park. Closure points on the road may fluctuate this fall, however the road is closed to through travel for the season.  

Interested in taking a scenic drive? There are several popular scenic driving destinations open this time of year, including Bear Lake Road, Endovalley Road, Trail Ridge Road on the west side of RMNP from Grand Lake Entrance to the Colorado River Trailhead and Trail Ridge Road on the east side of RMNP to Rainbow Curve.    

Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. In 2024, Trail Ridge Road opened on Friday, May 31.    

Old Fall River Road closed to vehicles for the season on October 8. Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road will remain open to bicycles, hikers, and people walking leashed pets through November 30. Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the roads, not on side trails. On December 1, both roads will transition to "winter trail status." On Sunday, December 1, 2024, bicycles and leashed pets will no longer permitted to travel beyond the closed gates. Pedestrians, snowshoers and skiers will be welcome to recreate during the winter season on both roads.    

For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.