Trail Ridge Road likely closed Memorial Day

Rocky Mountain National Park said on May 20 that Trail Ridge Road will likely remain closed through Memorial Day weekend after a fresh round of late spring snow hit the park’s high country. Park officials said more snow was still in the forecast, leaving the road’s opening date uncertain even as crews continued spring plowing operations. The alpine route usually opens around Memorial Day, but the park said current conditions and incoming weather made that unlikely this year. Trail Ridge Road is closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side and at Colorado River Trailhead on the west side, according to the National Park Service. ### How much snow fell, and where did it hit hardest? Rainbow Curve, a high-elevation stretch along Trail Ridge Road, had more than a foot of new snow on the ground on the morning of Tuesday, May 19, according to Kyle Patterson, Rocky Mountain National Park’s public affairs officer, as reported by Denver7. Patterson said snow continued falling through the day and that additional snow was expected over the next several days. (nps.gov) The National Park Service said in its May 19 road update that the spring storm brought new snow to high-elevation areas of the park and left snow or icy patches on roads. The park also said conditions in the Rockies can change rapidly in winter and spring, with sun, strong winds, blowing snow and ice possible at any time. ### Why can’t crews just open the road on schedule? (denver7.com) Trail Ridge Road is a seasonal road, and the National Park Service said spring openings depend on snow, wind and safety conditions at elevations above timberline. The park’s May 19 update said it was unknown when the road would open to through traffic because of current conditions and incoming weather in the extended forecast. (nps.gov) Park crews are carrying out spring opening operations, and the National Park Service said rolling closures remain in effect wherever plowing is underway. The agency said hikers and cyclists must obey posted closure signs for their safety and the safety of road crews. ### Where is Trail Ridge Road closed right now? As of May 20, Trail Ridge Road remained closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park and at Colorado River Trailhead on the west side, according to Denver7 and the park’s road status page. (nps.gov) The park advised visitors traveling between the east and west sides of Rocky Mountain National Park to use alternate routes around the park. Trail Ridge Road connects Estes Park on the east side of the park with Grand Lake on the west side. Denver7 described it as the highest continuous paved road in the United States, rising above 12,000 feet. ### What should Memorial Day visitors check before they drive? (nps.gov) Rocky Mountain National Park told visitors to monitor its website and official social media accounts for updates on road status. The park’s road page also lists a recorded Trail Ridge Road status line at 970-586-1222. Beginning Friday, May 22, Rocky Mountain National Park will also require timed-entry reservations during certain daytime hours through mid-October. (denver7.com) The National Park Service said timed-entry reservations are required for most park areas between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., while a separate timed-entry-plus reservation is required for the Bear Lake Road Corridor between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. (nps.gov) ### What happens next if weather improves? The National Park Service said park staff will update the recorded status line when the road’s status changes. The agency said visitors should keep watching the Rocky Mountain National Park alerts page and official accounts because the opening date remains uncertain. Friday, May 22, is the next key date for travelers because timed-entry rules begin that day even if Trail Ridge Road remains closed. (nps.gov) Park visitors heading into Rocky Mountain National Park over Memorial Day weekend can still enter before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without a timed-entry reservation for most areas, according to the National Park Service. (nps.gov)