Trail Ridge Road May not open

Rocky Mountain National Park said on May 20 that two late-season snowstorms had thrown its usual Memorial Day target for opening Trail Ridge Road into doubt. The road, which crosses the park at high elevation and typically reopens in late May, remained closed to through traffic as crews assessed fresh snow, plowing needs and safety conditions. Colorado news outlets reported park staff were also evaluating avalanche risk after the storms. The park has not set a new opening date and said visitors should watch for updates ahead of the holiday weekend. ### Why is Trail Ridge Road still closed so close to Memorial Day? Trail Ridge Road is currently listed by the National Park Service as closed to through traffic for the 2025-2026 winter season. The park’s road-status page says the east side is closed at Rainbow Curve and the west side at the Colorado River Trailhead. The same page says staff update a recorded status line when conditions change. The Coloradoan reported on May 20 that two major May snowstorms had disrupted snowplowing and jeopardized a Memorial Day weekend opening. The outlet said park managers were weighing how much new work would be needed to clear the road after fresh snowfall at higher elevations. (nps.gov) ### What changed after earlier signs the road might open sooner? The Coloradoan reported on May 1 that historically low snowpack had raised the possibility of an earlier-than-normal opening this year. That outlook changed after new storms hit the park in May. (coloradoan.com) CBS Colorado reported on May 21 that this week’s snowstorm put the Memorial Day weekend target “up in the air.” Denver7 and 9NEWS both reported that the road now was unlikely to open in time for the holiday weekend, citing the latest conditions in the park. ### What makes this road harder to reopen than lower-elevation park roads? (coloradoan.com) The National Park Service says Trail Ridge Road is a seasonal road and is not designed to be an all-season route. A 2025 park release said 11 miles of the road sit above 11,500 feet and noted the route has few guard rails and no shoulders. (cbsnews.com) Rocky Mountain National Park’s conditions pages also show that winter conditions can persist well into spring at higher elevations. A trail conditions update published in May said visitors should expect snow and ice on trails across the park, especially above 9,000 feet. ### Where should travelers check before driving to the park? The National Park Service says the official road-status page is the primary source for Trail Ridge Road conditions. (nps.gov) The page also lists the park’s recorded Trail Ridge Road status line at 970-586-1222 for changes to openings or closures. Rocky Mountain National Park’s operating-hours page says Trail Ridge Road is generally closed to through travel from mid-October to late May. (nps.gov) That page also says timed-entry requirements begin May 23 and run through Oct. 19 for parts of the park, depending on destination and time of entry. ### What happens next before Memorial Day weekend? May 23 is the date Rocky Mountain National Park’s timed-entry system begins for the summer season, according to park planning information. (nps.gov) The park has said Trail Ridge Road’s reopening remains weather-dependent, and the road-status page and recorded line will carry any change in status. Memorial Day falls on May 25 this year. (nps.gov) Until park staff finish assessing snow, plowing and safety conditions, visitors traveling between the east and west sides of Rocky Mountain National Park will need to use alternate routes around the park, the National Park Service said. (nps.gov)