Learn About Rocky Mountain National Park: Current Conditions: Roads

Roads - Winter

Last updated: November 10, 2023 (Updated as road statuses change)

Road Closures

  • Trail Ridge Road is currently closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side.
  • Old Fall River Road is currently closed at the West Alluvial Fan parking area.
  • Fern Lake Road is currently closed at the winter gate 0.25 miles (.4 km) west of the Cub Lake trailhead.
  • Wild Basin Road is currently closed at the winter gate on CO Highway 115.
  • Upper Beaver Meadows Road is closed at the intersection with highway 36.


Road Construction

  • There is currently construction underway at the Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Construction is expected to last through the autumn of 2023. There is only one entrance lane open during this time. Additionally, there is construction along highway 34 to install a new sidewalk from Estes Park all the way to the Aspenglen campground. For these reasons it is recommeneded that visitors use the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36.
  • There is currently major construction in the town of Estes Park that may add a few additional minutes to reach the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Construction is expected to last through winter of 2024. Visit the US Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration website for information on this project.

Rocky's Twitter Feed

Monitor Rocky Mountain National Park’s Twitter feed for the very latest road condition news. They often list vital information on road conditions, road construction, and other information you may need to know.

During snowy days they may require all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, or chains on your vehicle to enter the park. When these requirements come into force, they will be announced on Rocky's Twitter feed.

Winter Traction Law

For the safety of all motorists driving in Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter season, the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law may become active at any time, based on weather and road conditions. While Rocky Mountain National Park has federal exclusive jurisdiction, the park is authorized under 36 CFR 4.2(b) to enforce applicable local and state traffic regulations.

When the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law is active in RMNP, this means that all vehicles (including 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and 2-Wheel Drive) must have properly rated tires (Mud and Snow, Mountain and Snow or All-Weather Tires) with a minimum of 3/16" tread.

If you have improperly rated tires on your vehicle, then you must use an approved traction control device. These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires.

When the traction law is in place in RMNP, if a vehicle is involved in a motor vehicle crash, to include sliding off the road due to icy conditions, motorists will be cited if their vehicle does not meet Colorado Traction Control Law requirements.

Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is currently closed for the season. Trail Ridge Road typically closes for the winter at some point in October and reopens in late May. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on Trail Ridge Road conditions call the Trail Ridge Road Status Line: (970) 586-1222. This is a recording which is updated when conditions change.

Drifting snow makes Trail Ridge Road impassable in the winter.

Do you wonder why the road is closed all winter, find out here or read the following article to learn more about the impressive Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive. You can also see photos from a mid-April ski trip up Trail Ridge Road.

Old Fall River Road:

Old Fall River Road is closed for the winter season. The road normally opens in early July and closes at some point in October.

Entrance to Old Fall River Road

Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which travels from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the road. Read more about this scenic drive here.