Last updated: August 27, 2026 (Updated as road statuses change)
Road Closure Overview
- Trail Ridge Road (Open to through travel for the season, subject to weather-related closures)
- Old Fall River Road (Open up to Alpine Visitor Center)
- Upper Beaver Meadows Road (Open from Hwy 36 to the summer trailhead)
- Serenity Lane (Open from Hwy 7 to the Twin Sisters trailhead)
- Wild Basin Road (Open from the entrance station to the summer trailhead)
- Fern Lake Road (Open from Bear Lake Road to the Fern Lake trailhead)
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road typically closes for the winter at some point in October and reopens in late May. As of the date of this post, Trail Ridge Road is open between Estes Park and Grand Lake.
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.
Trail Ridge Road is currently open for the summer season!
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. In March of 2025, I skied up and over Trail Ridge Road and made a video of it. You can that video here:
Old Fall River Road:
Old Fall River Road typically closes to vehicles in mid-October and then re-opens during the first week of July. The reason for this short season is due to it being a steep narrow valley that is prone to avalanches into June and to considerable erosion.
Old Fall River Road is currently open for the summer season!
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. You can also watch a video I created about this journey:
Winter Traction Law
For the safety of all motorists driving in Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter and spring 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.
Rocky's X (Twitter) Feed
Monitor Rocky Mountain National Park’s X (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. You will need an X account to access it.