Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Credit: NPS

Trail Ridge Road, the most popular scenic road in Rocky Mountain National Park, is officially open for the 2025 season. 

This road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbing to 12,183 feet. The road connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake on opposite sides of the park.

Snow and freezing temperatures this past week meant the road wasn’t able to open for Memorial Day visitors. But crews have been hard at work to clear the road and ensure safe travel for summer visitors. 

Nature can be unpredictable, though, and the park has warned that melting snow on the road and potential for freezing temperatures overnight could create icy conditions. The park will not implement nightly closures, but park visitors should be prepared to adjust their plans should precarious weather arise. 

If you’re wondering about road conditions, you can call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded status phone line at (970) 586-1222.

The Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Store are currently closed to all uses, and visitors must adhere to any barricades. Park staff warned that visitors entering any closure areas will be cited.

The road provides access to a number of lookouts and trails. Don’t miss the Tundra World Nature Trail, a half-hour walk beginning near the parking area at Rock Cut.

Remember, Rocky Mountain NP requires a timed-entry permit from late May to mid-October. Make your reservation at Recreation.gov. Get the most up-to-date information on trails and stops on the National Park website.

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Heather Bergeson is a writer and editor based in Utah. Heather has written about travel, sports, business and the outdoors for Utah Life magazine, Utah Business magazine and Moab Sun News. She has a bachelor's...