Operations to get the iconic Trail Ridge Road that cuts through Rocky Mountain National Park open for the season are officially underway.

Per an April 28 update from the park, snowplow operators are regularly doing their job on the road at this time and as a result, some access is limited. Members of the public have been told to adhere to all posted road closure signs, including hikers and cyclists.

“Don’t travel past the closed sign until you see plow operators,” said the park. “They are intentionally providing a safety buffer. Anyone violating these closures will be cited.”

It’s also been requested that people don’t park in front of the closed access gates as park vehicles will be entering and exiting through these gates while conducting work on the road.

As far as when Trail Ridge Road will officially open, that’s still up-in-the-air as spring weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can be a bit unpredictable – after all, the road reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet. The road typically opens in late May or early June, with Memorial Day weekend sometimes cited as a target date. While the lower snowpack this year could be a factor in an early opening, snow continues to hit the park – a storm this week dropped more than eight inches along the road (and about 12 to 18 inches on Longs Peak).

Until the road officially opens, heed all signage and restrictions. An announcement will come when that opening takes place and anyone curious about the road’s status is always able to call the recorded line at 970-586-1222. Find more information about the road here.

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