Back in March of this year, it looked like Colorado’s high-elevation routes would be opening early for the season amid a record-setting lack of snowpack. That said, the last few weeks have meant some pretty significant changes as far as snow coverage goes in some parts of the state.

Rocky Mountain National Park typically targets Memorial Day weekend for the opening of the iconic Trail Ridge Road, a drive that reaches 12,183 feet of elevation and is considered the highest continuous paved through-road in North America. Unfortunately, it now seems unlikely that this target date will be hit.

Per the latest update from the park, the foot-plus of snow that hit the state this week coupled with more snow that’s expected tonight and tomorrow has officials still unsure when the Trail Ridge Road opening will take place. It’s currently closed at the Many Parks Curve on the eastern side of the park and the Colorado River Trailhead on the western side of the park – and keep in mind, it’s not just snow on the road that can be problematic, avalanche risk and freezing snowmelt can be cause for concern, as well.

“Based on current conditions of wind-blown snow, additional snow accumulation, and icy roads, it is unknown when Trail Ridge Road will open to vehicles for through travel,” reads the report, also noting that the park is “grateful for the additional moisture brought by these late spring storms.”

Fire concern was high in Colorado headed into spring, but recent moisture has provided some relief. While drought remains at levels not seen since 2021, the last four weeks have brought a slight drop in drought severity and coverage.

The earliest opening of Trail Ridge Road was May 7, 2002 – a year with snowpack that was on par with much of this past season. Meanwhile, the latest opening was June 26, 1943. In more recent years, a late-May opening has been the norm, with the route opening on May 30 in 2025, May 31 in 2024, May 26 in 2023, and May 27 in 2022. So in other words, if the opening takes place about a week past Memorial Day, that’s not too atypical – what’s noteworthy is how it’s getting pushed back during a year that broke many records related to snowpack lows.

Updates related to the status of Trail Ridge Road can be found on the Rocky Mountain National Park website, with guests also able to call a recorded status line at 970-586-1222 (note, at last report, this line was down, though it will likely be back up soon).

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