While most scenic drives around the state have opened for summer, a popular Rocky Mountain National route that reaches 11,796 feet of elevation remains closed.

According to the park, the historic Old Fall River Road is expected to remain closed to vehicles through the month of June with springtime maintenance operations underway. This extended closure is normal for the route, which typically opens between late-June and early-July.

According to the park, Old Fall River Road first opened in 1920, becoming the first auto route in the park that took travelers into high alpine terrain. Compared to the park’s iconic Trail Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road is described by the park as a “motor nature trail.” Slower-paced and mostly gravel, it travels one-way uphill for 11 miles. Aside from its historic significance as it relates to the park, it follows a route that was once traveled by Native American hunters. Travelers of the route should expect drop-offs with no guardrails, a narrow lane, and plenty of switchbacks.

While the road is closed to vehicles at this time, it can still be traveled by hikers, people walking dogs on a leash, and cyclists on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, as well as Tuesdays through Fridays before 6 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.

Though some access is available on the road, all users must adhere to the posted closure signs at the risk of citation. It’s also worth noting that parking in front of the Old Fall River Road access gate is strictly prohibited, as park vehicles will need to enter and exit through this point. Vehicles found to be blocking road access in any way will be towed with drivers being cited.

Learn more about Old Fall River Road here.

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