And just like that, the iconic Trail Ridge Road has officially been shut down to thru-traffic for winter, as of November 14.

Rocky Mountain National Park closes the route each year due to the risks that come with high-elevation travel during frigid and snowy months. Reaching 12,183 feet above sea level, the road isn’t maintained and becomes impassable to vehicles. The Alpine Visitor Center closes, as well.

It is worth noting, however, that while Trail Ridge Road can’t be driven from the east to the west side of the park for a few months – typically until late-May, portions of the road can be driven. On the east side of the park, the closure is in place at the Many Parks Curve, while on the west side, it’s in place at the Colorado River Trailhead.

Also noteworthy is that the November 14 closure was quite a bit later than the norm – the route usually closes for the winter season in mid-October. This late closure isn’t too unexpected though given the state’s current lack of snowpack – statewide, it’s at just 17 percent compared to the norm for November 14.

Rocky Mountain National Park recommended the following options for scenic winter drives: Bear Lake Road, Endovalley Road, Trail Ridge Road on the west side of RMNP from Grand Lake Entrance to the Colorado River Trailhead, and Trail Ridge Road on the east side of RMNP to Hidden Valley and Many Parks Curve.

Learn more about planning a winter trip to Rocky Mountain National Park here.

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