Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park opened in time for Memorial Day Weekend/NPS

Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, Trail Ridge Road across the roof of Rocky Mountain National Park has opened. But it could close, too, in the case of a freak snowstorm, like the one that hit the area last May.

While it is open for motorists, they are warned that melting snow on the road could create icy conditions.

At this time, night time closures will not be implemented. Because weather conditions may change rapidly, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly and are encouraged to call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded phone line at (970) 586-1222. Park staff will update the recorded line during and after regular office hours, when the road status changes. 

Trail Ridge Road historically opens on Memorial Day weekend; last year the road opened on May 31, due to a late May snowstorm. The earliest the road has opened was on May 7, 2002; the latest June 26, 1943. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Trail Ridge Road officially closed for the season last year on October 27.  

National Park Service plow operators normally begin clearing the snow in the middle of April. Crews from the west side of the park and crews from the east side of the park move along the road and eventually meet at the Alpine Visitor Center.

The Alpine Visitor Center is the highest in the National Park Service, sitting at 11,796 feet above sea level.

Spring storms often impact plowing activities. This year, crews ran into average or below average snowpack in many locations. Drifts were similar as past years, ranging from 10 to 20 feet in some locations. Rain and sun caused significant melting over the last two weeks. Recent storms that forecast snow accumulation at higher elevations, produced rain instead.