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Without Snowplows, Some Rocky Mountain National Park Roads Closing To Vehicles

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By NPT Staff - December 25th, 2018
Some roads in Rocky Mountain National Park are closing due to lack of snow removal/NPS

Some roads in Rocky Mountain National Park are closing due to lack of snow removal/NPS

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado will have limited road access by vehicle but will remain accessible to pedestrians and bicycles during the lapse in federal appropriations. Due to road conditions from snowfall Saturday and blowing and drifting snow and ice combined with the inability to snowplow, sand, or otherwise maintain the roads, gates are closed past the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on U.S. 36, past the Fall River Entrance on U.S. 34, past the Wild Basin Entrance on the Wild Basin Road and at the Grand Lake Entrance on U.S. 34.

All of these sections of roads are above 8,000 feet in elevation and are closed to vehicular traffic. Vehicles may not move barriers or travel off road to pass closed gates.  It is uncertain whether these roads will reopen until after the shutdown.  Limited road areas in other areas of the park remain open to vehicle travel. 

Park visitors are advised to use extreme caution if choosing to enter the park on foot, bicycle or in limited legal areas via vehicles, as park personnel will not be available to provide guidance or assistance. Emergency services will be limited. Any entry to the park during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor’s sole risk. All rules and regulations still apply.

No visitor services will be provided. Services that require staffing and maintenance, such as snow plowing, entrance stations, the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Moraine Park Campground, and some restroom facilities will not be operating. Roads that are already open will remain open, weather and road conditions permitting. Park staff will not issue permits, conduct educational programs, collect trash, maintain restrooms, maintain roads or walkways in the event of snow or ice, or provide visitor information.  Fall River Visitor Center, located outside the park on US 34, is open through December 30, excluding December 25.

Additional roads or areas in Rocky Mountain National Park may be closed during the government shutdown if conditions warrant.  

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