|
The National Park Service closes Trail Ridge Road for the season
A sure sign that winter weather has tightened its grip on Northern Colorado is the closing of Trail Ridge Road for the season to through travel. National Park officials dropped the gate Saturday, Oct. 23rd at Many Parks Curve on the east side and the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side to through travel due to this weekend's blast of winter weather.
...
Eric Sparks at the junction of Trail Ridge Road and Fall River Road in late May conditions.
Trail Ridge Road, one of the most impressive alpine highways in the United States, is the highest continuous road in America and reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet. The road connects the Estes Park valley on the east and Grand Lake on the west. The closing of Trail Ridge Road effectively cuts the Park in half for the winter season.
Trail Ridge Road was opened in 1932. The average winter closure date has been Oct. 23. The previous eight year’s closure dates are: Oct. 22, 2007; Oct. 23, 2006; Nov. 4, 2005; Oct. 25, 2004; Nov. 6, 2003; Nov. 1, 2002; Oct. 18, 2001; Nov. 2, 2000 and Nov. 22, 1999. The central portion of Trail Ridge Road opened on May 28th in 2010.
Both roads normally open again around the last week in May, weather permitting. This road closure does not mean that the two roads have reverted to trail status; therefore bicycles and dogs are not permitted. For current road conditions and other Park information, call (970) 586-1206.
|
