ESTES PARK, Colo. — Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) temporarily closed at around 4 p.m. Friday.
RMNP said deteriorating conditions, including snow, strong winds and freezing temperatures, forced them to close the road early. Park officials had originally planned to close Trail Ridge at 5:30 p.m. Friday
Overnight closures will be at Many Parks Curve on the east side and Colorado River Trailhead on the west side, according to park officials.
RMNP said road conditions will be evaluated early Saturday and closure locations might change. Closures could also occur earlier if conditions warrant.
For an updated recorded status line of Trail Ridge Road, call 970-586-1222.
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. It climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.
The road has few guardrails and no shoulders, and 11 miles of it are above 11,500 feet. In the winter, drifting snow, strong winds and below freezing temperatures create hazardous driving conditions.
In 2020, Trail Ridge Road closed for the winter season permanently on Nov. 17, and in 2019 the road was closed Oct. 31.
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