DENVER (KDVR) — While Independence Pass is opening at its earliest date in six years, Rocky Mountain National Park announced Thursday that Trail Ridge Road will likely not reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend.
For many, a trip up into the high country and particularly on Trail Ridge Road, marks a successful visit to Colorado during Memorial Day. But having the road closed on the holiday is also far from unheard of: Last year, the roadway reopened after the winter on May 31. The year before, it was May 27.
The National Park Service said that road-clearing crews have faced setbacks from previous progress.
“Wind has been the main challenge since last week, causing low visibility, snow drifting back over cleared areas, and a thick ice layer beneath drifted snow,” the Rocky Mountain National Park Service posted to Facebook. “Snow and overnight freezing temperatures are forecast above 10,000 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park over the weekend.”
The 11-mile road is located above 11,500 feet, making it the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., cresting at 12,183 feet above sea level, according to the park, with few guardrails and no shoulders.
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Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road on May 21, 2025. (Courtesy of Rocky Mountain National Park) -
Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road on May 21, 2025. (Courtesy of Rocky Mountain National Park)
“Trail Ridge Road historically opens in late May, weather permitting,” the park service says on the Rocky Mountain National Park website.
According to the park website, RMNP staff will update the road’s recorded phone line, 970-586-1222, when the road status changes.
There are also other scenic roads at RMNP, including Bear Lake Road and Endovalley Road.
