Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park opened Saturday for the season.
This was the latest the unpaved road has opened in 26 years. Old Fall River Road normally opens by the Fourth of July weekend, but the opening was delayed by the heaviest late spring snows seen in decades, park officials said.
The road, built between 1913 and 1920, travels from the Endovalley picnic area to above the treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face.
Since the road is narrow and winding, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only.
Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the road. Visitors should expect dust on the road and muddy conditions at the top near the Alpine Visitor Center.
Although Old Fall River Road usually closes in October, the road will likely close sometime in September for maintenance work. Ann Schrader, The Denver Post
