Wednesday’s wintry blast delivered the knockout punch for Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park, which officially closed for the season today.
The scenic route had been closed since Saturday because of high winds and drifting snow, the National Park Service said this afternoon.
Connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake, America’s highest continuously paved road climbs to 12,183 feet. Trail Ridge Road closes each winter because of snow, usually reopening around Memorial Day.
The average closing is Oct. 23. Last year it closed on Oct. 29.
“After yesterday’s significant snowfall and with the forecast for periodic storms at high elevations accompanied by wind and ice, we have officially closed Trail Ridge Road for the season,” Rocky Mountain National Park superintendent Vaughn Baker stated in a media release.
As long as weather permits, the park will keep Trail Ridge Road open to Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and to the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side, he said.
Updated road conditions are available by calling 970-586-1206.
