Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park opened for the summer Monday, about two weeks earlier than normal.
However, park officials warn that weather conditions can change rapidly and that travelers should check before setting out for the road billed as the highest continuous paved road in the U.S.
The road reaches more than 12,000 feet at its highest point. Huge snowplows are used to clear the road for summer visitors.
Historically, it closes in late October and reopens on Memorial Day weekend. Last year, after heavy snowstorms continued well into the spring, the road didn’t open until June 6.
The earliest the road has ever opened is May 7, 2002, when the state went through an extreme drought. Park spokeswoman Kyle Patterson said that in 1963, the road opened May 11.
Though the road is open, the Alpine Visitor Center and the Trail Ridge Store, atop Trail Ridge Road, will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians as snow-removal equipment works in the parking area.
Restrooms are open at Rock Cut and Milner Pass.
Information about the road’s status is available on the park’s Trail Ridge Road phone-line recording at 970-586-1222.
