Late spring snowfall in Rocky Mountain National Park has delayed the anticipated opening of Trail Ridge Road, while park officials prepare to launch the park’s 2026 timed-entry reservation system this Friday, according to news releases from the park.
The snowstorm that swept through the region Monday and Tuesday dumped more than a foot of fresh snow at high elevations in the park, according to park officials. By Wednesday morning, Rainbow Curve along Trail Ridge Road on the east side of the park had recorded more than 12 inches of new snow, with additional snow expected in the coming days.
As a result, officials said it remains unclear when Trail Ridge Road — the nation’s highest continuous paved highway — will reopen for through travel. The road is currently closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side.
Park officials cited continued snowfall, high winds and changing weather conditions at higher elevations as factors complicating snow removal efforts and reopening plans.
Visitors can monitor current road conditions through the park’s official website, , social media accounts, @RockyNPS, and the Trail Ridge Road recorded status line at 970-586-1222.
The park is set to begin its 2026 timed entry reservation system on Friday continuing its strategy to reduce congestion and improve visitor experiences during the busy summer season, according to a news release from the park.
The reservation system, finalized through the park’s Day Use Visitor Access Plan in 2024, “manages day use visitor access in a way that maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, protects the park’s resources, and supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations,” according to the release.
As in 2025, two types of reservations will be offered. One reservation covers the Bear Lake Road Corridor and provides access to the entire park from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. A second reservation applies to the rest of the park, excluding Bear Lake Road, and is required from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors may enter and access the park, excluding Bear Lake Road, before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without a timed entry reservation.
To make a timed entry reservation, visit or by using the Recreation.gov mobile app, calling the reservation line at 877-444-6777, calling the reservation line (international) at 606-515-6777, or calling the reservation line (TDD) at 877-833-6777.
Reservations allow visitors to enter during a designated two-hour window, with no set departure time. The only fee associated with the reservation system is a $2 processing charge through Recreation.gov.
The Bear Lake Road reservation requirement will remain in effect through Oct. 19, while the rest-of-park reservation system will end Oct. 13.
Additional reservations will be released in phases throughout the summer, with monthly booking windows opening on the first day of each month beginning June 1.
Park officials encouraged visitors to prepare carefully before traveling into the mountains, warning that weather conditions in the Rockies can shift rapidly, even late in the spring season.
