Winter Sports

Remember that winter in the high mountains comes earlier than in the low country, and it's generally much more severe. The center of Rocky Mountain National Park -- Trail Ridge Road between Many Parks Curve on the east and the Colorado River Trailhead on the west -- is closed to vehicular traffic from about mid-October to late May. Old Fall River Road is also closed, usually from September into early July. The exact dates of both closures depend on the weather.

Roads that remain open in the winter can be icy and snowpacked, so be sure you have snow tires or chains, and always check on road conditions at the visitor centers or entrance stations.