Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Things To Know About Visiting Rocky This Month

Posted on Rocky Mountain National Park's social media today:
Planning for an October trip to Rocky? Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. Here are a few things to know:

- Alpine Visitor Center and the Trail Ridge Store are closed for the 2024 summer season. Beaver Meadows, Fall River, and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers are open daily.

- Trail Ridge Road is open to thru travel. Know that weather and road conditions can change quickly this time of year. For the most current information, call the Trail Ridge Road status line at 970-586-1222. Park staff will update the recorded line if the road status changes.

- Depending on where you would like to visit inside RMNP and what time you arrive, you might need a timed entry reservation. Timed entry reservations are no longer needed to visit most areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, including to drive over Trail Ridge Road. To visit destinations located on Bear Lake Road, like Moraine Park and Sprague Lake, you will need a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.

- Old Fall River Road is closed to all uses for road maintenance today, Tuesday, October 15 through Friday, October 18.

- Elk herds are gathering for fall mating season! Bull elk are very aggressive this time of year. For the safety of both elk and park visitors, annual meadow closures are in effect throughout Rocky Mountain National Park through October 31. Meadows are closed to all travel on foot or via horseback between the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.

For more fall trip planning tips, visit RMNP's website at https://www.nps.gov/romo/plan-your-fall-trip-to-rocky.htm




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Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Bear Creek National Recreation Trail Work Set to Resume

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will resume trail reconstruction on the Bear Creek National Recreation trail, located south of Ouray, on Oct. 10. Crews will be reconstructing portions of the trail between the trailhead and Yellow Jacket Mine, including construction of stone retaining walls, drainage features and low water crossings. This critical trail maintenance and reconstruction is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act and a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The trail is expected to remain open during construction; however, visitors may experience delays of up to 45 minutes on weekdays. Construction activities will not occur on weekends. Trail crews will work until the weather becomes unfavorable this fall and will resume in the spring if the project isn’t completed.

“Public and worker safety during the trail reconstruction is our top priority,” stated Dana Gardunio, Ouray District Ranger. “We are doing our best to coordinate a schedule that will complete reconstruction work efficiently and mitigate potential hazards during the construction process. We appreciate the patience and support of trail users during this time.”

During the construction, signage will be installed at locations along the trail to indicate work areas. Visitors are asked to follow the guidance provided for everyone's safety.



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Saturday, October 5, 2024

Red Flag Warning for Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this warning on their social media this morning:
Today there are widespread critical fire weather conditions, including across all areas of RMNP, due to strong winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures. Don't park on vegetation.

Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place where campfires are prohibited throughout the park, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and frontcountry campgrounds.
From the National Weather Service:
Widespread critical fire weather conditions will occur today due to gusty winds, low humidity and record/near record temperatures. Avoid any activity that may create a spark and start a fast moving wildfire. Also, have a Go Bag or emergency kit ready in case of a new fire start in you area and/or evacuation notice.




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Thursday, October 3, 2024

Bierstadt Lake Parking Area in Rocky Mountain National Park to Close for Vault Toilet Replacement Project

Beginning on Monday, October 7, 2024, the Bierstadt Lake parking area, located on Bear Lake Road on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be closed for a vault toilet replacement project. Weather and conditions permitting, this parking area, including a shuttle stop, will be closed for approximately six weeks.

This project involves removing the existing vault toilet infrastructure which has exceeded its service life and installing a new vault toilet building. These needed improvements are funded by visitor recreation fees.

Due to the equipment necessary to complete this project, the size of the parking area and entrance and exit areas, the Bierstadt Lake parking area will be closed for the duration of the project. There will be no vehicle access and shuttle service will not be available at this stop. Vehicles will not be permitted to stop in the lane of traffic on Bear Lake Road to load/unload passengers.

There are numerous trails that lead to Bierstadt Lake, including from Bear Lake, Hollowell Park and Park and Ride. To board the park’s free shuttles and to access other destinations along Bear Lake Road, hikers will have to use alternate trailheads.



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Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Paving Projects at Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances

Contractors will be re-paving entrance gate lanes and repairing damaged concrete curbing at the Beaver Meadows Entrance beginning Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3 then again starting Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10. The paving will take place during daylight hours and in only one lane at a time. Be prepared for longer lines on these days.

Contractors completing the Fall River Entrance project will be paving beginning Monday, October 7 through Thursday October 10. Because only one lane will be operational with alternating traffic, visitors entering or exiting the Fall River Entrance should expect potential delays of more than 20 minutes.

Paving will not occur at these locations on Fridays or weekends.



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