Heavy Snow Forces Closures in Rocky Mountain National Park

Heavy snowfall in northern Colorado today has forced the closure of roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park.

As a result of power, heat and phone outages in different areas of the park, both the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and the Fall River Visitor Center on the east side of the park closed at noon today. The Kawuneeche Visitor Center on the west side will remain open.

According to the latest SNOTEL reading at Bear Lake, roughly 18 inches of snow has fallen since last night. The latest forecast calls for another 3-7 inches this afternoon and tonight. Temperatures are falling and winds are expected to increase this afternoon to 20 miles per hour. Overnight temperatures are forecasted to be in the low teens.

According to park officials, there is limited access to portions of the east side of the park. Currently, Trail Ridge Road is closed at Deer Ridge Junction. Normally at this time of year it's open to Many Parks Curve. Bear Lake Road is closed at Park & Ride. Park snowplows continue to work on the roads, but park visitors are reminded that plows do not operate between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Hazardous driving conditions exist in the park.

For the latest weather updates and forecasts, please click here.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park

Just because there's a little bit of snow on the ground doesn't mean that Rocky Mountain National Park shuts down for the winter. In fact, the park offer several opportunities for outdoor winter adventures, including a few ranger led activities.

From the Estes Park area on the east side, visitors can enjoy Snowshoe Ecology Walks on weekends between January 5th and March 23rd.

The park will also be offering Full Moon Walks on the nights of November 28, December 28, January 26, and February 25. This is a great chance to explore the park by the light of the full moon. Each walk will last about an hour to 1.5 hours.

On the west side of the park, starting from the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, RMNP will offer ranger-led beginner and intermediate snowshoe tours, as well as cross-country skiing tours on mostly-level terrain.

For more information, please click here.






Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com