Rocky Mountain National Park announced today that areas that have been closed due to the inability to plow and maintain roads, will once again be accessible to visitors. On Saturday, January 12, a limited number of park staff began snowplowing US 36 past the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and US 34 past the Fall River Entrance. Monday morning, US Highways 36 and 34 were reopened to Deer Ridge Junction. Trail Ridge Road beyond Deer Ridge Junction to Many Parks Curve has also reopened. US Highway 34 on the west side is now open to the Colorado River Trailhead. Bear Lake Road is expected to reopen sometime Tuesday.
Also this past Saturday, a limited number of custodians began cleaning toilet facilities and trash receptacles. Some basic visitor services, including entrance stations and two out of five loops at the Moraine Park Campground, will also reopen later this week. Entrance stations will be open to provide safety and basic information to visitors, but entrance fees will not be collected.
These basic services are being funded with revenue generated by recreation fees. National Park Service officials have determined that by using Federal Land and Recreation Enhancement funds to bring back limited park maintenance staff to plow roads, clean restrooms, and remove trash, the park can restore accessibility to the park for visitors.
Outdoor areas of the park remain accessible. Most facilities, including Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on the east side and Kawuneeche Visitor Center on the west side will remain closed. “We greatly appreciate Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s efforts to staff the Fall River Visitor Center during the lapse in appropriations,” said park superintendent Darla Sidles. Fall River Visitor Center is located outside of the park near the Fall River Entrance.
While basic visitor services have been restored, other services will be limited or unavailable during the lapse in appropriations, including visitor centers, ranger talks and programs. Visitors are reminded that all rules and regulations apply. Visitors should visit the park website at nps.gov/romo while planning their visit to get the latest information on accessibility and available services.