Trail Ridge Road Closes For Season Friday

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. (CBS4) - Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is now closed for the season.

Through travel on the highest continuous paved road in America is now shut off due to drifting snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures above 10,000 feet.

The highway cuts across 11 miles of terrain above 11,5000 feet, with few guard rails and no shoulders for much of the stretch.

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"The mile weather this fall has given us a rare opportunity to enjoy Trail Ridge Road this late in the season," park superintendent Darla Sidles said. "During this most recent storm we have received an accumulation of snow accompanied by high winds and freezing temperatures. Driving conditions are extremely hazardous at higher elevations."

The latest Trail Ridge Road has closed for the season was Dec. 2, 1933.

The average winter closure date is Oct. 23.

While sections of the road may reopened earlier, the central portion of Trail Ridge Road normally opens, weather permitting, around the last week in May.