wave725

Just in time for the Elk Rut and fall colors, the park is slowly returning to normal. Here's more information on trails, campgrounds and visitor's centers that are open/closed:

http://rockymountainhikingtrails.blo...onal-park.html

michelhuebeli

True, but that doesn't do you much good, the problem is getting to Estes Park in the first place:
You have to take the alternate route via Idaho Springs on the Interstate 70 and then find your way via highway 119 to highway 7 - that can be dicey and - if you get through - can take forever.

Closed, with no end in sight, are the three normal access routes, highway 119 (Boulder Canyon) to Nederland, highway 34 from Loveland, highway 36 from Lyons.

Check in with the Colorado Dept. of Transport before you make any plans.

sylvia3

Yes, and the route (I70-119-72-7 or I70-40-Trail Ridge Road, soon to be closed for the season)is slower still because everyone from Estes (to Nederland)has to use that route to get in and out of their towns.

Tabernash2

I agree it's not the best time to visit RMNP. The devastation around the Park is impossible to grasp, unless you live there.

Connie

Their FB post today didn't make it sound too inviting--at least for hiking.

"Recent flooding has altered many, if not most trails in Rocky. If you know the park, things likely will look different to you. Trails that are usually maintained well by park trail crews may be damaged or impassible. We’re not used to dealing with damaged or missing foot bridges, rough trails, deep ruts, or missing directional signs, but all those things could be encountered now, along with unstable slopes, rockfall, falling trees, and standing water on trails."