Objectivist

I am planning a trip to rocky Mt NP from Nov 9-13. I know this is definitely after peak season and some roads will likely be closed. I was hoping someone can give some input as to how much of the park I'm likely to miss going at this time of the year. Will parts of the road still be open that offer sweeping panoramic views of the mountains? Will some of the good trail heads still be accessible? Also, does anyone have any general recommendations of top spots to see at the park?

livetoroam

Trail Ridge Road generally closes mid to late October. Hard to tell how much snow may or not impact your week but all the other roads are usually open in the winter and lots of us snow shoe the trails once you can no longer hike them. Bear Lake Road trails are all fun in the snow. Check the weather as it gets closer and the park visitor centers will have up to date trail and road closures for that week then. Enjoy, it is a beautiful place!

Nelson

As livetoraom notes, Trail Ridge Road will likely be closed, but the closure may be near tree line, so it will still be worth driving up there.

The Bear Lake road and all of its fantastic trailheads should still be accessible.

Trail conditions are unpredictable, but in recent years in November there will be not enough snow for snowshoes but just enough to make the trails icy. Probably a good idea to have some micro-spikes or at least trekking poles. You'll have to check conditions when you arrive.

The trails around Moraine Park might still be dry, again impossible to predict.

Views are excellent along any road in the Park. In the hopes a picture is worth a thousand words here is a shot I took last year from the Bear Lake road.
http://www.zenfolio.com/nelsonchenki...0397#h534C6A11

Have a good trip.

Nelson

Oops, here's a link to the picture that should work.
http://nelsonchenkin.zenfolio.com/p1...6a11#h534c6a11

sylvia3

Gorgeous photo, Nelson! Thanks for sharing.

indyhiker

Wow; Nelson. Love those shots.

Nelson

Thanks guys!

Objectivist

Thank you for the replies guys and great shots Nelson. I am a photographer as well so having access to some locations for panoramic views is important to me. Your feedback is definitely helpful.