DENVER (KDVR) -- A popular road in Rocky Mountain National Park is the latest of several Colorado mountain roads to close for the winter.
Trail Ridge Road, or U.S. Highway 34, is described by the National Park Service as a "heavily traveled highway to the sky." A section of the road officially closed to traffic for the remainder of the season on Friday.
According to a press release from the National Park Service, the road is closed for the winter due to conditions like drifting snow, high winds and below-freezing temperatures.
"With 11 miles of road located at elevations above 11,500 feet, few guard rails, and no shoulders, Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road," the NPS said.
The road is closed between Rainbow Curve on the east side of the park and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park. Those closure points could fluctuate through the fall, but the NPS said the road is closed to through travel.
Old Fall River Road is also closed to vehicle traffic for the season. Bicyclists, hikers and people walking leashed pets can continue to use the roads, but not the side trails, through Nov. 30, according to the release.
Both roads will transition to "winter trail status" on Dec. 1, at which point bicycles and leashed pets will no longer be allowed beyond the closed gates.
"Pedestrians, snowshoers and skiers will be welcome to recreate during the winter season on both roads," the NPS said.
The NPS said the closed area of Trail Ridge Road typically opens around the last week of May depending on the weather. In the meantime, the NPS said those looking to take a scenic drive can use Bear Lake Road, Endovalley Road, or Trail Ridge Road on the east and west sides that remain open.
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