Rocky Mountain National Park’s popular Trail Ridge Road has finally opened for the season, the latest opening since 2011.

Snowplow crews working from the east and west sides of the park since mid-April were finally able to clear the 48-mile road and open it Wednesday, one day sooner than in 2011.

The park anticipates the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Store, located along the road at 11,796 feet, to open by this weekend.

Park staff cautions that despite the road opening, melting snow might refreeze, making roads icy. If the weather cooperates, the park will allow the road to remain open 24 hours a day.

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The road, which surpasses 12,000 feet in elevation, typically opens by Memorial Day. Last year, the paved road opened May 24 and in 2017, it opened on May 31.

Snowplow workers saw average to below average snowpack in many locations but numerous May storms brought significant snow and drifting above 11,500 feet, delaying the opening. The earliest the road has opened was May 7, 2002, and the latest was June 26, 1943.

Rocky Mountain National Park is the third-most visited park in the National Park Service, attracting nearly 4.6 million people in 2018.

For further roads information, contact the park’s information office at 970-586-1206 or the Trail Ridge Road status recorded phone line at 970-586-1222. Visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/romo.

Trail Ridge Road opening dates

2019: June 5

2018: May 24

2017: May 31

2016: May 28

2015: May 29

2014: May 23

2013: May 24

2012: May 14

2011: June 6

2010: May 28

2009: May 21

2008: May 23

2007: May 25

2006: May 24

2005: May 21

2004: May 20

2003: May 23

2002: May 7

2001: May 25

2000: May 23

Source: Rocky Mountain National Park