The opening of the scenic byway in Clear Creek County was delayed due to significant snowfall.

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. — Mount Evans Highway opened to the public for the season at 8 a.m. Friday but will close again later in the day for a road race.

The scenic byway in Clear Creek County will close again at 8 p.m. Friday for the Mount Evans Ascent and remain closed until noon on Saturday. After that it will be open as normal.

A lot of snow still surrounds the highway so drivers are urged to take it slow as they make their way to the summit.

Mount Evans Highway typically opens to the summit of Mount Evans (14,264 feet) for the summer on the Friday before Memorial Day. Due to multiple late spring snowfalls, the opening of the highway was delayed as maintenance crews with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) needed to continue clearing the highway of snow and ice to ensure safe road conditions.

WATCH BELOW: A behind the scenes look at what it takes to clear Mount Evans Highway

CDOT crews worked throughout the month of May clearing snow along the highway from the gates at Echo Lake Lodge to the summit of Mount Evans, which is the highest paved road in North America.

The plowing process involved five different pieces of machinery to safely and efficiently clear the roadway of all snow and ice including a bull dozer, snow cat and snow blower.

On Thursday, Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park opened for the season. It was also delayed due to snowfall.