Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park officially opens for the season on Friday, June 30. 

The unpaved road was built in 1921 and was the first route over the Continental Divide. The drive offers gorgeous views of the park as it takes visitors from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, while following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Maps are available at the entrance of the Old Fall River Road, which highlight many interesting sites and geological areas on the way to Fall River Pass. Due to the winding and narrow road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited from driving on the road.

Weather permitting, Old Fall River Road will temporarily close on August 1-3 and again on August 17 for a pavement preservation project. The Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Store Parking Area will also be closed during these dates. Old Fall River Road will close for the season to vehicles on Monday, October 2, for annual maintenance, and reopen to bicycles and pedestrians from October 7 through November 30. On December 1, the road will revert back to trail status.

More From Retro 102.5