Don’t drive Old Fall River Road.
Old Fall River Road, Trail Ridge Road’s unpaved sister, is closed to vehicle traffic early October through late June. In 2024, Old Fall River Road will be closing for the season to vehicles beginning Tuesday, October 8. With no cars to limit your view or slow you down, the twists, turns and arguably, the views, are better from good ol’ OFRR.
The road itself is dirt, well graded and about the width of one traffic lane. Compared to TRR the switch backs are tight, the grade is steep and the views are compact. It’s perfect for outdoor adventure.
A run up OFRR is easy on the knees but a burner on the lungs and the same can be said for a walk or hike. Cyclists love it for the quick elevation gain and thrilling descent. And for a short time it is dog-friendly; one of the few places you can take your four-legged friend for a walk, sans traffic, in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Chapin Pass Trailhead is accessible from OFRR (for those on two feet who want to take it to the next level) as well as a number of shorter trails, including the Alpine Ridge Trail accessed from the Alpine Visitor Center, where OFRR ends.
What you need to know
- The road is 11 glorious miles of views and worth every step or pedal, particularly once you reach the top.
- The official open and close dates vary each year and depend on the weather. Check out Rocky Mountain National Park’s road status report for up-to-date information on OFRR.
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Old Fall River Road will be closing for the season to vehicles beginning Tuesday, October 8. The road will be closed to all uses through Thursday, October 10, for park staff to conduct road maintenance. Old Fall River Road will reopen temporarily to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers for Friday, October 11 through Monday, October 14. Starting, Tuesday, October 15, Old Fall River Road will close again to all uses for continued road maintenance through Friday, October 18. On Saturday, October 19, the road will reopen to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers through November 30. Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails. On December 1, the road will revert to trail status and bicycles and leashed pets will not be allowed on the road.
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Dogs are allowed on OFRR for a limited time during the closure. For specifics, call Rocky Mountain National Park’s information office: 970-586-1206. If you bring your fury friend, he is not allowed on any trails that break off from the road.
- OFRR is the original road visitors took to reach the Alpine Visitor Center, before Trail Ridge Road was built, and follows a route Native Americans used to take when hunting wild game.
- Elk are partial to the area – it is highly likely enthusiasts will pass them munching on grass. Keep these safe wildlife-viewing tips in mind when you do.
- You will need a timed entry permit to access OFRR through mid October. Details here.
