I heard this on the radio last week and kept meaning to post it here for the New Mexico contingent of RMNP, and anyone else interested in exploring a somewhat off-limits beautiful place. The two major loop roads will be open to the public this Saturday. Although they will open and close at times that will not allow for golden light, there still might an interest to scout the place and get some stock images of the park.
We had the pleasure of teaching a workshop at the Caldera earlier this summer. If you've never been, and are in the area, it is certainly worth the visit (all the recent rain has really helped the Jemez after the lack of snow over the winter). The high clearance portion of the route is something you won't want to miss (not many have had a chance to see it until now). I suspect the commotion will keep the elk herds a bit leery.
It shouldn't be a problem at all -- they will actually measure clearance at the "Vehicle Check In Station" marked on the map. They are being a bit over cautious but your Forester should be allowed to go through without problems (the road doesn't even require 4WD ). JoAnn and I will likely be out there this weekend; we'll keep our eyes open if you and Liz are planning on showing up.
Discussion
5 repliesDrive & Discover the Valles Caldera
Brian's link is a little garbled, here's a quick edit: http://www.vallescaldera.gov/maps/drive.pdf
How high clearence is the high clearence portion of the road? Any chance a Subaru Forester could make it?
It shouldn't be a problem at all -- they will actually measure clearance at the "Vehicle Check In Station" marked on the map. They are being a bit over cautious but your Forester should be allowed to go through without problems (the road doesn't even require 4WD