Posted by Mark Aultman on September 5, 2006 at 7:29 AM
From your friendly resident CDOT spokesperson.
Mt. Evans road was closed for the season this morning from Summit Lake to the Summit. You can still get to Summit Lake, however, and will likely be able to for at least a few more weeks.
I'll update later in the year when Trail Ridge, Kebler, Cottonwood, Independence, and the remainder of Mt. Evans closes.
Posted by Rick Dunn on September 5, 2006 at 7:57 AM
Hey Mark, thanks for the update. Is there actually snow up there, or do they close the road in anticipation of snow?
Posted by Neil Corman on September 5, 2006 at 8:50 AM
I was up there on Sunday evening, and the road was fine and no snow. It was actually around 40 degrees and not that windy at sunset. The ranger stated since the weather can change quickly it is easier just to close it now. I guess you could always walk the last five miles...
Posted by Mark Aultman on September 5, 2006 at 6:54 PM
Rick...No, there's no snow up there right now, but they always close it the day after Labor Day. As Neil said, because the weather can change so quickly, it's easier to close it now for the season than to keep it open for a couple more weeks while constantly opening and closing due to periodic weather.
There's the cost involved in maintaining the road this time of year, as well.
Not to mention that, while those of us here probably know how to drive that road after or during a storm, not many tourists are going to be so experienced. I know that personally I've been in some tricky situations up there and elsewhere, and I'd hate to think of what some poor guy from Houston would do when that road ices up and visibility is at zero.
It sucks for us, but the closure is a necessary precaution, unfortunately.
Discussion
3 repliesMt. Evans road was closed for the season this morning from Summit Lake to the Summit. You can still get to Summit Lake, however, and will likely be able to for at least a few more weeks.
I'll update later in the year when Trail Ridge, Kebler, Cottonwood, Independence, and the remainder of Mt. Evans closes.
There's the cost involved in maintaining the road this time of year, as well.
Not to mention that, while those of us here probably know how to drive that road after or during a storm, not many tourists are going to be so experienced. I know that personally I've been in some tricky situations up there and elsewhere, and I'd hate to think of what some poor guy from Houston would do when that road ices up and visibility is at zero.
It sucks for us, but the closure is a necessary precaution, unfortunately.