Watch CBS News
Local News

Snowplow Drivers Tackling Massive Snowdrifts On Trail Ridge Road

/ CBS Colorado

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. (CBS4) - Snowplow drivers are hard at work trying to clear Trail Ridge Road. But, recent spring snowstorms are not making it easy.

RMNP snowplow operators west of Rock Cut on Monday May 13 2019 Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park
Snowplow operators west of Rock Cut on May 13, 2019(credit: Rocky Mountain National Park)

Snow fell as recently as last Friday. Officials say plow operators are seeing significant drifts and snowpack.

RMNP Snowplow operator above Milner Pass on May 9, 2019 Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park
Snowplow operator above Milner Pass on May 9, 2019. (credit: Rocky Mountain National Park)

The drivers tackle the federal highway from each end... and eventually meet near the Alpine Visitor Center.

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the country with an elevation of 12,183 feet.

RMNP snowplow operator plowing near Gore Range Overlook May 14, 2019 Mountain Range In View Is the Never Summer Mountains Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park
Snowplow operator plowing near Gore Range Overlook on May 14, 2019.(credit: Rocky Mountain National Park)

The latest the road has opened for the season was June 26, 1943.

RELATED: Independence Pass Unlikely To Open Before Memorial Day

© 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.