Rocky Mountain National Park is part of the U.S. National Parks system. Located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, it attracts thousands of visitors each year to marvel at the natural splendor of the majestic Rockies; to view wildlife in its natural habitat, including elk, mule deer, black bears, bighorn sheep and eagles; and to take in the natural beauty of the aspen forests and snow-topped peaks. While the park is a natural for camping, hiking and other outdoor adventure pursuits, mountain biking off-road on any of the park's trails is prohibited.
Rocky Mountain National Park Prohibits Off-Road Mountain Biking
While the Rockies in general are a huge attraction for mountain bikers from all over the world, within the limits of the Rocky Mountain National Park, off-road mountain biking is prohibited. Biking is restricted to established roads, according to the National Park Service. The National Forests, however, offer hundreds of off-road trails for backcountry cycling; Roosevelt National Forest and Arapaho National Forest, for example, are popular mountain biking destinations in the Colorado Rockies.
Rules of the Road and Biking Safety in Rocky Mountain National Park
The park elevations range from 8,000 to 12,183 feet. There are 60 paved roads in the park with a 5 to 7 percent grade. Cyclists who ride on established roads in the park are required to ride single file, and follow rules for sharing the road with vehicle traffic. The park roads have narrow or no shoulders and often carry heavy traffic, especially during the warm months. The park advises you to plan your ride for very early morning hours and also to be off the roads by late afternoon, when thunderstorms during the summer season create lightning strikes that are very dangerous at this high altitude.
Bicycling the Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter
Certain roads in the park are open to bicyclists in winter. They include Upper Beaver Meadows Road, Moraine Park Campground, Endovalley Road, Aspenglen Campground and High Drive. Moraine Park Campground has a closed -oop road. Old Fall River Road, which has a gravel surface, and Trail Ridge Road, which is paved, are open to bicyclists in April, before opening to vehicle traffic for the summer season.
Road Conditions and Closures in the Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park's Trail Ridge Road has a high elevation of 12,183 feet. The park's paved roads are at the highest elevations of any national park in the United States. High elevations and exposure cause strong winds and rapid weather changes. Road conditions in the park can change rapidly, especially in the spring and fall months. Bikers should always check the official park website before planning a trip for updates on road conditions and be aware of current weather conditions that could cause road closures.
Considerations
Getting to the Rocky Mountain National Park requires good driving skills and awareness of the challenges of mountain driving. Have your vehicle well maintained before your trip. Mountain and canyon roads don't always have shoulders. Be well rested before you drive. High altitudes can cause more rapid dehydration, and the possibility of altitude sickness; symptoms include dizziness and headache. Carry water and keep your body hydrated.
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