When are seasonal roads and passes opened and closed?
Generally, Colorado s seasonal roads and passes are open between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, sometimes longer if the weather co-operates. All of these routes are strictly weather permitting and may close at any time due to conditions. It is not uncommon to have snow on these roads even during summer months. CO 82 over Independence Pass and CO 5 Mt. Evans road are maintained by CDOT. Crews use large snow blowers and front end loaders to clear these roads and usually work for weeks to get them open. Walls of snow over 20 feet tall must be moved following a typical winter. During the winter closures of Independence pass, the town of Aspen will need to be accessed using I-70 to CO 82 southeast out of Glenwood Springs. US 34/Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park is maintained by the National Park Service. Cottonwood and Kebler passes are maintained by either County or Forest Service forces and are usually later to open as significant snow melt is required before att
