Seasonal Closures
Due to harsh winter conditions often experienced in areas throughout Colorado, a few mountain passes and rest areas are closed throughout the winter. All closing and opening dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
- Virginia Dale Rest Area on US 287
- Closes in September and reopens in May before Memorial Day
- Mount Blue Sky on CO 5
- Closes the day after Labor Day from Summit Lake to the summit
- The lower half of the pass from Echo Lake to Summit Lake closes around Sept. 30
- Scheduled to open each year on the Friday before Memorial Day. 3
- Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28508
- Independence Pass on CO 82
- Closes around Nov. 7.
- Typically opens the Thursday before Memorial Day. 4.
- Cottonwood Pass in Chaffee/Gunnison Counties in Southwestern Colorado
(maintained by Gunnison County Public Works)- The pass is typically closed from November to May
- Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recarea/?recid=12652
- For more information, call 970-641-0044
- Kebler Pass
(maintained by Gunnison County Public Works)- The pass is typically closed from November to May
- For more information, call 970-641-0044
- US 34/Trail Ridge Road
(maintained by Rocky Mountain National Park Service)
- The pass is typically closed from November to May
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_ridge_road.htm
