![]() ![]() Don't take a car, minivan or even less capable SUV's on this road. The road eventually got wider and came back out on Horse Pasture Rd closer to HWY 178. It lead to a water crossing that had a red gate but it was open. Trail Ridge Road is only open seasonally, generally from Memorial Day weekend until mid-October, and is closed to vehicular traffic in the winter. ![]() This was the tightest road I took all day but was still able to fit my full size truck in there. In the spring of 2019, RMNP’s road crew documented snow drifts along Trail Ridge Road as high as 21 feet (6.4 meters) as they worked to open the road for the summer season. I back tracked and turned left after passing Shooting Tree Ridge Rd onto Dawkins Flat Rd. This road I also did down and back in 2wd but I also wouldn't take small cars, or minivans down there for the same reason. Took it down to Boot Leg Rd which then runs down to the lake. After I came up to Horse Pasture Rd I turned left and went past the jumping off rock over look at the green gates that are closed seasonally. You may get lucky and make it or you may get high centered on the rain breaks and damage your car. ![]() I don't know that I would take a small car, or minivan. The road opened on June 5 in 2019 due to a late-May snowstorm. Trail Ridge Road historically opens on Memorial Day weekend. It was fun and very doable for trucks and SUV's. Trail Ridge Road plowing near Milner Pass in May 2020. While it was still able to be done it 2wd, this is the side with the best views and the side that has the steeper hills. Stretching 45 miles in length through Rocky Mountain National Park with elevations reaching over 12,000 feet, road conditions on Trail Ridge Road can change rapidly. The half after the bridge on the side of Horse Pasture Rd was the fun side. According to Rocky Mountain Park’s information center, Trail Ridge Road is set to open to vehicles for the season on Friday, May 24th, 2019 if road conditions permit. The first half of the road up to the bridge and water crossing coming from Cleo Chapman HWY are super easy and fairly boring but scenic. I took a 2018 F150 FX4 and stayed in 2wd the whole time. The Elwha Valley and Deer Park are within a one-hour drive from Hurricane Ridge.I would say the road is an easy drive as described because I never needed 4wd but it was still enjoyable. Trail Ridge Road is now open for the season, but despite warm weather at much lower elevations, there could still be wintry conditions on the scenic route through Rocky Mountain National Park. Heart O' the Hills is the closest destination. Lodging can be found through the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce website. The city of Port Angeles is just 17 miles north. Open year-round, Heart O' the Hills has 105 campsites in the old-growth forest. The nearest campground to Hurricane Ridge is Heart O' the Hills campground, 12 miles north of Hurricane Ridge, and 5 miles south of Port Angeles. Sunrise and sunset on a clear day provide magnificent panoramic views of the park. Weather permitting, the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club operates two rope tows and a Poma lift.ĭuring the spring, wildflowers cover the ground of the subalpine meadows and blacktail deer are often spotted grazing. Obstruction Point Road (weather and snow permitting, open from July 4 through October 15), branches off right before the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, and provides access to a variety of trails as well.ĭuring the winter months, snow enthusiasts enjoy the winter scenery, along with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding. Hurricane Ridge has a number of hiking trails, from ridgetop traverses to steep trails that descend to subalpine lakes and valleys. It is open daily in the summer, and on Saturday/Sunday when the Hurricane Ridge Road is open during the remainder of the year. Located just before the end of the road, stop here for brochures, maps, snacks, and tips regarding your stay. The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is a great place to start. It's just another 12 miles from Heart O' the Hills to reach Hurricane Ridge. RV and tent camping at Heart O' the Hills campground just 5 miles south of Port Angeles. ![]()
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