Since the government shutdown happened. I’ve been getting conflicting reports of what is closed and what is open. So I decided to check out Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) for myself to see what is accessible.

When driving to Estes Park from Denver you have two options to get there. Highway 7 or Peak to Peak Hwy is probably the most scenic. Then there is US Route 36 which takes you to the iconic Estes Park sign before heading into town. I would normally take this route with first timers just so they can get their picture with sign. I haven’t driven Hwy 7 for some time now. So I chose this route. You’ll pass another iconic image of the “Church on The Rock” which sits at the base of Mt. Meeker. Then as you drive past this point you’ll start to see Longs Peak in all its glory. I forgot about the view you get from the road. Longs Peak is the only 14er (14,259ft) within the borders of RMNP. In person its towers of the landscapes and just looks menacing.

Now when you arrive at Estes Park you have two options to enter RMNP; Beaver Meadows or Fall River. With the current government shutdown. You are still able to enter through both entrances at the moment. The only route between these two are open with icy parts but easily drive-able. They did close the road that takes you Bear Lake which is the most popular area of the eastern side of the park.