ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. — Rocky Mountain National Park will partially reopen Friday after closing for two weeks because of the East Troublesome Fire.
They will reopen roads, parking areas and trails, including:
- Wild Basin
- Longs Peak
- Lily Lake
- Twin Sisters
- Lumpy Ridge
- US 34 through the Fall River Entrance to Many Parks Curve as well as Endovalley Road
- Old Fall River Road for bicycles, leashed pets and walkers
The areas still closed to park visitors on the east side of the park:
- US 36 past the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to Deer Ridge Junction, including Beaver Meadows Entrance
- Bear Lake Road
- North Boundary Trail
- North Fork Trail
- Mummy Pass
- Stormy Pass
- Comanche Peak
- Mirror Lake Trails
The west side of the park remains closed due to the fire impacts and ongoing safety assessments. Park staff will continue to assess areas for fire activity, safety and downed trees. High winds can occur this time of year and cause more trees to fall.
On Oct. 21, the East Troublesome Fire ran approximately 18 miles before it moved into the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. It was later spotted approximately 1.5 miles from the head of Tonahutu Creek on the west side of the Continental Divide to the head of Spruce Creek on the east side of the Continental Divide. Rapid evacuations took place in Grand Lake that day.
On Oct. 22, a majority of the Estes Valley was evacuated. Major winds pushed the fire further east on Oct. 23 and 24, but firefighting actions and favorable weather in the days to follow helped halt the major movement of the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak Fires.
Snowfall on Oct. 26 helped halt the spread of both wildfires. The East Troublesome Fire is currently 37% contained with 193,804 acres burned. Fire officials anticipate it will be contained Nov. 30. The Cameron Peak Fire is the largest wildfire in Colorado's recorded history at 208,913 acres with 92% containment. It's expected to be fully contained Dec. 8.
Denver7 Gives has started a new fundraising campaign for victims of Colorado's wildfires with all proceeds staying to help our local neighbors. See how you can donate here.