Scenic Rocky Mountain road to reopen to vehicles

A scenic road that served as the original motor route into Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine tundra is set to reopen for vehicle use.

The Old Fall River Road will open Wednesday. Park officials say drivers can expect restricted access this summer during high traffic periods.

The 9.4-mile road runs uphill from the Endovalley Picnic Area to Fall River Pass and Trail Ridge Road. It follows the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face.

Vehicles longer than 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the one-way path.

The road will close Oct. 3 and reopen to pedestrians and bikers from Oct. 7 through Nov. 30 before reverting back to trail status.

The road, which was built in the early 1900s, follows a path once used by Indian hunters.