Trail Ridge Road is closed for the season, but you can still see elk bugle in RMNP, Estes

The popular Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park officially closed for the travel season Wednesday, about five days sooner than average.

The seasonal closure of the paved road that takes millions of tourists through the heart of the park came after it was intermittently closed the past week due to winter conditions, according to a park news release Wednesday.

The road is closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side of the park and the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side.

Trail Ridge Road normally reopens the last week in May, weather permitting. This year, it opened May 26.

Old Fall River Road closed for the season to vehicles Oct. 3.

Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road remain open to bicycles, hikers and people walking leashed pets through Nov. 30. Starting Dec. 1, these roads will be closed to bicycles and those with leashed pets past the closed gates, but remain open to pedestrians, snowshoers and skiers.

Is the Bear Lake Road still open?

Yes, as well is Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park on the east side of the park and sections of Trail Ridge Road along the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park.

The park's timed-entry permit reservation system runs through Oct. 22.

Can you still see elk bugling and the aspen show in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes on the elk, no on the aspen.

The elk rut, or mating season, is winding down. It usually starts fading starting in mid-October, but that doesn't mean the show is over quite yet.

Here's where to see elk in Estes Park, if you don't wish to go into Rocky Mountain National Park.

The aspen show is over for the season.

For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s information office at 970-586-1206.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: RMNP's Trail Ridge Road closes for season but elk bugling hanging on