Snowy Range closed

Though the lower portions of the Platte Valley have experienced some slightly warmer weather in recent weeks, winter is on its way.

On November 11, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) announced the seasonal closure of Wyoming Highway 130 through the Snowy Range. According to the press release from WYDOT, blowing and drifting snow combined with upcoming weather conditions and road conditions warranted closing the high country section of Wyoming Highway 130, also known as Snowy Range Scenic Byway.

The 12-mile section of Wyoming Highway 130 tops out at more than 10,800 feet in elevation and closes annually each fall "when lack of travel and deep snow accumulations make plowing the highway impractical". The closure spans from mile marker 36 to mile marker 48, from the Green Rock trailhead in the east to just above Ryan Park in the west.

Last year, Wyoming Highway 130 officially closed on November 14. The Snowy Range Bypass closed on October 29 in 2019, on November 3 in 2018, on November 20 in 2017, on November 28 in 2016 and on November 11 in 2015. Wyoming Highway 130 is one of two high-elevation highways in District 1 which close for the winter annually. The other season closer is on Wyoming Highway 70, also known as the Battle Pass Scenic Byway between the Platte Valley and the Little Snake River Valley.