Rabbit Ears Pass Road Conditions | Live Traffic Cams
Is Rabbit Ears Pass Open or Closed Right Now?
Rabbit Ears Pass (US-40) Status: OPEN
Rabbit Ears Pass Quick Facts:
| Summit Elevation | 9,426 ft |
| Highway | US-40 |
| Connects | Steamboat Springs and Kremmling |
| Corridor Role | Major freight and recreation route |
| Open Pattern | Year-round with weather-driven closures |
| Main Winter Hazards | Blowing snow, drifting, and black ice |
Rabbit Ears Pass Map
Rabbit Ears Pass is a critical US-40 mountain segment connecting Steamboat Springs and Kremmling. Winter travel can be affected by heavy snow, drifting, and sudden changes in visibility in open terrain. This page is configured for location-specific CDOT status, weather, advisories, and forecast output.
Rabbit Ears Pass Live Traffic Cameras
West Approach – Looking East
This camera shows corridor conditions west of Rabbit Ears Pass looking toward the summit area.
West Approach – Looking West
This camera shows the opposite-facing view from the same west-approach camera segment.
Note: Cameras shown are on the west approach corridor and capture representative conditions near the pass.
Current Road Surface & Weather Conditions
Real-Time Weather Data for Rabbit Ears Pass (US-40)
Note: No weather station exists at Rabbit Ears Pass summit. Weather data is sourced from nearby stations at similar elevations to provide the most accurate conditions estimate.
Weather Forecast & Travel Impact
Weather Forecast for Rabbit Ears Pass (US-40)
National Weather Service forecasts partly cloudy for the next 5 hours (through 9:08 PM MST).
What to Expect for Rabbit Ears Pass (US-40):
Current Travel Conditions for Rabbit Ears Pass (US-40)
Traffic Conditions for Rabbit Ears Pass (US-40)
Current Travel Advisories & Alerts
Current Travel Advisories for Rabbit Ears Pass (US-40)
- Traction Law in effect (Sept 1 - May 31): Passenger vehicles require AWD/4WD with adequate tread OR chains.
- WARNING - Icy Roadway
Traction Law Reminder: Colorado’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law and Commercial Vehicle Chain Law are in effect statewide September 1 through May 31. Passenger vehicles require snow tires (3/16″ tread minimum), all-season tires meeting specs, or 4WD/AWD. Commercial vehicles must carry and install chains when activated.
Why Does Rabbit Ears Pass Close?
While Rabbit Ears Pass is maintained year-round, it can close temporarily during severe conditions:
| Closure Reason | Threshold | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Snow | Accumulation exceeds plowing capacity | 1-4 hours |
| Whiteout Conditions | Near-zero visibility at summit | 30 min – 2 hours |
| Vehicle Accidents | Road blockage on steep grade | 30 min – 2 hours |
| Avalanche Danger | Rare but possible on steep slopes | 1-3 hours |
| Icy Conditions | Black ice on steep 8% grade | Variable |
Closure Pattern: Rabbit Ears Pass can remain open through many winter events, but severe storms may still trigger closures or long delays. Conditions can change rapidly with drifting snow and visibility loss.
Alternative Routes When Rabbit Ears Pass Is Closed
Primary Detours: If Rabbit Ears Pass closes, alternates are typically long reroutes via I-70 and connecting corridors depending on origin/destination. Verify full-route conditions before departure.
Route Planning: Rabbit Ears closures can significantly affect freight and tourism traffic into northwest Colorado. Plan early and monitor updates during active storm windows.
Important: Blowing snow and drifting can degrade conditions quickly even when nearby valleys appear clear.
Safely Driving Over Rabbit Ears Pass
Winter Driving Tips:
- Steep Grade: The 8% grade is one of the steepest in Colorado; use low gear.
- Switchbacks: The north side features several tight turns that reduce speed.
- Use Turnouts: Pull over to allow faster traffic to pass at designated areas.
- Be Patient: Local drivers familiar with the road may drive faster – don’t feel pressured.
Vehicle Requirements
- Snow tires or M/S rated all-season tires
- AWD/4WD recommended for steep grades
- Chains for 2WD when chain law active
- Minimum 3/16″ tread depth required
High Altitude Advisory: At 11,541 feet, Rabbit Ears Pass summit is high enough to affect visitors unaccustomed to altitude. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Cell phone coverage is limited on the pass, so please carry emergency supplies and consider a satellite communication device for winter travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rabbit Ears Pass open all winter?
It is generally open year-round, but temporary closures can occur in severe weather or major incidents.
How often does this page refresh?
Road and weather signals are updated from CDOT on short intervals, typically every few minutes.
What conditions cause travel problems on Rabbit Ears?
Wind-driven snow, drifting, and quick visibility changes are the biggest winter travel risks.
Do I need winter traction equipment on US-40?
Yes. Carry compliant winter traction equipment and follow any active traction or chain requirements.
If Rabbit Ears closes, is rerouting easy?
Not always. Alternate routes can add major time and may also be storm-affected.
Status Reports for Other Colorado Routes & Passes
Blue Sky Limo provides real-time road condition reports using live CDOT COtrip data, refreshed every five minutes. Select a route below for current conditions, traffic cameras, and travel advisories before your mountain drive.
Additional CDOT Road Resources:
Visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions, live webcams, and closure alerts for all Colorado highways. Download the CDOT mobile app (iOS | Android) to view traffic cameras, track snowplow locations, and receive push alerts for closures. Follow @ColoradoDOT on X for immediate updates on chain law activations and major incidents. For recorded Colorado road condition updates, call:
- 511 (within Colorado)
- 303-639-1111 (Denver metro)
- 877-315-7623 (toll-free statewide)
Mountain weather directly impacts road conditions and closure timing across Colorado. Check the National Weather Service forecast for storm warnings and precipitation timing before traveling. During winter months, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center posts forecasts that often signal upcoming closures for avalanche control on mountain passes and corridors.
Data Source: Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) COtrip API | Refreshed every 5 minutes
