If you’re looking for an incredibly scenic drive that takes you to dizzying heights, look no further than Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. This epic highway winds its way up to 12,183 feet above sea level, making it the highest continuous paved road in the United States. No trip to Estes Park is complete without driving Trail Ridge Road.
The team at Estes Park Condos is here to help you prepare for the drive of a lifetime on Trail Ridge Road. Here’s what makes this highway so special and some tips to make the most of your adventure.
About Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is a 48-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 34 that runs from Estes Park to Grand Lake, cutting through Rocky Mountain National Park. Since its inception, this road has helped countless people traverse Rocky Mountain National Park, offering amazing access to all of the amazing sights and sounds that the region has to offer.
At an elevation of 12,183, Trail Ridge Road truly makes you feel like you’re driving amongst the clouds. The panoramic mountain views along the way are simply breathtaking, with snowcapped peaks stretching out as far as the eye can see. As you climb higher and higher, ascending through an alpine wonderland of wildflowers and pine forests, the air grows crisp and thin.
Driving Trail Ridge Road
One of the great joys of driving Trail Ridge Road is stopping at the numerous overlooks and tundra trails branching off the highway. Pulling over to take in the sweeping vistas and photograph the dramatic landscapes is a must. Some of our favorite stops include:
- Rainbow Curve Overlook – At 10,829 feet, this scenic pullout provides sweeping views of forests, meadows, and mountain valleys below. After rain, it is famous for its rainbows.
- Forest Canyon Overlook – Located at 11,716 feet, this overlook offers a short paved trail where you can see Forest Canyon, Hayden Gorge, and Gorge Lakes.
- Gore Range Overlook – From 11,955 feet, you can see incredible views of the Never Summer Peaks and Gore Range mountains.
- Alpine Visitor Center – At 11,796 feet, the highest visitor center in the National Park system has an observation deck with 360-degree mountain vistas.
Cycling Trail Ridge Road
While most people experience Trail Ridge Road by car or motorcycle during the summer months when it is open to vehicular traffic, there are plenty of other ways to soak in the majesty of this incredible route. Cycling is an incredibly popular option, with hardcore road bikers relishing the chance to conquer such an arduous climb at high altitude. For a multi-day adventure, backpackers can grab a permit and hike the trails paralleling the highway, camping in the pristine wilderness along the Continental Divide.
Trail Ridge Road During the Winter
In the winter, Trail Ridge Road is buried under feet of snow. The route is closed to vehicles during the snowy months, which typically goes from mid-October through Memorial Day weekend. However, while Trail Ridge Road is closed to vehicles, the winter sports opportunities are immense, with cross-country skiers able to glide through fields of fresh powder and experience a profound silence only found in nature’s quietest places. Rangers also lead guided snowshoe hikes.
Lodging Near Rocky Mountain National Park
You can explore Trail Ridge Road and all of the other attractions that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer when you stay with Estes Park Condos. Our condo rentals in Estes Park are just a short drive away from the park, plus all of Estes Park’s shops and restaurants. Please make a reservation online or call 970-577-0068 for more information.