Rocky Mountain NP's Trail Ridge Road
40.387035,-105.610770
Details
Distance
39.06 miles
Route Type
Point-to-Point
Description
Added by Joel Bear
Take in breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains on one of the two roads in CO that allows you to drive up to the peaks. This is a photographer's paradise, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Start by entering Rocky Mountain National Park through Estes Park, Colorado. After acquiring a map start your ascent on Trail Ridge Rd (the road is closed in winter). The Road will take you up in elevation into the mountains so a good car is strongly recommended.
As you wind up the switch backs, the tree line will start to thin and you will come upon an overlook called Medicine Bow Curve which is an amazing view of the valley in the National Park. Its amazing place to stop and watch the clouds roll over the valley and see the winding rivers cut through the terrain. Continue up the road and it will take you over the pass / ridge. The view is spectacular, with snow caped mountains and big clouds. If you go in early June the mountains can still be heavily covered in snow which is breathtaking to behold.
Continue driving up the road, it will take you through the mountain range and bring you out on the other side.We stayed up on the range till the sunset and then drove back down the way we came to Estes Park.Be aware of the snowmelt during the day that can rapidly turn to ice (or black ice) running over the winding road when the sun goes down and temperatures quickly drop below freezing.
This is a must see to any visitor and local in Colorado.
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Reviews
Awesome trail, plenty of viewpoints, and a great visitor center at the tallest drivable location in the park. Make sure to take plenty of time to hike and take photos along the way.
5.0
...but we happened to go this past summer while the wildfires were raging nearby, so it wasn't as great as it could have been. Often overcast and smoky, though we were able to get a few decent pictures around dusk.
4.0
This is a nice drive and an easy way for those to reach the alpine without hiking. It is the alpine so be ready for wild weather and cold regardless of the time of year.
5.0
Drove slow, took way too many photos. Doesn't get better than a drive like this. Its a must-see if you're visiting RMNP.
5.0
The best part of this when I was child was getting to throw a snow ball on my birthday July 31st.
5.0
Love this drive for the late summer snow patches, the big horned sheep, and the views coming down into the west side of the park! Alpine tundra out there at the top!
5.0
Just a beautiful drive from start to finish that takes you through a few ecosystems and gives you great shots of the Rocky Mountains. If you can go at sunrise or sunset during the summer or fall, on a weekday, you will be in heaven. Avoid spring as the snowpack is still strong and it's hard to really get out and get good photos and explore. They do a great job of maintaining the roads, which have many hairpins and high elevation, so be ready to take it slow, and take it all in. Many places to stop and hike, take photographs or have picnic. Small mountain towns that are wonderful. Great drive with stunning views.
5.0
Great views at every turn on this road. Takes you through nearly every element of the park. The change in altitude is no joke. If that sort of things bother you, you might consider taking it a bit slow. Can't say you've seen Rocky Mtn NP if you haven't been through the full route though. Amazing.
5.0
Breathtaking, unbelievable, and invigorating. Views aside, simply driving this road is an adventure in itself. The weather can change as you ride to the top and snowfall is common even in August. But driving to the peaks and seeing the other mountains surrounding you is an experience you will never forget.
5.0
Awesome drive. Go in the evening or morning with a camera
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hike Deer Mountain
Hike along Tombstone Ridge
Camp at Aspenglen Campground
Drive through Rocky Mountain NP to Moraine Park
Drive Old Fall River Road
Hike The Mummy Kill (a.k.a. Mummy Mania)
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