Trail Ridge Road Guide | America's Highest Road

Driving Above the Clouds

Trail Ridge Road reaches 12,183 feet as it crosses Rocky Mountain National Park, making it the highest continuous paved road in the United States. For 11 miles, the road stays above treeline, traversing alpine tundra that looks more like the Arctic than Colorado.

The 48-mile route connects Estes Park to Grand Lake on the park's west side. Most visitors drive an out-and-back from Estes Park, stopping at overlooks and short trails along the way. The full crossing takes 2-3 hours one way without stops—but stopping is the whole point.

The landscape above treeline is otherworldly. Tiny wildflowers bloom between rocks, pikas chirp warnings, marmots sun themselves on boulders, and the views stretch to forever. It's accessible to anyone who can sit in a car—no hiking required to experience one of America's most dramatic alpine environments.

Stops Along the Road

Don't just drive—explore

Alpine Visitor Center

11,796 feet

The highest visitor center in the National Park system. Exhibits on alpine ecology, gift shop, and cafe. Short trails lead to 360-degree viewpoints. Restrooms and accessible facilities.

Forest Canyon Overlook

Glacial Valley

Dramatic viewpoint above a U-shaped glacial valley. Look for the tiny Gorge Lakes 2,500 feet below. Short paved path from parking. One of the road's most dramatic vistas.

Lava Cliffs

12,080 feet

Volcanic rock formations marking the road's highest point. Pullout offers views and wildlife spotting. Marmots are common here—listen for their whistles.

Rock Cut

Tundra Trail

Half-mile paved trail through alpine tundra to Toll Memorial viewpoint. See tiny wildflowers, listen for pikas. Take it slow at this altitude. One of the road's best short hikes.

Many Parks Curve

Valley View

Overlook viewing multiple "parks" (mountain meadows) below. Early morning offers best chance to spot elk in Horseshoe Park. Interpretive signs explain the landscape.

Medicine Bow Curve

Never Summer Views

Views of the Never Summer Mountains to the west. Good wildlife watching area—bighorn sheep sometimes graze nearby. On the west side of the Continental Divide.

Practical Information

Season: Trail Ridge Road typically opens late May and closes in mid-October, weather dependent. The opening is a celebrated event—check the park website for status. Snow closes the road each winter.

Park Entry: Rocky Mountain National Park requires timed entry reservations May through October. Book at recreation.gov as soon as dates become available. Entrance fee of $30/vehicle (or valid park pass).

Weather: Temperatures drop dramatically at elevation—expect 20-30 degrees colder than Estes Park. Bring layers even on summer days. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; plan to be descending by early afternoon.

Altitude: At over 12,000 feet, oxygen is 40% lower than sea level. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and don't overexert. Shortness of breath is normal. Descend if you feel unwell.

Time Needed: Allow at least 3 hours for an out-and-back drive to Alpine Visitor Center with stops. A full crossing to Grand Lake takes 2-3 hours one way. More time = more enjoyment.

Wildlife Watching

Pikas: Tiny rabbit relatives live in rock piles throughout the tundra. Listen for their high-pitched "eep!" They're active in morning and evening, gathering grass for winter.

Marmots: Large rodents sun themselves on rocks, especially near Lava Cliffs and Alpine Visitor Center. They whistle warnings when threatened. Easy to spot and photograph.

Bighorn Sheep: Sometimes seen on rocky slopes, especially in spring. Keep your distance—use binoculars or telephoto lenses. They have the right of way on the road.

Elk: Common in lower meadows like Horseshoe Park and Moraine Park. Best viewing at dawn and dusk. Fall rutting season (September-October) brings dramatic displays.

More Colorado Scenic Drives

Love epic mountain roads? Explore these spectacular routes

Independence Pass: Colorado's highest paved through road at 12,095 feet. Connects Aspen to Leadville through dramatic alpine terrain with stunning fall colors.

Pikes Peak Highway: Drive or take the cog railway to the summit of America's Mountain at 14,115 feet. Inspired "America the Beautiful."

Maroon Bells Road: Short but stunning drive to Colorado's most photographed peaks. Shuttle required in summer, but worth every minute.

Trail Ridge Road