Trail Ridge Road

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Nature OutdoorsAdventure
Would you do this?
Duration4 hrs
EffortEasy
BudgetMid-Range
StyleSelf-Guided
Openmon, tue, wed, thu, fri, sat, sun
Best monthsJun, Jul, Aug, Sep
StatusMust-See

About This Activity

Trail Ridge Road is the crown jewel of Rocky Mountain National Park — a 48-mile drive between Estes Park and Grand Lake at 12,183 feet, the highest continuous paved highway in the US. The road traverses montane forest, subalpine, and alpine tundra ecosystems. Stop at Many Parks Curve, Forest Canyon overlook, and the Alpine Visitor Center (highest visitor center in the NPS). Watch for elk, marmots, and pikas. For 2026: timed entry reservations required May 22–Oct 12, 9 AM–2 PM (book at recreation.gov); road typically open late May–mid-October. Allow 3–4 hours for a one-way trip with stops.

Seasonal note: Seasonal — road typically open late May through mid-October. Timed entry required May 22–Oct 12 (9 AM–2 PM).

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