Colorado
Trail Ridge Road
About this scenic drive
Trail Ridge is the highest continuous paved road in any US national park, topping out at 12,183 feet, and it holds above 11,000 feet for eleven straight miles. That stretch is true alpine tundra, a habitat most visitors will never otherwise drive through. The Alpine Visitor Center near the high point is the highest facility of its kind in the park system, and it is the natural midpoint stop on the crossing.
Estes Park to Grand Lake across Rocky Mountain National Park, eleven miles of it above treeline.
Highlights
What earns the trip
- Eleven continuous miles above treeline on alpine tundra
- The Alpine Visitor Center sits at 11,796 feet
- Elk and bighorn are commonly visible from the pullouts
- Estes Park on one side, the much quieter Grand Lake on the other
Stops
- 1
Estes Park
The eastern gateway town.
- 2
Alpine Visitor Center
At 11,796 feet, near the high point of the road.
- 3
Grand Lake
The west-side town, on Colorado’s largest natural lake.
When to go
Best time to go
Late May through mid October. The road closes entirely for winter.
Planner estimate for the mapped line: 3h 14m
Before you go
Know before you go
- Timed entry reservations are required for the park during peak season.
- Tundra is fragile and slow to recover. Stay on the paved trails at the pullouts.
- There are no guardrails on long sections and the drop-offs are substantial.
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