Trail Ridge Road
America's highest continuous paved road, offering stunning alpine vistas and a unique tundra ecosystem in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer skies
Trail Ridge Road
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's highest continuous paved road, offering stunning alpine vistas and a unique tundra ecosystem in Rocky Mountain National Park.
"The highest continuous paved road in the US offers breathtaking views and a unique alpine experience."
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
Take your time, use pull-offs for photos, and be mindful of wildlife and other drivers.
🧥 Pack Layers
Temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, even in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alpine Visitor Center
Highest elevation visitor center in the world
Experience breathtaking tundra views and learn about the alpine environment at over 11,700 feet.
Continental Divide Crossing
Milner Pass
Stand where the waters divide, flowing to the Pacific or Atlantic oceans. A significant geographical marker.
Tundra Ecosystem
Above treeline
Witness a unique, fragile ecosystem with hardy plants and wildlife adapted to harsh alpine conditions.
Wildlife Viewing
Various pull-offs
Keep an eye out for elk, deer, marmots, and other animals in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Access & Weather
Altitude & Driving
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
Take your time, use pull-offs for photos, and be mindful of wildlife and other drivers.
🧥 Pack Layers
Temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, even in summer.
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
There are no gas stations along Trail Ridge Road. Fill up in Estes Park or Grand Lake.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The dry, high-altitude air can dehydrate you quickly. Bring plenty of water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
Take your time, use pull-offs for photos, and be mindful of wildlife and other drivers.
🧥 Pack Layers
Temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations, even in summer.
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
There are no gas stations along Trail Ridge Road. Fill up in Estes Park or Grand Lake.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The dry, high-altitude air can dehydrate you quickly. Bring plenty of water.
📸 Use Pull-Offs
Safely stop at designated pull-offs to admire views and take photos without blocking traffic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Trail Ridge Road for its breathtaking alpine scenery and unique tundra environment. The drive offers unparalleled panoramic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. However, some find the high altitude and narrow, winding roads with sheer drop-offs to be a bit intimidating.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trail Ridge Road is located within Rocky Mountain National Park. Access is typically from the east entrance near Estes Park or the west entrance near Grand Lake. You'll need to pay the park entrance fee. +1
No, Trail Ridge Road is a seasonal road and is typically only open from late May or early June through mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Always check the park's official website for current status. +1
The drive is about 48 miles one-way and can take 1-3 hours without stops, depending on traffic and road conditions. Plan for much longer if you intend to stop frequently for photos and short hikes. +1
Yes, biking Trail Ridge Road is a popular activity, especially before it fully opens to vehicles or after it closes for the season. Be prepared for challenging climbs and variable weather.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers a shuttle system during peak season, but it may not cover all points along Trail Ridge Road. Check the park's website for the most up-to-date shuttle information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a standard entrance pass for Rocky Mountain National Park to access Trail Ridge Road. During peak season, a timed entry permit may also be required for park access. Check recreation.gov for details. +1
Trail Ridge Road is generally open from sunrise to sunset during its operational season. However, specific hours can vary, and it may close temporarily due to weather.
The cost is the standard Rocky Mountain National Park entrance fee, which is per vehicle and valid for 7 days. Timed entry permits, if required, are an additional fee.
While the park entrance fee can sometimes be purchased in advance, timed entry permits, if needed, must be secured through recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to book these well in advance.
If Trail Ridge Road is closed due to weather or maintenance, you can still explore other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park accessible by other roads, such as Bear Lake Road.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Trail Ridge Road reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters) above sea level, making it the highest continuous paved road in North America. +1
Popular viewpoints include Many Parks Curve, Forest Canyon Overlook, Lava Cliffs, and the Alpine Visitor Center. Each offers unique perspectives of the Rockies. +1
Yes, numerous hiking trails, ranging from short nature walks to more strenuous alpine treks, start from pull-offs and trailheads along Trail Ridge Road.
You might spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep, marmots, pikas, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
Some drivers find the narrowness and lack of guardrails on certain sections unnerving. However, many find it manageable by driving slowly and focusing on the road.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited dining options. The Alpine Visitor Center has a cafe, and there are picnic areas. It's best to pack your own food and drinks.
You'll find more dining options in the gateway towns of Estes Park (east) and Grand Lake (west). Plan to eat before or after your drive.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas with stunning views. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the park clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular, but check road access times. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for sweeping vistas, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
General photography is allowed, but drone usage may be restricted within national parks. Always check park regulations before flying.
The Alpine Visitor Center, Forest Canyon Overlook, and any pull-off above the treeline offer incredible photographic opportunities. +1
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens. Never disturb or feed wildlife for a photo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the altitude; keep activities light and ensure everyone stays hydrated. 🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
The 48-mile journey connects two distinct sides of the park, offering varied scenery from forests to the treeless tundra. 🚴 Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Driving Trail Ridge Road: Tips for a Smooth Journey
Before you embark, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and that you have a full tank of gas, as there are no services along the 48-mile stretch. Check the weather forecast and road conditions on the official Rocky Mountain National Park website or app, as closures due to snow can happen even in summer.
For those concerned about the altitude, take it easy. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity immediately upon arrival at high elevations, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Many visitors find that simply taking their time and enjoying the views helps mitigate any discomfort.
Experiencing the Alpine Tundra
Keep your eyes peeled for the unique wildlife that calls this high-altitude home. Marmots are often seen sunning themselves on rocks, and pikas, small relatives of rabbits, can be heard whistling from rocky crevices. While elk and bighorn sheep are more commonly seen at lower elevations, they can sometimes be spotted grazing in the alpine meadows.
Remember that this is a protected environment. Stay on designated trails and paths to avoid damaging the delicate tundra vegetation and to maintain a safe distance from wildlife. The Alpine Visitor Center, located at 11,796 feet, is the highest visitor center in the National Park Service and provides excellent interpretive displays about the tundra ecosystem. It's a great place to learn about the adaptations of plants and animals that survive in this extreme environment.
Photography on Trail Ridge Road
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, which can add dramatic flair to your photos. Clouds often form 'cloud factories' above the peaks, creating moody and atmospheric scenes.
Popular photographic subjects include the expansive tundra landscapes, the winding road itself, the distant peaks of the Rockies, and any wildlife you are fortunate enough to spot. The Alpine Visitor Center area offers incredible panoramic views.
Experiment with different compositions, from grand landscapes to intimate details of alpine wildflowers. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit