Guide to Driving Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park
The drive along Trail Ridge Road in Colorado is one of the most scenic routes in the USA. This winding mountain road will usher you to some of the best views in Rocky Mountain National Park, passing through forests, wildflower meadows, and alpine tundra. You’ll likely even spot some interesting wildlife along the way! If you’re planning your first trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, driving Trail Ridge Road is a must-do! This is an excellent way to see some of the best of Rocky Mountain National Park in a short amount of time and is the perfect anchor for planning your first trip to the park.
This is your guide to driving Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park and all of the best stops along the way.
What is Trail Ridge Road?
Trail Ridge Road is a 48-mile road that spans Rocky Mountain National Park from east to west, connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Nicknamed the Highway to the Sky, Trail Ridge Road reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet at its highest point. A total of 11 miles of the road is above the timberline – the altitude at which trees are no longer capable of growing. Driving this road will make you feel like you’re on top of the world! If you’ve never driven in the mountains before, the idea can seem a bit daunting, but never fear! The tips below will help you come prepared to conquer this drive.
The Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Summer and fall are the most popular times to visit the park, and for good reason. Starting in June, you’ll find open trails, comfortable temps, blooming wildflowers, and active wildlife. By late September, golden aspens light up the mountainsides, making it a magical time to be in the park. September also marks the beginning of the “fall rut”, or elk mating season. You’ll spot plenty of elk in the park as they come down to lower elevations to find a mate.
Tip: Weekends during the summer and fall months can get extremely crowded in the park. Definitely try to visit on a weekday if possible.
If you want to avoid the summer and fall crowds, November through May is a good time to visit. You’ll find the mountains covered in snow from winter through spring, creating a picturesque landscape. Although there are some perks to visiting during the off-season, this isn’t the best time to drive the Trail Ridge Road. The majority of the road is closed from Mid-October to June, and other roads or trails may be closed due to dangerous conditions. Additionally, winter weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. If you’re heading here in the winter, be prepared.
The best time to visit the park is on weekdays from June through early October.
How Long Does This Drive Take?
If you drive straight through, you can complete the entire 48-mile stretch in about two hours. Although the views from just your car are spectacular, I recommend devoting at least a half-day to making this drive (and longer if you want to get some hiking in). With numerous pull-offs and overlooks to take advantage of, you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time to stop and enjoy the view.
Tips for Driving Trail Ridge Road
Driving at high altitudes along switchbacks with steep dropoffs can be quite intimidating, but don’t let that deter you from experiencing this incredible, scenic road. If you’ve never driven in the mountains before, there are definitely some things you should know ahead of time and ways you can come prepared. In addition to all of the basic rules for safe driving, here are some tips to help you on your drive along Trail Ridge Road.
Top off your tank
There are no gas stations in Rocky Mountain National Park, so be sure to fuel up in Estes Park or Grand Lake before you start your drive. It’s a good rule of thumb to never let your gas levels get below half a tank.
Be aware of the weather
Definitely check the weather before you start your drive, but also be aware that weather patterns in the mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Even if it’s not in the forecast, watch for thunderstorms that can form rapidly at high altitudes. If you see one forming, get to a lower elevation as soon as possible, as high-altitude areas are prone to lightning strikes.
Don’t ride the brakes
Drive slowly and carefully, and if you find that you need to keep your foot on the brakes in order to do so, shift into a lower gear. Riding the brakes can cause them to overheat and fail.
Watch your temperature gauge
Keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge while you’re ascending. If you see it rising above the safe zone, ease off the accelerator and turn off your AC if it’s on. If that doesn’t help, just pull over for a bit to let the engine cool off.
Check road conditions and closures
Head to the National Park Service website for the latest updates on road conditions and closures.
Relax and take your time
If there’s someone behind you, utilize one of the many pull-offs to let them pass. Don’t drive any faster than you’re comfortable with. Instead, drive slowly and stop often to enjoy the views!
Read More: Tips for Preventing Altitude Sickness
The Best Stops Along Trail Ridge Road
Many Parks Curve
Elevation: 9,640 feet
If you’re entering from Estes Park, Many Park Curve will be your first major pull-off along Trail Ridge Road. This spot is exactly as advertised – it overlooks many parks. From here, you’ll be able to see Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, and Estes Park. These broad valleys surrounded by mountains were created by melting glaciers. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Longs Peak, the tallest mountain in the park.
Know Before You Go: All areas beyond Many Parks Curve heading toward Grand Lake are closed from Mid-October to June.
Rainbow Curve
Elevation: 10,875 feet
Just below the timberline is Rainbow Curve, a gorgeous overlook of Horseshoe Park and the Beaver Ponds. Like many viewpoints in the park, it lies on the edge of a switchback on Trail Ridge Road.
Safety tip: Be sure to keep an eye on the weather. Thunderstorms can roll in quickly, and areas around this elevation and higher are prone to lightning strikes.
Forest Canyon
Elevation: 11,758 feet
Forest Canyon Overlook is accessed via a short, paved path from the pull-off. This overlook pears over a forest canyon located 2,000 feet below and out across the mountains along the Continental Divide. On a clear day, you can also spot several surrounding tall mountain peaks, including Longs Peak.
Rocky Mountain Elk
Elk can be seen throughout the park all year long, but sightings are particularly common during the autumn rut (elk mating season).
Watch for elk near the edges of clearings in the mornings and evenings. If you’re visiting during the rut, listen for the bull elk’s bugle – a deep crescendo used to warn off rival male elk.
Lava Cliffs
Elevation: 12,135 feet
The next stop along Trail Ridge Road is the Lava Cliffs. These cliffs offer a stunning contrast to the snow-capped mountains that surround Trail Ridge Road. They were formed by faulting and volcanic activity almost 70 million years ago.
Gore Range
Elevation: 12,010 feet
Gore Range is the highest overlook on Trail Ridge Road. The expansive views from this spot stretch 50 miles or more, offering a stunning panorama of the Rocky Mountains. A section of the Continental Divide can also be spotted from this overlook.
It gets windy on top of the world
The harsh winds here are part of the reason why trees can’t survive the alpine tundra. Be prepared for windy conditions…and maybe bring a hairbrush.
Alpine Visitor Center
Elevation: 11,799 feet
Located almost halfway along Trail Ridge Road, the Alpine Visitor Center is a great place to stop for a snack and enjoy the alpine tundra views. The cafe here found here is the only restaurant in the park. It serves made-to-order sandwiches as well as salads, soups, snacks, and beverages. The coffee bar next to the cafe offers a full range of caffeinated beverages along with yogurt smoothies, tea, and baked goods. There’s also a bookstore, gift shop, and restrooms on-site. From the visitor center parking lot, you can walk a short, uphill trail up to a viewpoint at 12,005 feet above sea level.
The visitor center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. whenever the road is open.
Medicine Bow Curve
Elevation: 11,640 feet
This vista point is located on a hairpin turn along Trail Ridge Road. From here, you’ll get spectacular views of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range, now known as the Never Summer Mountains, and you can even spot the state of Wyoming in the distance. Like Gorge Range Overlook, Medicine Bow Curve is located above the treeline. Keep an eye out for elk here in the summer!
Fairview Curve
Elevation: 10,148 feet
Not far outside of Grand Lake on the western edge of the park is Fairview Curve. From this overlook, you can see the Kawuneeche Valley, Colorado River, and Never Summer Mountain Range. Keep an eye out for elk or moose near the river!
If you’re coming from Estes Park, this is the last dedicated viewpoint on Trail Ridge Road. You can either turn around here and head back to Estes Park or continue on to Grand Lake.
Calling all Leaf-Peepers: During the autumn, the golden aspens that light up the valley make this is one of the best overlooks in the park for leaf-peeping.
So how about it? Are you adding this drive to your bucket list ASAP? If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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