About This Trip
Trail Ridge Road crosses Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park on the east to Grand Lake on the west, reaching a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet and spending more than 11 miles above treeline. It is the highest continuously paved highway in the United States and one of the most spectacular drives anywhere in North America.
The east side climb from Estes Park passes through montane and subalpine zones in rapid succession — the vegetation changes from ponderosa pine to aspen groves to Engelmann spruce forest within the first 20 miles. Elk are abundant on the east side meadows from spring through fall, and the town of Estes Park has a resident herd that treats the golf course and main street as their personal grazing ground.
Above treeline, the road traverses alpine tundra — a fragile ecosystem that takes centuries to recover from footprints. The Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet is the highest visitor center in the National Park System and has exhibits on the tundra ecology. Marmots and pikas are common in the boulder fields; both species delight children of every age.
The west-side descent to Grand Lake is gentler and passes through the Never Summer Mountains with views of the peaks that give them their name. Grand Lake itself — the largest natural lake in Colorado — has a charming Victorian-era resort town on its north shore.
The road is open from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October, weather permitting. It may close temporarily for afternoon thunderstorms even in summer. Bring warm layers regardless of the forecast — the tundra section can be cold and windy at any time. Bear Lake and the Glacier Gorge trailhead require parking reservations in summer.
Stops
Estes Park, CO — Eastern Gateway
A resort town at 7,522 feet with outstanding access to the park's east side trails and one of the most spectacular drive-up views of the Front Range. The Stanley Hotel — the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining — dominates the hill above town. Elk graze on the golf course and along the riverwalk year-round. The main street has good restaurants and gear shops for last-minute supplies.
Sheep Lakes — Bighorn Mineral Lick
A meadow just inside the Fall River entrance where bighorn sheep regularly visit a natural mineral lick. Rangers staff the pullout and can tell you current sighting odds. Moose are also occasionally seen in the willows along the river. This is one of the most reliable wildlife viewing spots on the east side.
Alpine Visitor Center — 11,796 ft
The highest visitor center in the National Park System, sitting on the tundra at Fall River Pass. The exhibits explain the alpine tundra ecosystem and the geology of the park. A short tundra trail leads to the top of the ridge for an unobstructed 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks. Watch for yellow-bellied marmots in the boulder fields — they are completely fearless around people.
Grand Lake, CO — Western End
Colorado's largest natural lake at 8,369 feet, with a charming Victorian-era resort village on its north shore. The boardwalk and main street have several good restaurants and ice cream shops. Boat rentals are available on the lake. The Grand Lake Lodge above town has a deck with one of the finest panoramic mountain views in the state.