Colorado State Highway System
NRHP reference No. Trail Ridge Road is the name for the 48-mile (77 km) stretch of U.S. Highway 34 that traverses Rocky Mountain National Park from
Estes Park, Colorado in the east to Grand Lake, Colorado in the west
.
How do I get to Trail Ridge Road?
To access Trail Ridge Road,
start from either Estes Park on the eastern side of the Park, or Grand Lake to the west
. The road quickly ascends 4,000-feet breaking tree line and emerging into open tundra resembling a baron moonscape of rock and jagged peaks.
What entrance is Trail Ridge Road?
Fall River Entrance
You’ll reach Trail Ridge Road a lot faster than those waiting in line at the Beaver Meadows Entrance during the summer and fall seasons. You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park.
What state is Trail Ridge Road in?
Trail Ridge Road is one of ten America’s Byways in
Colorado
and a national designated All American Road. Like to see as many byways as you can? On the outskirts of Rocky is the oldest Colorado Scenic Byway, Peak to Peak, and another America’s Byway, the Colorado River Headwaters.
Can you drive over Trail Ridge Road?
Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road.
During the winter season, motorists cannot drive over the top of Trail Ridge Road
. Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round on both the east and west side of the park.
How long does it take to drive the Trail Ridge Road?
Continue driving north into Rocky Mountain National Park via Trial Ridge Road, and keep an eye out for some magnificent view points along the way. If you choose to drive the full length of this scenic pass through to Estes Park, the drive will take approximately
1.5 to 2 hours
.
Is Trail Ridge Road scary to drive?
If you don’t like heights be warned, there are switch backs and steep sides with very few barriers on this route through the mountains. The road is actually
far less scary than many of Colorado’s famous mountain roads
.
Where does Trail Ridge Road close?
This is subject to change, so please call 970-586-1222 to check the status before you travel.
Trail Ridge Road is closed for most of the year at the Colorado River Trail
, about 10 miles into RMNP, due to snowpack and ice on the road. Through access to Estes Park is not typically possible between November-May.
Can you drive Highway 34 Colorado?
Colorado Scenic Drive: Trail Ridge Road
The Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway (US Highway 34) runs through Rocky Mountain National Park
, world-famous for the sweeping vistas of the crags and valleys that characterize this part of the Rockies.
Can I drive Trail Ridge Road without a pass?
A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet.
Is Trail Ridge Road paved?
Trail Ridge Road spans the Park and connects Estes Park to the town of Grand Lake on the western slope.
It’s the highest continuously paved road in the United States
, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet. It is open to vehicle traffic from around Memorial Day weekend until the Park Service closes it in the fall.
Is Trail Ridge Road one way?
Unlike the one-way Fall River Road,
Trail Ridge Road facilitates two-way travel
. Finally, Trail Ridge was designed to incorporate frequent pullouts and parking areas as it winds over Milner Pass. There are several notable photo and recreational opportunities along the road.
Is Trail Ridge Road in Colorado Open?
Trail Ridge Road is
generally open and ready for travel from the end of May through October
. The road, which connects the west and east entrances of Rocky Mountain National Park, closes each year due to snow accumulation. Call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded status line at 970-586-1222 for current conditions.
Is Trail Ridge Road part of Bear Lake corridor?
One permit is for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period is from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second permit is for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park,
excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor, and includes Trail Ridge Road
.
What mountain does Trail Ridge Road climb?
Biking Trail Ridge Road: A Beautiful Colorado Climb Into
Rocky Mountain National Park
.
How safe is Trail Ridge Road?
And yet, according to park officials, there have been
very few fatal accidents
along Trail Ridge Road. “We have a few motor vehicle accidents a year along Trail Ridge Road, but few are fatal,” says Rocky Mountain spokeswoman Kyle Patterson.
What is it like to drive Trail Ridge Road?
Driving Trail Ridge Road
can be messy, with rain, sleet, and snow at times
. I would not recommend driving a car designed for summer-only driving. All-weather tires will make your drive much easier if it begins to sleet.
Does Trail Ridge Road cost money?
The road, which is
free to access with park admission
, is open from roughly late May to mid-November; the rest of the year, it is buried under snow. For the most up-to-date information on the road’s conditions, call the Trail Ridge Road Status Line.
What is the most scenic drive in Colorado?
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Distance: 50 miles round-trip | Time: 2 hours | Open: Summer. …
- Trail Ridge Road. …
- Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway. …
- Pikes Peak. …
- Skyline Drive in Cañon City. …
- San Juan Skyway and the Million Dollar Highway. …
- Loveland Pass. …
- Rim Rock Drive, Colorado National Monument.
Is Trail Ridge Road a loop?
There is no loop back per say
.
How many miles is Trail Ridge Road?
48 mi
What is the highest paved road in Colorado?
The
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
, just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America.
What’s the highest road in Colorado?
As the highest paved road in North America,
Mount Evans Road
rises to a height of 14,130 feet above sea level (learn about all 58 14ers here and check out an awesome infographic that describes what makes them so special to Coloradans). Many clouds don’t even make it that high, but you can.
Is it better to stay in Estes Park or Grand Lake?
Both Estes Park and Grand Lake are great options for where to stay when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes Park is livelier and gives you better access to in particular the Bear Lake area
. On the other hand Grand Lake is the more peaceful option that feels further away from it all.
Is Estes Park Colorado Open?
The communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park are open and welcoming visitors
. For Rocky Mountain National Park information, call the Information Office at 970-586-1206.
When did Trail Ridge Road open in 2021?
The road opened for the season
May 29
. Despite the closure, the park said popular driving destinations, including Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park and the section of Trail Ridge Road along the Kawuneeche Valley, are open.
Can you drive through Rocky Mountain National Park without a reservation?
For access to the park excluding Bear Lake,
reservations are required from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
That means you can still enjoy the drive over Trail Ridge Road, hike the Lumpy Ridge area or visit the beautiful Alluvial Fan without a reservation as long as you get there before 9 or after 3.
