Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road climbs above the treeline for around 11 miles, with huge views, elk and alpine tundra. It links Estes Park on the east side with Grand Lake on the west. It suits anyone who wants high-altitude scenery without hiking, and it takes about half a day with stops.

The stops

1. Start

   Estes Park

2. Town

   Estes Park

   Mountain town and park gateway

3. Viewpoint

   Rainbow Curve

   First big view back over the valleys

4. Viewpoint

   Forest Canyon Overlook

   Short paved walk to a glacier-carved canyon

5. Worth a look

   Alpine Visitor Center

   Highest visitor centre in the park, near 3,600 m

6. Viewpoint

   Milner Pass

   Continental Divide crossing with a small lake

7. Town

   Grand Lake

   Lakeside village at the west entrance

8. Finish

   Grand Lake

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Estes Park

  Moraine Park Campground (NPS)

When to go

Late May to mid Oct; closed in winter

On the road

The top section closes with snow (typically Oct to late May). Check NPS road status. The park may use timed-entry reservations in summer.