Travel Guide
Trail Ridge Road
Everything you need to know β hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
About Trail Ridge Road
The highest continuous paved road in the US, crossing Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park to Grand Lake and peaking at 12,183 feet. About 11 miles run above treeline, with overlooks like Many Parks Curve and Forest Canyon and the Alpine Visitor Center near the top.
Colorado-rockies
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Drive it in the morning; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and lightning is dangerous above treeline.
Nearby
Must See Attractions
colorado-rockiesGarden of the Gods
A free city park in Colorado Springs filled with towering red sandstone fins and balanced rocks set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Paved and dirt trails wind among the formations, and the Visitor and Nature Center explains the geology.
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colorado-rockiesMaroon Bells
Two maroon-colored, 14,000-foot peaks reflected in Maroon Lake near Aspen, often called the most photographed mountains in North America. In summer and fall, access is mainly by reserved shuttle from Aspen Highlands, with limited reserved parking for private vehicles.
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colorado-rockiesPikes Peak
America's Mountain, a 14,115-foot summit above Colorado Springs that inspired the song America the Beautiful. You can reach the top by the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile toll road, or by the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs.
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colorado-rockiesRed Rocks Amphitheatre
A world-famous open-air concert venue set between 300-foot sandstone monoliths in the foothills near Morrison, about 30 minutes west of Denver. On non-show days the amphitheater and surrounding park are free to explore, with trails, a visitor center and views back to the city.
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colorado-rockiesRocky Mountain National Park
A park of alpine lakes, high peaks and big elk herds just outside Estes Park, about 1.5 hours from Denver. Highlights include the Bear Lake corridor's lakes and trails, Moraine Park's elk meadows and Trail Ridge Road. In summer and early fall, entry during the day requires a timed-entry permit.
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colorado-rockiesTrail Ridge Road
The highest continuous paved road in the US, crossing Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park to Grand Lake and peaking at 12,183 feet. About 11 miles run above treeline, with overlooks like Many Parks Curve and Forest Canyon and the Alpine Visitor Center near the top.
View Details