Last updated: June 6, 2025
Thing to Do
Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road
NPS
Whether you start on the east or west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoy scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities while driving on Trail Ridge Road. Cresting at an elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Trail Ridge Road is 48-miles one-way and connects the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park during the summer season.
One of the things that visitors enjoy most at Rocky Mountain National Park is the incredible scenic views. Along Trail Ridge Road, enjoy views of mountain peaks along the Continental Divide, look down upon valleys below, enjoy alpine lakes like Milner Lake and Lake Irene.
In June and July, many species of wildflowers can be seen growing on alpine tundra. Enjoy a short walk on the Tundra Communities Trail near Rock Cut or at Forest Canyon Overlook.
Always keep an eye out for wildlife. Wildlife can be found along the road and crossing the road. Look for elk, Mule deer, bighorn sheep, and Yellow-bellied marmots.
This is a seasonal road open to vehicles from late May to mid-October. 11 miles of this road are located above treeline. There are no guardrails and there are steep drop-offs.
Details
Duration
2-2 Hours
It take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in steady traffic to drive across Trail Ridge Road one-way.
Activity
Scenic Driving
Enjoy a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road and experience the land above trees, also known as the alpine tundra. From Estes Park to Grand Lake (or from Grand Lake to Estes Park), this is a 48-mile drive one-way.
Stop by Alpine Visitor Center along the way. Located at 11,796 feet above sea level, this is the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park Service.
Stop by Alpine Visitor Center along the way. Located at 11,796 feet above sea level, this is the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park Service.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets and owners have a special bond. But a national park is not always the best place for pets. Rocky Mountain National Park is a designated natural area, and its purpose is to preserve and protect the park's natural conditions, scenic beauty, and wildlife.
Pets are prohibited on ALL Rocky Mountain National Park trails, tundra, and meadows
Leashed pets may accompany you only in the following areas:
- Along established roads or in parking areas
- In established campgrounds and picnic areas
Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet. Pets may not make noise that impacts visitors or wildlife. Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet excrement in trash receptacles.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Alpine Visitor Center
Alpine Visitor Center is located at the top of Fall River Pass and is a significant stopping point on Trail Ridge Road.
Reservations
Yes
From late May to mid-October, a timed entry reservation is required to enter all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park during certain times of the day. Depending on when you plan to start your hike, you might need a timed entry reservation.
Visit the RMNP Timed Entry page on Recreation.gov for details and to make a reservation.
Visit the RMNP Timed Entry page on Recreation.gov for details and to make a reservation.
Season
Summer, Fall
Trail Ridge Road is a seasonal road, it typically opens to vehicles in late May and closes for the season in mid-October. Weather and conditions can change quickly at high elevations and temporary closures can happen at any time.
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.
because weather conditions may change rapidly at higher elevations, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly at any time. For updates, call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded status phone line at 970-586-1222. Park staff will update the recorded line when/if the road status changes.
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.
because weather conditions may change rapidly at higher elevations, park visitors should be prepared to adjust travel plans accordingly at any time. For updates, call the park’s Trail Ridge Road recorded status phone line at 970-586-1222. Park staff will update the recorded line when/if the road status changes.
Time of Day
Trail Ridge Road is open 24 hours a day. Temporary closures can go into effect at any time.
Accessibility Information
Trail Ridge Road is a paved road that is 48-miles one-way.
There are many pullouts, scenic overlooks, and parking areas along the road.
Flush or vault toilets are located at many stops, including at Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Milner Pass, Rock Cut, Alpine Visitor Center, Rainbow Curve, Hidden Valley, and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.
There are many pullouts, scenic overlooks, and parking areas along the road.
Flush or vault toilets are located at many stops, including at Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Milner Pass, Rock Cut, Alpine Visitor Center, Rainbow Curve, Hidden Valley, and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.