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Trail Ridge RoadLength: 48 miles - Driving Time: 2 hoursSpecial Considerations: Open only from about Memorial Day to mid October, unpredictable weather, no fuel available Special Features: Numerous overlooks and short hiking trails, Visitor Center at Fall River Pass |
![]() Heading into Horseshoe Park, coming from Estes Park |
Trail Ridge Road slices through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. Distant peaks loom in all directions as the road rises to 12,183'. This cliff-hugging road is as impressive for its engineering as for its stunning vistas. Along the way you'll find viewpoints, overlooks, pull-outs, and short and long hiking trails. A good portion of the road is above treeline, so there's no trees blocking the views... And it's kinda funny to find the Continental Divide about 1,400' below the high point on the road. There is no other through road like it in America. Those poles you see along the road in the higher areas: they are there to mark the edges of the pavement, and give an indicator as to snow depth for the first time they run a snow plow over this sometime in May. And while you're driving, look out for the elk, bighorn sheep and other wildlife crossing the road. You might want to try to avoid the folks on bicycles, too. |
![]() ![]() Above treeline ![]() You really do need to share the road... ![]() ![]() That rock wall along the side of the road is a near-constant companion on this journey ![]() Looking north on the west side of the Continental Divide |
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Related Links: Rocky Mountain National Park - Photo Gallery Colorado Links: Towns & Places - Scenic Byways - State Parks - History & Heritage Unique Natural Features - Photo Galleries - Mountains - Outdoor Sports & Recreation Colorado's National Forests - Wilderness Areas - BLM Sites - Colorado's National Parks |
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The map is from the "Discover Colorado" brochure printed by the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Commission.![]() |