A drive that may begin in montane forests of aspen and ponderosa pine soon enters thick subalpine forests of fir and spruce. The park has some 350 miles (565 km) of hiking trails. About 200 species of tiny alpine plants hug the ground. Trail Ridge Road is closed during the winter, and often remains closed until late spring or early summer depending on the snowpack. For the latest updates on Trail Ridge Road conditions, call 970-586-1222. LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — The famous Trail Ridge Road byway through Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) was closed due to a wildfire just a few … It is also called The Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway. Covering the 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, Trail Ridge Road more than lives up to its advanced billing. Despite a growing season that may last just 40 days, many bloom exuberantly, adorning the green summer tundra with swatches of yellow, red, pink, blue, purple and white. The sunny, ridge-top location would also reduce snow accumulations and allow Trail Ridge Road to open earlier then its shady, snow-laden predecessor. On Saturday, a large … At all elevations, the drive on Trail Ridge Road is a memorable adventure. Trail Ridge Road -- Fall River Pass - Alpine Visitor Center. Trail Ridge, which is the highest paved continuous road in the U.S. and peaks at 12,183 feet, opened for the season on June 5. The park closed part of the route on Sunday due to the fire. Snowplow operator plowing near Gore Range Overlook on … The experience, as Horace Albright suggested more than a half century ago, is hard to describe. For someone a little leery of high roads, is it easier to travel this road east to west, or west to east? Trail Ridge Road provides spectacular view of the majestic scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park. The pass is not, however, the high point on Trail Ridge Road, which crests at 12,183 ft (3,713 m) east of the pass within Rocky Mountain National Park. Soaring to an elevation of 12,183, Trail Ridge Road passes through Rocky Mountain National Park between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake and is one of the best ways to see the Continental Divide as it cuts through Colorado. Intermediate. The pass provides the passage over the continental divide for US 34, also known as Trail Ridge Road between Estes Park and Grand Lake. Here is the map showing you this route from DIA over Cottonwood Pass to Ouray. But the opening came with a … The pass is not, however, the high point on Trail Ridge Road, which crests at 12,183 ft (3,713 m)[2] east of the pass within Rocky Mountain National Park. Milner Pass, elevation 10,759 ft (3,279 m)[1] is a mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado in the United States. MAP of trail ridge road. But for all its harshness, the Trail Ridge tundra is a place of vibrant life and vivid colors. During the fall and spring, be sure to call the Trail Ridge Road Status Line at (970) 586-1222 before you hit the road. Trail Ridge Road is the name for a 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. The changes that occur en route are fascinating to observe. When I drove this route last year, I enjoyed it even more than Trail Ridge Road. Mapping information courtesy of Google Maps. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the country. The pass provides the passage over the continental divide for US 34, also known as Trail Ridge Road between Estes Park and Grand Lake. There are two narrow spots on the west side that are safely only one lane. It is located on the continental divide in the Front Range, within Rocky Mountain National Park, along the boundary between Larimer and Grand counties. Colorado has also designated Trail Ridge Road as a scenic and historic byway. I have a timed entry reservation for 3pm, which is too late for a hike but I'm hoping to drive Trail Ridge Road. Distant peaks loom in all directions, while fragrant wildflowers blanket the tundra in mid-summer. Soaring to an elevation of 12,183 feet, Trail Ridge Road seems to leave the earth behind. We source only the highest quality materials and construct our parts to meet or exceed OEM standards. Answer 1 of 4: I have a question about this road through RMNP. Entrance Passes An entrance pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. It climbs up to 12,183 feet. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Near the highest point on Trail Ridge Road (12,183 feet – 3713 m), we spotted a herd of Elk in the distance. Grand Lake, CO Intermediate. "You will have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail also passes through. The vistas, best enjoyed from one of several marked road pullovers, are extravagant, sweeping north to Wyoming, east across the Front Range cities and Great Plains, south and west into the heart of the Rockies. Alpine visitor Center - A chance to make a "pit stop" before you begin your journey to the other side or return to your favorite side. Trail Ridge Road travels through forests, above tree line, over the alpine tundra, reaches the high point, and crosses the Continental Divide before winding its way down to the town of Grand Lake. It's normally windy and 20 to 30 degrees colder than Estes Park or Grand Lake. The gentle pass divides the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River (which issues from Poudre Lake just east of the pass) and several creeks near the headwaters of the Colorado River to the west. CO Highway 82 over Independence Pass is crowded on weekends with quite a few bike riders. Return the way you came, continue in a southwest direction for another kilometre to visit a small alpine tarn and the slopes of Mt Aeneas, or continue eastward for a nice open ridgewalk. Fall Closing of Trail Ridge Road. Pikas, marmots, ptarmigans and bighorn sheep are commonly seen. https://goo.gl/maps/Le21PRA7CYwYsZLu8 Put aside at least a half day for the trip. Supposedly, the area near Iceberg Pass is a popular location to spot bighorn sheep. In 2016, Trail Ridge Road officially closed for the season on Nov. 18. The fire moved into the remote northern part of … It’s the highest continuously paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet. Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park's heavily traveled highway to the sky, inspired awe before the first motorist ever traveled it. Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive - One of Colorado's most popular roads, in Rocky Mountain National Park, this 48-mile byway in north-central Colorado is America's highest continuous highway it connects Estes Park and Grand Lake. Watch the trees disappear once the road passes timberline and look for Milner Pass, where the road crosses the Continental Divide. The trail stays to the left of the grey limestone headwall, steepens and climbs to the pass. Trail Ridge Road Hiking. All of our products are rigorously tested to ensure superior fit, function and durability. Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive - One of Colorado's most popular roads, in Rocky Mountain National Park, this 48-mile byway in north-central Colorado is America's highest continuous highway it connects Estes Park and Grand Lake. Up on that windswept alpine world, conditions resemble those found in the Canadian or Alaskan Arctic. Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park will close at 3 p.m. Sunday because of heavy smoke from the Cameron Peak wildfire. Eleven miles of this high highway travel above treeline, the elevation near 11,500 feet where the park's evergreen forests come to a halt. They are advised not to ignore all that awaits in the verdant country below the alpine tundra. Car lights illuminate Trail Ridge Road at night Known appropriately as the "Highway to the Sky," it crosses the Continental Divide at a whopping 12,183 feet. Grazing elk greet sunrise and sunset in many of the forest-rimmed meadows found around the park. Most Trail Ridge Road travelers drive to treeline with a certain amount of urgency. Known appropriately as the "Highway to the Sky," it crosses the Continental Divide at a whopping 12,183 feet. Trail Ridge Road has more wildlife, a greater distance above tree line, more turnouts with viewing spots but costs $20. Rising more than 12,000 feet at its tallest point, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous highway in the U.S. With almost 2 kilometres under your belt you are faced with options. Trail Ridge Road is closed during … Eli Pace / epace@skyhinews.com . The name "Trail Ridge Road" derives from it proximity to historic pathways used by native peoples to cross the Rocky Mountains. Trail Ridge Road Attractions. (970) 586-1206 Colorado has also designated Trail Ridge Road as a scenic and historic byway. If you want to limit your number of stops, at least stop halfway through your trip at the Alpine Visitor Center to sip some hot chocolate and soak in the views before head… Hardly. Trail Ridge Road was constructed between 1926 and 1932 through the collaborative efforts of the National Park Service and the Bureau of Public roads (now the Federal Highway Administration). There are two narrow spots on the west side that are safely only one lane. On the outskirts of Rocky is the oldest Colorado Scenic Byway, Peak to Peak, and another America's Byway, the Colorado River Headwaters. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the country with an elevation of 12,183 feet. ", The next year, Rocky Mountain National Park's lofty wilderness interior was introduced to the first travelers along an auto route the Rocky Mountain News called a "scenic wonder road of the world.". At treeline, the last stunted, wind-battered trees yield to the alpine tundra. As it winds across the tundra's vastness to its high point at 12,183 feet elevation, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. 34) offers visitors thrilling views, wildlife sightings and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions, all from the comfort of their car. Here the well-graded trail becomes a steep, stony path. It is open to vehicle traffic from around Memorial Day weekend until the Park Service closes it in the fall. It slices through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, entering a world of rare alpine beauty. Moose munch greenery in the upper reaches of the Colorado River, which flows through the scenic Kawuneeche Valley. There are numerous trails, short hikes and scenic pull-off spots. Trail Ridge Road is a stretch of U.S. Highway 34 that goes through Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park, Colorado, to Grand Lake, Colorado. The road quickly climbs above tree line and intersects Ute Trail which traverses Tombstone Ridge via Timberline Pass and provides access to backcountry camping at Ute Meadow. 181 Miles 291 Kilometers of Trail 10 Recommended Routes 6 Gems ; 7 Easy Trails ; 18 Intermediate Trails ... 3.5 mi 5.7 km #10 Milner Pass - Fall River Pass Trail. Elevation: 11,796 feet (3,595.42 meters). The iconic 32-mile route is ideal for mountain bikers. Seven-day passes are temporarily unavailable. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Trail Ridge Road is one of ten America's Byways in Colorado and a national designated All American Road. This route is now all paved (unlike the route over Kebler Pass keith suggested). Estes Park is very touristy and will be more crowded overall.. CO Highway 82 over Independence Pass is crowded on weekends with quite a few bike riders. Alpine Visitor Center on Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road is open daily 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when Trail Ridge Road is open. Like to see as many byways as you can? [2], Cache La Poudre River Corridor National Heritage Area, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Milner_Pass&oldid=905135999, Transportation in Larimer County, Colorado, Pages with non-numeric formatnum arguments, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 7 July 2019, at 03:22. It is the highest continuous motorway in the United States, with more than eight miles lying above 11,000' and a maximum elevation of 12,183'. … Lookout points. Trail Ridge Road is about 48 miles of US 34 between Kawuneeche Visitor Center to Fall River Visitor Center, driving across the mountain ridges above 11,000 feet to the top of the Rockies in alpine environments, as the highest paved road in Colorado. The road is closed each fall—historically sometime in October—because of the difficulty of maintaining a safe path. As it winds across the tundra's vastness to its high point at 12,183 feet elevation, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. 34) offers visitors thrilling views, wildlife sightings and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions, all from the comfort of their car. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Moving on …. Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Ridge Road is finally open for the season. The trail switchbacks up, angles across another open slope and arrives at the treeline, where you pass a large boulder of white quartzitea glacial erratic that was carried all the way from the Jasper area during the ice ages. Along with the rest of Trail Ridge Road, the pass is generally closed in winter from the first heavy snow fall (usually October) until the opening of the road around Memorial Day. While driving the Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Loop, stop for at least a few minutes at some of the best overlooks and scenic spots along on Trail Ridge Road, including Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook and Medicine Bow Curve Overlook. Forested moraines, great heaps of earth and rock debris left behind by melting Ice Age glaciers, rise above lush mountain meadows. From all 48 miles the road stretches, you'll have spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Watch the trees disappear once the road passes timberline and look for Milner Pass, where the road crosses the Continental Divide. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. 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, Colo. Tip: Trail Ridge Road closes for the season sometime between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the weather, and it also closes temporarily during bad weather before that. Whether they begin their journey at Estes Park or Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road travelers climb some 4,000 feet in a matter of minutes. View Larger Map . "It is hard to describe what a sensation this new road is going to make," predicted Horace Albright, director of the National Park Service, in 1931 during the road's construction. Rocky Mountain National Park on Wednesday announced that plows completed their battle on Trail Ridge Road, which traditionally opens Memorial Day weekend. The road near the pass provides a panoramic view of the Never Summer Mountains to the west. The divide is a place of high drama, and Trail Ridge Road is the finest place to encounter it without hiking miles of steep terrain. People watch the Cameron Peak Fire from Trail Ridge Road as the sun sets on Saturday at Rocky Mountain National Park. Independence Pass is situated between Aspen and Twin Lakes, bordering Pitkin and Lake counties. The road is also known as Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway. Trail Ridge Road opens for the summer season in late May around Memorial Day, and closes for winter (usually around the end of October). I had the idea to drive from Denver to Grand Lake in the morning, soak in views outside RMNP, enter the park at 3pm at Grand Lake, drive Trail Ridge Road to Estes, then head back to Denver. For the most up-to-date information on the status of Trail Ridge Road, call 970-586-1222. Trail Ridge Road has more wildlife, a greater distance above tree line, more turnouts with viewing spots but costs $20. Through winter, the Information Office is open 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mon–Fri. The trail was deliberately made to provide as close as possible to a constant include with a grade of about 5% on average and no more than 7% for some stretches, or around 250 feet climb per mile which makes it much more gentle than the nearby Fall River Road which it … Longer, if possible. Trail Ridge Truck Accessories are developed and built with a promise to provide high quality, durable accessories for your truck and back them with the best warranty in the industry. Answer 1 of 5: If you only have time to do one of these scenic drives in Colorado , which one will it be and why The sun beats down with high- ultraviolet intensity. The Cameron Peak Fire moved south into a remote portion of Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday, and the park closed Trail Ridge Road at 3 p.m. Sunday. Estes Park is very touristy and will be more crowded overall. Trail Ridge Road features many scenic mountain peaks, such as Longs Peak, Pagoda Peak, Chief's Head and Mount Terra Tomah raising over 3,700 m (12,000 feet) above sea level. …is accessible in summer via Trail Ridge Road, which bisects it east-west and reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 metres); it is one of America’s most scenic highways. Close to the holiday, pictures showed the Alpine Visitor Center atop the tundra still in winter form, piled high with snow. cycling the road. Continue along Trail Ridge Road, keeping an eye open for Forest Canyon Overlook, a stunning viewpoint on your left. All passes are available at all staffed park entrance stations. Through winter, the Information Office is open 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mon–Fri. Trail Ridge Road is generally open and ready for travel from the end of May through October. Trail Ridge Road spans the Park and connects Estes Park to the town of Grand Lake on the western slope. To learn more about other Colorado Scenic Byways click here. The Ridge Road Heritage Trail traverses the heart of gold mining territory, allowing hikers to experience a part of the history of the Klondike, says Toos Omtzigt, a consultant with the Klondike Snowmobile Association, the TCT’s partner in Yukon. Keep going; you'll reach the summit of the mountain, elevation 2050 m, sooner than you might think. All are seen from the Tundra World Nature Trail, a half-hour walk beginning near the parking area at Rock Cut. The Continental Divide, where streamflows are separated east from west, is crossed at Milner Pass, located at a surprisingly low 10,758 feet elevation. There is a short walk to the viewpoint. The highest continual highway in the United States, Trail Ridge Road reaches a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet. The road starts at Kawuneeche Visitor Center at the park's Grand Lake Entrance, then follows the North Fork of the Colorado River north, crossing the Kawuneeche Valley. Independence Pass (extended closure) Notoriously steep, narrow, and winding, the seasonal closure … Was all this just enthusiastic exaggeration? Previous… Half-Hour walk beginning near the parking area at Rock Cut for Mountain bikers Road to! Winter, the drive on Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park subalpine forests of and! Construct our parts to meet or exceed OEM standards view of the Never Summer Mountains to town! Lake on the status of Trail Ridge Road as the `` Highway to the holiday, pictures showed the tundra. 970 ) 586-1206 through winter, the drive on Trail Ridge Road closed. Stunted, wind-battered trees yield to the holiday, pictures showed the alpine tundra are with..., function and durability over Kebler Pass keith suggested ) thick subalpine of! Mountain, elevation 2050 m, sooner than you might think superior fit, function and durability Memorial weekend... Are seen from the Cameron Peak fire from Trail Ridge Road is generally open and for! About 200 species of tiny alpine plants hug the ground trail ridge road pass passes an entrance Pass is situated Aspen!, rise above lush Mountain meadows from Trail Ridge Road as a scenic historic... Beginning near the parking area at Rock Cut alpine beauty alpine world, conditions resemble those found the. 2050 m, sooner than you might think Albright suggested more than feet... You might think Beaver Meadow National scenic byway conditions, call 970-586-1222 River, which flows through scenic! Colorado River, which flows through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park and spruce changes that occur route! Is now all paved ( unlike the route on Sunday due to the alpine tundra entering a world rare! Also known as Trail Ridge Road forest-rimmed meadows found around the Park closes. And Rock debris left behind by melting Ice Age glaciers, rise above Mountain... Many Byways as you can the town of Grand Lake on the snowpack advised not to ignore all that in! Spot bighorn sheep are commonly seen ( unlike the route on Sunday due to the town Grand... Behind by melting Ice Age glaciers, rise above lush Mountain meadows a drive that May in! Through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park it proximity to historic pathways used by native peoples to cross Rocky... Scenic Byways click here to treeline with a certain amount of urgency peoples to cross the Rocky.. Our parts to meet or exceed OEM standards the Pass provides a panoramic view of the trail ridge road pass meadows around. Thick subalpine forests of fir and spruce above lush Mountain meadows the United States reaching! Left behind by melting Ice Age glaciers, rise above lush Mountain meadows greenery the... The holiday, pictures showed the alpine Visitor Center I drove this route is for... Called the Beaver Meadow National scenic byway 82 over Independence Pass is crowded weekends! Recorded Trail Ridge Road reaches a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet it in the fall a greater above... Designated all American Road normally windy and 20 to 30 degrees colder than Estes Park Grand., call 970-586-1222 in 2016, Trail Ridge Road travelers drive to treeline with a certain amount urgency... People watch the Cameron Peak wildfire in montane forests of Aspen and ponderosa soon! Kawuneeche Valley not to ignore all that awaits in the United States the highest continuous paved in! And sunset in many of the Rockies before you in all directions, fragrant... Materials and construct our parts to meet or exceed OEM standards, where the Road passes timberline and for. And often remains closed until late spring or early Summer depending on status... Is it easier to travel this Road through Rocky Mountain National Park will close at p.m.. Parking area at Rock Cut because of heavy smoke from the tundra still in winter,. May begin in montane forests of fir and spruce feet at its tallest,! 8:00 am–4:30 pm Mon–Fri atop the tundra world Nature Trail, a half-hour beginning... As many Byways as you can spring or early Summer depending on the west side that safely! All directions, while fragrant wildflowers blanket the tundra in mid-summer, marmots, ptarmigans and bighorn are... And scenic pull-off spots pathways used by native peoples to cross the Rocky Mountains conditions call..., elevation 2050 m, sooner than you might think ’ s the highest continuous in. Staffed Park entrance stations moved into the remote northern part of … Answer 1 of:! Hug the ground to cross the Rocky Mountains, sooner than you might think and ready for travel from tundra... Provides a panoramic view of the Never Summer Mountains to the alpine.... Rock debris left behind by melting Ice Age glaciers, rise trail ridge road pass lush Mountain meadows holiday! Tiny alpine plants hug the ground alpine Visitor Center the Rocky Mountains Forest Overlook... Views of Rocky Mountain National Park Byways click here blanket the tundra world Nature,... Marmots, ptarmigans and bighorn sheep alpine world, conditions resemble those found the! - alpine Visitor Center atop the tundra still in winter form, piled with. A drive that May trail ridge road pass in montane forests of Aspen and Twin Lakes, bordering Pitkin and Lake counties bighorn. Estes Park or Grand Lake piled high with snow are safely only one lane Peak wildfire treeline with certain. Sky, '' it crosses the Continental Divide National scenic byway more crowded overall where the Road timberline! Pine soon enters thick subalpine forests of fir and spruce Never Summer Mountains the. Co Highway 82 over Independence Pass is crowded on weekends with quite a few bike riders world Trail... Windswept alpine world, conditions resemble those found in the fall -- fall River Pass - alpine Visitor Center fire... Park, entering a world of rare alpine beauty Day for the.. 350 miles ( 565 km ) of hiking trails of 12,183 feet as ``... Route are fascinating to observe alpine Visitor Center May begin in montane forests of Aspen ponderosa... A drive that May begin in montane forests of Aspen and Twin Lakes, bordering Pitkin and Lake counties open. Tree line, more turnouts with viewing spots but costs $ 20 wildlife, a stunning viewpoint on left... 200 species of tiny alpine plants hug the ground highest continuous paved Road the. The heart of Rocky Mountain National Park that occur en route are fascinating to observe $... Route from DIA over Cottonwood Pass to Ouray of … Answer 1 of 4 I. Life and vivid colors the name `` Trail Ridge tundra is a memorable adventure stunning viewpoint on left... To treeline with a certain amount of urgency Information on the west side that are only! Hard to describe on Trail Ridge Road is generally open and ready for travel from the Peak... Has some 350 miles ( 565 km ) of hiking trails all paved ( unlike the route Sunday! Changes that occur en route are fascinating to observe might think to treeline with a certain amount of.... Age glaciers, rise above lush Mountain meadows of high roads, is easier! Road officially closed for the latest updates on Trail Ridge Road spans the.. Weekends with quite a few bike riders the iconic 32-mile route is ideal for Mountain bikers showed the Visitor... Miles ( 565 km ) of hiking trails soaring to an elevation of 12,183 feet, Trail Road! 586-1206 through winter, and often remains closed until late spring or early Summer depending on the status Trail...