Trail Ridge Road

In 1931 during construction of Trail Ridge Road, Horace Albright, then director of the National Park Service, stated “It is hard to describe what a sensation this new road is going to make”. He could only imagine the impact that this Rocky Mountain National Park highway would have in the coming years! When the road opened in 1932, the Rocky Mountain News called it the “scenic wonder road of the world.” When you reach the summit you’ll view exactly what Mr. Albright saw then, “You have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions.”

What you’ll see along Trail Ridge Road

There are two ways to access Trail Ridge, one from the Estes Park side of Rocky Mountain National Park and the other from the Grand Lake Colorado park entrance. Either way will provide breathtaking views as you make the 4,000 foot ascent to the top of the pass. Along the way you’ll pass through forests of Aspen, Ponderosa pine, Fir and Spruce pine trees. As you approach the summit the trees twisted from the wind become more frequent. Eventually, at about 11,500 feet, the dense forest gives way to alpine tundra. For approximately 11 miles of the total 48 mile trip from Estes Park to Grand Lake, you’ll find yourself above timberline, surrounded by arctic alpine tundra and a view that will take your breath away!

With all the harsh conditions that exist at the summit for most of the year, it’s hard to believe that anything would grow, and yet, alpine plants are abundant. Despite having only a 40 day growing season, over 200 hardy plants grow and bloom with vigor! The rainbow of colorful blooms will astonish you, yellow, red, pink, blue, purple and white patches dot the landscape all the way to the top. Even at the windswept peak, hardy little plants hug the ground and flash their vibrant colors!

Enjoy wildlife viewing? Depending on the time of day, viewing opportunities can be frequent throughout the drive. Bighorn sheep, Pikas and Ptarmigan are just a few of the high altitude species living in the area. Deer and Elk are also common sightings. You might even get the chance to see a Moose munching on some greens as you pass through the upper Kawuneeche Valley. Most trips will provide some great wildlife photo opportunities, but please remember, these are wild animals. Large or small, they can do some serious damage if provoked. Make sure to give them plenty of space as you stop to snap a picture!

Allow enough time so you don’t have to rush this drive, there is so much to enjoy along the way. From the green valleys and moraines at the beginning of this scenic drive to the great rock piles left behind by melting glaciers, the landscape on it’s own will make you speechless! At 10,120 feet, on Milner Pass, you’ll cross the Continental Divide. From here water flows are separated between east and west. The scope of it all will make you pause and think.

And if you’re interested in getting out and stretching a bit, consider taking a hike on the Tundra Community Nature Trail. This wheel-chair accessible trail near the summit of Trail Ridge Road is a 30 minute walk among the tundra that will provide a true up close and personal look at this astounding eco-system. Keeping in mind that the altitude at the trailhead is 12,115 feet, those able to investigate this trail will find it a memorable walk! The trailhead is located at the Rock Cut parking area (pdf file size: 7.9mb).

Preparing for a Trail Ridge outing

The elevation at the highest point of Trail Ridge is 12,183 feet, so if you’re from a low altitude state, you’ll find out very quickly that this view can also take your breath away, literally! When you get out to explore and take pictures you’ll discover there’s considerably less air up there! If you or your travel mates don’t regularly spend time at altitude, watch each other for signs of altitude sickness and other physical issues brought on by high altitude. Seniors should be especially careful. Make sure to dress properly too! Just because the sun is shining doesn’t mean that it will be warm at the summit. There can be as much as a 30 degree temperature difference between Estes Park, Grand Lake and the top of Trail Ridge. Remember, it doesn’t have to be frigid for you to start suffering the effects of hypothermia. Another consideration, make sure to drink plenty of water. Colorado’s arid climate combined with high altitude can create some real hydration issues. And last, keep in mind the impact the sun can have on you. The thinner air allows the sun’s ultraviolet rays to penetrate much easier. A sunburn can occur in a very brief period of time, so remember to wear sunscreen and a hat. We want you to make the most of this amazing Trail Ridge Road drive, being prepared assures you’ll remember this Colorado outing for all the right reasons!