Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway

Every year, it takes an average of 42 days to plow Trail Ridge Road, at a cost of more than $30,000, but most people would agree the effort is well worth it.

The 48-mile stretch of road has been one of Colorado's most popular routes since it opened in 1938, and it's easy to see why. Traveling the scenic byway, visitors get a taste of the variety that makes up the Rocky Mountains. Travelers go from mild, warm temperatures to cold, frigid ones in a matter of minutes. Wildlife changes from elk and deer to marmots and bighorn sheep as the road climbs higher. And green forests give way to rocky tundra with each passing mile.

The 48-mile stretch of road has been one of Colorado's most popular routes since it opened in 1938, and it's easy to see why. Traveling the scenic byway, visitors get a taste of the variety that makes up the Rocky Mountains. Travelers go from mild, warm temperatures to cold, frigid ones in a matter of minutes. Wildlife changes from elk and deer to marmots and bighorn sheep as the road climbs higher. And green forests give way to rocky tundra with each passing mile.

The road, with 11 miles over 11,000 feet in elevation, holds the honor of America's highest continuous highway. It reaches its peak at 12,183 feet, well above the 11,500 foot timberline, where trees end. From Trail Ridge's breathtaking heights, visitors can sometimes see as far as Wyoming.

The road, which takes about three hours to complete, offers plenty to do along the way, too. At Milner Pass, it crosses the Continental Divide, where stream flows are separated east from west. And visitors can take the half hour Tundra World Nature Trail from the Rock Cut parking area to get a closer look at the plant life. At night, sky gazing is a popular past time on Trail Ridge Road, as there are no city lights to compete with the stars.

Trail Ridge Road is only open from about Memorial Day to mid-October, though, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Places to Stay and Fun Things to Do

A Moose Tracks Manor
Rustic charm awaits you at this lakefront log vacation home with 3 bedrooms, set in the seclusion of Sun Valley Lake with new boating and fishing dock. Near Rocky Mountain National Park. Open All Year!

Elk Meadow RV Resort
Adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park a 1/2 mile to the entrance: 170 sites, handicap sites, cabins & tent sites. One mile to Estes Park. NEW 18 hole mini-golf course, ice cream & snack shoppe.

Estes Park Center® - YMCA of the Rockies
Affordable year-round lodging, meals and activities for everyone in your family or group! Horseback ride, hike, climb, skateboard, fish, swim, mini-golf, disc golf, snowshoe and ski. Off-season discounts.

Grand Escape Cottages, Vacation Homes & Condos
Open all year -- A stone's throw from the lake! 12 cottages in historic Grand Lake Village, at the end of the Boardwalk. Condos on the river! Rural vacation homes away from town. Snowmobile from your door.

McGregor Mountain Lodge
Rustic ambiance, contemporary comforts. Borders Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy wildlife watching & cozy log fireplaces for your romantic getaway or family vacation. 4 miles west of Estes Park.

Misty Mountain Lodge
Our guests frequently comment: It's so beautiful here -- surrounded by trees, the river, spectacular mountain backdrop, and it feels like you're really out in nature. But -- Estes Park is RIGHT HERE.

Moose Lake Lodge, LLC
4 lakefront homes on the shores of Sun Valley Lake; 1 is 200 feet from the lake in the woods. All feature spectacular mountain views. 1/4-mile to Rocky Mountain National Park. Snowmobile from your doorstep!

Olympus Lodge
In Estes Park, near Rocky Mountain National Park. Warm hospitality in a charming family environment. Enjoy fabulous mountain views from your room's porch. Ideal for weddings and family reunions.

Pinebrook Vacation Rentals
At the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, accommodating all tastes and budgets from cozy rustic cabins hidden in the pines to luxurious mountain homes with all the amenities. Some are pet friendly.

Range Property Management Vacation Rentals
Enjoy an upscale vacation home, condo or cabin that best meets your wishes for a special vacation in & around Estes Park. Sit back, relax, give us the pleasure of helping you enjoy where nature abounds.

Snow Mountain Ranch® - YMCA of the Rockies
Affordable year-round lodging, meals & activities for your family or group! Horseback ride, hike, bike, climb, fish, swim, mini-golf, snowshoe, sled, tube, ice skate, downhill & XC ski. Off-season discounts.

Winding River Resort Village
160 acres near Grand Lake, borders Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapahoe National Forest. Vacation with your horse at horse/camp sites with 12'x32' pen, lodge rooms, cabins, barn available.

Return to the Top

More Activities & Information