The adverse weather conditions make the road dangerous and, it is not uncommon for the road to be closed in bad weather throughout the year.Ĭolorado is susceptible to snow, and given the high altitude encountered on the route, snow, and ice are common. The weather can greatly impact your driving time, and the road is closed during the winter months, usually from late October until May. Keep an eye out for other road users as you head towards the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk and moose are commonly spotted along the route, as are bighorn sheep, with their impressive horns and they can be spotted on the high slopes and cliffs of the park. It is important to keep an eye out for wildlife crossing the road and this can cause other vehicles to stop suddenly. Be mindful of other drivers pulling over at short notice to park up and catch the vistas. Things to know that can impact your driving timeĪs you head through the Rocky Mountain National Park, the expansive views mean it's only natural that cars will slow down to admire the scenery. Table showing the distance to Trail Ridge Road from major US cities From With mountain views all around, the route follows the shores of Lake Granby with Table Mountain towering over the water, and you'll soon reach Shadow Mountain Lake where the road runs parallel to the shoreline all the way to Grand Lake. The route begins by heading west on the I-70 towards Idaho Springs before switching to Highway 40 at Empire to Berthoud Falls.Īfter a quick stop for a view of Berthoud Falls Cascades, the road twists and turns as it meanders northwards past Colorado Mines Peak towards Fraser.Ĭontinue onwards past Tabernash before arriving at Granby where a right turn leads you onto the US-34. Visiting Trail Ridge Road from Denver takes a little over 100 miles to reach the start of the route in Grand Lake. There are links to major highways in every direction making it an extremely popular attraction. Trail Ridge Road is situated in northern Colorado, in the Rocky Mountain National Park lying to the east of the popular cities of Denver and Boulder. The road continues its winding ascent to the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest point on the Trail Ridge Road at 12,183 feet, and a great place to stop and take in the stunning scenery and explore the information center and gift shop.Ĭontinue onwards past Trail Ridge to the Trail Ridge Road Summit, with Sundance Mountain in your sights as you head towards Forest Canyon Overlook.Īs the road descends, there are more excellent photo opportunities at Rainbow Curve Overlook and Many Parks Curve Overlook before heading down towards Deer Mountain and the end of the route at Estes Park. Wind through the incredible Rocky Mountain National Park as you head along Trail Ridge Road. Stopping off at just a few of the perfectly placed overlooks can easily double the journey time and we recommend allowing a day to make the trip as you wouldn't want to miss anything along the way. But a trip through the breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery should be savored and there are many stops and overlooks where you'll want to stop and admire the incredible views that catch the eye in every direction. The Trail Ridge Road is only 48 miles long, so can easily be completed in under 2 hours. How long does it take to drive Trail Ridge Road?ĭesignated as a National All-American Road, the excitement begins from the starting point of Trail Ridge Road as you climb 4,000 feet almost immediately and its high elevation makes it the highest continuous paved road in the US. Continue reading to discover much more about the route and some of our top tips to make the drive even more enjoyable. With its many overlooks, forests, and towering rock formations, Trail Ridge Road is a unique road trip through the heart of the Colorado mountain wilderness. The short route takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes, but it's not to be rushed with unforgettable views. The 48-mile drive along Trail Ridge Road takes you from Grand Lake heading northeast through the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park to Estes Park. Known as the Highway to the Sky, this scenic road through the Rocky Mountain National Park reaches 12,183 feet at its highest point and is famous for its awe-inspiring views. If you're looking for an inspiring drive through the mountains of Colorado, then a drive along Trail Ridge Road should be top of your list.
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