Table of Contents

Craving an unforgettable mountain adventure? Driving Trail Ridge Road in Colorado should be at the top of your list. Appropriately nicknamed the “Highway to the Sky,” this scenic 48-mile stretch of Highway 34 ascends to over 12,000 feet, making it the highest continuous paved road in America. Winding through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the route offers breathtaking views of dense alpine forests, lush meadows and sweeping valleys. Plus, it happens to be inside one of the most popular national parks in the U.S.: Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Whether you’re looking to connect with nature or satisfy your adventurous side, the Trail Ridge drive won’t disappoint. In this guide, we’re sharing the best times to go, must-see sites and other tips for a smooth and mystical journey.

When to Make the Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive

Given the elevation of Trail Ridge Road, this route sees some extreme winter weather. That’s why it’s closed from October through late May (and sometimes through early June). So make sure you book any supporting travel arrangements, like flights and hotels, accordingly. Here are some other seasonal tips to keep in mind.

• Summer (June to August): Visit in the summer for unhindered access to the road. You’ll avoid potential closures and enjoy clear skies, perfect for long days of hiking and wildlife watching. Plus, you’ll escape some of the chilly temperatures for which the Rocky Mountains are famous (though you’ll still need to bundle up at night).
• Fall (September to October): The road is open in September and for as long as October weather allows. Nature photographers will love the fall foliage at this time, and the crisp air is invigorating. 
• Spring (April to May): The road is closed in April, but you should be able to enter by late May (usually around Memorial Day). Just keep in mind the earlier you go in the season, the more likely it is that you catch some snow patches on the road, so make sure your vehicle is equipped to handle them. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the wildflower bloom. 
• Winter (November to March): The road is closed in the winter, as the snow makes it unsafe to drive. However, you can still explore nearby regions, like the Colorado River Trailhead near the west entrance or Bear Lake Road on the east side of Trail Ridge Drive.

Even though the road isn’t open year-round, thanks to the Trail Ridge Road altitude, you can experience what feels like four-season weather, spring through fall. The region is known for its ever-changing weather, presenting a different climate from one hour to the next.

Is a Reservation Required to Drive the Rocky Mountain Trail Ridge Road?

In an effort to reduce congestion and impact on the terrain, Rocky Mountain National Park requires Timed Entry Reservations from May through October for visitors entering between 9 am and 2 pm. You cannot drive Trail Ridge Road without a reservation during this timeframe. Your reservation will allow you to enter the park within a two-hour window with no designated departure time. The non-refundable fee is only $2 and can be paid at Recreation.gov.

How Long Does It Take to Drive Trail Ridge Road in Colorado?

Consider setting aside an entire day to enjoy Trail Ridge Road. Even though you can complete the drive in under two hours to enjoy its full glory, you’ll want to pull over often. You might be so mesmerized by some spots that you’ll decide to stay a while. 

Where Does Trail Ridge Road Start and End?

Trail Ridge Road begins in Estes Park, Colorado, east of Rocky Mountain National Park, and ends in Grand Lake, Colorado, on the park's west side. If you kick things off in Estes Park, consider taking the Aerial Tramway up to the summit of Prospect Mountain for some stunning valley views before venturing into the park. Starting in Grand Lake? As Colorado’s largest natural lake, Grand Lake offers plenty of activities for water lovers, like paddleboarding and swimming.

Full Drive Time for Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Drive is 48 miles long. However, due to the windy nature of the road, the speed limit maxes out at 30 MPH and can be as low as 15 MPH in some sections. For that reason, it can take up to two hours to drive Trail Ridge Road without extended stops (and we think you’ll want to stop often). 

Suggested Trip Duration When Driving Trail Ridge Road

To truly soak up the beauty of this road trip, give yourself four to six hours to complete it. That should give you plenty of time to immerse yourself in several stops, enjoy a hike and maybe even take in an extended picnic along the way.

Our Top 7 Can’t-Miss Stops Along Trail Ridge Road, CO

Trail Ridge Road is your gateway to jaw-dropping views, exhilarating adventures and enchanting moments in nature. Whether you’re interested in hiking, viewing wildlife or journaling in a meadow, this spectacular drive has it all. We’ve curated a list of seven must-see spots, ranging from valleys to volcanic cliff sides and thick alpine forests. Get ready to fall in love with Trail Ridge Road.

1. Beaver Meadows Entrance (8,200 feet)

The Beaver Meadows entrance is the most accessible one coming from Estes Park. Beaver Meadows will be your introduction to the park, and it makes a solid first impression. 

 Kick your drive off with a visit to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. As striking as it is informative, the center was designed by apprentices of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The structure seamlessly blends into its surroundings — a trademark of Wright’s earth-centric style. Inside, you can learn about the park from rangers, as well as the interactive exhibits focusing on the park’s ecology.

From here, you’re a short drive from Moraine Park, a gorgeous valley known for its presence of elk in the fall and wildflowers in the spring. Walk the easy 5.2-mile loop for views of meadows and streams before hopping back in your car and continuing your adventure.

 Next,  visit a fairytale landscape in Hidden Valley. Distance: 11.4 miles

2. Hidden Valley (9,400 feet)

Surrounded by spruce and fir trees, all underscored by a romantic feather moss, Hidden Valley feels straight out of a storybook. While most of Trail Ridge Road is closed during the winter, Hidden Valley is not only open during the winter, but is a major destination for snow sports. In fact, it’s the only area in the park where sledding is permitted. You’ll find a one-mile loop with three-foot bridges that take you through the valley. It’s a nice place to stop, stretch your legs and use the on-site bathrooms before tackling more of the road ahead. Access to it can depend on the weather, so be sure to confirm current conditions via the NPS site or hotline.

 Climb new and vibrant heights at Rainbow Curve. Distance: 2.5 miles

3. Rainbow Curve (10,829 feet)

Enjoy diverse panoramic views at Rainbow Curve. This is where you’ll transition from the milder subalpine terrain to rugged alpine terrain, so prepare for a temperature drop. (If you’re susceptible to altitude sickness, this is the time to take that Diamox). Hopefully, the stunning vistas will overpower all other sensations. You’ll see several mountain ranges from Rainbow Curve, such as Horseshoe Park and Alluvial Fan (a unique fan-shaped area of rocks). 

If you’re ready for a hike, Deer Ridge Junction — the trailhead for the Deer Mountain Trail — is nearby. This six-mile hike also offers sweeping views of mountain ranges, as well as Old Fall River Road. Pack our Colorado atlas — its handy latitude/longitude overlay grid can help you find your way.

See where waters diverge by visiting the Forest Canyon Overlook. Distance: 3.8 miles

 4. Forest Canyon Overlook (11,716 feet)

Forest Canyon Overlook offers views of Forest Canyon, a glacier-carved valley. The valley is surrounded by the peaks of the Continental Divide, a natural wonder in its own right that determines whether rivers and streams flow to the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean. You’ll want to get your camera ready for this stop. Thanks to an observation platform, you don’t even need to hit the trails for the best views.

Observe ancient volcanic activity at Lava Cliffs. Distance: 3.4 miles

5. Lava Cliffs (12,000 feet)

Marvel at the remnants of volcanic activity at Lava Cliffs. Roughly 28 million years ago, lava flowed through the region and was buried until a glacier cut through the hillside, exposing this rare natural landmark. Wildlife, like pikas and marmots, elk, American pipits, and Prairie Falcons, are often perched on the cliffs, creating an Ice Age-esque image. 

Get your camera out for this next site, Rock Cut. Distance: 2.1 miles

6. Rock Cut (12,050 feet)

Rock Cut is not only the highest point of the drive — it’s a unique and highly photographed feature in the park. Millions of years of erosion, glacier activity and ancient mountain-building processes slowly removed a chunk from the mountain. The result is an opening that looks like someone cut a piece out of the peak. It’s a highly popular place for sunset photo shoots. Plus, you can stroll the half-mile paved trail through the tundra, complete with informative signs about the local wildlife and plant life.

 Take in your final views at the Alpine Visitor Center. Distance: 1.7 miles

 7. Alpine Visitor Center (11,796 feet)

Wind down your trip at the Alpine Visitor Center, where you can learn about the surrounding ecosystems through the exhibits or grab a souvenir in the gift shop. You can also take one last look at the Mummy Range, Fall River Valley and nearby mountain peaks from here. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath (literally and figuratively) after your high-elevation adventures.

Distance to next stop (Beaver Meadows Entrance): 19.6 miles (return trip)

Essential Items to Bring on Your RMNP Trail Ridge Road Adventure

Part of Trail Ridge Road’s appeal is the elevation and varied weather. That’s also what makes the right packing list essential. Here’s our go-to list for a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience. 

• Money and Park Entrance Fees: There is a fee to enter the Rocky Mountain National Park. You can get a 1-day pass for $30 or a 7-day pass for $35, so if you think you’d like more than one day, the extra $5 is well worth it. Keep in mind that the actual entrances only accept credit/debit cards. However, cash payers can pick up a pass at the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Store at Beaver Meadows, Fall River Visitor Center or Kawuneeche Visitor Center.
• Layered Clothing: The Rockies can experience extreme temperature changes, so pack layers. We recommend one short-sleeve and one long-sleeved T-shirt, as well as a fleece pullover, a windbreaker, and a rain jacket. Don’t forget your sun gear, like hats and sunscreen. 
• Camera: Pack a solid camera unless your phone has a phenomenal lens. Consider packing a portable tripod, too, in case you want to hop in the photo or capture some video.
• Paper map: Cell service can be poor in the park, so pack our Colorado state map to make sure you can find your way to and from Trail Ridge Road.
• Snacks and Water: The only place to purchase snacks and beverages during the Trail Ridge drive is the Alpine Visitor Center (where items are quite overpriced). So pack tons of nutrient-dense snacks, like jerky and nuts, to keep your energy up. And bring plenty of water.
• First-Aid Kit: You’ll be far from services, so pack a First-Aid Kit — especially if you plan on hiking. When the trails get even the slightest bit slippery, falls can happen.

With the right gear, you’ll enjoy a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

Tips to Prepare for Driving Trail Ridge Road

Reaching an altitude of 12,183 feet and winding through valleys, forests and meadows, Trail Ridge Road is not your regular road, and enjoying it takes extra planning. Here’s what you should know before you make the drive:

• Check Road Conditions Before You Go: Trail Ridge Road can experience road closures, even during unexpected times. So check road conditions before you head out. The National Park Service website is a great place to get this information. Alternatively, you can call the Trail Ridge Road Status Line at 970-586-1222. 
• Fuel Up In Advance: While the gateway communities have gas stations, there are no places to fuel up in the park. So, enter with a full tank to avoid getting stuck without fuel or cell service.
• Be Prepared for High Altitudes: Altitude sickness is not only unpleasant, it also comes with symptoms that put drivers in danger, like dizziness and confusion. Consider changing elevations slowly to give your body a chance to acclimate. Drink plenty of water, too — high elevations cause dehydration.
• Plan for Limited Cell Service: Some sections of the road have unreliable cell service, so download offline maps before you go. Better yet, pack one of our detailed road maps.
• Drive Slowly: This is not only for your safety but also for the safety of the wildlife. Animals sometimes cut across the road, and driving slowly will give you plenty of time to brake. 

Taking the proper precautions can ensure your journey is as safe as it is satisfying. 

Plan Your Trail Ridge Road Drive with Rand McNally Maps

Ready to reach new heights on Trail Ridge Road? Let Rand McNally’s trusted Colorado maps and atlases guide you. With detailed, full-color maps and insider insights, our navigational products can help you find your way — and find some travel treasures while you’re at it. 

If you want to explore more of Rocky Mountain National Park after Trail Ridge Drive, our road atlas and national park guide can show you hidden gems, trailheads and other points of interest. The Trail Ridge drive packs so many landmarks into its 48 majestic miles, making it the ideal adventure for travelers on a time crunch. It’s time to ride the Highway to the Sky.