Drive Rocky Mountain NP's Trail Ridge Road
Added by Joel Bear
Take in breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains on one of the two raods in CO that allows you to drive up to the peaks. This is a photographer's paradise, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Start by entering Rocky Mountain National Park through Estes Park, Colorado. After acquiring a map start your ascent on Trail Ridge Rd (the road is closed in winter). The Road will take you up in elevation into the mountains so a good car is strongly recommended.
As you wind up the switch backs, the tree line will start to thin and you will come upon an overlook called Medicine Bow Curve which is an amazing view of the valley in the National Park. Its amazing place to stop and watch the clouds roll over the valley and see the winding rivers cut through the terrain. Continue up the road and it will take you over the pass / ridge. The view is spectacular, with snow caped mountains and big clouds. If you go in early June the mountains can still be heavily covered in snow which is breathtaking to behold.
Continue driving up the road, it will take you through the mountain range and bring you out on the other side.We stayed up on the range till the sunset and then drove back down the way we came to Estes Park.Be aware of the snowmelt during the day that can rapidly turn to ice (or black ice) running over the winding road when the sun goes down and temperatures quickly drop below freezing.
This is a must see to any visitor and local in Colorado.
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Join the communityReviews
Rate this AdventureGreat Views...
...but we happened to go this past summer while the wildfires were raging nearby, so it wasn't as great as it could have been. Often overcast and smoky, though we were able to get a few decent pictures around dusk.
4.0
Fun Drive
This is a nice drive and an easy way for those to reach the alpine without hiking. It is the alpine so be ready for wild weather and cold regardless of the time of year.
5.0
One of the best drives out there
Drove slow, took way too many photos. Doesn't get better than a drive like this. Its a must-see if you're visiting RMNP.
5.0
Snow in July
The best part of this when I was child was getting to throw a snow ball on my birthday July 31st.
5.0
Occasionally scary drivers, but so much wildlife
Love this drive for the late summer snow patches, the big horned sheep, and the views coming down into the west side of the park! Alpine tundra out there at the top!
5.0
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We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Stay Nearby
Estes Park, Colorado
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Larimer County, Colorado
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Allenspark, Colorado
Olive Ridge
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