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Rocky Mountain NP's Trail Ridge Road

40.387035,-105.610770

4.9/5
based on 16 reviews

Details

Distance

39.06 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Joel Bear

Take in breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains on one of the two roads 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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Features

Photography
Hiking
Forest
Scenic
Wildlife

Rocky Mountain NP's Trail Ridge Road Reviews

RMNP is full of incredible hikes and photo opportunities. That being said, there are definitely prettier places in Colorado and if you travel with a dog there's not much to do here. My favorite time to visit is in the winter when most of the tourists are gone and the snow is plentiful.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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