Watch the Sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook

Estes Park, Colorado

5.0/5

based on 3 reviews

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Distance

0.2 miles

Elevation Gain

32 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jonathon Reed

Make the most of the majestic Trail Ridge Road by lingering on the mountainside until sunset to watch the tundra turn sunlit orange and the distant snowy peaks fade into night.

Trail Ridge Road is an incredible highway that crosses the mountains between Grand Lake and Estes Park, one of the most famous parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. It features incredible views of the Rockies and the Front Range, as well as the unforgettable experience of being immersed in the tundra of Sundance Mountain.

I encourage you to spend the day hiking on one of the many trails in the park. Rocky Mountain has a lot of adventures to offer, whether it's day hiking, camping, wilderness backpacking or rock climbing. But if you find yourself on Trail Ridge Road near the end of the day, or if you have the time to drive out, stop at Forest Canyon Overlook for sunset.

Forest Canyon Overlook is located halfway between the Alpine Visitor Centre and Many Parks Curve. The parking lot is just on the side of the road, with an easy quarter-mile trail to the viewpoint. Stay off the fragile tundra. Grab a camera and a warm sweater and go take in the glacier-etched vista. You'll be treated to views of Terra Tomah Mountain and Stones Peak, with the vast expanse of Forest Canyon in between.

You can learn more about night photography at Trail Ridge Road from Jason Hatfield.

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Watch the Sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook Reviews

Explorer

Haley Baker

Explorer

Watch the Sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook

07/21/17

After years spent visiting RMNP, this is still one of my favorite spots in the park. It's one of those stops I make sure to take friends and family when they visit. And it's great if you need a quick escape from the bustle of city life and can't get out on a hike to watch the sunset.

5.0

Explorer

Calvin Weibel

Explorer

Watch the Sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook

01/07/17

Really good spot for the evening in RMNP. This and a few other spots on Trail Ridge Rd are really great for watching sunsets.

5.0

Explorer

Grant Whitty

Explorer

Watch the Sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook

11/06/16

Got some really gnarly shots of Longs Peak from here around sunset. Good place for the whole family too.

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

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Watch the Sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook

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Watch the Sunset at Forest Canyon Overlook Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Photograph the Night Sky Over Trail Ridge Road

Backpack the Gorge Lakes

Chapin Pass Trail to Mount Chapin

Chasm Falls

Catch a Sunset Above Milner Pass

Hike the Ypsilon Lake Trail

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