Trail Ridge Road
Estes Park, CO
The highest continuous paved road in the US, topping out at 12,183 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park. Usually open from Memorial Day to mid-October.
This 77 km (48 mile) road crosses Rocky Mountain National Park between Estes Park in the east and Grand Lake in the west, topping out at 3,713 m (12,183 ft). Much of it runs above the tree line through alpine tundra, where you can spot elk and bighorn sheep; wildflowers bloom there in midsummer. The Alpine Visitor Center, at 3,595 m (11,796 ft), is the highest visitor center in the National Park Service. The road has been designated an All-American Road since 1996.
Pure driving time is about 1.5 to 2 hours each way; with stops at overlooks such as Rock Cut or Forest Canyon Overlook, plan on 2 to 4 hours. Start before 10 a.m.: thunderstorms often build in the afternoon, and lines form at the entrances. Depending on snow, the road usually opens in late May and closes in mid-October, but sudden weather can close it at any time. In peak season you need a timed-entry reservation from recreation.gov to enter the park.
- Nearest town
- Estes Park, CO
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 40.3428, -105.6836
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Trail Ridge Road (3,713 m). Usually open June–September; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: There is no road across the park when it is closed; go round via I-70 or US-40.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Moraine Park CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Trail Ridge Road · 239 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Glacier Basin CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Trail Ridge Road · 153 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsWaste disposal
- East Portal CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Trail Ridge RoadTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Timber Creek CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Trail Ridge Road · 98 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsWaste disposal
- Meeker Park Overflow CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Trail Ridge RoadTentsCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
- Flatiron Reservoir CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Trail Ridge Road · 37 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Trail Ridge Road?
Trail Ridge Road is in Estes Park, CO, at GPS 40.3428, -105.6836. It is about 7 mi from Alpine Visitor Center.
Can you camp near Trail Ridge Road?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Spruce Lake East, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 160 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Trail Ridge Road?
Trail Ridge Road is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain’s west side to Steamboat Springs.
What is there to see near Trail Ridge Road?
Places worth a stop nearby: Moraine Park Campground (5 mi), Holzwarth Historic Site (9 mi), Adams Falls (9 mi) and Echo Lake Park (48 mi).
When is the best time to visit Trail Ridge Road?
The most pleasant months are usually June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)