Trail Ridge Road

The road was completed in 1932 for cross Continental Divide travel. The road begins west of Estes Park at Deer Ridge Junction in Rocky Mountain National Park. Grand Lake is the terminus at the western entrance of the Park. Trail Ridge Road stays above tree line, in the alpine tundra, for 11 miles. Views to the north, south, east, and west extend into Wyoming and three adjacent National Forests, across the 415 square miles of parkland.

This is a demanding intermediate to advanced level ride. The road climbs 3,758 feet in 20.2 miles. The reward is 10 miles of rolling, alpine highway at about 12,000 feet above sea level. Expect air temperatures to be 15-20F degrees cooler above tree line. An early start at sunrise will assure light traffic and decrease the chances of being caught above tree line in a lightning storm. The only protection from lightning is at Fall River Pass. Temporary shelter is available at Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Store. In emergencies, the comfort stations at Rainbow Curve and at Rock Cut provide protection. Average biking time: 4-6 hours, round trip.

Beaver Ponds Picnic Ground - Beaver Ponds Picnic Ground is located along Trail Ridge Road (Hwy. 34), near the east end of the road. The site has six tables and fire rings.

Colorado River Picnic Ground - The Colorado River Picnic Ground is located just off Highway 34, along the Colorado River, at the north end of the Kawuneeche Valley. This picnic area is on the west side of the park.

Coyote Valley Picnic Ground - The Coyote Valley Picnic Ground sits just off Highway 34 on the west side of the park. The area is located in the Kawuneeche Valley, along the Colorado River.

Kawuneeche Visitor Center - The Kawuneeche Visitor Center is located at the west entrance to the park, along Highway 34, just north of Grand Lake. It is open year-round.

Lake Irene Picnic Ground - Lake Irene Picnic Ground is located along Trail Ridge Road (Hwy. 34), just west of Milner Pass and the Continental Divide. There are eight tables and fire grates.

Park Headquarters Visitor Center - The Park Headquarters and the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center are located along Highway 36, just west of Estes Park, at the main entrance to the east side of the park.

Sundance Mountain Trail - The high altitude walk to this summit begins on Trail Ridge Road between Forest Canyon Overlook and Rock Cut. It leads out to Sundance Mountain.

Timber Creek Campground - Closer than the eastside campgrounds to the amazing Trail Ridge hikes, this site is definitely the gems of the west side.

Timber Lake Trail - This trail on the west side of the park begins off Highway 34 in the Kawuneeche Valley. It is a strenuous 4.8 mile hike up to Timber Lake.