Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road
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  • Tianxingzhe
    Phoenixville, Pennsylvania25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    one incredible drive in RMNP
    Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved road in any United States National Park, peaking at 12,183 feet. This scenic road offers breathtaking views of the snow capped mountains with several overlooks and stops with parking areas. You do need to pay attention while driving on this road, since there are a few places without guardrails, and many places with rock guard rails and thick trees, but overall, in my opinion it’s not as scary as I was led to believe after reading some other reviews. Make sure you stop at Forest Canyon and Alpine Visitor Center, and bring some warm clothing since it is much cooler and windy than Estes Park.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written June 30, 2024
  • DannyWasserman
    Virginia Beach, Virginia4,646 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tremendous drive through RMNP at 12000 Feet.
    Just a stunning ride starting out at 5000 feet elevation and topping out at 12,200 feet. We started this journey with no expectations and were blown away with the amazing peaks of RMNP, the wonderful and amazing, vegetation and trees, animals grazing along the road. The real topper was getting out during the summertime and playing in the snow and making snowballs. The hair pin turns are not that bad as they have flattened the roads out pretty good. enjoy this several hour ride and take in RMNP in its best light!!!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 4, 2024
  • laurapaul2018
    Compton, Canada151 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Super Scenic
    Lots of spectacular views on this scenic drive. We did not have a timed entry, find this challenging but we were able to access the drive after the 2 p.m. deadline. Line up was a bit crazy but traffic flowed quite quickly once we got going. Lots of wildlife along the way, keep your eyes peeled, saw lots of elk and moose and deer. Winding road and need to be attentive especially at times of other drivers but wonderful.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 5, 2024
  • Knut
    148 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great drive
    We spent most of the day on trail ridge road. Great views fun hikes and lots of wildlife. The weather changes fast at altitude from rain to snow to a mini blizzard back to rain so be prepared for all weather.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 23, 2024
  • yasemin2k
    Florida354 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth the long drive from one end to other
    Wow this drive was pretty long but well worth it. We started around 5:30pm so that we can see the animals coming out feeding time and came out from other side by 9:30 ish. We did stop just few times to look out points. Then we saw elks playing on top of the mountain and around the snow area from distance. Than saw lots of deers and elks feeding in the low open fields. We got lucky and watched one elk swim cross that lake to meet with other elks in the field feeding. And bunch more around sunset. It was well worth the drive.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 30, 2024
  • RetiredTravelerTN
    Nashville, Tennessee4,014 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Took Our Time With All the Overlooks
    We drove Trail Ridge Road on two different days -- early afternoon and early morning. We enjoyed all of the stops along the way from the east to as far as Lake Irene on the west side. The sun lights the overlooks differently at various times of the day. True to all I had read, afternoon rains are common. We were glad to have plenty of time to explore RMNP.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 30, 2024
  • Kim W
    Acworth, Georgia149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The ultimate road trip!!
    WOW. If you haven’t been to Rocky Mountain National Park you are missing out. Stunning vistas, wildlife, amazing hiking, and excellent camping spots. I only had a day for my visit so I opted to drive the Trail Ridge Road. This 55 mile stretch is the tallest continuously paved road in the USA. Topping out at 12,183ft above sea level you really are in the clouds. Takes about 3hrs to complete with a million stops for photos. About midway at the upper part is the Alpine Visitor Center for a rest. Pack snacks and lots of water as the altitude is no joke. I went 9/5 and had snow at the summit so be prepared for changing weather conditions. Absolutely worth doing.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written September 6, 2024
  • GolfUMK
    Auburn, Alabama691 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must go if you visit RMNP
    To travel this road is a must go while visiting RMNP. There are plenty of stops and the roads winds up to its highest point at 12,183 ft or 3.713 m. Unfortunately there a time entry constraints in the park to avoid overtourism. There are also trailheads on the road. Very recommended for hiking are Rock Cut and Deer Mountain. We‘d come back for sure.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 7, 2024
  • MustRetireSoon
    Oregon26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Glorious Trail Ridge Road
    How much more beautiful can the Rocky Mountains be? We had taken this trip as kids and remember it being a bit breathtakingly scary. We took this trip 50 years later and it was breathtaking in a glorious way. Timed entry no problem. We planned to spend most the day there and did and still need to go back and see some more. I'm telling you man . . . tis drive is special. A must do and probably more than once.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written October 14, 2024
  • USASUN
    Zurich, Switzerland261 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Schöne Bergstrasse
    We drove this road from Grand Lake to Estes Park. This mountain road with the many views is highly recommended. There are some stops and also small trails. Upstairs, next to the Alpine Visitor Center, you can have some food or drink in the restaurant with a nice view. In summer, however, there is a lot of activity here. We also encountered a group of deer halfway through. It is worth planning a little more time here, especially in nice weather.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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5.0
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Juan Carlos V
Buenos Aires, Argentina183 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
There are many valuable opinions about this park, I will try to give some information that may be of interest:

1) To visit the park, 3 days is a good amount to enjoy and see many beautiful places
2) To enter the circuits you need permission. This is done through an app, but be careful that it does not work well in Spanish. Ask for help to obtain them.
3) Entrance to the park is paid per vehicle (35 dollars). If you are going to visit several national parks, I suggest checking to see if the annual pass is a good option. (the weekly pass is per park and is not useful in another)
4) IF you have little time, without a doubt the best circuit is the Trail Ridge Road
5) A good option to sleep is the city of Estes Park. IF you are traveling through Colorado, a good alternative is to continue the trip leaving through Grand Lake
6) To save, it is good to have drinks and meals available in the vehicle.
7) Even though it is summer, it is very cold in the tundra, so I suggest bringing enough clothing.
8) There are many attractions and walking trails. Depending on time and physical fitness, I suggest planning the activities to do in advance.
9) Don't forget binoculars.
10) Although it may seem strange, the largest number of Elks are seen in the city of Este Park in the morning or in the late afternoon. Also in Morraine Park
Google
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anna
1,695 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
From the Alpine Visitor Center to Estes Park, we drove the Trail Ridge Road for the first time, after having taken the Old Fall River Road from Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Center.
Some stops on the Trailridge Road are not signposted at all or only for a short time, so you should just head for any parking lot that catches your eye. Actually, there really is always something to see!
At the very end, we even saw a bathing moose! That was great!
The next day, we drove back to the RMNP and drove the Trailridge Road first from east to west and then back. 3x Trailridge Road sounds like a lot, but I could drive there 300 times, it's just so beautiful!
That day, we even saw a lot of deer, walking along the side of the road with a ranger.
My favorite viewpoint is perhaps the Rainbow Curve Overlook and/or the Forest Canyon Overlook.
However, you have to book a time slot in addition to the entrance fee if you want to enter the park before 2 p.m. I can only recommend this, because in the afternoon the Trailridge Road is completely crowded, so it's definitely worth starting early!
Google
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aln357
Anacoco, LA1,512 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Family
I was a little hesitant when it was $30 per vehicle to enter the national park that contains this drive, but after driving through it it was totally worth it. We traveled in late May and there was still snow in the past. I do recommend being all the way to the top of the mountain before 5:00 p.m. because you can buy hot chocolate at a gift shop. Very enjoyable trip. We saw four moose, elk, and mule deer. Excellent drive.
Written May 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve5863
Avon, OH12,805 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
Waking up in Longmont a bit before sunrise on morning in early October, I found the skies to be completely overcast with a steady drizzle and was afraid my plans for the day, beginning with a visit to Trail Ridge Road, may be a bust. Logging onto NPS’s website, then navigating to the RMNP site and the webcam feed from the Alpine Visitor Center, I saw that it was above the cloud cover and light coating of snow decorated the mountain tops and tundra.

Hustling to eat my breakfast and get ready, I headed to Trail Ridge Road and carefully drove through the pea soup thick fog at the lower elevations. Finally reaching the tree line and clear skies simultaneously, I was treated to a surrealistic view or soaring mountains covered in a candy coating of snow, tundra displaying autumn colors, and the clouds passing through the tree covered valleys as the rain dissipated below. Having the overlooks nearly to myself, the experience was fleeting as the snow was gone in less than two hours and the crowds began to build rapidly.

Even without snow, Trail Ridge Road was still spectacular and arriving early, avoiding the crowds and with the low angle of the sun adding visual warmth, even if the morning is a bit chilly, is worth the early alarm. I enjoyed exploring the entire length, driving all the way to Grand Lake, just outside the west entrance, turning around and returning to Estes Park, stopping at all the overlooks, hiking a few shorter trails and viewing elk near Holzwarth Historic Site and in the valley below the Alpine Visitor Center. However, if one is more limited in time, I would recommend turning around at the Farview Curve overlook as the road soon descends to the west side’s Kawuneeche Valley which is not nearly as spectacular as the rest.
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MichaelLong1963
Colorado Springs, CO447 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful and easy to navigate to see in 2-days.

The park charges a $25 fee per day and definitely due to the virus you should book your reservation 2 hour time slot prior to arriving. We went while the weather was still very nice so I can't comment on what's it like to visit during the winter hours but there was a fire nearby that closed Trail Ridge Road but we got lucky and didn't have to turn around and go back out the west entrance. We were able to drive through the park and exit near Estes Park.

Definitely drive "Trail Ridge Road" during the summer before they close it down during the winter (we heard that it can be closed during the winter). The park offers a lot of hiking trails. Unfortunately during our visit both Visitor Centers were partially closed due to the virus and that was disappointing.

Not many people know this but the Colorado River starts inside this National Park but during our visit the trail to the site of the beginning wasn't open. If you visit maybe you can hike this trail to see the beginning of this famous river. I've heard that this is the THIRD most visited National Park in the country so if you visit I think you will be glad you did!
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jfd
Scottsdale, AZ1,694 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
Get in before 9 without a pass and use the gypsyguide for the best tour. It will take all day if you go to Grand Lake but you cannot renter without a timed pass. Lot’s of places to stop along the way great scenery. Bring warm clothes for the top. It’s windy and cold at Alpine. Also good to bring food for a picnic. Sheep meadow was good for seeing moose. Visitor centerS were not that helpful
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gabrielle W
Mobile, AL392 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
This is an absolutely breathtaking road (maybe in more ways than one if you struggle with the elevation like I did). It is amazing to see the change in scenery as you go along. We did the whole road from Grand Lake to Estes, and then one evening went halfway up from Estes to the Alpine Visitor Center. Highly recommend driving the whole thing at least once, and it does take the good half of a day if you do the stops. Definite evidence of the fire when starting out in Grand Lake but it got scenic very quickly. I have never struggled with mountain road drives, have done Newfound Gap, Icefields Parkway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway and been totally fine but there are many parts of this road that gave me extreme anxiety, specifically around the tundra. Absolutely worth seeing but do keep in mind if you are scared of heights or just scary roads. Whoever is driving needs to be very careful and mindful. I can't express how beautiful it was though, and I loved seeing the tundra because I had never seen anything like that before. We saw a herd of elk around the top which was surprising! It got pretty cold and extremely windy so bring a jacket. You can stop at the visitor center, which is the biggest and best in the park, and they even have a little cafe.
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ashley
Hermitage, AR21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
This is an amazing trail. When cloudy or stormy however visibility is almost nonexistent! Also we thought reservations were a must. The only time slot was 4pm so we waited. We later found out by park staff we could have came before 9am and not needed a reservation. Also we were able to get into the park earlier than our time just could not go into bear lake until our time slot!
Written June 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

George S
Miami Beach, FL1,628 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
This highway ( Highway 34) runs through the RMNP connecting the eastern and western sections (Estes Park and Grand Lake). This is a fabulous scenic route and is about 3 hours one-way. There are many view points (some with bathrooms) along the way and the Alpine Visitors Center is located along the route towards the western side. It is paved but has some hairpin turns. We took it in mid August and it was great. As of early November it is closed for the season which generally runs from Memorial Day to late September — pls check ahead.
Written November 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

angeleyes27
Brigantine, NJ5,364 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Couples
We drove this in June when there was still snow on the higher altitudes. Scenery was stunning. We drove the whole road but when we were almost through it, the ranger at the alpine visitor center tested us and told us to get to lower altitude. There are many nice overlooks to enjoy. Road has some steep drop offs with no guard rails in area but the majority is no problem in good condition. Closed during winter.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Trail Ridge Road - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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