Trail Ridge Road

With more than 60 peaks rising over 12,000 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park is a true Rocky Mountain high.  Countless breathtaking vistas range from 8,000 to 14,259 feet with a third of the park above the tree line. Scenic vistas and overlooks reveal the Park’s awe-inspiring landscapes that spread out at your feet. Winding through 50 miles of forest and mountain landscapes in the Park, Trail Ridge Road Scenic and Historic Byway is an incredibly scenic road that offers access to the higher regions of the central Rocky Mountains. When driving the road in 1931, the head of the National Park Service was awe-inspired, saying “it is hard to describe the sensation this new road is going to make. You will have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions – a scenic wonder road of the world.” Up beyond the aspen, ponderosa pine, fir and spruce, it’s usually 20 or 30 degrees cooler. Vistas from the marked pullovers sweep north to Wyoming, east to the Front Range and West into the heart of the Rockies. Along the way, wildlife, colorful ground hugging plants, debris from Ice Age glaciers and lush mountain meadows are common.  Stretch your legs on the Tundra World Nature Trail, a half-hour walk beginning at Rock Cut. Take a five-minute stroll for a magnificent view of Forest Canyon, Hayden Gorge and Gorge Lakes at Forest Canyon Overlook.  Stand on the Rock of the Rockies at Rock Cut and Rainbow Curb, elevated more than two miles above sea level.  At Milner Pass, the Trail Ridge Road meets the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Take your time and savor the views.