scenic byway scenic byway

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway Map

 

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway, Colorado Map, The CVD Map Symbols, The CVD Not all towns appear on map. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for accuracy or completeness of maps. This information was compiled as accurately as possible.

Every year, it takes an average of 42 days to plow Trail Ridge Road, at a cost of more than $30,000, but most people would agree the effort is well worth it.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado, The CVD
Trail Ridge Road, Colorado, The CVD

The 48-mile stretch of road has been one of Colorado's most popular routes since it opened in 1938, and it's easy to see why. Traveling the scenic byway, visitors get a taste of the variety that makes up the Rocky Mountains. Travelers go from mild, warm temperatures to cold, frigid ones in a matter of minutes. Wildlife changes from elk and deer to marmots and bighorn sheep as the road climbs higher. And green forests give way to rocky tundra with each passing mile.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado, The CVD
Trail Ridge Road, Colorado, The CVD

The 48-mile stretch of road has been one of Colorado's most popular routes since it opened in 1938, and it's easy to see why. Traveling the scenic byway, visitors get a taste of the variety that makes up the Rocky Mountains. Travelers go from mild, warm temperatures to cold, frigid ones in a matter of minutes. Wildlife changes from elk and deer to marmots and bighorn sheep as the road climbs higher. And green forests give way to rocky tundra with each passing mile.

The road, with 11 miles over 11,000 feet in elevation, holds the honor of America's highest continuous highway. It reaches its peak at 12,183 feet, well above the 11,500 foot timberline, where trees end. From Trail Ridge's breathtaking heights, visitors can sometimes see as far as Wyoming.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado, The CVD
Continental Divide, Trail Ridge Road, Colorado, The CVD

The road, which takes about three hours to complete, offers plenty to do along the way, too. At Milner Pass, it crosses the Continental Divide, where stream flows are separated east from west. And visitors can take the half hour Tundra World Nature Trail from the Rock Cut parking area to get a closer look at the plant life. At night, sky gazing is a popular past time on Trail Ridge Road, as there are no city lights to compete with the stars.

Trail Ridge Road is only open from about Memorial Day to mid-October, though, so visitors should plan accordingly.

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Places to Stay & Fun things to Do

A Moose Tracks Manor email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Rustic Elegance awaits you at this lakefront log vacation home with 3 bedrooms, set in the seclusion of Sun Valley Lake with a boating and fishing dock. Near Rocky Mountain National Park. Open All Year!
Misty Mountain Lodge photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Our guests frequently comment: It's so beautiful here -- surrounded by trees, the river, spectacular mountain backdrop, and it feels like you're really out in nature. But -- Estes Park is RIGHT HERE.
Range Property Management Vacation Rentals email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Enjoy an upscale vacation home, condo or cabin that best meets your wishes for a special vacation in and around Estes Park. Sit back, relax, give us the pleasure of helping you enjoy where nature abounds.
Winding River Resort Village email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page location map sub-page available on business page
160 acres near Grand Lake, borders Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapahoe National Forest. Vacation with your horse at horse/camp sites with 12'x32' pen, lodge rooms, cabins, barn available.

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More Activities & Information

Estes Park - includes Drake
Grand Lake - includes Granby & Sol Vista

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