Scenic Byways and Drives Scenic Byways and Drives

Colorado Scenic Byways Map
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway

 

Trail Ridge Road-Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Byway Map, Colorado Click here to go to map legend

Trail Ridge Road-Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Byway near Drake, Estes Park, Granby, Grand Lake, Ski Granby Ranch

Trail Ridge Road-Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Byway

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.

Chasm Falls waterfall along Trail Ridge Road-Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Byway, Colorado.
Chasm Falls along Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway
Wildlife along Trail Ridge Road-Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Byway, Colorado.
Trail Ridge Road is known for its Wildlife Viewing
 

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.

Hike along the Continental Divide, Colorado.
Hike the Continental Divide
Cars Driving on Trail Ridge Road-Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Byway, Colorado.
Trail Ridge Road is the Highest Continuous Highway in America
 

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.

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.

Hiker with child on Tundra World Nature Trail, Colorado.
Take a Family Hike on the Tundra World Nature Trail
Hikers posing in front of The Continental Divide sign, Colorado.
Milner Pass Crosses the Continental Divide
 

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

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

Columbine Cabins - Pet Friendly Web page link icon Photos on page icon
Columbine is pet friendly! Cozy mountain cabins with kitchens and Queen beds. Year round FUN at the west-end of Grand Lake. Walk to Western Boardwalk or Lake. Family picnics. BBQ grills. Outdoor hot tub.
Misty Mountain Lodge - Vacation Cabin Retreat Web page link icon Photos on page icon Location map of property icon
Estes Park is RIGHT HERE --A Family Vacation. Our Lodge Guests say: It's so beautiful here -- a cabin retreat surrounded by trees, the river, spectacular misty mountain backdrop, it feels like you're in nature.
Pinebrook Vacation Rentals:
Mountain Vacation Destinations
 Web page link icon Photos on page icon
Vacation at the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, Pinebrook fits your budget from cozy rustic cabins hidden in the pines to exquisite mountain homes full of amenities. Some rentals are pet friendly!
Winding River Resort Village: A Family Destination Email link icon Reservation link icon Photos on page icon Location map of property icon
160 acres near Grand Lake, the Resort Village borders Rocky Mountain National Park along a winding river. A family reunion destination: Cabins, campsites, lodge room. Vacation with your horse! Free WiFi.

More Activities & Information

Estes Park, Colorado includes: Drake

Grand County, Colorado

Grand Lake, Colorado includes: Granby, Ski Granby Ranch


Scenic Byways in Colorado


Click to return to main Colorado Scenic Byway Map

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