Trail Ridge Road

Vehicles are driving on Trail Ridge Road in summer

NPS

Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road!

Whether you start on the east or west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoy scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities while driving on Trail Ridge Road. Cresting at an elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. 

Feel like you are driving at the top of the world, with incredible views of the Southern Rocky Mountains, the Continental Divide, and Longs Peak.

Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles. The road crosses through the middle of Rocky Mountain National Park and connects the communities of the Grand Lake and Estes Park.

This is a seasonal road open to vehicles only during the summer season. 11 miles of this road are located above treeline. There are no guardrails and there are steep drop-offs.  
 

Details

Duration

2-2 Hours

The average drive time from one side to the other on Trail Ridge Road is 2 hours. 

Activity

Scenic Driving

Enjoy a scenic drive across Rocky Mountain National Park on Trail Ridge Road. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center along the way. This is the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park Service.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets and owners have a special bond. But a national park is not always the best place for pets. Rocky Mountain National Park is a designated natural area, and its purpose is to preserve and protect the park's natural conditions, scenic beauty, and wildlife.
 

Pets are prohibited on ALL Rocky Mountain National Park trails, tundra, and meadows

 

Leashed pets may accompany you only in the following areas:

• Along established roads or in parking areas
• In established campgrounds and picnic areas

Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet. Pets may not make noise that impacts visitors or wildlife. Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet excrement in trash receptacles.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Deer Ridge Junction

Deer Ridge Junction is where Trail Ridge Road begins on the east side of RMNP. Follow Trail Ridge Road west to the Kawuneeche Valley and the town of Grand Lake. 

Reservations

Yes

Depending on what time of day you plan to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, you might need a Timed Entry reservation. To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry Permit Reservation webpage at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm

Season

Summer

Accessibility Information

Trail Ridge Road is a paved road. There are many pullouts, scenic overlooks, and parking areas along with way. There are flush or vault toilets at many stops, including at Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Milner Pass, Rock Cut, and Alpine Visitor Center.