Trail Ridge Road
United States, north-america
77 km
3,713 m
moderate
June-September
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching 3,713 meters as it crosses the Continental Divide through Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The 77-kilometer route between Estes Park and Grand Lake takes drivers above the treeline for nearly 18 kilometers, traversing alpine tundra that closely resembles Arctic landscapes found thousands of kilometers to the north.
The road follows ancient Ute and Arapaho trails used for thousands of years to cross the mountains. Modern travelers experience breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and vast meadows where elk and bighorn sheep graze. At the Alpine Visitor Center near the summit, exhibits explain the fragile tundra ecosystem where plants grow only millimeters per year and harsh winds sculpt trees into twisted krummholz formations.
Where is it?
Trail Ridge Road is located in Colorado, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 40.3978, -105.6836
Driving Tips
Open late May to mid-October. Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. Altitude sickness is a real concern above 3,000 meters, so stay hydrated and move slowly. A timed-entry reservation is required for Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season.
Road Surface
Paved, well-maintained with some steep grades
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- Colorado
- Length
- 77 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,713 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved, well-maintained with some steep grades
- Best Season
- June-September
- Coordinates
- 40.3978, -105.6836
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