Trail Ridge Road

This 1.5 to 2-hour scenic drive from Winter Park to Estes Park features the magnificent scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park and great viewing areas for elk and other wildlife. Explore must-see stops along Trail Ridge Road.

Know before you go: Trail Ridge Road is open seasonally, typically from late spring to early autumn. Check current Rocky Mountain National Park road statuses to see if it is drivable.

Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed-entry permit from late May to mid-October. Make your reservation at Recreation.gov. Get the most up-to-date information on road and trail closures on the National Park website.

Driving on Trail Ridge Road

The Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway (US Highway 34) runs through Rocky Mountain National Park, world-famous for the sweeping vistas of the crags and valleys that characterize this part of the Rockies. Trail Ridge is the highest road in the US that is paved for its entire length; much of the drive is above the tree line and sightings of marmots, bighorn sheep and moose are common.

Day-long auto trips take you through Rocky Mountain National Park over the Continental Divide into Estes Park or Grand Lake. Maps are available at the The Kawuneeche Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park on Highway 34 just north of Grand Lake. Stop at the Visitor Center for maps, books, and camping and hiking information. Contact the Kawuneeche Visitors Center at 970-627-3471. Open daily 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

For more scenic drives and scenic byways in Colorado, check out Ute Pass, Trough Road, Corona / Rollins Pass, Stillwater Pass and Colorado River Headwater's Scenic and Historic Byway.