Trail Ridge Road
US 34, Colorado
2025 SEASON NOW OPEN
Trail Ridge Road spans 48 miles through Rocky Mountain National Park and stands as America's highest continuous paved road, reaching an incredible elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level. This extraordinary scenic byway opened for the 2025 season on May 30th and offers visitors unparalleled alpine experiences including stunning mountain vistas, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to pristine alpine tundra ecosystems. Whether you're driving, cycling, or hiking, Trail Ridge Road provides a once-in-a-lifetime journey through some of Colorado's most breathtaking landscapes, connecting the charming mountain communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake while traversing the Continental Divide.
Planning Your 2025 Visit:
- Current Road Status & 2025 Schedule - Check opening dates and seasonal information
- Where to Stay & Dine - Complete lodging and restaurant guide for Estes Park and Grand Lake
- Complete Seasonal Guide - Weather, wildlife, and photography tips by season
- Live Road Conditions - Real-time weather and driving conditions
Planning Your Visit
Current Status: Trail Ridge Road is open for the 2025 season! Timed entry reservations are required from 9 AM to 2 PM. The road typically remains accessible through mid-October, weather permitting. Located in north-central Colorado, the road is easily accessible from Denver (approximately 1.5 hours) and serves as the gateway to some of the most spectacular high-altitude scenery in North America. Call (970) 586-1222 for current road conditions before your visit.
Wildlife & PHOTOGRAPHY
Trail Ridge Road offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset hours. Visitors commonly spot elk herds, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and marmots along the route. The road provides access to pristine alpine tundra above treeline, where unique high-altitude ecosystems thrive. Key photography locations include Rainbow Curve (famous for nighttime city light views), Forest Canyon Overlook, and Rock Cut. The best wildlife viewing occurs at Many Parks Curve for elk and at the Alpine Visitor Center for bighorn sheep. Remember to maintain safe distances from all wildlife and stay on designated trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation.