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
Family Travel Guide - Essential guide for visiting with children, including age-appropriate activities and safety tips
Photography & Wildlife Guide - Best photo locations, wildlife viewing tips, and technical advice
Complete Seasonal Guide - Weather, wildlife, and photography tips by season
Live Road Conditions - Real-time weather and driving conditions

Check Current Opening Status

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.

More About Travel

Trail Ridge Road Map

Interactive map showing the complete route, elevation points, and key attractions along Trail Ridge Road.

View Interactive Map

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.

🦌 Best Wildlife Viewing Locations

Many Parks Curve - Famous for elk herds
Alpine Visitor Center - Bighorn sheep sightings
Rainbow Curve - Evening wildlife and city lights
Forest Canyon Overlook - Mountain goats and scenic vistas
Rock Cut - Alpine tundra wildlife

Remember to maintain safe distances from all wildlife and stay on designated trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation.

Explore Lookout Points