Trail Ridge Road
US 34Estes Park to Grand Lake · Colorado
Distance47.2mi · 76 km
Drive time1 h 34 minon the road
DifficultyModerate
MountainValley
The highest continuous paved road in the US, over Rocky Mountain National Park.
US 34 climbs over the spine of Rocky Mountain National Park between Estes Park and Grand Lake, cresting above 12,000 ft on a long stretch held above the treeline among the tundra and the high peaks. Open only in the warmer months; mind the altitude, the abrupt weather, and the elk and stopping sightseers.
Where it runs
Estes ParkStart · Colorado
Grand LakeEnd · United States
Character
Corners34bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient7%≈ 1-in-14
Hairpins0tight bends
Climb1420 mtotal ascent
Summit3714 mhighest point · 12185 ft
SummerAutumn
Elevation
1406 m rangeKnow before you go
- High altitude and thin air
- Sudden mountain storms
- Elk and stopping sightseers
Along the road
- viewpoint Many Parks Curve
- viewpoint Rock Cut
- viewpoint Farview Curve Overlook
Sources
In these collections
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Trail Ridge Road.
