Rocky Mountain National Park offers an unparalleled driving experience with its scenic roads that wind through diverse ecosystems and provide breathtaking views. From the iconic Trail Ridge Road to the rugged Old Fall River Road, visitors can explore the park’s beauty from the comfort of their vehicles. This guide covers the most scenic drives, current conditions, road closures, and amenities to help you plan your journey through this majestic landscape.
What Are the Most Scenic Drives in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park boasts several scenic drives that showcase the park’s diverse landscapes and offer unique experiences for visitors:
Trail Ridge Road
- Length: 48 miles
- Connects: Estes Park to Grand Lake
- Highest Point: 12,183 feet (crosses Continental Divide)
- Key Features:
- Various ecosystems (aspen, pine, fir, spruce forests, alpine tundra)
- Notable viewpoints: Rainbow Curve, Forest Canyon Overlook, Medicine Bow Curve
- Alpine Visitor Center (halfway point)
Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway
- Length: Over 80 miles
- Starts: Grand Lake
- Ends: Gore Canyon
- Key Features:
- Follows the Colorado River
- Views of mountain valleys, lakes, and canyons
- Potential wildlife sightings (e.g., moose along riverbanks)
Bear Lake Road
- Length: 23 miles (round-trip)
- Starts: Near Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Estes Park
- Ends: Bear Lake
- Key Features:
- Passes through Moraine Park
- Notable stops: Moraine Park Museum, Bierstadt Lake trailhead, Sprague Lake
- Paved trail around Bear Lake
Old Fall River Road
- Length: 11 miles (one-way)
- Starts: Horseshoe Park
- Ends: Fall River Pass (11,796 feet)
- Key Features:
- Dirt road with narrow switchbacks
- No guardrails
- Passes through montane and subalpine forests to alpine tundra
- Notable stop: Chasm Falls
What Are the Current Driving Conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Weather Impacts
- Trail Ridge Road:
- Typically opens around Memorial Day weekend
- Closes in mid-October due to snow and ice
- May temporarily close during fall and spring due to bad weather
Road Surface Quality
| Road | Surface Type | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Ridge Road | Paved | Well-maintained |
| Old Fall River Road | Dirt | Narrow switchbacks, no guardrails |
| Bear Lake Road | Paved | Can be congested during peak season |
Specific Challenges
- Old Fall River Road: Steep grades and narrow switchbacks
- Trail Ridge Road: Few hairpin turns, generally gentle grades
- All roads: Rapid weather changes possible
What Are the Latest Updates on Road Closures?
Affected Routes and Closure Durations
- Trail Ridge Road:
- Winter closure: Mid-October to Memorial Day weekend
- Temporary closures possible due to bad weather
- Old Fall River Road:
- Closed: Mid-October to around July 4th
Alternative Routes
When Trail Ridge Road is closed, consider:
– Colorado River Headwaters Scenic Byway
– Bear Lake Road
Note: These alternatives do not cross the Continental Divide.
What Amenities and Facilities Are Available for Drivers?
Parking Locations
- Trail Ridge Road:
- Alpine Visitor Center
- Various overlooks
- Bear Lake Road:
- Moraine Park Museum
- Bear Lake
- Old Fall River Road:
- Limited parking, especially at Fall River Pass
Rest Areas
- Alpine Visitor Center (Trail Ridge Road):
- Amenities: Hot chocolate, restrooms
- Bear Lake Road:
- Rest areas and picnic spots
- Moraine Park Museum:
- Rest areas nearby
Regulations and Fees
- Timed entry permit reservations required (May 24 to mid-October 2024)
- Park entrance fee applies (no specific fees for scenic drives)
By following this guide, you can make the most of your driving experience in Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoying its scenic beauty while being prepared for the unique challenges of mountain driving.
References
- Scenic Drives at Rocky Mountain National Park – Destination Granby
- Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Loop – Winter Park Colorado
- Scenic Drives in Estes Park | Rocky Mountain Beauty By Car – Visit Estes Park
- Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
- Scenic Drives – Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)