Trail Ridge Road, RMNP
The highest continuous paved road in North America, crossing Rocky Mountain National Park's alpine tundra.
About Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road (US 34) crosses Rocky Mountain National Park for 48 miles, linking Estes Park on the east side with Grand Lake on the west. It tops out at 12,183 feet and runs about 11 miles above treeline, giving you a rare chance to drive into true alpine tundra.
The road climbs roughly 4,000 feet within minutes of leaving either end, passing through montane meadows, subalpine forest and finally open tundra with views across Forest Canyon to the peaks of the Continental Divide. Pullouts along the way are some of the easiest high-altitude vantage points in Colorado.
The park suggests setting aside at least half a day. For photographers, it's worth more: time it for sunrise on the high section, or sunset with the long light raking across the tundra.
The highest continuously paved highway in the country, cresting above 12,000 feet as it crosses Rocky Mountain National Park between Estes Park and Grand Lake. Meltwater runs directly across sections of the road in early summer, which reads as a genuinely unusual foreground element most highway shots don't have — the road itself, water, and tundra all in one frame.
History
Long before the road, the Ute crossed these mountains at Forest Canyon Pass and marked the way with stone cairns; today's Ute Trail partly follows that route. The older Fall River Road opened in 1921, and work on Trail Ridge Road began in 1929. It reached Fall River Pass by July 1932 with a gentle maximum grade of 7 percent and was completed down the Kawuneeche Valley to Grand Lake in 1938.
The road was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is part of the Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Scenic Byway, an All-American Road.
Photographing Trail Ridge Road
Best light: Sunrise from the east-side pullouts lights the peaks of the Mummy Range and the Continental Divide, while sunset paints the tundra in long warm light. June brings lingering snow walls, July brings tundra wildflowers, and September brings elk rut and aspen color in the lower valleys.
Shots to look for
- Layered ridges across Forest Canyon at sunrise from the high overlooks, 70-200mm to stack the layers
- Tundra wildflowers in July with peaks behind, wide angle low to the ground from established trails
- Elk and bighorn on the tundra, 100-500mm from inside or beside your vehicle
- Winding switchbacks of the road itself from above, especially with evening headlight trails
- Lingering snow cornices along the road in early summer
Photo tips
- Weather above treeline can turn violent in minutes; get off exposed ridges before afternoon storms
- Stay on trails and durable surfaces; the alpine tundra recovers very slowly from footsteps
- Bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves even in midsummer for sunrise
- Drones are prohibited in national parks
- Check the park's road status line before you go; closures can happen even in summer
Know before you go
- A park entrance pass is required, and RMNP has used seasonal timed-entry reservations; check nps.gov/romo for current rules
- The upper road typically closes from about October to late May; it can close briefly for storms in any season
- Altitude above 12,000 feet can cause headaches and shortness of breath; drink water and move slowly
- Do not feed or approach wildlife; give elk and moose plenty of space
Prints from Trail Ridge Road
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
When does Trail Ridge Road open?
The high section usually reopens in late May after snow removal and closes again in fall, often in October. Dates vary every year, so check the park's road status.
How long does it take to drive Trail Ridge Road?
Driving time depends on stops and traffic, but the park recommends setting aside at least half a day to enjoy the stops.
Do you need a reservation for Trail Ridge Road?
You need a park pass, and during parts of the year Rocky Mountain National Park requires timed-entry reservations. Check nps.gov/romo for the current system.
Featured in: Best Sunrise Photography Spots in Colorado · Best Wildflower Hikes in Colorado · Where to Photograph Wildlife in Colorado · Night Sky and Storm Photography in Colorado
Combine it with
Grand Lake · Estes Park · Kawuneeche Valley · Bear Lake corridor
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: nps.gov · en.wikipedia.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.