Old Fall River Road, Rocky Mountains

Old Fall River Road was completed in 1921 and became the first automobile route in Rocky Mountain National Park that offered a route for the traveler into the park's high country. Old Fall River Road is sometimes named the motor nature trail. For many visitors, Old Fall River Road, remains their choice for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.

Completed in 1921, Old Fall River Road has not changed much over the years. It is primarily a gravel, one-way uphill climb that is noted for its extreme switchbacks. The road is not for those who are looking to travel in a hurry. It is eleven miles long, but the posted speed is 15 miles per hour. However, the journey is well worth the time it takes to navigate through the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park.

State convicts worked on this road project and remnants of their labor camp are still visible along the way. The convicts were forced to build a three-mile stretch of road to the scenic respite of Chasm Falls with no more than the hand tools that were at their disposal.

The old road serenely winds its way from Horseshoe Park – which is just a short distance from the west of the Fall River Entrance – through Rocky Mountain National Park's wilderness area up to Fall River Pass which rests 11,796 feet above sea level. The trip is extremely relaxing and provides a leisurely experience.

The road is safe, but it is also curved and narrow. The trees of the forests crowd close to the roadway in many areas and the closeness of the forest provides the traveler with an intimate experience with nature.

Old Fall River Road follows the original path followed years ago by Indian hunters who ventured into the area in search of game. The trip provides the travelers with many opportunities to view the elk which can often been see feeding on the foliage.

This great journey through the spectacular nature of Rocky Mountain National Park gives the travelers a taste of what auto travel was like in the past while at the same time provides an up close look at the nature of the Rocky Mountains.