Trail Ridge Road
Rocky Mountain National Park's most heavily traveled roadway is the Trail Ridge Road. It is a highway that leads straight into the sky and provides a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains. Being able to see the entire sweep of the Rocky Mountains in all directions is an awe inspiring experience.
Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park was constructed in 1931. When it was completed it provided one of the most scenic wonders roads of the world to the average traveler.
This road traverses a distance of forty-eight miles between Estes Park which is located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park to Grand Lake which is located on the west side. Of the entire distance, eleven miles of the road travels through an area of the park which lies above the tree line, at an elevation nearing 11,500 feet. There are no evergreen forests above this elevation, but the views which eventually reach a height of 12,183 feet cannot be compared to anything else within the United States. As you travel along you will also be thrilled with the sights of wildlife and wildflowers.
Be prepared as you begin your journey for changes in the weather as you ascend Trail Ridge Road. The changes are fascinating as you travel from forests of aspen to forests of fir and spruce and eventually to alpine tundra. The variance in elevation also causes differences in temperature. The upper areas of the park which are accessed via Trail Ridge Road can be 20-30 degrees cooler than the temperature at Estes Park or Grand Lake.
An exciting feature of the road is Milner Pass, which is on the Continental Divide. It is here that stream flows are separated east from west and at only an elevation of 10,120 feet.
It is recommended that you set aside at least a half day for this most enjoyable trip. If you have the time, you can spend longer. The travel over Trail Ridge Road is an indescribable experience.
Estes Park, CO Weather
Currently Outside62F Passing clouds. Mild. |
