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Trail Ridge Road, United States
Trail Ridge Road (US-34) crosses Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado from Estes Park on the east to Grand Lake on the west, reaching 12,183 feet at its highest point. Eleven miles of the road sit above treeline at 11,500 feet, crossing alpine tundra that supports plants identical to those found in the Arctic. The Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass (11,796 feet) is the highest visitor center in the National Park System. The road climbs through montane meadows (watch for elk herds near Sheep Lakes and Moraine Park), subalpine spruce-fir forest, and finally the treeless tundra where marmots, pikas, and ptarmigan live. Forest Canyon Overlook (11,716 feet) peers down 2,500 feet into a glacially carved valley. The Lava Cliffs pullout reveals 28-million-year-old volcanic rock.
explore by interest
Drive west to east (Grand Lake to Estes Park) for morning light on the east-facing overlooks. The full crossing takes about 2 hours without stops. Gas up before entering the park — there are no services on the road. Timed entry reservations are required from late May through mid-October. The elevation can cause altitude sickness — stay hydrated and move slowly above treeline. Do not walk on the fragile tundra plants.
Late May through mid-October — the road closes when snow makes it impassable. Late June through July for alpine wildflowers. September for elk rut (bugling bulls in the meadows). Early October for golden aspens in the lower elevations before the road closes.