Trail Ridge Road. The highway to the sky. This 48 mile route crosses the park between Estes Park and Grand Lake, traveling above the treeline and reaching 12,000 feet of elevation. It’s a great drive if you want spectacular views and potential wildlife sightings, in either direction. There are multiple pullovers where you can stop, enjoy the view, and take pictures. Bear in mind the road is only open from Memorial Day weekend through some time in mid-October.
So, what are the best places to stop and the best sites to see?
Alpine Visitor Center
Let’s start at the halfway point. Regardless of which direction you choose, the center is the Alpine Visitor Center. Stop here for spectacular views, with snow often lingering into July. Then duck inside to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate and a snack in the cafe, or check out the tundra exhibits in the visitor center. Try to avoid arriving at the same time as tour buses; the lines for the restroom can get really long. There’s also some trails to even better vantage points.
Many Parks Curve
The “parks” in Many Parks are lowland meadows, easily visible from this overlook. The road closure is west of here, so if you’re coming from the east (Estes Park), you can come up here during the off season, but check first. But from here you can see Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and Horseshoe Parks, as well as the mountains. It’s either the first overlook or the last, depending on your direction, and has a well-maintained boardwalk that’s great for photography.
Fairview Curve
This is the place to go to see mountains…specifically the Never Summer Range, but also the Kawneeche Valley. The Never Summer Range is volcanic, and the valley was mined. Fairview Curve is a smaller stop, so people often miss it, but don’t be one of them! It’s a prime spot to see elk and moose, and if you look carefully on a clear day you’ll see a “scar” on the side of the mountain. This is the Grand Ditch, built to divert snowmelt to the Eastern Plains.
Be aware that all of these overlooks are at high altitude – if you get dizzy or a headache, you may have altitude sickness. The risk is worth it, though, for these spectacular views…and others. Set aside at least half a day…this road is short, but it has so much…and if you hike, maybe consider more!
Stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Complete your visit to Estes Park in 2026 with a stay at the Alpine Trail Ridge Inn. Our updated hotel is just a few minutes from the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and a short drive to downtown Estes Park. Our cozy rooms feature rustic modern mountain decor and beautiful mountain views, complete with today’s amenities to make you feel at home.
Plus, we are also minutes from dining, breweries, and our favorite Estes Park coffee shops. So enjoy the best of both worlds when you book with Alpine Trail Ridge Inn!
