TRAIL RIDGE ROAD (SCENIC DRIVE) Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuously paved road in the United States. Nicknamed the "Highway to the Sky", this 43 mile road spans Rocky Mountain National Park and crosses the Continental Divide. Trail Ridge Road is only open end of May through mid-October due to snow, and is incredibly popular in fall for its aspen views. Start out early or prepare for a slow drive. There are numerous turnouts worth stopping at to enjoy the views, we recommend Many Parks Curve, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Medicine Bow Curve. The Alpine Visitor Center sits at the halfway point and is a great place to grab a warm cup of coffee and enjoy the views. Drive time on Trail Ridge Road can be anywhere from 1.5 - 4 hours depending on traffic and number of stops.
An extremely popular trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, we recommend you plan this hike for an early morning to avoid the crowds. This 0.7 mile loop features a subalpine lake, beautiful views of Longs Peak, Hallet Peak and golden aspen groves. With just 45 ft in elevation gain, this hike is great for anyone. You can take this trail further to several other lakes in the park: Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Lake Haiyaha.
One of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Alberta Falls Trail can be quite crowded but the short and easy hike is one of the most scenic in the park. The trail is 1.6 miles out and back, with 219 ft in elevation gain and a stunning waterfall. You can take the trail further to several beautiful lakes in the park: The Loch (aka Loch Vale), Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha and Black Lake.
Located in one of the most scenic areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier Gorge Trail is lined with beautiful aspen trees and offers spectacular views of waterfalls, alpine lakes and wildlife. This 2.8 mile out and back trail has an elevation gain of 403 ft.
A true jewel in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. Due to the heavy amount of foot traffic this area receives, we recommend this hike for an early morning. The trail to Emeral Lake passes other pristine alpine lakes including Nymph Lake and Dream Lake and features beautiful views of Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak and Glacier Gorge. This 3.2 mile out and back trail has a 620 ft elevation gain and simply stunning views.
Check out this website for fun things to do in Estes Park!