Drive Over the Continental Divide

Trail Ridge Road spans the Park and connects Estes Park to the town of Grand Lake on the western slope. It’s the highest continuously paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet.

The many turnouts along Trail Ridge Road provide scenic overlooks and tremendous photographic opportunities, day or night.

The night time view from Rainbow Curve is spectacular. City lights from Fort Collins to Denver are visible.

Trail Ridge Road travels through forests, above tree line, over the alpine tundra, reaches the high point, and crosses the Continental Divide before winding its way down to the town of Grand Lake.

There are lots of trails and short hikes to take that start off of Trail Ridge Road.

Just west of the high point is Fall River Pass, elevation 11,796 feet, and the Alpine Visitor Center with rest rooms, a restaurant and a gift shop.