Although Rocky Mountain National Park is often considered the domain of hikers and climbers, it's surprisingly easy to enjoy all of the park's offerings without working up a sweat. For that we thank Trail Ridge Road. Built in 1932 and undoubtedly one of America's most scenic highways, it provides expansive and sometimes dizzying views in all directions. This remarkable 48-mile road partially follows routes traveled by early Paleo-Indians and later Arapaho and Utes. It passes through all the park's ecosystems, crosses the Continental Divide, and climbs well above the tree line to a barren land where the plants, animals, and even weather are similar to those of the Arctic Circle. Along the way it offers spectacular views of snowcapped peaks, deep forests, and meadows of wildflowers where sheep, elk, and deer graze.
To avoid the crowds, start out on Trail Ridge Road as early in the morning as possible. As an added benefit, you'll have a much better chance of seeing wildlife if you're on the road by 7 or 8am. Allow at least 3 hours for the drive, and consider a short walk or hike from one of the many vista points. Be aware that those accustomed to lower elevations may experience some dizziness when they step from their vehicles. Also, keep a jacket or sweater within reach, regardless of how warm it may be when you set out; temperatures drop as you climb and weather changes rapidly in these mountains.
Trail Ridge Road is closed by winter snows, with drifts sometimes towering as high as 50 feet. It usually closes around mid-October before clearing in late May. But even in the summer, the road can be closed by snow for hours or even days at a time.
