Driving Trail Ridge Rd, Estes Park to Grand Lake, CO: RMNP Scenic Drive
Driving the Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most breathtaking experiences in Colorado. Known as the highest continuous paved road and home to the highest National Park visitor’s center in the United States, Trail Ridge Road offers stunning mountain views, diverse wildlife, and access to the park's alpine terrain. This 48-mile scenic drive takes you over 12,000 ft of elevation, through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park and a variety of ecosystems, from lush forests to high alpine tundra, making it a must-see for nature lovers and road trippers. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive or an unforgettable adventure with hiking and exploration, the Trail Ridge Road is a highlight of any visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.
This blog post will break down everything you need to know about doing this once-in-a-lifetime drive. From things to do and where to stay in the towns right outside the park, to must-see stops along the Trail Ridge drive, to tips and logistical things to know in preparation for your visit.
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Best Time to Drive the Trail Ridge Rd Scenic Byway
The Trail Ridge Road is open seasonally - closed during winter. From the first big snowfall usually around mid-October, to the end of the season typically in May-June, this paved-through scenic byway is closed due to inclement weather and snow.
The best (and only) time of year to visit the Trail Ridge Road scenic byway through Rocky Mountain National Park is in the summer. Keep tabs on road status on the RMNP NPS website to know if the byway will be open for your visit.
As for the best time of day to drive the Trail Ridge Road, I recommend starting in the morning to avoid most of the midday crowds and traffic.
We entered with our timed entry at around 11 am over Labor Day Weekend. While there was hardly a line to enter at the time, the parking lot at the Alpine Visitor Center along the drive was full and took us over 20 minutes to get in and out of due to high traffic around 2 pm. As we exited the park again in Estes around 5 pm, the line to enter was a mile long.
As most visitors to the park visit during holiday weekends, it’s worth being aware of the realities of traffic in and around the park. Visiting on a weekday or a non-holiday weekend will alleviate some of that need to enter sooner in the day.
Left: RMNP sign at Beaver Meadows entrance; Right: Grand Lake Entrance Station
Where Does the Drive Start & End?
Trail Ridge Road starts in Estes Park, CO on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park and ends in Grand Lake, CO on the west side of the park (or vice versa). This road that winds through the heights of the Rockies is 48 miles long and you can start and finish the drive in these quaint mountain towns that I have more details on below!
The national park entrances and visitor centers for this drive are as follows:
Beaver Meadows Entrance Station & Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (3.5 miles from Estes Park) - this is where we entered
OR
Fall River Entrance Station & Fall River Visitor Center (4 miles from Estes Park)
Grand Lake Entrance Station & Kauwuneeche Visitor Center (2 miles from Grand Lake)
View from Gore Range Overlook
How Long Does the Trail Ridge Drive Take?
The Trail Ridge Road drive takes about 1.5 hours one-way (48 miles) connecting Estes Park, CO to Grand Lake, CO. Allot more time than this for stopping at lookout points and the Alpine Visitor’s Center about halfway through the drive - the highest elevation visitor center in any US national park.
In total, you will need at least half a day to complete the 2-way drive if that is your plan (Estes Park to Grand Lake and back, for example), but allow yourself more time.
We started our drive around 11 am in Estes Park and didn’t return to Estes Park until around 5 pm. Our trip included about an hour spent in Grand Lake.
Map with Pins
Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park
The best towns to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park are Estes Park, CO and Grand Lake, CO, both with immediate access to the Trail Ridge Road and top sights within the park. Of the two, I think Estes Park is best. It is also closest to the Bear Lake Corridor - another popular area of RMNP for visitors to drive and hike.
My favorite site to book my accommodations is Booking.com! Book hotels and accumulate status for special discounted room rates! These Colorado hotels I have listed below are just a few great options among several options available! Browse Booking.com to check out all your options.
Please note that these hotel links are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you :) Thank you for your support!
Left: Sign for Silver Moon Inn; Right: Indulging in complimentary s’mores at Silver Moon Inn on the fire pits by the river after a day of hiking
Where to Stay in Estes Park, CO
Silver Moon Inn is located in Downtown Estes Park, a short walk from shopping and restaurants and a short drive to visitor centers entering Rocky Mountain National Park. Cozy rooms on the Fall River with fire pits for s’mores! (We stayed here and it was FANTASTIC 😊).
4 Seasons Inn on Fall River is a 2-star, rustic hotel beautifully located on the banks of Fall River and surrounded by tree and mountain views.
Murphy’s Resort is located a short walk from Lake Estes and has a range of suites, some with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and patios. The resort also has an outdoor heated pool.
Mountain Shadows Resort is a collection of cottages featuring an indoor, private hot tub and fireplace. If you are looking for something a little more private than a hotel room but with all the amenities and benefits of a hotel, this is a great option!
Boulder Brook on Fall River is located a little bit further out from the center of Estes Park and closer to the Fall River park entrance. Rooms here are apartment suites with kitchenettes!
Looking for a place that would be roomy enough to host your large group? Check out some of the amazing vacation homes available in Estes Park on Booking.com!
Where to Stay in Grand Lake, CO
Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging is a simple little inn located on Grand Lake with rooms boasting lake views. Perfect for those wanting to enjoy lake activities during their visit.
Gateway Inn rooms feel like staying in a rustic log cabin with lake and mountain views. The amenities of this inn include mini golf, a shared lounge, bar, hot tub, and a sauna.
Spirit Lake Lodge is located in the heart of Grand Lake surrounded by restaurants and shops, is a short 5-minute walk from the lake, and is a popular lodge downtown for visitors.
Grand Lake Lodge offers accommodation as simple as luxury tents to 2-story cottages that sleep 8 people. The property has a pool, hot tub, and daily American breakfast.
Looking for a place that would be roomy enough to host your large group? Check out some of the amazing vacation homes available in Grand Lake on Booking.com!
Things To Do
Things to Do Along the Trail Ridge Road Drive
(In order from Estes Park to Grand Lake) - Note that there are a lot more things to do including more strenuous hikes along this drive. My focus for this blog and the following list is easy-to-access, quick stops along the Trail Ridge Road drive accessible to just about anyone.
RMNP Sign & Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
You can’t say you’ve been to a national park without the national park sign photo, right? As you are driving to the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance from Estes Park on Moraine Ave, the national park sign will be on your right with plenty of pull-over space to hop out and get a picture!
The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center will be just past the sign on the left side of the road. Here they have clean bathrooms, outstanding and helpful staff to ask questions, and lots of souvenirs to purchase!
Location (Rocky Mountain National Park sign): Moraine, Ave, Estes Park, CO - Get directions on Google Maps
Location (Beaver Meadows Visitor Center): 1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Beaver Ponds Boardwalk
An easy-access boardwalk through vegetation and wetland of the Rockies. The boardwalk is only 0.2 miles total, out-and-back. You can find more information on the NPS website or follow along the trail on AllTrails.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Many Parks Curve Overlook
One of the first popular overlooks on the Trail Ridge scenic drive is the Many Parks Curve Overlook. This viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Mummy Range.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Rainbow Curve Overlook
A high-altitude overlook point with views of a forested valley and snow capped peaks. Horseshoe Park can be seen from here, a valley carved out by glaciers tens of thousands of years ago.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Forest Canyon Overlook
Forest Canyon Overlook is a pull-off point with a 0.3-mile out-and-back trail to an observation point overlooking rugged mountains and a green valley. The elevation here is about 11,700 feet. You can find this trail on AllTrails here!
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Mushroom Rocks
If you are looking for a little bit longer hike but something that isn’t a large time commitment, Mushroom Rocks is a unique geological rock formation along the Toll Memorial Trail. The entire trail is about 1.1 miles out-and-back but the Mushroom Rock formations are about 0.4 miles into the trail from the parking lot (0.8 miles out-and-back).
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Lava Cliffs Overlook
Lava Cliffs Overlook is a cinematic viewpoint of million-year-old lava cliffs and towering mountain peaks.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Gore Range Overlook
Personally, this was one of my favorite overlook points of this drive. Phenomenal, panoramic tundra and valley views.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Left: Alpine Visitor Center sign at almost 12k feet elevation; Right: Elk on the ridge near the visitor center
Alpine Visitor Center
A must-visit along Trail Ridge Rd is the Alpine Visitor Center - the highest elevation visitor center in the United States at 11,796 feet. Clean bathrooms, medical staff (due to high elevation), park information, and souvenirs are all available here.
Walk out to the back balcony of the visitor center for unbelievable tundra views. If you are up for it, climb up the Alpine Ridge Trail - a 0.6-mile out-and-back STEEP trail with a lot of steps that takes you to almost 12,000 feet and rewarding views.
NOTE: We arrived around 3 pm on a Saturday in August and it took us about half an hour to get in and out of the parking lot (not including the stop to go inside the visitor center). Expect long lines, scarce parking availability, and crowds during peak season and time of the day.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Medicine Bow Curve
Another alpine tundra viewpoint is located on a sharp hairpin curve just past the Alpine Visitor Center.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Poudre Lake
Poudre Lake is located in the Continental Divide and is a stunning and low-effort stop along the drive as a scenic rest spot, wildlife viewing point if you are lucky, or trailhead access for hiking in Milner Pass.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Farview Curve Viewpoint
One of the last designated pull-off viewpoints near Grand Lake, CO, is the Farview Curve Viewpoint at 10,000 feet elevation.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Holzwarth Historic Site
A 1.1-mile out-and-back trail takes you to a homestead built in 1917 and owned by German immigrants. Buildings still stand and informational signs tell the history of the land and structures. During the summer, volunteers and park rangers stay on site so you can ask questions and talk with a knowledgeable person about the area! Follow the trail to get to Holzwarth Historic Site on AllTrails.
Learn more about the Holzwarth Historic Site here.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Kawuneeche Visitor Center
The gateway in and out of Rocky Mountain National Park from the West side. Kawuneeche Visitor Center offers all of your typical visitor center services and amenities. If you are a collector, grab some KVC-specific memorabilia!
Location: 16018 US-34, Grand Lake, CO 80447 - Get directions on Google Maps
ADD ON BONUS ROUTE: Horseshoe Park
There are 2 Rocky Mountain National Park entrances in Estes Park - Fall River which takes you through Horseshoe Park, and Beaver Meadows which is a more direct shot down Trail Ridge Rd. My recommendation is to enter through the Beaver Meadows entrance and exit through the Fall River entrance on your way back to Estes Park.
If you are doing the opposite route (Grand Lake to Estes Park and back) just follow this itinerary the other way around!
If you are driving through Trail Ridge Rd one-way (Grand Lake to Estes Park or Estes Park to Grand Lake) my recommendation is to enter/exit through the Fall River Park entrance.
Things to Do in Horseshoe Park
Enjoy the scenic drive around the meadow
Stop at the pullout points and interpretive signs to learn about the area
Things to Do in Estes Park, CO
Ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster
A newer adrenaline attraction in Estes Park that takes you twisting down and through the alpine mountains is the Mustang Mountain Coaster. Single coasters, speed-controlled by you, are a fun activity for anyone!
Cost: $20/one ride tickets; $35/three ride tickets; $20/unlimited passenger tickets
Location: 1180 Dry Gulch Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Above: Pictures from Lake Estes Trail
Walk around, kayak, or fish at Lake Estes
Lake Estes is a large mountain lake with a mostly paved 4-mile path around its perimeter, perfect for walking or running. You can check out this path on AllTrails.
Lake Estes Marina offers a variety of rentals including bikes or boats, kayaks, SUPs, and more if you want to get out on the water.
Cost: Free to visit
Location (Lake Estes Marina): 1770 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Estes Park Aerial Tramway to Prospect Mountain
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway consists of two tramway cars that take visitors up and down Prospect Mountain, a mountain in the heart of Estes Park with sweeping views and a coffee shop at the top.
Cost: Prices range from free to $34.95/person depending on age/status and time of day you visit
Location: 420 E Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Left: One of the many souvenir and t-shirt shops; Right: Inside Nana’s Christmas Cottage
Shop the quaint local stores
Walking the picturesque downtown of Estes Park along Elkhorn Ave you will find many local stores from souvenir shops, bookstores, to adventure apparel shops and art galleries (& more). But my favorite stores in Estes are the year-round Christmas stores stuffed to the brim with decor and holiday cheer! Check out Christmas Shoppe and Nana’s Christmas Cottage.
Cost: Free to walk around
Location: Downtown Estes Park - Browse the shops of Estes
Have a picnic at Mary’s Lake
A quick 9-minute drive from Downtown Estes Park is Mary’s Lake, a scenic lake and campground and the perfect quiet spot for catch-and-release fishing or a picnic away from the crowds.
Cost: Free
Location: Marys Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Left: Laura’s Fine Candies shop window; Right: Laura’s Fine Candies fudge counter
Indulge in ice cream or taffy
There are many locally-made ice cream shops and taffy makers in Estes Park. Some of which have been around for nearly 100 years to get your sweet treat fix. One of the oldest shops in town is The Taffy Shop which was established in 1935 and has been producing their well-known taffy for generations.
My recommendation is just to walk around Downtown Estes and pop into shops that call to you! You have many options and can’t go wrong with any of them.
Cost: Free to walk around
Location: Downtown Estes Park - Browse the shops of Estes
Take a haunted tour through the Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is a notorious, stately property and 4-star hotel overlooking Estes Park - you can’t miss it. It is famous for its paranormal tales, activity, and alleged hauntings. Stephen King stayed here in 1974, the hotel itself sparking his idea to write “The Shining” after his odd experiences during his stay.
Today, you can stay the night in the hotel and even request (well in advance) to stay in the famously known haunted rooms (217, and many rooms on floor 4).
If you don’t have it in you to stay the night in the hotel but the tales interest you, join a 60-minute ghost, night tour of the estate!
Cost: $30/person (children under 8yo not permitted)
Location: 333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
An elk napping in the sun outside the Estes Park Visitor Center (police guarded foot traffic so it wouldn’t be bothered) 🥹
Visit the Estes Park Visitor Center
One of my favorite things to do when visiting a new town or destination is to visit the Visitor Center. The Estes Park Visitor Center, being on the cusp of Rocky Mountain National Park, is special. It’s a good place to get travel information, recommendations, and goodies for both Estes Park and RMNP. It is also good for the following:
✅ CLEAN public bathrooms
✅ Estes Park and RMNP memorabilia (stickers, pins, patches, t-shirts, etc)
✅ Water refill stations
✅ Free WiFi
✅ Informational pamphlets and helpful staff/locals you can get recommendations from and ask questions to
✅ Park for free and hitch a ride on the free trolly into town
✅ If you are lucky like we were, elk napping in the sun outside
Cost: Free to visit & use facilities
Location: 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Left: Paved Riverwalk in Estes Park; Right: Matcha latte from Kind Coffee being enjoyed on benches along riverwalk
Stroll along the riverwalk
Along a stretch of the Big Thompson River, a paved riverwalk nestled between the river and a row of restaurants and shops - a relaxing and enjoyable place for a stroll in Estes Park. There are also benches!
Bonus: Stop by Kind Coffee for delicious organic coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches. Every morning there is a line out the door! If you don’t want to wait, order online for pickup so you can pop in quickly for your order and be on your way.
Cost: Free
Location: 470 E Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States (Riverwalk Park on Google Maps. Head west along the river from here!) - Get directions on Google Maps
Climb up to the Birch Ruins
The Birch Ruins, a historical landmark in town, is an easy and unique destination to explore in Estes Park. A stone property constructed by Al Birch (owner) and stone man Carl Piltz in 1904, later burned down from a fireplace fire in 1907. All around the ruins today are informational plaques to learn about the property as it stands out above the town of Estes Park. From here too you get sweeping views of the surrounding town and mountains, including Long’s Peak and the Continental Divide.
Even if the history of this property isn’t of interest, for a short, good hike and for beautiful views in town, this is a neat destination.
Cost: Free
Location: 300-396 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 - Get directions on Google Maps
Left: The free trolley you can ride around Estes Park; Right: Mountain views from Estes Park streets
Ride the free Estes Park Trolley through town
A fun and free transportation option to get you around Estes Park as well as seasonal routes into Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you want assistance getting from point A to point B, or you just want a stress-free joy ride around Estes Park, you can hop on and off this free resource at multiple stops around town.
Cost: Free
Left: Boating and water sports on Grand Lake; Right: Miyauchi’s Snack Bar & Homemade Ice Cream - famous ice cream in Grand Lake
Things to Do in Grand Lake, CO
Hike to Adam’s Falls
A stunning 55 foot waterfall cutting through a rocky gorge in Grand Lake, CO. The Adam’s Falls Trail is a 0.8 mile out and back trail that’s considered “easy.” There is a large parking lot and restrooms at the trailhead. Being so close to town, expect crowds. Follow along the route to Adam’s Falls on AllTrails.
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Kayak, boat, or visit Grand Lake
The lake that gives the town its name for its grandeur - Grand Lake. This is a seasonal recreational lake with the option of renting boats, kayaks, etc from marinas, Grand Lake Marina, and Trail Ridge Marina (serving Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake).
If you aren’t looking to get out on the water, simply snagging a bench along the water’s edge is a joy with the mountainous backdrop behind the lake.
Note: Water activities and rentals are seasonal. Check the marina websites for closure dates.
Cost: Free to visit. Refer to the marina website for rental costs!
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Explore Grand Lake Boardwalk
Much like Estes Park, Grand Lake also boasts a main street teeming with locally owned shops - except in Grand Lake these shops are along a wooden boardwalk on Grand Ave, giving Western vibes. From apparel boutiques, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, art galleries, and more, you could spend a good amount of time browsing.
Cost: Free to browse
Location: Grand Ave - Browse the shops of Grand Lake
Play a round of mini-golf at Meandering Moose Mini Golf
Up there as one of the most scenic mini-golf courses I’ve seen. Surrounded by views of the mountains, Meandering Moose Mini Golf has 18 holes and is a fun (and scenic) activity for the whole family. Open seasonally & weather dependent.
Cost: $14/adult, $9/child 12 and under
Location: 528 Grand Ave, Grand Lake, CO 80447 - Get directions on Google Maps
Rent an e-bike to explore Grand Lake & Rocky Mountain National Park
Rock E Rental is a locally owned e-bike rental and tour company in Grand Lake, CO. If you have 2+ hours to spare in Grand Lake, you can schedule a tour to zip around Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park on e-bikes with a local guide. A fun way to see and learn about the area in an immersive way!
Cost: Refer to the Rock E Rental website for cost and booking
Location: 106 Co Rd 445, Grand Lake, CO 80447 - Get directions on Google Maps (they also deliver bikes to your location!)
Resources
I’ve compiled a list of resources to further refer to when planning your Trail Ridge Rd drive!
For updates on road closures, seasonal openings, and alerts in effect in Rocky Mountain National Park, refer to the RMNP NPS website.
For information on the timed entry booking system for RMNP, visit this page on the RMNP NPS website.
To see live webcams around the park showing current traffic at entrances, visibility, etc, visit the RMNP webcam page.
For accurate weather updates and forecasts in the Rockies, visit this Weather.gov page. (Note that weather can change rapidly and unexpectedly in the mountains).
For all of the above plus a lot more - just visit the RMNP NPS website! They have it all covered.
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