Scenic Drives
Scenic Drives on one of Estes Parks many high country roads is sure to bring joy to the whole family
Trail Ridge Road provides spectacular view of the majestic scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is the highest continuous motorway in the United States, with more than eight miles lying above 11,000′ and a maximum elevation of 12,183′. The name “Trail Ridge Road” derives from it proximity to historic pathways used by native peoples to cross the Rocky Mountains.
Old Fall River Rd
The Fall River Road was the first road to cross the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. Starting by Larimer and Grant counties in 1913 before the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park, the early construction was carried out by state prison inmates. The convicts made little progress and contractors completed the road in 1920. The unpaved mountain road climbed from Horseshoe Park up the steep Fall River Valley over a series of tight switchbacks to reach Fall River Pass at 11,796′; from there, the road continued down the west side of the mountains to Grand Lake. Despite the popularity of the route, the road proved difficult to traverse and maintain. Automobiles had trouble mastering the steep grade and tight curves and avalanches often buried the road forty feet deep. Following the completion of Trail Ridge Road in 1932 the eastern Half of Fall River Road became a one-way scenic drive from Endovalley up to Fall River Pass; the western half was abandoned or overbuilt by the Trail Ridge Road.
Bear Lake Road
An easy walk around a high-mountain lake with peak views. Tucked into the spruce/fir forest at the base of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, this 0.6-mile loop is one of Rocky’s most famous trails
Glen Haven-Drake Loop
Take Devils Gulch Road (CR 43) north out of Estes Park through Roosevelt National Forest, the village of Glen Haven and to the small town of Drake.
A few miles north of Estes Park, the road to Glen Haven drops dramatically by way of two switchbacks. At the foot of the switchbacks you will enter Devils Gulch. This road will take you into the quaint village where you will find a restaurant and a general store.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Welcome to the showcase of the Front Range. Less than an hour from Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins, this 55-mile-long route provides matchless views of the Continental Divide and its timbered approaches.