Rocky Mountain National Park beauty from the seat of your car, at elevations over two miles high. Photo-worthy views that could quickly exhaust a memory card, and then some. Where do you go for an experience like this? The Trail Ridge Road, that’s where. Located north of Winter Park, CO, the road starts in Estes Park and heads west to Grand Lake, winding through Rockies splendor along the way. This byway also features stunning views of the Continental Divide! Here’s what you need to know about one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
Trail Ridge Road
According to Colorado.com, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, a Colorado Scenic Byway, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stretching nearly 50 miles between Grand Lake and Estes Park, the road offers motorists views that are often only accessible by hiking.
Also known as U.S. 34, the road was constructed starting in 1931, following a trail once used by Native Americans. Not long after, the Trail Ridge Road was opened to vehicles. Since then, drivers have been driving the road and enjoying the park’s breathtaking beauty.
Elevation is the name of the game on the drive. The road quickly climbs as much as 4,000 feet, and tops off at a peak elevation of 12,183 feet, according to the National Park Service. The NPS recommends setting aside at least half of a day to get the full experience.
Views
Drive slow or park, but whatever you do, keep your eyes open and your camera at hand. No matter what direction you look in, the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park will blow you away. The Continental Divide, the start of the Colorado River, glacier debris, and nearby parks and peaks are just a sample of what you’ll see. According to Colorado.com, some of the best places to stop are the Horseshoe Park near the Fall River Entrance Station (home to elk!) and Many Parks Curve, where the Horseshoe, Moraine, and Estes parks can all be seen.
Wildlife
Despite the high elevation and low temperatures, automobiles and their drivers aren’t the only spectators here. According to the National Park Service, flora and fauna native to the Rockies are frequently seen, including marmots, bighorn sheep, pikas, and nearly 200 species of beautiful alpine plants. At lower elevations, more creatures and vegetation can be observed. A note about the weather: it’s considerably colder up on the road, and according to RockyMountainNationalPark.com, temperatures are typically 20-30 degrees lower than Grand Lake or Estes Park. Make sure you dress extra warm!
Enjoy Rockies Scenery From the Comfort of Your Home in Winter Park
We could go into detail about what makes Winter Park living so great, but why not see it for yourself? The team at Real Estate of Winter Park would love to show you everything that makes life in the mountains great, and why living here is better than simply visiting. Skiing and mountain bike trails that are recognized as some of the nation’s best, exciting music festivals in the summer, inviting people, and more, all surrounded by the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. With our selection of houses, condos, and commercial property in Winter Park and Grand County, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect place to relocate. Contact us online or at (970) 726-2600 today for more information!
The post Everything There Is to Know About the Trail Ridge Road appeared first on Real Estate of Winter Park.