Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road: When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Driving scenic mountain roads is one of our favorite summer road trip activities. I love the sweeping, panoramic views from these high-altitude roads. And Karen gets a chance to test the imaginary brake on her side of the truck as we come out of the clouds and head back to the lowlands.

You have two choices

There are two spectacular mountain drives in Rocky Mountain National Park. But before you settle on when to visit, keep this in mind: make sure the park’s high mountain roads are open.

Trail Ridge Road is the main draw for many visitors. This 48-mile road crosses the park from east to west and climbs above 12,000 feet, making it the highest continuous paved road in North America. Once you rise above treeline, the forest gives way to alpine tundra, a fragile ecosystem found in only a few places on the continent. Pullouts along the route offer wide territorial views and are a far better option than stopping in the middle of the road and backing up traffic for miles. On clear days, visibility stretches for miles.

Old Fall River Road offers a very different experience. This historic one-way dirt road is narrower and slower. It climbs through forest, follows streams, and has plenty of tight switchbacks. Many visitors enjoy driving Old Fall River Road uphill and returning on Trail Ridge Road to make a complete loop.

Timing matters

These roads usually open around Memorial Day weekend and close by mid-October. In heavy snow years, opening can be delayed until mid-June, and early winter storms can end the season quickly. Note: Old Fall River Road often opens later and closes earlier than Trail Ridge Road.

Rocky Mountain National Park is worth visiting any time of year. But if driving these roads is part of your plan, aim for dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day whenever possible.