TRAIL RIDGE ROAD MAP 2025: Interactive Route Guide & Mile Markers
🗺️ 2025 Current Status
Trail Ridge Road is OPEN for the 2025 season - Opened May 30, 2025
📞 Current Road Status: (970) 586-1222
⚠️ Timed Entry Required: 9 AM - 2 PM daily ($2 reservation fee)
Interactive Trail Ridge Road Map
Navigate America's highest continuous paved road with our comprehensive map guide showing key stops, viewpoints, and mile markers along the entire 48-mile route.
View Larger Interactive Map
Mile-by-Mile Trail Ridge Road Guide
Eastern Approach: Estes Park to Alpine Visitor Center
🏔️ Mile 0-5: Estes Park Valley (7,522 - 8,000 feet)
Key Features:
- Fall River Entrance (Mile 0): Park entrance station, visitor center
- Sheep Lakes (Mile 2): Prime bighorn sheep viewing area
- Horseshoe Park (Mile 3): Wide valley views, elk habitat
- Alluvial Fan (Mile 4): 1982 flood debris field, hiking access
Driving Tips: 25 mph speed limit, watch for wildlife crossing roads
⛰️ Mile 5-15: The Steep Ascent (8,000 - 11,000 feet)
Key Stops:
- Deer Ridge Junction (Mile 5): Connection to Bear Lake Road
- Hidden Valley (Mile 7): Former ski area, winter recreation
- Many Parks Curve (Mile 9): Spectacular valley views below
- Rainbow Curve (Mile 10): Named for frequent rainbows, sunset viewing
Driving Challenges: Steep grades up to 6%, use pullouts if vehicle overheats
🏔️ Mile 15-25: Above Treeline (11,000 - 12,183 feet)
Iconic Locations:
- Forest Canyon Overlook (Mile 16): 11,716 feet, dramatic canyon views
- Rock Cut (Mile 20): 12,110 feet, Tundra Communities Trail access
- Highest Point (Mile 20.5): 12,183 feet - summit of Trail Ridge Road
- Alpine Visitor Center (Mile 23): 11,796 feet, highest NPS visitor center
Safety Notes: Extreme weather possible, lightning danger, stay in vehicle during storms
Western Approach: Grand Lake to Milner Pass
🌲 Mile 25-35: Kawuneeche Valley (8,369 - 9,000 feet)
Western Gateway Features:
- Grand Lake Entrance (Mile 25): Western park entrance
- Kawuneeche Valley (Miles 26-30): Colorado River headwaters, moose habitat
- Timber Creek Campground (Mile 28): Only westside camping in park
- Colorado River Trail (Mile 30): Easy hiking access
Wildlife Viewing: Best area for moose, especially dawn and dusk
🌲 Mile 35-48: Forest to Continental Divide (9,000 - 10,759 feet)
Final Approach:
- Lake Irene (Mile 38): Alpine lake, picnic area
- Milner Pass (Mile 42): 10,759 feet, Continental Divide crossing
- Medicine Bow Curve (Mile 45): Sweeping mountain views
- Connection to Eastern Section (Mile 48): Joins at Alpine Visitor Center
Scenic Features: Dense subalpine forest, gradual elevation gain
Essential Stops and Photo Opportunities
Must-Visit Locations with GPS Coordinates
| Location | Mile | Elevation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Many Parks Curve | 9 | 9,640 ft | Valley views, sunrise photography |
| Rainbow Curve | 10 | 10,829 ft | Sunset viewing, Front Range views |
| Forest Canyon Overlook | 16 | 11,716 ft | Canyon views, marmot watching |
| Rock Cut | 20 | 12,110 ft | Highest views, alpine tundra trail |
| Alpine Visitor Center | 23 | 11,796 ft | Restrooms, gift shop, exhibits |
2025 Planning Information
Timed Entry Requirements
Trail Ridge Road Access (9 AM - 2 PM):
- $2 reservation fee per vehicle
- Book at Recreation.gov
- 2-hour entry windows available
- Must also have valid park pass ($30 daily, $70 annual)
Current Road Conditions (August 2025)
- Status: Fully open east to west
- Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms possible above treeline
- Construction: No major construction projects affecting travel
- Closures: Temporary closures possible due to weather
Safety and Driving Tips
Vehicle Requirements
- Engine: V6 minimum recommended for elevation changes
- Brakes: Good condition essential for 6% grades
- Fuel: Fill tank before starting - no services on route
- Size Limits: 40 feet maximum for RVs/trailers
Weather Considerations
- Temperature: Can be 30-40°F cooler at summit than valleys
- Storms: Lightning danger above treeline during afternoon
- Visibility: Can change rapidly from clear to whiteout
- Ice: Possible even in summer at high elevations
Alternative Routes and Scenic Drives
When Trail Ridge Road is Closed
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Highway 7):
- Year-round alternative connecting Estes Park to Nederland
- Excellent fall colors viewing
- Lower elevation (7,500-9,000 feet) means better winter access
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway:
- Georgetown to Grant via 11,669-foot pass
- Alternative high-altitude experience
- Access to Mount Bierstadt trailhead
Visitor Centers and Amenities
Park Visitor Centers
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (Eastern Entrance):
- Address: 1000 US Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517
- Services: Information, exhibits, bookstore, restrooms
- Hours: 8 AM - 4:30 PM daily (summer)
Alpine Visitor Center (Mile 23):
- Elevation: 11,796 feet (highest NPS visitor center)
- Services: Exhibits, gift shop, restrooms, snack bar
- Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM (when Trail Ridge Road is open)
Kawuneeche Visitor Center (Western Entrance):
- Address: 16018 US Highway 34, Grand Lake, CO 80447
- Services: Information, exhibits, bookstore
- Hours: 8 AM - 4:30 PM daily (year-round)
Related Resources for Your Journey
Enhance your Trail Ridge Road experience with these additional guides:
- Complete Seasonal Driving Guide - Detailed planning for 2025 season
- Current Road Conditions & Weather - Real-time updates and safety information
- Accommodation & Dining Guide - Where to stay and eat near Trail Ridge Road
- Detailed Lookout Points - Complete guide to scenic stops and viewpoints
- Colorado Scenic Drives - Alternative routes and scenic byways
For the most current road conditions and closure information, always call (970) 586-1222 before beginning your journey.