USA · Americas
Trail Ridge Road
The highest continuous paved road in the US, crossing Rocky Mountain National Park above the treeline with vast alpine tundra views.
- Length
- 77.0 km
- Avg gradient
- 3.2%
- Max gradient
- 7%
- Elevation gain
- 1,430 m
- Summit
- 3,713 m
- Hairpins
- 25
Versants
- From Estes Park — 38.0 km at 3.8% (max 7%)
- From Grand Lake — 39.0 km at 2.9% (max 6%)
History
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, and at 3,713 m it exists above the treeline for much of its length. The 77 km from Estes Park to Grand Lake offers views across the Continental Divide and expanses of alpine tundra that few cyclists ever see.
The climb from Estes Park gains 1,430 m over 38 km at only 3.8% average, which means it's a long endurance climb to altitude rather than a steep one. The biggest challenge is the altitude itself — by 3,500 m, the thin air forces a dramatically slower pace regardless of fitness.
The road is well-maintained but exposed and prone to sudden weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in midsummer, and the exposure is severe — there's nowhere to hide from wind or weather once above treeline. The park charges a modest entrance fee, and cyclists are common during the summer riding season.