The Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Loop is 164 miles of pure mountain adventure. This four-hour drive will take you from Denver to Estes Park, through Rocky Mountain National Park on the magnificent Trail Ridge Road and then through Grand Lake, Granby and Fraser to Winter Park. There is almost no greater experience. From expansive mountain views to intricate flora that you have to look closely to find, there's almost limitless wonder in the park's 416 square miles.
For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west and it takes about an hour to two to drive. It has a total distance of 48 paved miles and would require at least 2 hours of driving to complete it. It has become one of the most popular roads since its opening in 1938 due to its high elevations, sharp curves and magnificent landscapes. Once you return to Interstate 70 East, you'll descend from the Rocky Mountain Range for most of the remaining trip. If you have 5 days in Rocky Mountain National Park and have done enough hiking, I recommend you go to the west side of the park and spend a day in Grand Lake.
