As one of Colorado's most popular scenic drives, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, at its highest point of 12, 183 feet. The road crosses Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake. If you have time for a longer trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, you can drive to beautiful Bear Lake, with its stunning mountain views. The road starts near the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, which is located in Estes Park, Colorado.
If you're coming from Granby, it'll take you about three hours to get to Estes Park, but in the warmer months, you can also take Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. Taking Trail Ridge Road will take approximately one hour of travel and give you the opportunity to explore this legendary road. Bear Lake Road also offers plenty of incredible views, as it rises to an altitude of 9,491 feet where the Alpine Lake is located. Wonders abound within Rocky Mountain National Park, many of which can be enjoyed without putting on a backpack or going inside.
Travel through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park to Grand Lake, passing through stunning scenery that makes drivers want to stop at every opportunity to take pictures. Within the national park from the entrance to Beaver Meadows, Bear Lake Road runs 23 miles round trip to Bear Lake and is open year-round.
