How long is the Rocky Mountain & Trail Ridge Road Loop route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Denver to Denver in Colorado, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is Late May to mid-October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Classic road trip, Adventure, City hop.

Rocky Mountain & Trail Ridge Road Loop

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The route · 7 stops

5 overnight bases · 2 stops on the way

Denver

1 night

Colorado's mile-high capital and the loop's start and finish. Spend the first night low to ease into the altitude: walk the LoDo and RiNo districts, eat well, and stock up before the climb. Pick up the hire car here.Colorado's mile-high capital and the loop's start and finish. Spend the first night low to ease into the altitude: walk the LoDo and RiNo districts, eat well, and stock up before the climb. Pick up the hire car here.

Recommendations

43m · 51 km drive to Boulder

Boulder

1 night

A laid-back university city set against the tilted slabs of the Flatirons. Hike or picnic at Chautauqua Park, stroll the Pearl Street Mall, then take the slow scenic US-36 north. An easy half-day stop that eases you toward the mountains.A laid-back university city set against the tilted slabs of the Flatirons. Hike or picnic at Chautauqua Park, stroll the Pearl Street Mall, then take the slow scenic US-36 north. An easy half-day stop that eases you toward the mountains.

Recommendations

49m · 59 km drive to Estes Park

Estes Park

2 nights

The eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and the best base for its dramatic high-country trails. Use two nights: drive to Bear Lake, watch elk graze Moraine Park at dusk, and browse the riverside town. This is where Trail Ridge Road begins its climb west.The eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and the best base for its dramatic high-country trails. Use two nights: drive to Bear Lake, watch elk graze Moraine Park at dusk, and browse the riverside town. This is where Trail Ridge Road begins its climb west.

Recommendations

32m · 38 km drive to Grand Lake

Grand Lake

2 nights

Reached by driving Trail Ridge Road over the alpine tundra, this is Colorado's largest natural lake and the quiet western side of the park. Two nights allow a boardwalk stroll, kayaking on the lake and gentler trails such as the Lulu City walk, far from the east-side crowds.Reached by driving Trail Ridge Road over the alpine tundra, this is Colorado's largest natural lake and the quiet western side of the park. Two nights allow a boardwalk stroll, kayaking on the lake and gentler trails such as the Lulu City walk, far from the east-side crowds.

Recommendations

44m · 53 km drive to Winter Park

Winter Park

1 night

Drop south through Granby to this Fraser Valley town, lively in summer with lift-served mountain biking, an alpine slide and aspen-lined trails. A relaxed overnight before the final climb over Berthoud Pass back toward Denver.Drop south through Granby to this Fraser Valley town, lively in summer with lift-served mountain biking, an alpine slide and aspen-lined trails. A relaxed overnight before the final climb over Berthoud Pass back toward Denver.

Recommendations

On the way

Georgetown
23m · 27 km
A beautifully preserved silver-mining town tucked in a steep I-70 valley, full of Victorian storefronts. Stretch your legs on a morning stop: ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad or scan the cliffs for bighorn sheep before the easy run back to Denver.A beautifully preserved silver-mining town tucked in a steep I-70 valley, full of Victorian storefronts. Stretch your legs on a morning stop: ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad or scan the cliffs for bighorn sheep before the easy run back to Denver.
Recommendations
Denver
1h 6m · 79 km
Close the loop back in Denver, an hour east on I-70. Drop the car or enjoy a final city night before flying out. By now you have circled Rocky Mountain National Park, crossed the Continental Divide twice and driven the highest paved road in the country.Close the loop back in Denver, an hour east on I-70. Drop the car or enjoy a final city night before flying out. By now you have circled Rocky Mountain National Park, crossed the Continental Divide twice and driven the highest paved road in the country.
Recommendations

Rocky Mountain & Trail Ridge Road Loop