Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways - 2024/2025

As the highest paved through-road in North America, Trail Ridge Road was a landmark achievement for its day. From 1929–1932, the Civilian Conservation Corps could only build the road 3 months at a time due to the heavy snows. However, this byway’s human history starts well before the national park was founded. Trail Ridge derives its name from the numerous prehistoric pathways that crisscross its treeless expanse. Primarily utilized by Ute Indians, these rough routes were thoroughfares for hunting and gathering in summer months. Today, hikers can follow one of these paths, the Ute Trail, which the National Park Service maintains. However, the delights for travelers of this byway are not reserved to just the high-altitude reaches. In Estes Park, visitors can tour (or stay the night) at the Stanley Hotel, which was built by F.O. Stanley of Stanley Steamer fame and was an inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. Other historic sites include the Beaver Meadows Welcome Center at the park’s east entrance and the Grand Lake Lodge at the western terminus of the byway.

Distance: 48 miles • Allow 2–3 hours

Total elevation gain: 7,522–12,183 feet

(Note: In winter, the byway is closed between Many Parks Curve and the Kawuneeche Visitor Center.)