|
IN SHORT
|
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the majestic heights of the Trail Ridge Road, nicknamed America’s “Road to Heaven.” Let’s discover together the natural wonders and the splendor of the landscapes that make this route one of the most emblematic in the country.
Stretching for almost 48 miles through the Rocky Mountain National Park, known by the evocative nickname “Highway to the Sky”, the Trail Ridge Road transports us to one of the wildest landscapes of the Colorado, in a series of dizzying twists and turns without guardrails.
A walk at the top of nature
Since theGore Range Overlook, at an altitude of 3692 meters, the view extends to the snow-capped and arid Never Summer Mountains, surrounded by a delicate alpine tundra. This viewpoint is one of several peaks encountered on this highest paved road in the United States, towering over 12,000 feet above sea level.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure
Traveling the Trail Ridge Road from early June to late September is a real challenge for adventurous souls. Since 95% of the national park is wilderness accessible only to brave hikers, this route remains a popular option for exploring the vastness of the region.
The road winds along hairpin turns and winding roads, revealing views of vast meadows, dense evergreen forests, rugged mountain ranges, alpine tundra fields and sheer precipices. Every turn offers a breathtaking new perspective.
The challenge of keeping the road open
The majority of the year, Trail Ridge Road is covered in snow, making the road impassable. Every year, opening the road requires a colossal effort. Michael Bernhardt, National Park Roads and Fleets Supervisor, says, “We are very proud to be working to open this historic road. Clearing snow while isolated from society for six weeks is a transformative experience.”
Clearance teams must face strong winds, zero visibility conditions, snow banks more than 6 meters deep and steep slopes. Weather conditions can be so harsh that seeing the front of the machine becomes impossible.
A road created by effort and determination
The construction of the Trail Ridge Road in the 1930s was just as complex as its maintenance today. The project mobilized young men as part of the program of the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. Equipped with horses, steam shovels and other rudimentary machines, they worked to transform this passage into a motorable road.
By digging, blasting and paving, these men overcame gigantic challenges such as the permafrost and changing climatic conditions, while preserving the natural beauty of the park.
An ancient and majestic heritage
Well before the 1930s, the route had already been used by the tribes Ute natives for summer hunting and gathering. Archaeologists have discovered game traps and temporary habitations in this area, reflecting long-standing human use.
Meeting with local fauna and flora
With its lush forests, alpine meadows and impressive rock formations, each stop along the route offers the opportunity to observe local wildlife: majestic elk, moose, chipmunks and curious marmots.
Explorations for adventurers
To better understand the riches of this site, it is recommended to stop at the Forest Canyon Overlook, where a short hike allows you to discover the tundra ecosystem. THE Alpine Visitor Center, meanwhile, offers interactive exhibits on flora, fauna and road construction.
- Don’t miss the ranger-guided “Tundra Nature Walk” hike offered from mid-June to mid-August.
- Stop at Milner Pass, where the Continental Divide separates the waters going towards the Atlantic and the Pacific.
- Visit the Holzwarth Historic Site to discover the life of the first settlers.
In short, traveling the Trail Ridge Road is much more than just a drive. It is a total immersion in a universe where each turn offers a new surprise and where the majesty of nature is revealed in all its splendor.
