(click map to open very large locator map - this section is red)
Trail Ridge Road Mile 0.0 to 22.0 | ||
| 0.0 |  The entrance sign welcomes you to Rocky Mountain National Park. |
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| 0.3 |  The road passes by the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Anyone new to the park should stop here for current information and an orientation. |
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| 1.5 | The road passes through the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. The park entrance fee must be paid or a valid pass shown. |
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| 1.8 | Bear Lake Road is on the left. This road gives access to Moraine Park and Glacier Basin Campgrounds, as well as the Glacier Gorge trailhead area and of course Bear Lake. |
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| 2.3 | A dirt road leads to the Upper Beaver Meadows area, a good place for spotting wildlife. |
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| 4.7 | Fall River Road is on the right. This road gives access to Old Fall River Road before leaving the park at the Fall River Entrance. |
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| 7.2 | The road passes by the Hidden Valley Picnic Area. |
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| 8.6 |  The road arrives at the first major viewing area, Many Parks Curve. A "park" is a large, open meadow area. Several can be seen from this vantage point, hence the name. |
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| 12.2 |  Trail Ridge Road reaches 10,560 feet (2 miles) in elevation, as it continues the climb upward. |
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| 12.8 |  The road goes by another major viewing area, Rainbow Curve. Along with being a great vista point, this is also the spot at which Trail Ridge Road is often closed during periods of snow and ice. |
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| 15.8 |  A small parking area for the Forest Canyon Overlook is on the left. A short path leads to the overlook. |
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| 17.9 |  The road passes through an area known as Rock Cut. The Tundra Communities Trail starts from the roadside parking area on the right. Other than the 11,000 foot elevation and the almost always cold wind, this is an easy walk into the tundra, and is highly recommended. Stay on the trail at all times, it can take decades for plants to recover in this environment. |
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| 20.0 |  The road passes by the Lava Cliffs Overlook. This is one of the more scenic of the high alpine overlooks along the road. |
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| 21.0 |  The road goes by another overlook, this one of the Gore Range. This is another stunning vista of the alpine tundra. |
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| 22.0 |  The road arrives at the Alpine Visitor Center, located at an elevation of 11,796 feet. There is a large gift shop here, as well as a small snack bar. The Old Fall River Road ends its steep climb at the parking area as well. |
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