8.8
FIETS
43.9 mi
DISTANCE
7,751 ft
GAINED
2.9 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Cycling Trail Ridge: Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park's fantastic bike climb. At nearly 44 miles, the Trail Ridge bike climb is the second longest climb by bike in the US (second only to the longest bike climb in the entire world - Mauna Loa, HI). We rise above tree level to sweeping unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains and finish at an oxygen deprived 12,151'.
All of the five longest climbs in the world (PJAMM World Longest Bike Climbs) have a significant amount of overall descent, although #5 Trail Ridge has the second fewest at 962'. There is a 4.5 mile -1.5% segment on this climb that makes up for over half the descent on the entire 44 mile climb. Excluding descent from the climb raises the climb's average grade from 2.9 to 4.1%.
53% (23.2 miles) of the climb is at 0-5% and 28% (12 miles) 5-10%. The steepest mile on the ride is 9.8% and happens to come at mile 16.7 just before the 4.5 mile descent. There is only 8/10ths of a mile at 10% or above.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button above.
Roadway: The roadway is in excellent condition throughout the climb.
Traffic: The first 22 miles of the climb are on moderately travelled Highways 24 and 34. After passing through Estes Park at mile 22 traffic is mild and not a concern.
Parking: There is parking near the start of the climb at The Dam Store - Map; Street View of parking - ask at The Dam Store if you can park in their extended parking and they will likely o.k. the request. If you are doing the shorter (18 mile) climb from Estes Park, park either on Fish Hatchery Road at the beginning of the alternative climb (map) or in Estes Park a mile southeast (Google Parking Map).
There are provisions in several spots along this climb, although none for the last 16 miles after entering the park. Be sure to visit The Dam Store at the beginning or finish of your climb - it is a cool little store. We have also enjoyed the Glen Haven General Store at mile 15.5 and Gateway Grocery and Ice Cream Shop just before the Rocky Mountain NP entrance at mile 26.7 (Street View).
Since you will finish this climb above 12,000', nearly 7,000' higher than the start, be sure to consult the PJAMM Weather forecast for the expected conditions at the finish and pack clothing accordingly.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
For this climb we have stayed in and very much enjoy Estes Park. Trail Ridge is also easily accessible from Denver (60 miles; PJAMM Denver Climb Page) and Boulder (38 miles; PJAMM Boulder Climb Page). There are great options for vacation rentals in each of those areas as well.
ROUTE MAP
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johnnywaynethompson
From the Dam Store, this is a testy 85 -mile ride up and back. Road never super steep (13+). We did this ride on a Saturday so traffic was probably above normal but still light. Never a climbing beast but makes for a long, hard day.
johnnywaynethompson
Just a tad confused. The distance is listed at just over 43 miles. However, in the suggestions, it's suggested that we start at The Dam Store then "Ride 31 miles and turn right onto Trail Ridge Road for the final 23 miles." 31 + 23 = 54. Can someone help explain the difference? Thanks, in advance.
jwt
sam.lionman
Hmm... youre right, 23 more miles would take you about 2500 feet down the other side to Fairview Curve. I think we meant 13 miles, which would take you to the Rock Cut parking lot where we end this route. I'll fix this, thanks for pointing it out. Great catch!
micahling
I used to live in Loveland, CO and would bike to RMNP almost every week in the summer. At least once or twice a year I would ride all the way from Loveland, up Old Fall River Road, and down Trail Ridge Road, and back home. That was about 110 miles with 8 or 9K feet of climbing. Always loved that loop. Trail Ridge Road is also great on its own. I'd always recommend starting early in the summer to beat the traffic. The temperatures at the top are always much colder and usually a LOT of wind. Go all the way to the Alpine Visitors Center for a snack, then back up to the Rock Cut high point and descend. This descent is SO FUN. Just really nice and winding with incredible views. The road is in good shape.
