Trail Ridge East: Rocky Mountain National Park
Price: $95 (not including National Park Entrance Fee)
Availability: Late May - September (weather permitting)
Difficulty of Ride: Easy to Moderate
Length of Ride: 24 miles
Length of Experience: 5 hours +/-
Road Surface: Paved Road
Meeting Time: 7:00 am May 1 - June 14, 6:45 am June 15 - August 31, 7:00 am September 1 - 30
Meeting Place: New Venture Bike Shop
Riders must be at least 13 years of age for this ride and must be at least 4'10" in height.
Please call for larger group bookings! 970-231-2736
We give a 10% discount for active US Military, veterans and seniors. Enter Promo Code UNMILITARY or SENIOR during your booking process or request the discount if booking over the phone.
Our most popular downhill ride! We drive from Estes Park into Rocky Mountain National Park and on up to our starting point, just above 12,000 feet in the alpine tundra. From there, our guides will lead you down the east side of the highest continuous paved road in the country.
Trail Ridge Road was completed in 1932 and joins Estes Park in the east and Grand Lake in the west part of Rocky Mountain National Park. We start at a point in the tundra where we don't have to do much peddling in the thin air. It is a treat to see the herds of elk grazing the tundra in the summer and the marmots and pikas enjoying the sunshine and eating up for the next winter. Our guides not only make you aware of the upcoming terrain, but also share stories and information that enrich the experience of getting to know Rocky.
Trail Ridge Road closes between Many Parks Curve and the Colorado River Trailhead each winter, as this section of the road winds through the alpine tundra, a harsh environment that makes keeping the paved road clear during the winter months an impossibility. The NPS aims to have that upper section of road cleared and open by Memorial Day weekend each year, but each year, opening and closing dates for that section will vary based on weather. In May, we are sometimes able to ride a part of this tour, so if you're around before Memorial Day, give us a call to check in on conditions.
If you visit Trail Ridge Road on a summer's afternoon, you will see that it is heavily used; that is why we only do the Trail Ridge East tour in the early morning. We begin riding eastbound in light traffic, most of which is heading westbound. As the day wears on, the national park becomes busier and we experience a little more traffic. Having some experience sharing the road with cars may make the tour more enjoyable for some people.
As we descend through the alpine, subalpine and montane zones of the park, we have frequent rest stops for photo taking at scenic overlooks, snack breaks and learning about the wonders of the park. Rocky Mountain National Park offers abundant opportunities for wildlife sightings, glorious wildflowers, the colors of autumn, all with the wonderous, glacially carved peaks as the striking backdrop.
Some are daunted by the mileage of the tour. Remember it is mostly downhill or flat, with a very small amount of uphill pedaling. There is van support for those who want to sit out for a section of the ride.
Once we exit the national park, we follow the river into town, coasting down Fall River Road. We ride through downtown Estes Park, accessing the multi-use trail that will take us around the north side of Lake Estes and back to the New Venture Cycling headquarters.
We offer two reservable seats in the support van for those group members who want to come along for the ride, but not on a bicycle. Van seats are $25. Additional van seats may be available, please inquire by phone.