Trail Ridge Road: The US' awe-inspiring 'Highway to the Sky'

Trail Ridge Road is a remarkable 48-mile route that winds through Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Known as the 'Highway to the Sky,' this road reaches an elevation of 12,048 feet, making it the highest continuously paved road in the United States. The drive is both thrilling and scenic, with hairpin turns and no guardrails, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, vast meadows, and dense forests. The road is a popular way to explore the park, especially since 95% of it is designated wilderness accessible only by hiking.

The road is usually open from June to September, as it is covered in snow for most of the year. Clearing the snow is a challenging task that takes about six weeks. Workers face gale-force winds, white-out conditions, and snow drifts that can exceed 20 feet in depth. Michael Bernhardt, the roads and fleet supervisor at Rocky Mountain National Park, describes the experience as transformative, with crews battling extreme weather and sheer drop-offs.

Trail Ridge Road was constructed during the Great Depression as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program, which aimed to provide jobs for young men and improve the country's public lands. The construction was a monumental task, with workers dealing with changing weather conditions, permafrost, and the need to blend the road into the natural landscape. The road was completed in 1932 and extended to Grand Lake by 1938. Today, it is one of the park's most popular attractions, drawing more than 4. 5 million visitors annually.

The route of Trail Ridge Road follows ancient pathways used by the Ute people, who lived in the area long before the road was built. Archaeologists have found evidence of their presence, including game drives and wickiups, in the region. The road offers numerous stops for visitors to take in the stunning scenery, learn about the local flora and fauna, and explore the unique tundra ecosystem.

One of the highlights of the drive is the Alpine Visitor Center, where visitors can learn about the plants and animals of the area and the history of the road's construction. The center offers ranger-guided tours and interactive exhibits. The road also passes by the Continental Divide, where water flows either towards the Atlantic or the Pacific.

Driving Trail Ridge Road is an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the people who built it and a celebration of the park's natural wonders. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Trail Ridge Road offers a unique and awe-inspiring journey through one of America's most beautiful landscapes.