Old Fall River Road

Enjoy the amazing snow walls, dirt roads, views, and the highest through road in North America, Trail Ridge Road, on this route. This has you parking in Drake, Colorado. There is ample parking further up 34, in Estes, or in Rocky Mountain National Park. Old Fall River Road is in Rocky Mountain National Park so be prepared for fees at the gate. It’s worth it, this high mountain road has amazing views, is frequently closed to cars, and has some amazing dirt switchbacks. Ride up and down the dirt, or go down the pavement on Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved through road in North America.

The Stats:

• Distance: 72 miles

• Paved: 70%

• Climbing: 8000 feet

Notes: Best time for this route is when this road is closed to cars. Check the RMNP website for timing. It’s also very high and can be windy- layers are advisable even in summer.

Refills: Estes Park has plenty of places to refill in either direction. There is also an overlook and restaurant and store at the top of Old Fall River Road.

Tires: Old Fall River Road is steep, dirt, and long but not extremely rough. If you come back down the dirt you’ll have more fun on a bigger tire but adding more road like this route and you can get away with anything from a 32mm WTB Expanse to a 40mm Nano.