Fall River Road
Encyclopedia
The Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park
was the first automobile road to penetrate the interior of the park. The road linked the east side of the park near Estes Park
with Grand Lake
on the west side. Work began in 1913 and was completed between 1918 and 1920. The narrow road was partly replaced by Trail Ridge Road
in 1932, which incorporated sections of the Fall River Road. In 1968 the National Park Service
restored the road, paving the lower third. It is open in the summer, weather permitting, from Sheep Lakes to the Alpine Visitor Center
.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national park located in the north-central region of the U.S. state of Colorado.It features majestic mountain views, a variety of wildlife, varied climates and environments—from wooded forests to mountain tundra—and easy access to back-country trails...
was the first automobile road to penetrate the interior of the park. The road linked the east side of the park near Estes Park
Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park is a town in Larimer County, Colorado, United States. A popular summer resort and the location of the headquarters for Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park lies along the Big Thompson River. Estes Park had a population of 5,858 at the 2010 census...
with Grand Lake
Grand Lake, Colorado
The Town of Grand Lake is a Statutory Town located in Grand County, Colorado, United States. The population was 447 at the 2000 census....
on the west side. Work began in 1913 and was completed between 1918 and 1920. The narrow road was partly replaced by Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is the name for a stretch of U.S. Highway 34 and is the highest continuous highway in the United States. Also known as Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway, it traverses Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park, Colorado in the east to Grand Lake, Colorado in...
in 1932, which incorporated sections of the Fall River Road. In 1968 the National Park Service
National Park Service
The National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
restored the road, paving the lower third. It is open in the summer, weather permitting, from Sheep Lakes to the Alpine Visitor Center
Alpine Visitor Center
Rocky Mountain National Park's Alpine Visitor Center is located at 11,796 feet above sea level at Fall River Pass, about two miles north of the highest point on Trail Ridge Road in the U.S. state of Colorado. The Alpine Visitor's Center includes restrooms, a restaurant and an information and gift...
.