Old Fall River Road
Historic high-country route through RMNP
Old Fall River Road is Rocky Mountain National Park’s original auto route to the alpine zone, built in 1920 as America’s highest continuous automobile road. This narrow, winding dirt track climbs relentlessly for 11 miles from Horseshoe Park at 8,400 feet to the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet, passing Chasm Falls and offering unobstructed views of the Continental Divide. The road is strictly one-way uphill with no guardrails, drop-offs that’ll make your passenger grip the door handle, and switchbacks so tight they’ll test your three-point turning skills.
Any stock vehicle with decent ground clearance can handle this moderate route, though RVs and trailers are prohibited due to the narrow width and sharp curves. Open typically from July through October depending on snow conditions, no permits required. The road surface is well-maintained gravel with occasional rough patches. What makes this special isn’t the technical challenge—it’s the historical significance of following the same route Model T drivers took a century ago, ending at some of Colorado’s most spectacular high-country views.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 11 mi / 17.7 km |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11796 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance vehicle |
| Nearest town | Estes Park, Colorado |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Old Fall River Road without modifications?
Yes. A stock high-clearance vehicle handles this fine — it's a maintained gravel road, not a rock crawl. Low-clearance cars and sedans will bottom out on the rougher sections, so leave the Camry at home.
When does Old Fall River Road actually open and close each year?
Typically opens in early-to-mid July once snowpack clears and closes in mid-October, though exact dates shift year to year based on conditions. Check the NPS RMNP site before you go — don't assume it's open just because it's summer.
Do I need a permit or reservation to drive Old Fall River Road?
You need a valid Rocky Mountain National Park pass — either the standard entry fee or an America the Beautiful annual pass covers it. Between late May and mid-October, RMNP also requires a timed entry reservation for the Bear Lake Corridor, but Old Fall River Road falls under a separate reservation area, so check the NPS site for current timed entry requirements for that zone.
What's the hardest part of the drive and what should I actually expect?
The road is one-way heading west (uphill only) and narrows significantly near the top with steep drop-offs and no guardrails. The surface gets loose and uneven above 10,000 feet — nothing technical, but drivers uncomfortable with exposure and narrow mountain roads should know what they're getting into.
Is there gas or any services along the route, or should I fuel up in Estes Park first?
There are zero services on the road itself — no gas, no food, no bailout options once you're rolling. Fuel up in Estes Park before you head in, and have whatever water and snacks you need with you because the only stop is the Alpine Visitor Center at the top.
Trail track
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