Alpine Visitor Center: Summit Stop on Trail Ridge Road
Explore the alpine tundra at the highest visitor center in the National Park System, with stunning views and educational exhibits.
Perched at 11,796 feet, the Alpine Visitor Center is the highest in the National Park System, offering stunning views of the alpine tundra, the Mummy Range, and the Never Summer Mountains. Open from late May to mid-October, it provides exhibits, restrooms, a gift shop, and food services.
A brief summary to Alpine Visitor Center
- Trail Ridge Rd, Grand Lake, Colorado, 80447, US
- +1970-586-1222
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Check the Trail Ridge Road status before heading up, as it can close due to weather.
- Bring layers of clothing, as the weather at this altitude can change rapidly.
- Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Take it slow on the Alpine Ridge Trail to adjust to the altitude.
- Reservations may be required to enter the park.
Getting There
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Driving
From Estes Park, enter Rocky Mountain National Park via the Beaver Meadows Entrance or Fall River Entrance. Follow Trail Ridge Road (US Highway 34). The Alpine Visitor Center is located along Trail Ridge Road at Fall River Pass. From Grand Lake, enter the park and follow Trail Ridge Road east. Note: Timed entry reservations may be required to enter the park between 9 AM and 2 PM from late May through mid-October. Check the park's website for current requirements. Park entrance fees are required. A one-day pass is $30 per vehicle, and a seven-day pass is $35 per vehicle. America the Beautiful passes are also accepted.
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Shuttle
While there is no direct shuttle to the Alpine Visitor Center, the Hiker Shuttle from Estes Park Visitor Center connects to the Bear Lake and Moraine Park shuttles. From the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road, you will need to drive to the Alpine Visitor Center. The Hiker Shuttle requires a reservation ($2 fee). A park pass is also required. This option involves a significant amount of driving to reach Trail Ridge Road after using the shuttle.
Discover more about Alpine Visitor Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Farview Curve Viewpoint
8.2 km
Experience the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains at Farview Curve Viewpoint, a must-visit scenic spot along Trail Ridge Road in Colorado.
Aspen Winds on Fall River
17.2 km
Discover tranquility at Aspen Winds on Fall River, a perfect lodge for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Estes Park, Colorado.
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
18.4 km
Explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center - your essential resource for adventure and discovery.
Rocky Mountain Day Hikes, a Website of hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park
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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park with stunning hiking trails designed for all levels of adventurers and nature lovers.
The Wapiti Colorado Pub
18.7 km
Discover the flavors of Colorado at The Wapiti Colorado Pub in Estes Park, where local craft beers and delicious comfort food await.
Rocky Mountain National Park Sign
18.8 km
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Performance Park
20.4 km
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MacGregor Ranch Museum
20.5 km
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Mrs. Walsh's Garden
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Tour Estes Park
20.5 km
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Red Rose Rock Shop
20.6 km
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The Water Wheel
20.6 km
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Penelope's Old Time Burgers
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The Taffy Shop
20.8 km
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Estes Park Distilling Co.
20.8 km
Experience the essence of Colorado at Estes Park Distilling Co., where handcrafted spirits meet breathtaking mountain views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Alpine Ridge Trail
0.1 km
Hike a short, steep trail above the treeline in Rocky Mountain National Park for epic views of the alpine tundra and surrounding peaks.
Trail Ridge Road Summit
1.5 km
Drive the 'Highway to the Sky' on Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, for unparalleled alpine views in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Gore Range Overlook
1.5 km
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Lava Cliffs Overlook
1.8 km
Discover ancient volcanic cliffs and panoramic views at this stunning overlook along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Tundra Communities Trailhead
3.7 km
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Old Fall River Rd
5.7 km
Experience a nostalgic journey on this historic dirt road, winding through diverse ecosystems to breathtaking alpine views in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Forest Canyon Overlook
6.1 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of glacier-carved canyons and alpine tundra at 11,716 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Trail Ridge Rd
6.6 km
Experience the stunning views and unique ecosystem of Trail Ridge Road in Colorado, a scenic highway through the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Ute Trail
7.4 km
Hike the Ute Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park for panoramic views and a journey through alpine tundra with historical significance.
Chasm Falls
7.4 km
Discover the beauty of Chasm Falls: An easily accessible waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park with stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Colorado River Trail
7.9 km
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Endovalley Picnic Area
8.7 km
Escape to the serene beauty of Endovalley Picnic Area in Rocky Mountain National Park for a tranquil picnic and stunning mountain views.
Rainbow Curve Overlook
8.9 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park from the easily accessible Rainbow Curve Overlook on Trail Ridge Road.
East Alluvial Fan Trailhead
10.9 km
Explore a unique landscape shaped by the dramatic 1982 Lawn Lake flood in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Lawn Lake Trailhead
11.5 km
Hike to Lawn Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning views, challenging trails, and a glimpse into the area's natural history.
Essential places to dine
Trailhead Restaurant
14.8 km
Discover the flavors of Colorado at Trailhead Restaurant—where eclectic cuisine meets stunning mountain views in Estes Park.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
19.2 km
Experience the best of American cuisine and craft brews at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern in Estes Park – your cozy retreat after exploring nature's wonders.
Bird & Jim
19.7 km
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Boss Burgers and Gyros
19.9 km
Indulge in mouth-watering burgers and authentic gyros at Boss Burgers and Gyros – your go-to spot in scenic Estes Park.
Smokin' Dave's BBQ - ESTES PARK
20.1 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Smokin' Dave's BBQ in Estes Park - where smoky flavors meet stunning mountain views.
Big Horn Restaurant
20.4 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Big Horn Restaurant in Estes Park with delicious American cuisine perfect for all tastes and budgets.
Coffee on the Rocks
20.6 km
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Twisted Griffin Irish Pub & Restaurant
20.6 km
Discover authentic Irish cuisine and warm hospitality at Twisted Griffin in Estes Park—your perfect dining destination in Colorado.
Rivers Edge BBQ
20.7 km
Experience mouthwatering barbecue at Rivers Edge BBQ in Estes Park – where flavor meets nature's beauty.
The Wild Rose Restaurant
20.7 km
Experience the best of American and European cuisine at The Wild Rose Restaurant in Estes Park—where unique flavors meet stunning mountain views.
The Grubsteak Restaurant
20.8 km
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The Sandwich Mafia
20.8 km
Discover mouthwatering sandwiches made from fresh ingredients at The Sandwich Mafia in Estes Park – your perfect culinary stop after outdoor adventures.
Bob & Tonys Pizza
20.8 km
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Himalayan Curry & Kebob
20.8 km
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River Walk Café
20.9 km
Experience delightful dining at River Walk Café in Estes Park—where fresh ingredients meet stunning mountain views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Trail Ridge Store
0.1 km
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Rocky Mountain Gateway
14.8 km
Explore the treasures of Rocky Mountain Gateway, your one-stop shop for unique gifts, camping gear, and authentic Native American crafts in Estes Park, Colorado.
The Village Store of Estes Park
19.8 km
Discover the charm of The Village Store in Estes Park, a perfect blend of clothing, gifts, and souvenirs for every traveler.
The Mad Moose
19.8 km
Explore The Mad Moose for top outdoor gear and unique souvenirs in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Wild Horse Gift Shop
20.1 km
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Lizzie's Boutique
20.3 km
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Omnibus
20.6 km
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The Trading Post of the Rockies
20.6 km
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Country West City East Gifts
20.7 km
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Cabin Fever of Estes Park Co
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Over The Edge
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Favorite Things
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The Whispering Wood
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Rocky Mountain Souvenirs
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Estes Park Souvenirs
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lonigans Saloon Nightclub & Grill, An Irish Pub
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Full Throttle Distillery & Grill Estes Park
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The Whiskey Bar At The Cascades Restaurant
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Wheel Bar
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217 Wine Bar
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Rock Cut Brewing Company
21.1 km
Discover the heart of craft beer culture at Rock Cut Brewing Company, a premier brewery in Estes Park, Colorado, offering stunning views and delicious brews.
Avant Garde Aleworks
22.2 km
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The Bull Pin - Elevated Entertainment
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Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.
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Randi's Grill & Pub
57.6 km
Experience authentic Irish cuisine and warm hospitality at Randi's Grill & Pub in Winter Park, a cozy getaway for food lovers and adventure seekers.
Gravity Haus Winter Park
58.1 km
Experience the perfect blend of luxury and adventure at Gravity Haus Winter Park, your gateway to the Rocky Mountains.
Kavasutra Kava Bar Fort Collins
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The Mayor of Old Town
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Tap and Handle
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Experience the best of Fort Collins at Tap and Handle, where delicious grill fare meets a lively atmosphere and exceptional local brews.
Ace Gillett's Lounge
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Fort Collins at Ace Gillett's Lounge, where crafted cocktails and live music create an unforgettable atmosphere.
