Fall River Road, Rock Mountain National Park
Over labor day weekend, we went up Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fall River Road is the dirt road that goes up from the Alluvial fan area near the Endo Valley picnic area up to the Alpine Visitor Center (11796 ft). It's a one way trail, traveling up and I think it follows the old stage coach route. It's well maintained, cars can drive the road. There are sharp switchbacks where I saw several long, full size pickups do three point turns. Travel time is ~60 minutes. It's 9 miles with a speed limit of 15.
The whole trail is about 1.5 lanes wide and there are a couple of spots to pull over and get out and look around. For the most part, no passing so bring your patience if you get behind someone freaked out at the lack of guard rails, tight switchbacks, etc.
The way back is down Trail Ridge Road and is a paved 25-45 mph route depending on the section.
It's a lot of fun, but not a 4x4 challenge. Heck, it's not a 4x2 challenge.
We had planned to drive the trail without roof and thought our plans were foiled when we got to the north park entrance visitor center. Enough hail to cover my roof white.
It quickly cleared up for the duration of our drive and we made it up with no roof. When we got to the Alpine Visitor Center, the clouds burst open again.
The flat valley in the picture here is the area in front of the Alluvial Fan.
Typical trail:
Nearing tree line:
Here they've carved the trail into the side of the hill.
When I turned this corner, my jaw dropped. The picture doesn't quite capture how awesome this was and how sudden.
Alpine Visitor Center as seen from Fall River Road:
The pending rain storm. This is from the trail that goes up from the parking lot. There is nothing like hiking at 12,000 feet.
On the way down we were treated to one of the most vibrant rainbows we've seen. Easily distinct colors.
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Next summer.
