Trail Ridge Road

One branch of the Highlander Clan renewed our yearly tradition of journeying up Trail Ridge Road which was opened in July 1932.  Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous motorway in the United States with more than 8 miles above 11,000';  the highest elevation is 12,183'.  The road approximates the historic path followed by native Americans when crossing the Rocky Mountains.  These gorgeous photos of Trail Ridge Road are borrowed from emily large Photography.

One can stop along the way at several points to take in the magnificent views or even hike from various trailheads.  The traditional and favorite hike of the Highlander Clan has always started at the Tundra Communities trailhead at Rock Cut and climbed gently 260' to the Toll Memorial.  The hike is .5 miles (one way) and offers a close up view of the alpine tundra environment - complete with tiny wildflowers, colorful lichen, and scampering pikas.  (By the way, 2011 visitors to Highlander will find a pika in the cabin!)