Biking

 

Biking on Trail Ridge Road

NPS

Biking in the Park

Biking in Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking experience. To protect yourself, others, and the park, review and follow the rules and suggestions on this page. Have a fun, safe ride!

 

Fees

Each person riding a bicycle inside Rocky Mountain National Park is required to have a "per person" entrance pass or be covered under an annual or lifetime pass, which covers the owner and up to three additional cyclists. Pass holders must be ready to show both the park pass and a photo ID.

A timed entry permit is not required for visitors entering the park by bicycle.

To learn more, visit RMNP's Fees & Passes webpage.

 

Cycling on Trail Ridge Road

NPS

Things to Know and Rules of the Road

• Bicycles are permitted to be used on all roads that are open to motor vehicles, both paved and dirt, unless otherwise posted.
• Bicycles are prohibited on park trails
• Bike racks are not available on the park's shuttle buses or on the Hiker Shuttle
• In Rocky Mountain National Park, federal law requires that cyclists ride single file at all times. Riding abreast is prohibited.
• Cyclists should stay to the right side of the road.
• Cyclists must obey posted speed limits and all traffic laws and signs.
• On roads open to motor vehicles, bicycles must ride in the same direction of travel as other vehicles.
• During sunset, sunrise, and other periods of low visibility, cyclists must ride with a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet to the rear.
• E-bikes are allowed anywhere in the park where vehicles are allowed.

 

Trail Ridge Road, above treeline, in summer

NPS

Cycling on Trail Ridge Road

Connecting the communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road is a paved, seasonal road. It is the highest continuous paved road in the United States.

Cyclists must travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic.

Cycling on Old Fall River Road

Old Fall River Road is a one-way 9-mile scenic drive that begins at Endovalley Picnic Area and ends at the summit of Fall River Pass. Old Fall River Road merges with the parking area for Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road at an elevation of 11,796 feet. This road is a narrow dirt road that is one-way uphill only with sharp switch backs.

• Bicycles are only permitted on the road, they may not travel on side trails.

• When Old Fall River Road is closed to vehicles, cyclists may travel uphill and turn back down the road. When Old Fall River Road is in winter trail status bicycles are not allowed on the road.

• Once Old Fall River Road is open to vehicles, cyclists must follow the flow of traffic one-way uphill to Alpine Visitor Center and return back down via Trail Ridge Road.

For more details on park roads, including Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road, visit RMNP's Park Roads webpage. The opening of Old Fall River Road is weather dependent. Old Fall River Road typically opens to vehicles in early July.

 

 

Safety Tips

Safety is your responsibility. Cycle at your own risk.

Ride Early
In summer, get an early start. After 10 am, roads become congested, and the chance of accidents increases. After noon, dangerous thunderstorms and lightning are common.

Be Prepared for Steep and Narrow Roads
Park roads are consistently narrow, steep, and winding. Road shoulders are narrow and not designed to accommodate cyclists. There are few guardrails and many steep drop-offs.

Watch Out for Drivers
In summer, roads are congested. Many drivers aren't used to driving in the mountains and may be driving rented oversized vehicles or pulling trailers. Drivers might be watching the scenery and wildlife rather than the road. Pay extra attention, watch for extended side-view mirrors, and don't assume that drivers know how to share the road.

Be Prepared for Mountain Weather
Park roads traverse altitudes up to 12,000 feet (3,650 m). Alpine weather conditions can change quickly and dramatically. Cold temperatures, gusty winds, frequent thunderstorms, and hail are likely, and even snow is possible. Lightning is extremely dangerous, especially above treeline.

Wear the Right Clothing and Gear
See and be seen: wear high-visibility clothing. Bring extra layers and waterproof outerwear. Wear a helmet, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Always Carry Food and Water
It's easy to get dehydrated in Rocky's dry climate and high elevations. Carry and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help prevent altitude sickness. Water may be available at park visitor centers. Trail Ridge Store is the only place to buy food, bottled water, and sports drinks and is only open in summer.

Remember: You're at Altitude
At high altitude, each breath contains less oxygen. If you are not acclimatized, exercise might be more difficult. Consider planning a less ambitious ride than you would at home. If you begin to experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness like headaches, rapid pulse, nausea, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and general malaise, do not go any higher. Descend to ride another day.

Don't Count on Cell Phones
Cell service is non-existent in many locations in this rugged park. Stay with your group. Let someone know your plans.

 

Planning for a Group Ride in Rocky?

A Special Use Permit may be requied. For more details and for information on applying for a Special Use Permit, visit RMNP's Permits & Reservations webpage.

 

Riding on Other Park Roads

Bicycles are prohibited on the Grand Ditch Road and on all trails except for a two-mile segment of the East Shore Trail near Grand Lake.

E-bikes are prohibited on the Grand Ditch Road and on all trails including the East Shore Trail.

 

Lodging, Rentals, and Facilities

Lodging is not available inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Camping is allowed only in campgrounds. Camping is available by reservation only and reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov.

• Bicycles are not available for rent inside Rocky Mountain National Park the park.

Lodging and bicycle rental, repair, sales, and tours are available in nearby communities.

There are bike racks at visitor centers but no bike racks on shuttle buses. At trailheads, if no bike rack is available, cyclists may carry their bike into the woods and lock it to something out of sight (like a tree) as long as no harm is done to that object.

• Cyclists may not lock bikes to signs or trailhead bulletin boards.

If you plan to leave your bike overnight, you must get a dash tag from the Wilderness Office and tape it to your bike. Items left over 24 hours are considered abandoned. Permits are required for overnight wilderness camping.

The park assumes no liability for bikes or other property left unattended.