Trip Date: 8/30/2016

Location: Rocky Mountain National Park - Trail Ridge Road

Permit/Pass: Automobile - 1-Day Pass $20, 7-Day Pass $30

Trail maps: NPSmap

Directions: From the town of Estes Park in Colorado take East Elkhorn Avenue east to a left turn onto Moraine Avenue. Follow Moraine Ave. for a little over six and a half miles as it heads east out of Estes Park and gradually climbs toward the park entrance. At the Bear Meadows Visitor Center the road essentially turns into Trail Ridge Road (also US34), and climbs through the mountains for about 11 miles until it reaches the parking area for the overlook on the south side of the road.

Synopsis: Just a short walk out to an overlook. But keep in mind this is an overlook on Trail Ridge Road - which means it offers incredible vistas. Forest Canyon is long and deep and beautiful, and includes in the view spectacular montane lakes across from the overlook.

 Trail sequence: Forest Canyon Overlook Trail

Type: Out and back

Distance: 0.3 miles

Elevation: Min. - 11,735', Max. - 11,766'

Rating: Easy (factors: altitude)

Notes: Hope for a clear day.

Track: Forest Canyon Overlook - Rocky Mountain NP: AllTrails, GaiaGPS

Turn by Turn:

  -- After parking, follow the paved path a few hundred yards out to the viewing area. Retrace your steps to return to your car.

Photos: Flickr