Riding here
Rocky Mountain is about climbing. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide above 12,000 feet between Estes Park and Grand Lake, and Old Fall River Road climbs nine miles of dirt switchbacks to Fall River Pass. Before Old Fall River opens to cars (typically early July), cyclists can ride up it and back down. Cyclists don't need a timed-entry permit.
Where you can ride
Bicycles may use all park roads open to motor vehicles, paved or dirt, unless posted, plus a two-mile segment of the East Shore Trail near Grand Lake.
Where you can't
Bikes are prohibited on all other park trails and on Grand Ditch Road.
Rides
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Trail Ridge Road
- Road
- Estes Park to Grand Lake
- Paved
- Hard
The high road over the Divide, topping out above 12,000 feet. Seasonal: it closes in winter.
Start: Beaver Meadows or Fall River entrance (Estes Park)
-
Old Fall River Road
- Gravel
- 9 mi one way, uphill
- Narrow dirt with switchbacks
- Hard
A one-way dirt road to Fall River Pass (11,796 ft). Before it opens to cars you can ride up and back down; once open, ride up and descend Trail Ridge Road.
Start: Endovalley Picnic Area
When to go
Summer and early fall. Trail Ridge Road is seasonal, and Old Fall River Road typically opens to vehicles in early July.
Safety
Ride early: roads congest after 10 am. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and extremely dangerous above treeline. If you feel altitude sickness, don't go higher. Carry food and water; cell service is patchy.
E-bikes
E-bikes are allowed anywhere vehicles are allowed, but not on Grand Ditch Road or any trail, including the East Shore Trail.
Fees and reservations
Each cyclist needs a per-person entrance pass, or an annual or lifetime pass, which covers the pass owner and up to three more cyclists. Show the pass and photo ID. Group rides may need a special use permit. From 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 per person at this park unless covered by a pass (the non-resident America the Beautiful pass is $250).
Timed-entry permits are not required for cyclists entering by bike.
Rentals, tours and shuttles
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Your bike shop hereSample listing
This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Rocky Mountain: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.
Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027
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Estes Park Mountain Shop
Mountain bike rental, Estes Park, CO. Visit Estes Park listing
Shops listed without a badge are businesses we found near the park; we don't take payment for those. Run a shop near Rocky Mountain? Add it here.
Sources
Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.
Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.