Distance: Approximately 48 miles one way
Allow: 3–5 hours round trip with scenic stops
Road Surface: Paved
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best For: Spectacular scenery and a once-in-a-lifetime Colorado ride
Trail Ridge Road is the signature motorcycle ride from Estes Park. The highway crosses Rocky Mountain National Park, climbing from the Estes Valley through forests and mountain meadows before reaching the alpine tundra above timberline.
At 12,183 feet, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Riders are treated to extraordinary views of the Rocky Mountains, deep valleys and the Continental Divide before descending toward Grand Lake.
Rider's Note: Temperatures at the top can be dramatically colder than in Estes Park. Bring additional layers even on a warm August day. Weather can change quickly, and temporary closures are possible.
Antique Motorcycle Consideration: Long grades and elevations exceeding 12,000 feet can be demanding on older motorcycles. Riders should make certain their motorcycles are in good mechanical condition before attempting the complete route.
Distance: Approximately 42 miles one way
Allow: 2½–4 hours round trip
Road Surface: Paved
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best For: Antique motorcycles and relaxed mountain riding
Leave Estes Park southbound on Colorado Highway 7, passing Lily Lake with outstanding views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker and Twin Sisters.
Continue through the forests surrounding Allenspark before following the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway toward Nederland. Established in 1918, the Peak to Peak is Colorado's oldest scenic byway and follows the eastern side of the Continental Divide.
The combination of good pavement, sweeping curves, mountain forests and spectacular views makes this one of the area's best rides for vintage motorcycles.
Optional Extension: Continue south from Nederland toward Black Hawk and Central City for a longer ride through Colorado's historic mining country.
Antique Motorcycle Consideration: Highly recommended. This route provides excellent mountain scenery without the extreme elevations encountered on Trail Ridge Road.
Distance: Approximately 40 miles
Allow: 1½–2 hours
Road Surface: Paved
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: A shorter morning or afternoon ride
For riders who want a shorter excursion, the Glen Haven–Big Thompson Canyon loop packs a remarkable amount of Colorado scenery into a relatively short ride.
Leave Estes Park and travel through the mountains toward the small community of Glen Haven. The road winds through forests and along the North Fork of the Big Thompson River before reaching Drake.
At Drake, turn west onto US Highway 34 for the return trip through spectacular Big Thompson Canyon. The final portion follows the river between towering canyon walls before climbing back into Estes Park.
Expect tighter curves and elevation changes around Glen Haven, making this an entertaining route at a relaxed pace.
Antique Motorcycle Consideration: Excellent. The relatively short distance makes this a particularly good choice for older motorcycles and riders who want plenty of time to enjoy National Meet activities.
Distance: Approximately 65–70 miles
Allow: 2½–3½ hours
Road Surface: Paved
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: The best overall combination of riding and scenery
Take Colorado Highway 7 south from Estes Park past Lily Lake and the eastern slopes of Longs Peak. Continue through Allenspark before descending through the foothills toward Lyons.
The landscape changes dramatically during the ride—from high mountain forests and views of snowcapped peaks to rocky canyons, mountain streams and the lower foothills around Lyons.
From Lyons, US Highway 36 provides another scenic mountain route back to Estes Park, creating a complete loop without retracing your route.
Antique Motorcycle Consideration: One of our top recommendations. The route combines manageable distances with outstanding scenery and avoids the extreme altitude of Trail Ridge Road.
Distance: Approximately 90–100 miles
Allow: 3½–5 hours
Road Surface: Paved
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Riders looking for a half-day Colorado motorcycle tour
For riders wanting to spend more time on the road, this loop combines several of the best riding areas surrounding Estes Park.
Begin by riding south on Colorado Highway 7 toward Allenspark and continue toward Lyons. From the foothills, work north toward Loveland and then turn west onto US Highway 34.
The final leg follows the Big Thompson River through Big Thompson Canyon. Towering rock walls, sweeping curves and the rushing river accompany riders for much of the climb back into Estes Park.
The result is an excellent sampling of Northern Colorado riding—high mountains, foothills, small communities, open country and canyon roads—all in one loop.
Antique Motorcycle Consideration: Very good. The additional mileage makes this better suited to motorcycles that are comfortable on a half-day tour, but the route avoids the sustained high elevations found inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fuel Up: Fuel availability becomes more limited once you leave Estes Park, particularly on mountain routes. Start each ride with a full tank.
Weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Temperatures can vary substantially with elevation, and afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer.
Wildlife: Elk, deer and other wildlife are frequently encountered around Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Reduce speed and remain especially alert around dawn and dusk.
Altitude: Estes Park itself sits at approximately 7,500 feet, and several routes climb considerably higher. Both riders and vintage motorcycles may react differently to the elevation.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Riders entering Rocky Mountain National Park should verify current entrance fees, timed-entry requirements and road conditions before departure.
Ride Your Own Ride: These routes include mountain curves, steep grades, wildlife, changing weather and tourist traffic. Ride within your own abilities and those of your motorcycle.
The Flatirons Chapter National Meet celebrates motorcycles that were built to be ridden. However, Colorado's mountains can present challenges that these motorcycles may not encounter at lower elevations. Before departing, check your fuel, oil, tires, brakes and controls. Allow additional following distance on mountain descents, watch engine temperature on long climbs and remember that carbureted motorcycles may run differently as elevation increases. Most importantly, allow plenty of time. These aren't roads to rush through—they're roads to enjoy.
Great motorcycles. Great roads. Great scenery. Welcome to Estes Park.
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