Destinations: Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

Image Gallery Yes, that's snow. Come prepared for drastic changes in temperature as you climb.

The Skinny - Trail Ridge Road, ColoradoWhere: 54 miles of paved heaven between Estes Park, Colo., and Grand Lake, Colo.
Why: Great roads and even better views from the highest continuous paved road in the United States.
Best Kept Secret: Riding the road at night under a full moon in July or August. The entry gates are unmanned after 7 p.m. due to overnight camping in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Fees: $10.00 for a 7-day pass for motorcycles.
Scenic Routes: Look around. Do you see all those mountains? Pick one! Now go find a road that goes up it.
Avoid: Beware of elk crossing the road. They are especially hard to see at night, and, like deer, are unpredictable.
More Info: www.MotorcycleManiac.net, Colorado High Country Cruisers (www.cohcc.org)

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado, the highest paved road in the United States, runs from Estes Park, Colo., through Granby, Colo., and is a unique and beautiful ride.

Rising more than two miles above sea level, Colorado’s Trail Ridge Road is motorcycling heaven. Located inside gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park a short 65 miles northwest of Denver, it’s the highest continuous paved road in the country, soaring to an elevation of 12,183ft. This cliff-hugging highway is an engineering miracle, and the 54 beautiful, twisty miles it runs from Estes Park, Colo., to Grand Lake, Colo., are unlike any you’ve ridden before. Slicing through the heart of the park, the ride enters a world of rare alpine beauty and offers unparalleled views. Believe it when we tell you, they don’t make roads like this one anywhere outside of Colorado.