Fall River Road

The Fall River Road was the first road to cross the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. Starting by Larimer and Grand counties in 1913 before the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park, the early construction was carried out by state prison inmates. The convicts made little progress and contractors completed the road in 1920. The unpaved mountain road climbs from Horseshoe Park up the steep Fall River Valley, following Fall River,  over a series of tight switchbacks to reach Fall River Pass at 11,796'; from there, the road continued down the west side of the mountains to Grand Lake.

There are many places to access the river along the length of the road providing a cool place to sit ot take a private dip on those hot days.

Despite the popularity of the route, the road proved difficult to traverse and maintain. Automobiles had trouble mastering the steep grade and tight curves and avalanches often buried the road forty feet deep. Following the completion of Trail Ridge Road in 1932 the eastern Half of Fall River Road became a one-way scenic drive from Endo valley up to Fall River Pass; the western half was abandoned or overbuilt by the Trail Ridge Road.

 The road climbs to Fall River Pass on steep grades sometimes reaching 16%. Some early automobiles had to climb in reverse due to their weak engines and gravity-fed fuel system. Surface materials washed off quickly. As you reach Mile 8 you will see the Trail Ridge Store at the top

 Motorists have to negotiate sixteen switch-backs with radii as tight as 20'. Some vehicles have to turn back and forth repeatedly to make the curves.

Once above tree line the scenery changes drastically to the alpine tundra.  You can view the many sources of Fall River there.

 The road width rarely exceeds 14', too narrow for cars to pass safely. Passing turnouts are provided, but these are few and far between.