Discovering the Beauty of Old Fall River Road: A Journey Through Colorado's Wilderness

Okay, picture this: Old Fall River Road, a super scenic dirt road snaking its way through Larimer County, Colorado. It's basically one of the highest drives you can do in the state!

This beauty is about 10.7 miles long, heading east to west in Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting Fall River Road to Fall River Pass on Trail Ridge Road. It's all unpaved, but don't worry, you don't need a special car – any regular vehicle can handle it in dry weather.

You'll climb to a whopping 11,817 feet above sea level! Usually, it's open from around the Fourth of July to October, so plan accordingly.

Expect about 40 minutes for the drive, but honestly, give yourself a couple of hours for the round trip to soak it all in. This isn't a race; it's a chance to get up close and personal with nature. Seriously, the trees are so close, you can practically touch them!

Now, fair warning: this road has some serious heights, and there are NO guardrails. It’s a one-way uphill adventure with tons of switchbacks, and the speed limit is a chill 15 mph. It's narrow and curvy, so take your time. You don’t want to rush it anyway!

The road's width is pretty tight, sometimes only 14 feet, so passing isn’t easy. There are some pull-offs, but they can be far between. If hairpin turns and dirt roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. However, if you’re up for the adventure, it's an unforgettable experience.