Alpine Visitor Center
At about 3,595 metres, the highest visitor centre in the US National Park System. From here you can hike the 'Huff and Puff' trail for views over the cirques.
The visitor centre sits where Trail Ridge Road meets Old Fall River Road. Outside the windows are huge glacial cirques and permanent snowfields, and inside are alpine ecology exhibits, a shop and a café. Across the road, the Alpine Ridge Trail is only about 0.5 km long but very steep. It climbs to a viewpoint at about 3,660 metres, nicknamed 'Huff and Puff'. Parking is tight at midday in summer, so arrive early. At this altitude, move slowly and bring warm clothing.
Opening hours
Approx. late May–mid Oct, 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Trail Ridge Road
- Old Fall River Road
- Forest Canyon Overlook
- Alluvial Fan
- Kawuneeche Valley
- Sheep Lakes, Horseshoe Park
- Dream Lake & Emerald Lake
- Bear Lake