Mountain Driving in Rocky Mountain National Park

Mountain Driving

Driving in Rocky Mountain National Park can become an unwelcome challenge for unprepared visitors.

Plan Around Mountain Driving

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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Mountain Driving Details

Driving in Rocky Mountain National Park can become an unwelcome challenge for unprepared visitors. Steep roads at already high altitudes can place extra demands on vehicles, and certain precautions are necessary to ensure safety on the road. Use lower gears when traveling downhill to avoid wearing down the vehicle's breaks. If the brakes start to smell, pull over and let them cool off before proceeding. Avoid using air conditioners, as they contribute to power loss. If the vehicle begins to loose power, let the engine rest for at least 30 minutes--during this time, loosen the gas cap and open the hood. Slow drivers should use available pullouts to let other vehicles pass.

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Nearby Parks Around Mountain Driving

Compare nearby parks around Mountain Driving when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Mountain Driving

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Mountain Driving while the map context is still fresh.

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Jessie Benton Fremont

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Traffic & Travel Tips

Plan ahead!

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ZERO LANDFILL IN THE PARKS:

THE YOSEMITE, GRAND TETON AND DENALI PROGRAM

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Fly rim-to-rim in a half-hour.

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50-Minute Airplane Tour

The ultimate Canyon airplane tour.

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50-Minute Helicopter Tour

Offering aerial tours of the North and South Rims as well as the Grand Canyon's East Rim.