The summer sun in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado offers some great opportunities for hiking and pristine mountain drives. One of the best driving experiences around happens to run right through and over the mountains in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trail Ridge Road, also known as U.S. Highway 34, is a scenic drive with incredible views that make for an experience difficult to match. Running 48 miles (77 km) from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west, Trail Ridge Road traverses the roof of the Rockies as it hits a top elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters) above sea level. U.S. Highway 34 also boasts the title of highest continual highway in the United States. Trail Ridge Road climbs a series of switchbacks as it moves above the tree line, and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass at an elevation of 10,758 feet (3,279 meters). This grants the opportunity for amazing panoramic views from several different pull offs. One of the more popular of these is at the Alpine Visitor Center, where it seems winter never dies, and snow can be found throughout the year in this area.

Construction on the Trail Ridge Road in Colorado was completed in 1933. It was built to replace the inadequate Fall River Road, which was the first road into the high country of the Park. It opened in 1921, and the incline of 16 percent in parts of the Road proved to be of poor design for any motor travel. Instead, cars now safely zip along the Trail Ridge Road around the beautiful volcanic-formed mountains that are surrounded by three national forests.

While driving the Trail Ridge Road, it'd be a damn shame not to stop and enjoy any one of the several trails in the Park. The 265,769 acre (1,075.53 km²) Rocky Mountain National Park boasts over 359 miles (578 km) of trails, many of which are accessible right from, or close to, Trail Ridge Road. And with several glaciers, 150 lakes and 450 miles (720 km) of streams, including the headwaters for the famous Colorado River that slices through the Grand Canyon, it's easy to see why well over two million visitors flood the Park each year to experience nature at its best.

The best time of year to drive the Trail Ridge Road is during the summer months. Occasional closures at either end of the season can occur due to the weather conditions, but it's nothing like it is in the winter. The extreme winter snow fall prevents the plows from keeping the road clear, causing it to close during the winter; and when they do finally clear it late in the spring, it can be more than 20 feet deep!

The Kawuneeche visitor's center is at nearly 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) above sea level; so it's best to take it slow, especially if you attempt to hike a nearby trail. Altitude sickness can cause many problems, like shortness of breath and headaches, as well as problems sleeping at night. So go slow and see a Park ranger if you experience any problems.

Colorado is also known to benefit from a great abundance of sunshine, which means that it's easier to get burnt when you're 12,000 feet closer to the sun than normal. Whilst out in Rocky Mountain National Park, wear a hat and make sure to use plenty of sunscreen to avoid burning. Thunderstorms can also pop up in a moment's notice in the area, so make sure to come prepared for rain as well.

There are no service stations in the Park, so before you drive the Trail Ridge Road, make sure to stop in Grand Lake or Estes Park, depending on which city you're departing from. The highest continual highway in the country is not where you want to run out of gas.

Finally, respect the wildlife in the area. The Rocky Mountain National Park is home to many animals including black bears, moose, elk and mountain lions. Do not approach any of the animals while on a hike from the Road as they are wild and can be dangerous. To find out more about appropriate viewing distances and how to act if an animal approaches you, see a Park ranger. They will have all the information you need and be happy to help you make this an enjoyable and memorable experience.