A hiker stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking a sweeping green valley with scattered pine trees in Colorado.
Points of Interest

Rainbow Curve Overlook

High-altitude pullout at a curve in Trail Ridge Road, with views of forested valley & snowy peaks.

(1,913)
Estes Park, CO

Reviews (1,913)

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4.9

1,913 reviews

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swapnil gawde
swapnil gawde

2 months ago

Absolutely breathtaking views! A mandatory stop on Trail Ridge Road. Rainbow Curve Overlook offers one of the most stunning, panoramic vistas in the entire park. Sitting right at a sharp curve at over 10,800 feet elevation, you get an incredible look down into the forested valleys, the winding road below, and the massive, snow-capped peaks framing the horizon. Standing above the tree line and taking in the sheer scale of the Rockies from here is an unforgettable experience. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged because you won't stop taking pictures! This is a fantastic, well-maintained pullout with a generous amount of parking space compared to some other spots along the drive. There are helpful educational signs detailing the geology and the different ecological zones you can see from the viewpoint. Pro-Tip: Because it sits at such a high altitude, it can be incredibly windy and significantly colder than the park entrance down in Estes Park, so definitely bring a jacket or windbreaker even in the summer! Keep an eye out for wildlife too, as chipmunks and birds love to hang out around the rock walls.

Christie McVeigh
Christie McVeigh

2 months ago

An ideal spot to watch a breathtaking Rocky Mountain sunrise. If you're planning to catch the sunrise, entering the park before 9:00 a.m. is free. We entered around 4:45 a.m., which gave us plenty of time to reach the lookout before the sun came up. There is ample parking and a restroom nearby, making it a convenient and comfortable place to start your morning. I highly recommend this viewpoint if you're visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or the surrounding areas! Psalm 113:3

ozitheexplorer
ozitheexplorer

3 months ago

A popular overlook located at around 10,800 ft (3,290m), offering panoramic views of forests, valleys and distant mountain ranges. Due to the high elevation, the weather is usually cool and windy. It is a great spot for photography and enjoying the scenery.

Madhan Somesh
Madhan Somesh

3 months ago

The parking place is really less. Part of the road is currently closed because of the weather/snow. But the views from the top are amazing and purely breathtaking

This is another spot on the Trail Ridge drive. There is parking and rest rooms at this viewing spot. I would recommend stopping here before you continue the journey.

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