Fall River Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fall River Pass |
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Trail Ridge Store at Fall River Pass
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| Elevation | 11,796 ft (3,595 m) |
| Traversed by |  US 34 |
| Location | Rocky Mountain National Park, Larimer County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Range | Front Range |
| Coordinates | 40°26′26″N 105°45′17″W / 40.44056°N 105.75472°W |
| Topo map | USGS Fall River Pass |
Fall River Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. It sits at an elevation of about 11,796 feet (3,595 meters) above sea level. Imagine standing on top of a very tall mountain! This pass is located inside the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park, which is a famous place for nature lovers.
A "mountain pass" is like a low spot or a gap between mountains. It makes it easier for people to travel from one side of a mountain range to the other. Fall River Pass is a key spot for travelers exploring the park.
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Exploring Fall River Pass
Fall River Pass is a special place in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It's known for its amazing views and for being a gateway to different parts of the national park.
Where is Fall River Pass?
This pass is found in northern Colorado. It's right in the middle of Rocky Mountain National Park. This park is famous for its tall mountains, clear lakes, and lots of wildlife. The pass is also located in Larimer County.
Roads Through the Pass
Two important roads are connected to Fall River Pass. These roads help people explore the high mountain areas.
Trail Ridge Road
The main road that goes through Fall River Pass is U.S. Highway 34. This highway is part of the famous Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road connects the towns of Granby and Estes Park. It's one of the highest paved roads in North America!
It's interesting to know that Fall River Pass is not the very highest point on Trail Ridge Road. The road keeps climbing even after the pass. The highest point on Trail Ridge Road is actually about 12,183 feet (3,713 meters) high. This higher point is a bit east of Fall River Pass, but still inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Old Fall River Road
There's also an older road called the Fall River Road. This road is mostly unpaved and is a one-way road going uphill. It's a more historic and scenic route. The Fall River Road actually reaches its highest point right at Fall River Pass. From there, it joins the modern highway for the trip down the mountain.
The Alpine Visitor Center
Right at Fall River Pass, you'll find the Alpine Visitor Center. This is one of five visitor centers in Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitor centers are places where you can learn more about the park. They often have exhibits, rangers to answer questions, and gift shops. The Alpine Visitor Center is a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy the incredible mountain views. The highway leading to the pass has a moderately steep slope, about 6% grade, on both sides.
Picture gallery
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A map of Fall River Pass from the USGS.
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A sign showing the elevation near Fall River Pass.
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A beautiful creek flowing near Fall River Pass.
