Trail Ridge Road is a paved roadway high up in Rocky Mountain National Park. It reaches a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters), and is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. I was lucky enough to traverse this stretch of roadway near the end of the day, right as the lighting conditions became prime. As one drives along this highway, one encounters vast views of natural wonder and beauty.
Many overlooks dot the roadway where one can stop and admire the beauty of the landscape. Though I've never had much luck with landscapes, great shots come easy in an environment this visually breathtaking. The trail winds its way above the treeline into the region's alpine tundra, weaving through ancient lava cliff faces. After the crest of the ridge, the road begins its decline towards the Alpine Visitor Center, which was unfortunately closed when I visited.
There is, however, a short trail up a hill right next to the visitor center that offers a great view of the surroundings. When in such a grand environment, it is easy to feel a sense of insignificance at importance of worldly matters. Landscapes such as these were slowly carved out and created by millions of years of natural circumstances, and the preservation of such wonders is truly critical.