From 1913-1920, Fall River Road was constructed as first road over the Continental Divide between Estes Park and Grand Lake. Prior to its completion, roads through the park were built by the state, meaning no federal jurisdiction had been offended.  This resulted in controversy as transportation policies granted a virtual monopoly to Transportation Company through the National Park Service.  Up to that point, independent drivers offered rides and sightseeing tours to visitors. The completion of the road allowed for more visitors and increased promotion. Over 240,000 visitors saw Rocky Mountain National Park in 1920. In 2000, New Fall River Visitor Center opened, because of a congressional act that allowed a private company to build the visitor center outside the park.

The Old Fall River Road is primarily gravel, and is one-way uphill, punctuated by switchbacks. The old road quietly leads travelers from Horseshoe Park (a short distance west of the Fall River Entrance) through the park's wilderness to Fall River Pass, 11,796 feet above sea level. There are no guard rails along this road; however, although narrow and curved, the road itself is safe. In places, the trees of the montane and subalpine forests are so close that motorists can touch them. The road follows a route traveled long ago by Indian hunters, who came to the park area in search of its abundant game. On the road, travelers pass the alluvial fan scoured out by the 1982 Lawn Lake Flood, and the site of a labor camp that housed state convicts who worked on the road project. The laborers were forced to build the three-mile stretch of road to the scenic respite of Chasm Falls with no more than hand tools at their disposal.

Credits and Sources:

“Old Fall River Road.” National Park Service: Rocky Mountain, Colorado. Scenic Drives. Accessed May 30, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/old_fall_river_road.htm

“Rocky Mountain National Park: A History. Chapter 6: Paradise Founded.” National Park Service. Park History Program. Accessed May 31. 2015. http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/romo/buchholtz/chap6.htm

“Timeline of Historic Events.” National Park Service: Rocky Mountain, Colorado. Stories. Accessed May 31, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/historyculture/time_line_of_historic_events.htm

“Rocky Mountain National Park: A History. Chapter 5: For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.” National Park Service. Park History Program. Accessed May 31, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/romo/buchholtz/chap5.htm

“Rocky Mountain National Park: A History. Chapter 6: Paradise Founded.” National Park Service. Park History Program. Accessed May 31. 2015. http://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/romo/buchholtz/chap6.htm