Rainbow Curve Overlook — Attraction in Estes Park

Rainbow Curve Overlook was a stunning stop during our visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. We were there while the snow was still melting, and the contrast between the remaining snow patches and the emerging greenery made the view even more dramatic. It was crisp, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful.

We spotted chipmunks darting around the rocks and even saw a couple of woodpeckers working away in the trees nearby — a lovely little bonus on top of the already incredible scenery. The overlook itself is easy to access with a paved path, great informational signage, and plenty of space to take it all in without feeling crowded.

If you're driving Trail Ridge Road, this is an absolute must-stop. You don’t need to hike far to get one of the best views in the park. It’s a perfect mix of convenience and...

I parked here and another visitor was angry because I ostensibly took their spot. I presume that they easily found a spot, as moments later on the overlook they were discussing this situation in presumed confidence with their cohort. It seemed to ruin their experience of the overlook as they were quite vociferous in their concerts of the situation. I respect the right of way and the rules of the road, as they were blocking the highway with their supposed maneuvering. I will never understand the fragility of people's emotions and egos that surround banalities such as parking while on vacation. Nonetheless, this did not inhibit my experience of the overlook. You can see the plains on a a clear day,...

Rainbow Curve, 12.8 miles from the Beaver Meadows park entrance, lies on the outside edge of a wide switchback on Trail Ridge Road as it swings around a blunt ridge between Hidden Valley and Hanging Valley. This major viewpoint at 10,829 feet is just below timberline, the transition zone between a subalpine fir and spruce forest and the alpine tundra of grass and delicate wildflowers. The vista looks down on Horseshoe Park, an open grassy valley floored by twisting Fall River. Note the light-colored alluvial fan on the north side of the park. It formed in 1982 when Lawn Lake, a small reservoir in the Mummy Range, broke after heavy rain. A deluge of water, boulders, and debris swept down...