The only first-come, first-served Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds in the park, Longs Peak Campground, has 26 sites and charges $26 per night. About this Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Visiting RMNP from Breckenridge regardless of which entrance you use is not ideal. There are many things to do here. ie last an hour or so and go away? I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). Show more. Once you pass through the entrance booth, you have access to that area of the park (for example, if you are coming from Estes Park and enter through the Beaver Meadows entrance before 9 am, you do not need a permit and can tour the park, with the exception of the Bear Lake Corridor, for the rest of the day). 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It is equipped with a sofa bed and a double bed, and there is a fireplace in both the bedroom and the warm living room. Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? It may sound counterintuitive, but if you really want to see Rocky Mountain National Park hassle-free, leave your car behind. You can get to this entrance without going through the middle of town by following highway 34 up East Wonderview Avenue. Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry system frustrates visitors On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. There are numerous pull-over areas on each side of the road for this purpose. Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. Our website uses cookies. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. You will really feel the effects of the altitude. You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds 2022 It does get tiring, but these trails are so much fun and offer such a wide variety of views and experiences that it never gets monotonous or boring. I recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes or boots (not running or walking shoes) so that you have good traction. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. For reference, we live in Maryland, visited RMNP as our first Colorado park last summer, hiked to Emerald Lake and Fern Lake on our first day here, and had no issues whatsoever. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. Those are the 3 that were recommended to me. This hike starts at Bear Lake and summits Flattop Mountain before arriving at Hallett Peak. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 4. Is it safe?. Ty in advance for your help as usual ! Thanks so much ! 10. Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Do 4 days if you canthere are a LOT of hikes to choose from here. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. 17 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park (2023) Hopefully in your case they will be quick! For five days or more, follow our four day itinerary and for each additional day that you have, add on another hike. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. Deer mountain Alpine ridge trail Trail ridge drive Ute trail to tomb bridge Alberta falls Nymph, dream and emerald lake Haiyaha Bear lake Sprague lake loop sheep lakes lily lake loop chasm falls Gem lake Mills lake, Rocky Mountain is very safe for a solo traveler and yes, in the mornings, there will be people on these trails. On the east side of the park, located on highway 36 and 3.5 miles west of Estes Park, is the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. How to Spend One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park From the summit you have a great view over Moraine Park and Longs Peak. On the west side of the park is the Kawuneeche entrance, located just north of the town of Grand Lake. Gem Lake. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park (With Map) - Roaming the USA Which entrance would be better. 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. The Best Campgrounds in (and Near) Rocky Mountain National Park At the entry station you will be greeted by a ranger. #1 Estes Park - Overall Best Place to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park. After one final short and strenuous climb you arrive at Chasm Lake. If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. While here you can enjoy quiet walks, exhilarating hikes, gorgeous sunrises and . However, the road is open to Many Parks Curve, approximately 7 miles from the start of Trail Ridge Road from the east. The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. Do you think this is doable? 94 within 3 miles. And you wouldn't be disappointed at any choice. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. Rocky Mountain National Park | VISIT DENVER A Quick Geography Lesson. Grand Lake's bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. There are four entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park, and in 2022, you will need a park pass plus a separate day-use reservation to get into the park, regardless of which entrance you take. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. Difficulty: Moderate. I lucked out and it didnt rain on the 3 main days i was hiking (there was some rain on the day i came in but even that stopped around 4p and i was able to do nymph to dream to emerald and bear lake hike that evening). This entrance is right next to the intersection with Bear Lake Road providing you with easy access to this area of the park. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This gives you enough time to acclimate to the higher elevation (very important if you live at a low elevation) before tackling some of the higher, tougher hikes (such as Mount Ida, Hallett Peak, or Longs Peak). Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. Alberta Falls Trail. With one day, I recommend going on a hike, starting at Bear Lake, and driving Trail Ridge Road (its awesome!). Rocky Mountain National Park: Glacier Gorge Snowshoe Hike Is it worth going to RMNP if I only have 4 hours? And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. USA TRAVEL INSPIRATION:For more great ideas on where to go in the United States, check out our article Best USA Road Trips, which has 18 sample itineraries for your next big adventure. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled . One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park (No Hiking) - Sights Better Seen Thunderstorms dont happen every single day, but it is something that you need to plan for. Order our free stunning National Park Trip Planner for Colorado filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Follow the Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Old Fall River Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Even for Old Fall River Road, a 44 or SUV is not necessary, as long as road conditions are good, and you can get updated info on this either on the NPS visitor center or at one of the visitor centers. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. To stay safe, start your hike early in the day so that you are finished, or at least below the tree line, by 1 pm. If you think you can go farther, and if skies are clear, consider going all of the way to Sky Pond. You can hike here from Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake Trailhead. For the "Park Access, Does Not Include Bear Lake Road" Timed Entry Permits, they will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For full details on how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, read our post One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. $70. Save. Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Stations It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. Mills Lake and Loch Vale are very nice and might be perfect for you. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you get to Allenspark, you have gone too far. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. If you plan to visit multiple national parks, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 and valid for all of the national parks for one year). As it is, I like to hike early to avoid the crowd, Yes, leaving that early should work. Crowds are still big in September, both to see fall colors and the elk mating season. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is the best place to get information, books, maps and backcountry permits, as well as catch the park bus. Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. I recommend getting here early (ideally by 7:30 am) to make sure you get a parking space and to give yourself plenty of time today. Restaurants. Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry - Recreation.gov View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On . Where to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Parking at the most popular trailheads fill up extremely early in the day. I think your itinerary looks great. From Loveland it's 30 miles (48 km) and 45 minutes by car to get to Estes Park. 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. , 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park 2. And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. This family friendly hike is a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. In a normal year, Rocky Mountain National Park attracts well over 4 million visitors to its 415 square miles that are home to 147 lakes, dozens of different mammals (bear, moose and bighorn sheep among them), 355 miles of hiking trails and the Continental Divide. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will be a busy day. Odessa and Fern Lakes. Serving visitors to the Wild Basin area of the park, approximately 19 miles to the south of Estes Park on highway 7, is the Wild Basin Entrance station. Rocky Mountain National Park Fees. Trailhead Location. This hike adds on Lake Haiyaha, another very pretty alpine lake. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. There are pull outs along the road for viewing but can get busy during the day so head . Once you are finished hiking, hop back into your car. #3 Granby - Best Place to Stay near Rocky Mountain National Park for Families. After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. Few people hike out this far so this is a great place to leave the crowds behind. Within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park, more than 100 peaks rise above 11,000 feet in altitude, including Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. 1000 US Hwy 36 Cheers, Julie. Can you Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park? Since you will know your exact dates, I recommend making your reservations on July 1 so you get the permits for each day you will be in RMNP. The job of the entrance station rangers is to welcome the visitors to the park, issue entrance passes, and answer visitor questions. Due to its large size and long list of noteworthy hikes, you need several days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. There will be people. Colorado Springs is a great weekend trip from Denver if you are looking to explore a smaller city within an hour or two of Denver. Typically this road12,183 feet at it's highest point, remains closed from late-October to late-May. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. I was able to snag early AM Bear lake for 3/4 days i am going to be at the park (believe it or not, i snagged it from atop Lassen peak which was the only place i got 5g !!). Learn more here. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The west side of RMNP is not the side of RMNP that most people want to visit. The park is quieter and with the snow, it is a winter wonderland. This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Not bad for a town of 400 residents, all of whom seem . Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. With numerous hotels and restaurants, and a great location near the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a great place to stay. If you are an avid hiker, your itinerary will look something like this: Day 1: Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes plus Trail Ridge Road and the Alpine Ridge Trail Day 2: Deer Mountain in the morning, Estes Park in the afternoon/evening Day 3: Sky Pond Day 4: Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida Day 5: Longs Peak Day 6: Rest day from hiking (Old Fall River Road and activities in Estes Park) Day 7: Chasm Lake. Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. . Drive Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park There are two ticket types: Park Access + and Park Access. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Note: Its a slightly shorter hike (1.7 miles) if you park at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike Alpine Ridge Trail, and consider driving down to Grand Lake, visiting the Holzwarth Historic Site on the way. Anything to keep in mind? For hikers, its the ultimate adventure. Information? Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. Cheers, Julie. Bear Lake with Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds in the background. The 7 Estes-Area Entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park This is a well-rounded, well-written, and nicely illustrated summary for newbies. But it looks like you have some free time on Thursday and Friday afternoon in case an afternoon gets rained out earlier in the week. When does Trail Ridge Road close in the fall? What would be the best time to hike RMNP after labor day? Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the Winter Rocky Mountain National Park - Annual Pass. GREAT SAND DUNES: In our article Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, we cover the top experiences, plus how to plan your time, where to stay, and more. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks. Explore the exhibits at the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park Service. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. Shuttle Bus. Colorado Springs. The park is much less crowded at this time, but Trail Ridge Road is not open and many, if not all, of the hiking trails can be snow covered. The Finch Lake trail is a great choice for those who prefer solitude as it's one of the lesser traveled trails in the Wild Basin region of RMNP. Pssst. These are the only official entry stations into the park. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake). This entrance station has two booths and is generally one of the quieter entrances of the park; however, on busy days you may have a short wait. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge (40.31053, -105.64033) Why we love it: This quiet winter hike avoids the Bear Lake throngs while still delivering the same stop-in-your-tracks alpine viewsincluding Longs Peakfor hardy snowshoers. Hike one of the trails that I mentioned earlier in this itinerary, or click here to see our list of 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located outside Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a great family vacation . These two are the most popular entrances to the park. If you plan to do a lot of hiking and drive Trail Ridge Road, plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between Memorial Day and mid-October. As part of the National Park system, Zion operates under the same rules as other parks. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. 9. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. 9. Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, encompasses an area of 416 square miles (265,769 acres). Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. However, if you are traveling in a car, Wild Basin is a wonderful area to explore with trails that reach eight lakes and three waterfalls. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Colorado.com As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. I hope you have an awesome time in RMNP and happy hiking! These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . Timed Entry Permit: If you have plans to visit the park in the summer months, dont forget to reserve your permit in advance. 5. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE The best entrance for Rocky Mountain National Park is Beaver Meadows Entrance or Fall River Entrance. Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Yellowstone National Park; Wind River . Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. WorldMark Estes Park. Lily Lake. Cheers, Julie. There are a million different ways to put together a Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, and how you choose to do so really depends on your interests, the time of year you plan to visit the park, and the weather. This area is home to various trails, lakes, and wildlife. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. If you are coming from a lower elevation and plan to hike to these taller peaks, you will need to spend a few days in the park, acclimating to the higher elevation, before you tackle these hikes. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Sometimes, when the permits open up, you just have to grab them, no matter where you are in the world (we got our Narrows permit for Zion while rock climbing Svolvaergeita in Norway ). Emerald Lake. Longs Peak is the highest mountain in the park, and the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park. This station is .25 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Put your higher hikes in the second half of your RMNP visit and you should be fine. Required fields are marked *. Also, if Longs Peak is on your list, watch the weather report for your visit. BTW I reach Denver around 12.30pm on a Tuesday in mid August, that puts me in Estes Park area at about 3:30pm (waiting for rental/lunch/traffic). Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats and explore Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake. Emerald lake lays below Hallett peak, Tyndall glacier, and Flattop mountain. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. Autumn ushers in cooler days, smaller crowds, golden aspen and elk bugling. Kawuneeche Entrance. This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a full list of our Rocky Mountain National Park articles, plus important planning tips, check out our Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. However, if Longs Peak is on your list, I recommend waiting one more day if you come from sea level. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. Mills Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. You can follow this itinerary during the winter months with some modifications. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. If you end at RMNP, you should not have any issues with altitude sickness, unless you hike Longs Peak on your first day here (but even that would be highly unlikely). Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. or maybe 4? And once at topwhat a view.! Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. Enter the number of passes you would like to purchase from the available choices below: Site passes table. All offer bookstores and much printed information to supplement the knowledgeable staff. Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Centre distance. The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary Trail Ridge Road - You can see forever! Because the entrance is so accessible from Estes Park and open year round, it is the most popular. miles of dramatic beauty, high rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, 350 miles of hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Yay!! We have info on this post on how to do this, so make sure you get your permit for each day that you plan to be in the park. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations are in effect for most areas of RMNP. Cheers, Julie. Suggestions for this weekend Nov 03, 2022. In 2021, RMNP was the fifth most visited park in the USA, receiving 4.4 million visitors.