Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers Trailhead Location. Are you referring to the timed entry ticket? Estes Park Mount Ida. Loveland and Boulder are two Colorado cities that are located much further away than the other options for where to stay when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Which entrance would be better. Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. On the east side of the park lies the Beaver Meadows Entrance, the most direct entrance from Estes Park, Colo.,which lies right outside Rocky Mountain National Park. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. After you drive through the entrance station you can park at the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead which is immediately on your right or continue straight ahead on Wild Basin Road for 2 miles to reach the main parking area. Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Estes Park. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On . 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. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. You have a choice today: take a break from hiking and explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, or hike another trail. When you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you have several choices of which entry point to use. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are a great idea too, since snow is a possibility on some of these trails, all year. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. Summer (generally Memorial Day to Labor Day) is peak visitor season for good reason trails are snow-free, the park's wildlife is active, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. , Thanks ! Old Fall River Road is an 11-mile long gravel road that runs one-way from Horseshoe Park (near Estes Park) and ends at the Alpine Visitor Center. 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. The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. If driving Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road is on the top of your list and you have limited time, you may want to enter the park via the Fall River Entrance on the parks east side. Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. 94 within 3 miles. The map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. We also have a guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to spend one day in RMNP. Approaching Moraine Park, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk love to congregate. The parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road is large but from here, you have access to numerous popular trails in RMNP, so it also fills fast. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park (No Hiking) - Sights Better Seen 18 EPIC Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes (Helpful Guide + Photos) 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. Save. I climbed 3 different volcanoes in 3days and it was lovely. At the entry station you will be greeted by a ranger. We still had some snow in a few spots at the higher elevations. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Denver International Airport straight to Estes Park. #1 Estes Park - Overall Best Place to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park. Learn more here. 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Attractions You Can't-Miss - MSN Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? Thank you! There will be people. Once you are finished hiking, hop back into your car. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Because the Wild Basin Entrance is about a 30-minute drive south of Estes Park on the parks east side, most of the parks visitors never even see the Wild Basin area. Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. Your email address will not be published. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. If you like scenic drives and going off-the-beaten-path, youll love this drive. Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate, 2 to 3 hours. Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Afternoon/Evening spending it around the visitor center, or back at Estes Park 4) Fri Morning: Chasm lake. Bear Lake with Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds in the background. 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. That means you will not be able to visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, drive Old Fall River Road, or visit some of the best overlooks in the park. Hi Is there any stay offered by national park ? This tough hike follows along the Continental Divide, starting at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 feet on Mount Ida. #2 Grand Lake - Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. Never been to park at all. 5. For reference, I was able to do Highline trail from the loop all the way to Grinnell viewpoint, Ptarmigan tunnel and Grinnell Glacier including Grinnell lake, hidden lake overlook, virginia waterfalls over 3 full days at my recently concluded Glacier NP trip. On the way, you'll pass the park entry sign on your right, which is a great place to take family photos, and then the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on your left. Since I like to hike, I am guessing maybe 3 solid days? Lily Lake. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Hopefully in your case they will be quick! 1-Day Pass - Automobile - $25. 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. To the north of the Beaver Meadows area, located on highway 34 approximately four miles west of Estes Park, is the Fall River Entrance Station. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. How Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? To reserve a campsite at Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park, call (970) 586-5342. And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. l plan on 7 days there. Odessa and Fern Lakes. However, I only recommend doing this if you are acclimated to the altitude, since these are strenuous hikes with big ascents. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! Rocky Mountain National Park fall guide: Best aspen, elk viewing and If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. In summer 2022, timed-entry reservations are required between May 27 and October 10, 2022, and are in addition to your entrance fee. Is it safe?. Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. 9.8 miles, strenuous, 4.5 to 6.5 hours. You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. The larger portion of the park sits to the south of Trail Ridge Road. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. This road will lead you out of town and to the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. I hope you have an awesome time in RMNP and happy hiking! This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Yellowstone National Park; Wind River . The main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. By fv1989. In fact, it is such a popular place to visit that you now need a timed entry permit to enter. You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thunderstorms dont happen every single day, but it is something that you need to plan for. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Fall River Visitor Center features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. Timed Entry Ticket: You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access permit (Park Access +) if you plan to hike Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, or Mills and Black Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. Bodies of Water. Cheers, Julie. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. Would that help mitigate some of the altitude sickness? The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. All offer bookstores and much printed information to supplement the knowledgeable staff. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. This "rest of park" Timed Entry Permit Reservation period will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Learn about the different park pass options available.) From the hotel it's a 15-minute drive to Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, while downtown Estes Park is just a couple of miles away. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. For example, if you hike Deer Mountain at 6 am, you do not need a permit. For five days or more, follow our four day itinerary and for each additional day that you have, add on another hike. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. Serving the park at the entrance stations and visitor centers are a group of dedicated full time and seasonal rangers and volunteers. Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. 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. In 2021, RMNP was the fifth most visited park in the USA, receiving 4.4 million visitors. Gem Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Drive Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park Restaurants. 80517. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is also a popular activity. Cheers, Julie. Those are the 3 that were recommended to me. For many visitors, the winter months are their favorite time to visit RMNP. The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park for first-time visitors. Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles long, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. 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. An hours drive from Boulder and two hours from Denver, the lively Estes Park is the closest town to the park on the east side of the park. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Alpine Visitor Center, drive Alpine Ridge Road back to Estes Park. Best nearby. Combine two of the above hikes into one great experience. You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. , 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. Visiting RMNP in the spring (April or May), Rocky Mountain National Park Bed and Breakfast, Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation Rentals, Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide, Browse all 3,365 Rocky Mountain National Park topics , 2 days in Rocky Mountain National Park--afraid of heights, Multi-day horse riding trail or pack trip, See All Rocky Mountain National Park Conversations. More about Trail Ridge Road's Season. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. Its a short, easy hike in the subalpine tundra so you have 360 degree views on the entire hike. Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Can you Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park? This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. It is only staffed in the busy season and during the busiest hours of the day the line can get long. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. To reach the Wild Basin Entrance from Estes Park, head south on CO 7. Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park - Earth Trekkers But even with a week here, there are still a lot of hikes left on our to-do list. Gorgeous alpine views can certainly be seen from this center located at 11,796' elevation! I recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes or boots (not running or walking shoes) so that you have good traction. 3.4 miles, moderate, 2 to 3 hours. [The vibe of Estes Park is very wild west mountain-like] [We passed at least 4 Saltwater Taffy shops on our way up the main street] [The Historic Park Theater] Estes Park is definitely worth checking out if you go through the Beaver Meadows entrance like we did. 22 Best Cabins In Rocky Mountain National Park - Updated | Trip101 How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you wish detailed information to help enjoy your time in the park, stop by one of the park's visitor centers. RMNP is quite popular, with about than 3 million visitors a year. But it is a great entrance for those traveling the Peak-to-Peak from Nederland who dont want to join the crowds entering in Estes Park. Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. Unlike other RV parks in the area, Elk Meadow has spaces for tent camping so it is more accommodating to a wider variety of camping styles. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. I think its a good idea to have a basic plan of what you want to do while at RMNP but be flexible. One week was perfect for us. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. 2. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed permit entry system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a $30 vehicle entrance pass. Cheers, Julie. The Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 34 approximately 5 miles east of Estes Park. 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here are some articles to help you plan your trip. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. 365. 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. Required fields are marked *. 9. These national parks require reservations in 2023 With one day, I recommend going on a hike, starting at Bear Lake, and driving Trail Ridge Road (its awesome!). If the skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. Are current Colorado fires affecting or near RMNP? Rocky Mountain National Park. The closest town near Rocky Mountain National Park is Estes Park, less than 5 miles from the Beaver Meadows entrance.Many popular trails are easily accessible from here, as well at the national park's Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, Fall River Visitor Center, and Moraine Park Discovery Center. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several . Potentially one of the busiest trails at RMNP is the Emerald Lake trail. Head to Grand Lake, a quaint, historic town surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Three Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Four Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Five or More Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Looking at the trail signs on our Sky Pond guide, it looks like hiking the spur only to Loch Vale adds 1.6 miles total.