Founded in 1881, the village still embraces its original rustic architectural style . Drive Trail Ridge Road. this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Due to its large size and long list of noteworthy hikes, you need several days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. For hikers, its the ultimate adventure. Difficulty: Challenging. This hiker shuttle take visitors to some of the most popular trails along Bear Lake Road. If time permits be adventurous and try a different entrance each day! Colorado Springs. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. Cheers, Julie, Thanks Julie, Also seems like the bear lake corridor timed entry begins at 5a. 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. Among its special features are beautiful mountain vistas (114 named peaks above 10,000', with Longs Peak at 14,259'), and thousands of varieties of wild plants and animals. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. If you wish detailed information to help enjoy your time in the park, stop by one of the park's visitor centers. 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. Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. We were here in early July, so all of the photos on our website were taken around the first week of July. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. CO . Take the shuttle to avoid parking hassles. Rocky Mountain National Park's 4 Neighborhoods to Stay in. Grand Lake's bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. In June, there still could be snow at the higher elevations, and it really depends on how much snow the area gets this spring. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. How long does it take to drive Trail Ridge Road? Good job on this article (that popped up in my newsfeed). Since I like to hike, I am guessing maybe 3 solid days? Information? These two are the most popular entrances to the park. Important Things to Know Before You Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. Acadia National Park; Montana / Wyoming. I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. 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. 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. The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. The best entrance for Rocky Mountain National Park is Beaver Meadows Entrance or Fall River Entrance. You have included all of our favorite hikes in RMNP so I think your list looks good! Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. (970) 586-1206. Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Gem Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Only 0.6 miles round trip, this flat, easy trail circles around Bear Lake. This tough hike follows along the Continental Divide, starting at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 feet on Mount Ida. There will be people. Mount Ida. Autumn ushers in cooler days, smaller crowds, golden aspen and elk bugling. Learn more on the official National Park Service website. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. 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). This is the hike that I recommend for today. In the summer months, the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park are hiking, driving Trail Ridge Road, taking a stroll around Bear Lake, driving Old Fall River Road, and mountaineering. 4. Trail Type: Out-and-back. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. 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 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. You will really feel the effects of the altitude. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. So if i leave Estes at 4.30a I think i should be past that entrance by 4.45a or so and can avoid having to buy the time entry correct? The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. Visit the Rockies and experience mountain climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and breathtaking views of jagged peaks, glaciers, and high-mountain lakes. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. 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. The park is quieter and with the snow, it is a winter wonderland. This station is .25 miles from our newest visitor center, the Fall River Visitor Center. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Known as a "scenic wonder road of the world," it traverses 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, taking in several not-to-be-missed sights. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks.. We are going to put RMNP last so we have time to get used to the altitude, because we are from the East Coast. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. This "rest of park" Timed Entry Permit Reservation period will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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. Emerald and Dream Lakes are great but crowded. Parking lot sizes vary. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. 2. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here are several to choose from. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. Is there any need for an SUV or non-standard vehicle to access any of the trailheads for your recommended hikes? BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON: One of the best things to do on the South Rim is to drive South Rim Drive to the overlooks of the Black Canyon. The Loch. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. So on Tuesday, do you think I can salvage some hiking? Nymph, Dream, Emerald & Bear Lakes: 4.2 miles, easy to moderate, 3 hours. But its only worth it if skies are clear. 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. For a longer list, read our post about Estes Park. It is about 2 hours to get to the western entrance and 2 3/4 hours to get to the eastern entrance, taking the least scenic routes in both cases and hoping for no significant delays for the Twin Tunnels construction near Idaho Springs. For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. Required fields are marked *. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. We just walked up and down the main road, and glanced at all the salt water taffy . Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. Yes, I know, I said no hiking today, but I couldnt resist adding this one in. If you plan to hike Sky Pond, Mills Lake, or Black Lake later in this itinerary, you will pass Alberta Falls, so there is no need to hike to it today. Should I spend my time on the east side or the west side of the park? What is a good itinerary for a day trip to RMNP in the winter? Glacier Gorge parking lot and Longs Peak trailhead parking lot fill before sunrise. In our experience, they typically just last an hour or two. 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. With one day, I recommend going on a hike, starting at Bear Lake, and driving Trail Ridge Road (its awesome!). The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Just wrapped up my RMNP trip, ty so much for your help with the itinerary. 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). Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs . Site by, Learn about the different park pass options available, Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas Begin February 15 to Protect Nesting Raptors, Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP continues pilot timed entry permit reservations from May 26 through Oct 22, Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park. Do we have others using the trails even in the mornings? Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. There are two options and option #1 (Bear Lake Road and the rest the park) is the best option since it gives you access to the entire park. On our first attempt it was cloudy and we could barely see the lake and we couldnt see the spires of rock around the lake at all. Lake Estes | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. These are the only official entry stations into the park. While here you can enjoy quiet walks, exhilarating hikes, gorgeous sunrises and . Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly fee per vehicle. You can follow this itinerary during the winter months with some modifications. How Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? One week was perfect for us. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. 10. The scenery is beautiful, as you gradually twist and turn through the mountains to get to the Alpine Visitor Center. The Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 34 approximately 5 miles east of Estes Park. Is there anything you recommend to bring on the hikes? Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. What would be the best time to hike RMNP after labor day? The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Ideally, you want a day with crystal clear skies and no chance of rain. The various view points along trail ridge road were worth the stop overs as well (especially Forest canyon overlook and the small hike behind Alpine visitor center) Thanks again !! The Wild Basin entrance is located 13.5 miles south of Estes Park just off of scenic highway 7. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation. Hiking poles are a good idea for some of the tougher hikes (Sky Pond, Chasm Lake) if you have knee issues or if there is snow on the trail. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. When to Visit. But dont bring your RV there. 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. Cheers, Julie. Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. You can get to this entrance without going through the middle of town by following highway 34 up East Wonderview Avenue. You will reach Loch Vale before the final climb to Sky Pond. Ascending only 700 feet over 3 miles, this is a great introduction to moderate hiking in the park. Longs Peak is the biggest at 14,259 ft and can be seen from nearly anywhere. This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Length: 5.5 miles. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 9.8 miles, strenuous, 4.5 to 6.5 hours. If you want to see some of the best lakes such as Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, or Sprague Lake, then you should go to the Beaver Meadows entrance. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. I think Augusts dates open on Jul 1 but i will be at Lassen NP around then (so idk about internet coverage and the morning ones usually fly out fast). Its time for an amazing scenic drive in RMNP. 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. But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. [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. For Longs Peak, that means starting by 3 or 4 am. How likely is someone to get altitude sickness at RMNP? This includes the best hikes, the best experiences, how to get around, and where to stay. Mills Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. ie last an hour or so and go away? Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . photo by Ladona Stork. I climbed 3 different volcanoes in 3days and it was lovely. 94 within 3 miles. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. l plan on 7 days there. They are also happy to answer quick questions, but you have to keep them very short as there will almost certainly be others waiting behind you. Chasm Lake. 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 !!). During this time, you will be able to drive through the park, with access to all of the hikes and overlooks. Fall River Visitor Center features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled in 2000-2001, adding another entrance lane to reduce the time spent waiting in line. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. Accessible trails include favorites like Bear Lake and Sprague Lake, and you can also reserve an all-terrain wheelchair from Estes Park Mountain Shop (970-586-6548). Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Estes Park. This easy hike offers spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park and it is great for all ages and ability levels. Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. 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 ). Potentially one of the busiest trails at RMNP is the Emerald Lake trail. Thank you! Since the timed slots are only 2hrs long, if i end up not doing any hikes on the bear lake corridor and i plan on being inside the park around 6a I can get away w/o having to get any timed entries right? The road is well-graded and suitable for standard cars. In summer 2022, timed-entry reservations are required between May 27 and October 10, 2022, and are in addition to your entrance fee. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our, Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service, Learn more about the national parks in our. I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo by Buddy Smith/The Points Guy) Rocky Mountain National Park basics. Flattop Mountain to Hallett Peak. High in the center of the park, the Alpine Visitor Center offers displays about the most noted area of the park, the land above the trees. Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. Are you referring to the timed entry ticket? It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. Cheers, Julie. The map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the summer and autumn, you can expect the entrance stations to be busy for most of the day, and extra busy in the morning from 7:00am-9:30am and in the afternoon from 2:30-4:00pm. 11. And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. Are current Colorado fires affecting or near RMNP? Odessa and Fern Lakes, Mills and Black Lake, Sky Pond, and Hallett Peak can all be hiked from this trailhead. Located outside Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a great family vacation . Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, encompasses an area of 416 square miles (265,769 acres). This road is gravel and is quite narrow. 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. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. Travel to Aspen and Rock Mountain During thanksgiving Nov 08, 2022. 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). Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. Anything to keep in mind? Bear Lake Road runs into the heart of the park. Yes. Hopefully in your case they will be quick! I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). And bring a headlampyoull be hiking before the sun comes up. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. Al, Thats a tricky question to answer. The best Time to do scenic driving and hiking is during the summer and fall seasons. I hope you have an awesome time in RMNP and happy hiking! The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited recreation area in the state, headquartered in Estes Park. Cheers, Julie. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Equally enjoyable on foot or from your car, there are four separate ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. , Thanks ! Colorado has also designated Trail Ridge Road as a scenic and historic byway. This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. Estes Park sits to the east of the park. If you are visiting between late May and mid-October during peak hours, then you will also need to show your timed entry permit to gain entry. Most people will be acclimated by this point, which means that you can hike almost any trail in the park. Morning: Hike Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Bear Lakes from the Bear Lake Trailhead Afternoon: Trail Ridge Road (if the weather is clear), Timed Entry Ticket: Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access. Turn around and look for the trailhead on your left. During the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are very common. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. Park Hours:Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. 365. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, and has a total area of 265,795 acres (415 square miles, or 1,076 square kilometers). If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Cheers, Julie. Thanks for writing in!! Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Park Details. We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. Follow the three day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. The Fall River entrance also has three entry booths and can sometimes be a faster way to enter the park when it is busy. The only thing to note is that each day I started the hike between 4a-5a (especially because some parking lots like the Glacier gorge one and Longs peak one get filled up by 5a). There will also be three amazing lakes. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. 3. I think that puts the Mills Lake + Loch Vale hike somewhere around 7.6 miles total. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. I think your itinerary looks great. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. The Stanley Hotel. There are a lot of hikes that start at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Wondering if there are differences between entering park through entrances by Estes park or better to enter park through grand lake? If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. So, keep your fingers crossed for clear skies! Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more.