A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park

In this era of socially distanced and budget-conscious travel, few places are as inviting as a national park.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a quintessential national gem. It perfectly captures the essence of a national park, featuring towering snow-capped peaks and crisp air that invigorates like peppermint. Majestic evergreen firs, spruces, and pines coexist with vibrant aspens that burst into color each fall.

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Meadows shaped by ancient glaciers now serve as playgrounds for majestic elk, agile deer, lumbering moose, beavers, coyotes, and curious visitors. Waterfalls thunder with the rush of melting snow, while shimmering glacial lakes glisten in the sunlight. Streams and rivers filled with rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and brook trout flow through rocky canyons and lazily wander across verdant fields. Wildflowers blossom as spring transitions into summer, and the park is cloaked in snow when the days turn short and chilly.

If you’ve never explored Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, here’s everything you need to know to plan your first trip.

Essential Information about Rocky Mountain National Park

In a typical year, Rocky Mountain National Park draws over 4 million visitors to its 415 square miles, which include 147 lakes, a variety of wildlife (such as bears, moose, and bighorn sheep), 355 miles of hiking trails, and the Continental Divide. The park sees a surge in visitors from June to September, but this summer is different—visitors must make an advance reservation to enter the park to help manage crowd sizes.

Rocky Mountain National Park has celebrated over a century of existence, and while careful planning is essential for your visit now more than ever, the timeless appeal of hiking around Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, or cruising Trail Ridge Road from your own vehicle remains strong, even in a world still facing COVID-19.

Provided you have a reservation, entry costs $25 for a one-day pass for a vehicle filled with visitors. If you’re entering on foot or by bike, the fee is $15. However, if you plan to explore multiple national parks within a year, the better option might be the America the Beautiful Pass, which is available for $80 annually.

If you have a 4th grader in your party, remember that they can enjoy free entry to national parks from September through August during that school year.

A senior pass, available for those aged 62 and older, provides lifetime access to national parks for just $80, making it one of the best deals in the travel world.

How to Reach Rocky Mountain National Park

Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of the adventure. Under favorable driving conditions, the park is approximately 90 minutes northwest of Denver. Renting a car is usually the most convenient way to reach Rocky Mountain National Park and explore Colorado. Alternatively, you can use the Estes Park Shuttle, which offers round-trip service from the Denver area for $95 or $55 one-way.

The journey along U.S. 34 from Loveland through Big Thompson Canyon, Highway 36 from Lyons to Estes with the St. Vrain River by your side, and the Peak to Peak Highway from around Idaho Springs to Estes Park are all spectacular drives that enhance the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder.

Must-See Attractions and Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a destination for every season and every age. It's an accessible park, with many of its highlights easily reachable or viewable from the road.

Estes Park

Before entering Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll likely pass through or head to Estes Park.

In Estes Park, you can wander through the downtown area and explore a variety of shops and eateries. For a more adventurous outing, consider booking activities like horseback riding or whitewater rafting. If you have a sweet tooth, you're in luck—Estes Park is home to saltwater taffy shops that have been delighting visitors since the 1930s. It might seem unusual for a mountain town, but this tasty treat became a beloved staple here nearly a century ago and is still a delightful indulgence today.

If you're not just camping or stopping by for a day, you may want to spend the night in Estes Park, giving you ample opportunity to sample local favorites like Antonios Real New York Pizza, Rock Inn Mountain Tavern, or Scratch Deli and Bakery—all highly recommended by visitors.

Trail Ridge Road

Since 1931, Trail Ridge Road has captivated those who embark on its scenic drive. The road typically opens seasonally, from around Memorial Day until mid-October, although this can vary based on weather conditions. It may open later or close sooner, depending on snowfall and other factors.

If you time your visit just right, you’re in for a remarkable experience as you rapidly ascend to drive along the highest continuously paved highway in the nation. Trail Ridge Road gains about 4,000 feet in elevation, reaching a maximum altitude of 12,183 feet for part of the 48-mile stretch from Estes Park to Grand Lake. Expect temperatures at the summit to be 20 to 30 degrees colder than in Estes Park or Grand Lake.

The Alpine Visitor Center is a popular stop just beyond the road's highest elevation. Here, you’ll find a restaurant, restrooms, informative exhibits, year-round snow, and a well-stocked gift shop. (You might want to grab a new sweatshirt here, as it’s likely to be chilly!)

From the comfort of your vehicle, you can take in breathtaking views (be sure to stop for photos), spot wildlife, and admire the trees, wildflowers, lakes, and more. While you could rush through if necessary, we suggest allowing at least half a day for this scenic drive.

Fall River Road

Fall River Road is ideal for those who enjoy a touch of nostalgia in their travels.

This road has long been the main route into the park's heart, often referred to as a "motor nature trail." It features a gravel surface, is one-way uphill, has several switchbacks, and allows you to be so close to nature that you can almost reach out and touch it from your window.

It reconnects with Trail Ridge Road just below the Alpine Visitors Center.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is surrounded by a flat, easy trail that is just under a mile long, accessible at the end of Bear Lake Road, only 9 miles from the Highway 36 turn-off. Be mindful: it’s a popular spot, so an early start is recommended.

Nearby, you'll find various hikes of differing lengths and challenges. The trails to Dream, Nymph, and Emerald Lakes are popular additions to a Bear Lake visit, and the stunning valley floor of Moraine Park invites visitors to immerse themselves in the park's beauty.

Emerald Lake

This hike pairs well with the Bear Lake loop, though it spans about 3 miles. While it’s not overly difficult, be aware that snow can linger on the trail until June. This area tends to be quite busy, so an early start is advisable.

Accommodations in Rocky Mountain National Park

Campgrounds

If you plan to stay in Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to bring your tent or RV (note that there are no RV hook-ups available at the campsites).

The park offers several drive-up camping options starting at around $30 per night, but early planning is essential. Reservations typically open six months ahead. For this summer, availability in July is limited, with more options starting in August at Glacier Basin and Moraine Park Campgrounds. The reopening dates for the other three campgrounds in the park have not yet been announced.

Estes Park

If camping isn’t your preference, you can find lodging in Estes Park, just a short drive away.

For those looking to use points, the Ridgeline Hotel Ascend Collection Estes Park typically costs between 12,000 and 25,000 Choice Hotel points.

Travelers might want to check out the historic Stanley Hotel, which first opened its doors in 1909. Yes, this is the very hotel that inspired the Overlook Hotel in "The Shining."

Rent a cabin

Visitors can also explore Airbnb or VRBO to rent a cabin or home nearby. Whether you’re after a cozy one-bedroom cabin or a larger space for your whole group, there are various options available, typically priced between $150 and $350 per night based on the cabin size.

Best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park transforms with the seasons. Although summer and early fall draw the most visitors, experiencing the park in winter can be equally enchanting.

Mid to late September is truly unbeatable. The weather is pleasantly crisp, making a fireplace feel inviting and a cozy parka necessary. The skies are stunning, the aspens are vibrant with color, wildlife is active, and the park remains fully open and accessible.

During this time, elk are in full rut and can be spotted everywhere: in town, along the roads, and across the hills—truly everywhere. By then, the season’s first snowfall has graced the higher elevations.

Trail Ridge Road, often referred to as the "Road to the Sky," is typically open from June to October, but becomes impassable from November to May when it’s covered in deep snow.

You can hike to Emerald Lake under the warm summer sun or while it’s frozen in ice during February. The serene stillness of a summer night contrasts sharply with the sound of bugling elk in September. The roar of water crashing over Alberta Falls in June transitions to a gentle trickle by October. In other words, the park is a magnificent spectacle throughout the year—just keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, especially in late fall and winter.

However, the ideal time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is simply whenever you can make the trip.

Bottom line

Colorado is filled with stunning valleys and breathtaking views, but among the many natural marvels, Rocky Mountain National Park remains a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Just keep in mind that the park's popularity has led to the requirement of a reservation for entry this summer for the first time ever. If you plan to camp within the park, be sure to make arrangements well in advance.

However, the effort involved in planning and preparing for your visit rewards you with an unforgettable experience in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Continue reading for more tips on exploring America's National Parks:

• Guide to visiting Zion National Park
• Guide to visiting Glacier National Park
• Plan a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park
• Guide to visiting Redwood State and National Parks
• Where to camp, stay and play at the Grand Canyon
• Top tips for taking kids to National Parks