From here, you can park at the trailheads and hike some of the best trails in RMNP, like Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Mills Lake, and Hallett Peak. Snow can start to fall in September. Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. There are many things to do here. Rocky Mountain National Park - Annual Pass. One of the drawbacks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months is that Trail Ridge Road is closed. Abandon Your Car. A 2 hour trip from either Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge will only get you to the west side entrance to RMNP. In the southeast corner of the park there is an entrance to the Wild Basin area. Glacier Gorge parking lot and Longs Peak trailhead parking lot fill before sunrise. 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. Just a mile from the park's west entrance, Grand Lake, Colo., offers incredible family friendly activities from paddle boating and nature walks to world-class theater productions. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. They can linger into September, when fall colors continue to attract visitors and hikers. Acadia National Park; Montana / Wyoming. Lake Estes | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Do 4 days if you canthere are a LOT of hikes to choose from here. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. 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. Length: 5.5 miles. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. Entrance Sign to Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Depositphotos. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several . Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. And once at topwhat a view.! Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. , Here are six tips on what to do in Estes Park during your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. The Park's 415 square miles encompass a variety of alpine terrain, with at least 60 mountains exceeding 12,000 ft. Visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike Alpine Ridge Trail, and consider driving down to Grand Lake, visiting the Holzwarth Historic Site on the way. When you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you have several choices of which entry point to use. Loch Lake. Longs Peak is the biggest at 14,259 ft and can be seen from nearly anywhere. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Park Details. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. Do you think this is doable? This itinerary is best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Text in English. Moraine Park - Located just a few miles east from the park headquarters, Moraine Park is one of the best places to see elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. Are current Colorado fires affecting or near RMNP? Inside the park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers year-round seminars, guided fly-fishing, naturalist tours, hiking and photography classes. Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . Follow the three day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Mills Lake and Loch Vale are very nice and might be perfect for you. A Quick Geography Lesson. After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. :) All the entrances lead to the Beautiful Rocky Mountains. Emerald and Dream Lakes are great but crowded. Ty in advance for your help as usual ! Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. During this time, you will be able to drive through the park, with access to all of the hikes and overlooks. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the 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. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its our favorite hike in RMNP. 1000 US Hwy 36 From the summit you have a great view over Moraine Park and Longs Peak. And I think that RMNP just got its first snow storm of the fall season. It is our favorite short hike in the park. If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Important Things to Know Before You Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Our website uses cookies. Evening back at Estes park at my hotel. 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. Its time for an amazing scenic drive in RMNP. Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate, 2 to 3 hours. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best US national parks to go hiking. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. The Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. Just wrapped up my RMNP trip, ty so much for your help with the itinerary. 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. 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. Never been to park at all. This year's system has loosened to 75% to 85% of parking capacity. You will need a Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) permit if you plan to hike Chasm Lake or Mount Ida. Is there anything you recommend to bring on the hikes? They said if you skip bear corridor, timed entry is only needed between 9a-3p. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. All offer bookstores and much printed information to supplement the knowledgeable staff. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will be a busy day. We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. Cheers, Julie. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. Cheers, Julie, QQ for those noon thunderstorms, are they quick showers? 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. Lily Lake. You could plan your visit for the end of September and keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. This is our favorite hike in RMNP. Thank you! Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. Bear Lake with Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds in the background. As it is, I like to hike early to avoid the crowd, Yes, leaving that early should work. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that don't have a physical entrance to drive through. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. Gorgeous alpine views can certainly be seen from this center located at 11,796' elevation! Here you'll have access to Holzwarth Historic Site, the Coyote Valley Trail, the Colorado River Trail, Green Mountain, and Onahu Trail as well as Trail Ridge Road. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. Cheers, Julie. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. In June, there still could be snow at the higher elevations, and it really depends on how much snow the area gets this spring. To reach the Wild Basin Entrance from Estes Park, head south on CO 7. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Forum, Best entrance to rocky mountain national park, Re: Best entrance to rocky mountain national park. Mt Ida, Sky pond and Chasm lake(timed this to catch sunrise there) were epic hikes with great views. The road is well-graded and suitable for standard cars. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Quantity. ie last an hour or so and go away? Cheers, Julie. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. 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). Tahosa Valley Cabin (from USD 275) Show all photos. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. If the skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. For every hike that we list, you do not need an SUV or non-standard vehicle. Youll be glad you did. Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations are in effect for most areas of RMNP. If you think you can go farther, and if skies are clear, consider going all of the way to Sky Pond. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. Head to Grand Lake, a quaint, historic town surrounded on three sides by 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. (Old Maps, 20th Century Maps, Americana, Travel, Tourism, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby Reservoir, Granby).Grand Lake West Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.Published c. 1940's, United States.Folding cartoon pictorial travel map, printed on both sides of the sheet. I think its a good idea to have a basic plan of what you want to do while at RMNP but be flexible. However, the road is open to Many Parks Curve, approximately 7 miles from the start of Trail Ridge Road from the east. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. If you hike to Sky Pond, you will hike through the Loch to get there. Forest Canyon Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Rainbow Curve Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. . Difficulty: Moderate. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. The scenery is beautiful, as you gradually twist and turn through the mountains to get to the Alpine Visitor Center. In 2021, RMNP was the fifth most visited park in the USA, receiving 4.4 million visitors. We were here in early July, so all of the photos on our website were taken around the first week of July. A Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) timed entry ticket is sufficient for this day. The best places to have your questions answered is at one of the park visitor centers. Entrance tickets and fees. 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. If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. 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). 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. Hi Julie !! Sky Pond. Get a free Colorado national park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado, drawing 4.5 million annual visitors to its 415 square miles of mountain beauty. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation. And bring a camera , its a beautiful park! this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. 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. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park began addressing crowding . I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. more, Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Experts. When does Trail Ridge Road close in the fall? There are two ticket types: Park Access + and Park Access. BEST OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a list of top experiences, read our article Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sky Pond. Ive lived down the hill and explored RMNP a lot for 44 years. Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles long, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. 3.4 miles, moderate, 2 to 3 hours. 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. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. Restaurants. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs . Few people hike out this far so this is a great place to leave the crowds behind. On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. Gem Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. From here, hike the Alpine Ridge Trail. This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. Take a tour of the historic Stanley Hotel, ride the Aerial Tramway to the peak of Prospect Mountain, go shopping, walk the Riverwalk, visit Lake Estes, play mini-golf, or visit a winery or brewery. Here are you options: The private vehicle entrance fee, good for 1 day, is $25. If you plan to visit RMNP early in the summer, there is a good chance that you will encounter snow on some trails. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. 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. Chasm Lake. Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. Yay!! Its proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake make it even more alluring. But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) all year, but sections of the park close once the snow begins to fall. Call 970-586-1222 before you head out. You will really feel the effects of the altitude. Thanks so much ! ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. However, this property gets rave reviews. You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats and explore Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake. Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. . Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. And bring a headlampyoull be hiking before the sun comes up. 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. 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. Colorado has also designated Trail Ridge Road as a scenic and historic byway. 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. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Illustrated t Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. Tucked in the folds of the Rocky Mountains and anchored by the stunning Grand Lake, this town is lined with locally owned shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and hotels. Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. Emerald Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of contrast from one season to the next. One week was perfect for us. There will be people. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Alternatively, continue straight ahead and you'll find yourself on the dramatic Trail Ridge Road which leads over the Continental Divide to the west side of the park and Grand Lake. So, keep your fingers crossed for clear skies! The wilderness area includes 355 miles of hiking trails, 147 lakes, 77 mountains taller than 12,000 feet, and the opportunity to see elk, bighorn sheep and moose. 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. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. You may experience lines that can stretch up to a mile long during the busy season. You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Learn more about the national parks in our Guide to the US National Parks. Information? With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. Lily Lake. I hope you have an awesome time in RMNP and happy hiking! Private vehicle: $30, valid for 1 day / $35, valid for 7 days; Motorcycle: $25, valid for 1 day / $30, valid for 7 days; Per person (including cyclists): $15, valid for 1 day At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited recreation area in the state, headquartered in Estes Park. Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. You can help to move the line move more quickly by having your park pass, permit, and ID ready when you reach the entrance station. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. 7.4 miles (12 km). Gem Lake. On the western side of the park, you can explore the Colorado Rivers headwaters, look for moose and hike to the site of Lulu City, a former mining town, among many other things. For now, the forecast does call for afternoon thunderstorms from what i can see on weather.com, It depends. 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 map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. I was thinking June but am guessing some of the hikes up about 10k feet would still have snow? Odessa and Fern Lakes. 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 high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. Lake Haiyaha | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Drive one of the highest roads in the USA, spot wildlife, walk the easier trails around scenic lakes and waterfalls, and be amazed at the beauty here. You need to make it through the Beaver Meadows entrance and where they check permits for the Bear Lake Corridor (I think that is the junction of Bear Lake Road and US-36 but I am not 100% about this) before 5 am. Show more. You'll pass the popular Wild Basin Lodge just before the entrance. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. Grand Lake sits to the southwest of RMNP and it is another place you can consider staying, but it will be a longer drive to most sites in the park. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Enter the number of passes you would like to purchase from the available choices below: Site passes table. 9.8 miles, strenuous, 4.5 to 6.5 hours.