Learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park! Price. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. I am there all day Wed,Thur and Fri (in mid August), On that Tuesday afternoon, you might be able to go hiking, depending on the thunderstorm situation. A Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) timed entry ticket is sufficient for this day. This family friendly hike is a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. Crowds are still big in September, both to see fall colors and the elk mating season. Acadia National Park; Montana / Wyoming. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. This gives you enough time to drive Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and hike a few of the trails. Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you do not plan on visiting the Bear Lake Corridor, and you plan to enter the park before 9 am, you do not need a permit. Longs Peak is the highest mountain in the park, and the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National 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. While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. The Park's 415 square miles encompass a variety of alpine terrain, with at least 60 mountains exceeding 12,000 ft. You can get to this entrance without going through the middle of town by following highway 34 up East Wonderview Avenue. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations are in effect for most areas of RMNP. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 7.4 miles (12 km). Phone. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. Snow can start to fall in September. 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 !! Just wrapped up my RMNP trip, ty so much for your help with the itinerary. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. Ascending only 700 feet over 3 miles, this is a great introduction to moderate hiking in the park. Ideally, you want a day with crystal clear skies and no chance of rain. In the southeast corner of the park there is an entrance to the Wild Basin area. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. This is our favorite hike in RMNP. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Estes Park. 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. View from Mount Ida | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 2 fantastic scenic drive opportunities. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. But the real reason for doing this is for the incredible view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular alpine lakes in the USA. Timed Entry Permit: If you have plans to visit the park in the summer months, dont forget to reserve your permit in advance. 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. Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats and explore Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake. Have a great time in RMNP! In this post, get all of the information you need to plan your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. This road will lead you all the way up to the Alpine Visitor Center and across the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. CO You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. 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. The Continental Divide runs through the park. Length: 5.5 miles. One of the drawbacks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months is that Trail Ridge Road is closed. When Trail Ridge Road closes, there will be no access to the west side of the park, if you are staying in Estes Park. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Illustrated t I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. In summer 2022, timed-entry reservations are required between May 27 and October 10, 2022, and are in addition to your entrance fee. 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. Trail Ridge Road - You can see forever! Location: north-central Colorado. 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. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. 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). 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. . Trailhead Location. This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. 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. Follow the Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. If you have no desire to fill each day with a hike, your itinerary will look something like this: Day 1: Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes plus Trail Ridge Road and the Alpine Ridge Trail Day 2: Gem Lake in the morning, Estes Park in the afternoon Day 3: Sky Pond Day 4: Old Fall River Road and Estes Park Day 5: Mills and Black Lakes Day 6: More activities in Estes Park Day 7: Deer Mountain. BEST OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a list of top experiences, read our article Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. Travel to Aspen and Rock Mountain During thanksgiving Nov 08, 2022. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. I think its a good idea to have a basic plan of what you want to do while at RMNP but be flexible. Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. Have fun in RMNP! This year's system has loosened to 75% to 85% of parking capacity. Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. You will have to find your own way to the park from Estes Park because the shuttle only runs to the town. Hi Julie !! As part of the National Park system, Zion operates under the same rules as other parks. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. I recommend the shorter, easier hikes if you are not acclimated to the altitude, arent a big fan of hiking, and/or have more than one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. (970) 586-1206. 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. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. 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. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. This road will lead you out of town and to the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. You could plan your visit for the end of September and keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. Estes Park sits to the east of the park. 365. Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place so we hope you have a wonderful time here. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! 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. For example, if you hike Deer Mountain at 6 am, you do not need a permit. Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. We just walked up and down the main road, and glanced at all the salt water taffy . Is there any need for an SUV or non-standard vehicle to access any of the trailheads for your recommended hikes? And once at topwhat a view.! Spend the rest of the day in Estes Park. Moraine Park Campground. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. Go back to the fork and then take the trail to Loch Vale. I dont know if it is too late, but you could always try to get a permit so you dont have to start super early. You'll pass the popular Wild Basin Lodge just before the entrance. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. You will reach Loch Vale before the final climb to Sky Pond. 6.2 miles, moderate, 3 to 4 hours. Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Due to its large size and long list of noteworthy hikes, you need several days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. The scenery is beautiful, as you gradually twist and turn through the mountains to get to the Alpine Visitor Center. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? Never been to park at all. 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. Learn more here. Youll reach Trail Ridge Road a lot faster than those waiting in line at the Beaver Meadows Entrance during the summer and fall seasons. Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Because the entrance is so accessible from Estes Park and open year round, it is the most popular. This hike adds on Lake Haiyaha, another very pretty alpine lake. If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post, For full details on how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, read our post, Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, it is normal to get out of breath easily. Afternoon/Evening Trail ridge road/Alpine ridge trial. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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). I think that puts the Mills Lake + Loch Vale hike somewhere around 7.6 miles total. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. I am travelling solo. 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. Acreage: 265,769. . 94 within 3 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park Fees. 3.1 miles (5 km). There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. It is the east side (Estes Park side) of RMNP that has . The Fall River entrance also has three entry booths and can sometimes be a faster way to enter the park when it is busy. How likely is someone to get altitude sickness at RMNP? 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. You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. However, this property gets rave reviews. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is also a popular activity. A Quick Geography Lesson. Difficulty: Challenging. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). Cheers, Julie. If you did not do it yet, you have the option to hike the short but sweet Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. 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. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled in 2000-2001, adding another entrance lane to reduce the time spent waiting in line. To feel like you are really in the heart of the mountains, head to the only entrance on the parks west side, the Grand Lake Entrance. 9.8 miles, strenuous, 4.5 to 6.5 hours. For Longs Peak, that means starting by 3 or 4 am. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. 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. This tough hike follows along the Continental Divide, starting at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 feet on Mount Ida. If you love lakes you'll like this hike. Moraine Park Campground is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. 7.6 Good 275 reviews. Mills and Black Lake. If you wish detailed information to help enjoy your time in the park, stop by one of the park's visitor centers. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. 3. You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie, QQ for those noon thunderstorms, are they quick showers? 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.