This is another one of our favorite hikes. Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. 7.4 miles (12 km). But even with a week here, there are still a lot of hikes left on our to-do list. The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. So on Tuesday, do you think I can salvage some hiking? After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. I am travelling solo. Forest Canyon Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Rainbow Curve Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Bodies of Water. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. You will have to find your own way to the park from Estes Park because the shuttle only runs to the town. See five lakes in one hike. Required fields are marked *. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. 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. These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak is the highest mountain in the park, and the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. Have fun in RMNP! Do you think I can do Nymph, dream and emerald lakes (or at least 2 out of those 3?). What is a good itinerary for a day trip to RMNP in the winter? 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. 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. You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) all year, but sections of the park close once the snow begins to fall. I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. Explore the exhibits at the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park Service. Length: 5.2 miles round-trip. Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. ), you can spend the mornings hiking and the afternoons relaxing in Estes Park or wherever you might be staying. Colorado Springs is a great weekend trip from Denver if you are looking to explore a smaller city within an hour or two of Denver. Is there anything you recommend to bring on the hikes? Your email address will not be published. Evening back at Estes park at my hotel. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. This year's system has loosened to 75% to 85% of parking capacity. 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. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park; Flat Tops Wilderness; Maine. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best US national parks to go hiking. After one final short and strenuous climb you arrive at Chasm Lake. Duration. The Loch. 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. 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. Deer Mountain is nice because the views at the top, but we thought that the trail to get there was a little bit boring, at least compared to the other hikes we did in RMNP. From the Alpine Visitor Center, drive Alpine Ridge Road back to Estes Park. There will also be three amazing lakes. 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? A Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) timed entry ticket is sufficient for this day. This entrance is right next to the intersection with Bear Lake Road providing you with easy access to this area of the park. Hopefully in your case they will be quick! Good job on this article (that popped up in my newsfeed). Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. (Learn about the different park pass options available.) Here are several to choose from. If you plan to visit RMNP early in the summer, there is a good chance that you will encounter snow on some trails. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. About this Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. When you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you have several choices of which entry point to use. Head to Grand Lake, a quaint, historic town surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. Take the shuttle to avoid parking hassles. 10. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On . I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). Lily Lake. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. , Tombstone Ridge | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. #2 Grand Lake - Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples. 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. This tough hike follows along the Continental Divide, starting at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 feet on Mount Ida. When to Visit. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. Tahosa Valley Cabin (from USD 275) Show all photos. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. You can get to this entrance without going through the middle of town by following highway 34 up East Wonderview Avenue. , Thanks ! Rocky Mountain National Park's 4 Neighborhoods to Stay in. However, the road is open to Many Parks Curve, approximately 7 miles from the start of Trail Ridge Road from the east. 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO, 80517. Show more. If you have any questions about planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. 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. This road is gravel and is quite narrow. 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). On the west side of the park is the Kawuneeche entrance, located just north of the town of Grand Lake. What you will find is an old-fashioned charm combined with recreational opportunities like relaxing at the beach, paddle boarding, paddle boating and kayaking on Grand Lake and visiting the park. You will hike past Alberta Falls, wind around lovely Mills Lake, and end at Black Lake. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. While here you can enjoy quiet walks, exhilarating hikes, gorgeous sunrises and . 7.6 Good 275 reviews. This road will lead you all the way up to the Alpine Visitor Center and across the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. The scenery is beautiful, as you gradually twist and turn through the mountains to get to the Alpine Visitor Center. Should I spend my time on the east side or the west side of the park? This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. 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. 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. One of the drawbacks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months is that Trail Ridge Road is closed. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. 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. Chasm Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. When Trail Ridge Road closes, there will be no access to the west side of the park, if you are staying in Estes Park. 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). Is it worth going to RMNP if I only have 4 hours? Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 4. Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a lot to do for those who arent big fans of hiking. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is our favorite hike in RMNP. Inside the park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers year-round seminars, guided fly-fishing, naturalist tours, hiking and photography classes. Learn more about the national parks in our Guide to the US National Parks. Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! 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. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dont miss Forest Canyon Overlook, one of the best on the drive. You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. 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. Learn more on the official National Park Service website. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Denver International Airport straight to Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, encompasses an area of 416 square miles (265,769 acres). With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. And bring a camera , its a beautiful park! 3.1 miles (5 km). Rocky Mountain National Park Neighborhood Guide. Colorado Springs. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. 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. And bring a headlampyoull be hiking before the sun comes up. 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). Estes Park sits to the east of the park. 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). Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place so we hope you have a wonderful time here. Flattop Mountain to Hallett Peak. Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. Have a great trip! I was thinking June but am guessing some of the hikes up about 10k feet would still have snow? For five days or more, follow our four day itinerary and for each additional day that you have, add on another hike. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome views from the top. We have visited Rocky Mountain National Park several times in the past. Best nearby. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. You will need a Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) permit if you plan to hike Chasm Lake or Mount Ida. In July I will be doing Glacier NP so the hikes there should warm me up for RMNP QQ For RMNP, I noticed you mentioned the need for the extra pass (outside of America the beautiful) Are those passes setup in a way that they last 3 straight days (like how Yosemite or Glacier) or just limited to one day? Mills Lake and Loch Vale are very nice and might be perfect for you. Cascade Cottages & Colorado Cottages. 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. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. One week was perfect for us. I am not the hiker I used to be [did Kili in 04] so a moderate/ mildly strenuous 8 miler more my speed now. How Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. So if i am staying at Estes, thats a 10-15mins drive to the Beavers meadow entrance (where I am assuming they check for the timed entry thing?) Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything 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. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, it is normal to get out of breath easily. Acreage: 265,769. Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. Rocky Mountain National Park - Annual Pass. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 61 Comments. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Thank you! On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hi Julie !! 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). 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. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. Yes, I know, I said no hiking today, but I couldnt resist adding this one in. By fv1989. Save. 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. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. But dont bring your RV there. Are current Colorado fires affecting or near RMNP? Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fall River Visitor Center features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. You'll pass the popular Wild Basin Lodge just before the entrance. 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. Ideally, you want a day with crystal clear skies and no chance of rain. Founded in 1881, the village still embraces its original rustic architectural style . Restaurants. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. What would be the best time to hike RMNP after labor day? So, after Labor Day, you might have some of both (snow and crowds). We still had some snow in a few spots at the higher elevations. Difficulty: Moderate. Cheers, Julie. Look for that option at the intersection next to McDonald's on the east side of Estes Park. We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. 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). This is the hike that I recommend for today. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . Answer (1 of 2): All of them them! Quantity. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. . Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. 10.4 miles, strenuous, 6 to 8 hours. They can linger into September, when fall colors continue to attract visitors and hikers. 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. But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. Mills and Black Lake. So, keep your fingers crossed for clear skies! This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. The best places to have your questions answered is at one of the park visitor centers. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. This "rest of park" Timed Entry Permit Reservation period will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In fact, it is such a popular place to visit that you now need a timed entry permit to enter. Just wrapped up my RMNP trip, ty so much for your help with the itinerary. This is a hike that we did on our first trip to Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago, and we retraced our steps on our latest trip en route to Sky Pond (more on that in a second). There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Old Fall River Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. This station is .25 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley. 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. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. Length: 5.5 miles. As it is, I like to hike early to avoid the crowd, Yes, leaving that early should work. BEST OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a list of top experiences, read our article Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are an avid hiker, plan on spending at least three to five days in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Follow the three day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Ty in advance for your help as usual ! You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. Parking lot sizes vary. 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. South Saint Vrain Ave/Hwy 7. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! We are going to put RMNP last so we have time to get used to the altitude, because we are from the East Coast. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited recreation area in the state, headquartered in Estes Park. I recommend staying at The Residences. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled in 2000-2001, adding another entrance lane to reduce the time spent waiting in line. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. I recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes or boots (not running or walking shoes) so that you have good traction. Longs Peak is the biggest at 14,259 ft and can be seen from nearly anywhere. 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. Afternoon/Evening Trail ridge road/Alpine ridge trial. Yes, August is a great month to hike in RMNP. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thunderstorms dont happen every single day, but it is something that you need to plan for. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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 !!