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Perhaps it was hubris for Rocky Mountain National Park’s founders to name this alpine reserve as if it was the ne plus ultra of a 3,000-mile-long mountain range. Then again, ask anyone to picture the epitome of Rocky Mountain beauty, and chances are their vision would look a lot like Colorado’s premier national park. Within its 415 square miles, pristine lakes rest below jagged mountain skylines, cascades tumble through wildflower-dotted meadows, and wildlife-like moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles thrive in rugged wilderness. Humans have long been drawn to this landscape too, from prehistoric mammoth hunters, to the Ute and Arapaho people who spent their summers here long before it became a park—and of course, the travelers who come to revel in the alpine splendor to this day.
Here, we share the crème de la crème of Rocky Mountain National Park’s epic scenery, gorgeous hiking trails, ranger-led activities, and traveler amenities. Pay a visit, and you'll know why many consider it one of the best national parks in the US. This is everything you need to know for a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park—from the best time to go, to the mountain hikes with views you won’t soon forget.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
How to get to Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is an 1.5- to 2-hour drive from Colorado’s major Front Range spots, including Denver, Fort Collins, and Denver International Airport. To reach the primary entrance at Beaver Meadows, on the park’s east side, take U.S. Highway 36 (from the south) or 34 (from the north or east). Or opt for the slightly longer, even more dramatic Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway, a worthy detour with excellent Continental Divide views running through the high elevations west of Boulder. You can also come in on the park’s quieter west side through the Kawuneeche Entrance via U.S. Highway 34, a convenient option for travelers driving in from the west. A few other, lesser-used entrance stations grant access to specific locations, such as Wild Basin and Longs Peak.
Entry permits
Rocky Mountain was one of the first national parks to institute a timed-entry system to manage crowding, and that’s still in place—with a few tweaks. Between late May and mid-October, visitors must have an advance permit to enter the park during peak daytime hours. There are two options: Timed Entry (good for most of the park) and Timed Entry Plus (grants access to the popular Bear Lake Road destinations). The park releases permits in batches a month or two ahead of time on recreation.gov, but a percentage become available the night before a desired start date. A camping or tour reservation counts as a permit, too. If all else fails, visitors who arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon don’t need an entry permit.
The best time to visit
The busy season at Rocky Mountain falls from summer into mid-autumn, and no wonder: July through October bring blooming wildflowers, (mostly) snow-free trails, golden aspen foliage, and active wildlife. The weather is typically lovely during this period, with warm, sunny days and crisp nights (though snow can begin falling in September, particularly in the high country).
Winter and spring (which looks a lot like winter) can also be wonderful times to visit for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and backcountry skiing, though you might be dealing with frigid temperatures, fierce winds, and abundant snow. The park’s main thoroughfare, Trail Ridge Road, usually shuts down between late October and late May, depending on the weather. By May, snow has typically begun to melt in the lower elevations, which are still around 8,000 feet, and wildlife babies, like elk and moose calves, can be seen grazing on the new greenery.
The best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park
It’s right there in the name: Rocky Mountain National Park is all about the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Soak it in by foot, car, horseback, snowshoe, or all of the above.
The scenic drive
Trail Ridge Road, the 48-mile high-alpine highway connecting the gateway towns of Estes Park on the east to Grand Lake on the west, has bragging rights as America’s highest continuous paved road—11 miles of it cruise above treeline, and its apex reaches 12,183 feet. Driving the whole thing delivers a sampler platter of Rocky Mountain’s highlights, from lush valleys to thick forests to wide-open mountain panoramas, but a trip from either endpoint to the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet will do just fine, too.
Hiking
To truly appreciate Rocky Mountain National Park, you have to get out and hike. About 350 miles of trails crisscross the park, from flattish strolls to harrowing mountaineering routes. Among the easiest is the 1.6-mile round trip to Alberta Falls, a powerful, 30-foot gusher that begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The one-two-three punch of Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes is justifiably popular, too. From Bear Lake, it’s only a half-mile (one-way) to Nymph Lake, a lily pad-dotted pool with views of jagged Hallett Peak. Continue another 0.6 mile to Dream Lake or another 1.3 miles to Emerald Lake for even better views.
Those looking to explore the tundra can head to 12,880-foot Mt. Ida, a gentle, walk-up peak with commanding views over remote alpine lakes. The 9.6 miles round-trip starts at Milner Pass at nearly 11,000 feet and climbs a rocky ridge line to Ida’s summit. You’ll need to be of a good fitness level, and have basic route finding skills and a clear weather window for this one.
Rocky Mountain’s high point, 14,259-foot Longs Peak, is the park’s most coveted summit—and it’s a whopper. The Class-3 Keyhole Route—meaning you’ll need both hands and feet to ascend the steep upper reaches—requires a predawn start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, 15 miles of hiking, and 5,000 feet of elevation gain. It's for fit, experienced hikers; Longs Peak is the crown jewel of the park.
Read our complete guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Horseback riding
Park trails look even better from a saddle. Hi Country/Glacier Creek Stables runs the only in-park horseback riding outfit, and offers two-, three-, and five-hour rides departing from Sprague Lake (which cost $110, $140, and $245 per person, respectively).
Fishing
Fly-fishing in Rocky Mountain’s pristine lakes draws anglers like cutthroats to a woolly bugger. Most park waters are open to casting for brook, brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, with some of the best fishing to be found in the backcountry lakes. Kirks Flyshop in Estes Park offers gear rentals and a variety of guided trips.
Snowshoeing
Winter visitors can explore many of the park’s trails, too: Just strap into a pair of snowshoes and go. Tromp out to Mills Lake, a 5.6-mile round trip, for a classic quiet-season journey out of Glacier Gorge. Rangers also lead guided snowshoe treks on both the east and west sides of the park (free; reservations required).
Wildlife watching
Wild animals being, well, wild means there are no sure things when it comes to spotting them. But the chances of having an A-list animal sighting are still quite good in the park’s excellent habitat. Elk tend to congregate in Moraine Park on the east side and the Kawuneeche Valley on the west, especially during the rut season in October. Moose favor the park’s west side, particularly willowy, marshy areas along the Colorado River. One of the best times to glimpse bighorn sheep is late spring and early summer at Sheep Lakes, so called because its salty soil attracts these iconic ungulates. Spotting marmots, meanwhile, is as easy as hiking in bouldery areas above the treeline or driving Trail Ridge Road.
Stargazing
Low light pollution makes the Milky Way really pop above the peaks. Every few weeks in the summer, generally pegged to the new moon and therefore the darkest skies, rangers lead astronomy programs with telescopes. Bundle up, pack a red headlamp (it’ll preserve your night vision), and get an up-close peek at celestial wonders like constellations and planets.
Read more about nighttime activities at national parks—from nocturnal wildlife watching, to full-moon hiking.
Rock climbing
Experienced climbers love the classic granite and crack routes at Lumpy Ridge, just outside of Estes Park. Colorado Mountain School offers guided trips there and deeper in the park on the cliffy, multi-pitch routes of formations like the Petit Groupon and Spearhead (starting at $549 per day).
Snowshoeing
Winter visitors can explore many of the park’s trails, too: Just strap into a pair of snowshoes and go. Tromp out to Mills Lake, a 5.6-mile round trip, for a classic quiet-season journey out of Glacier Gorge. Rangers also lead guided snowshoe treks on both the east and west sides of the park (free; reservations required).
Where to stay
Unlike some of the other marquee national parks, Rocky Mountain doesn’t have any in-park lodges—so if you’re dreaming of a night within park borders, choose one of the five car campgrounds. Our top pick: Aspenglen, a 52-site campground tucked into the pine forest near the Fall River Entrance ($35 per night; reservations required).
If you’re basing yourself in Estes Park, stay at the iconic Stanley Hotel. Famously known as the place that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining, this stately hotel has been catering to well-heeled guests since 1909. Options range from historic rooms to boutique-y renovated units to apartments. In Grand Lake, the rustic Grand Lake Lodge sits just outside the park boundary and offers lake views, a pool, and accommodations in both cabins and glamping-style Jupe tents.
Read our full guide to the best places to stay in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Where to fuel up
Dining options inside the park are limited to sandwiches and coffee at the Café at Trail Ridge inside the Alpine Visitor Center, so plan on having your restaurant experiences in gateway towns, before or after the day’s explorations.
Estes Park’s dining scene features plenty of steak, burgers, and giant burritos, but several eateries elevate things a bit. Bird & Jim showcases locally sourced ingredients, an extensive wine list, and a bourbon-and-whiskey heavy cocktail menu. And the Stanley Hotel hosts not one but three restaurants, with upscale game meat dishes at Cascades Restaurant & Lounge, hot chicken and microbrews at The Post, and fancy pancakes at Brunch & Co. On the other side of the divide, Grand Lake’s Sagebrush BBQ & Grill earns its local-favorite status with an extensive menu of ribs, brisket, seafood, and wild-game sausage.
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