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. And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. I think that puts the Mills Lake + Loch Vale hike somewhere around 7.6 miles total. 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. 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. You can follow this itinerary during the winter months with some modifications. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. 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. Thats a great question! It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. And once at topwhat a view.! Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. Pass Type. I recommend hiking Longs Peak on the day with the clearest weather. The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is the best place to get information, books, maps and backcountry permits, as well as catch the park bus. Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. This entrance is right next to the intersection with Bear Lake Road providing you with easy access to this area of the park. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Explore the exhibits at the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park Service. It may sound counterintuitive, but if you really want to see Rocky Mountain National Park hassle-free, leave your car behind. Whats the Best Season to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. This area is home to various trails, lakes, and wildlife. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. This is the hike that I recommend for today. Your email address will not be published. Afternoon/Evening Trail ridge road/Alpine ridge trial. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is also a popular activity. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado From May 25 through Oct. 22, you'll need what Rocky Mountain National Park calls a timed entry permit , aka a reservation, depending on what time of day . 2. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Crowds will begin to quiet down in October, but snow on the trails becomes a lot more likely. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. Learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park! Earth Trekkers is my starting point for every hiking vacation. Price. 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. Bodies of Water. This tough hike follows along the Continental Divide, starting at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 feet on Mount Ida. Sky Pond. To reserve a campsite at Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park, call (970) 586-5342. 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 !! Have a great trip! For hikers, its the ultimate adventure. Visiting RMNP from Breckenridge regardless of which entrance you use is not ideal. Cascade Cottages & Colorado Cottages. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Known as a "scenic wonder road of the world," it traverses 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, taking in several not-to-be-missed sights. High in the center of the park, the Alpine Visitor Center offers displays about the most noted area of the park, the land above the trees. Save. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. You'll pass the popular Wild Basin Lodge just before the entrance. I was thinking June but am guessing some of the hikes up about 10k feet would still have snow? Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Estes Park. Drive Trail Ridge Road. The scenery is beautiful, as you gradually twist and turn through the mountains to get to the Alpine Visitor Center. 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. This is a well-rounded, well-written, and nicely illustrated summary for newbies. I was able to snag early AM Bear lake for 3/4 days i am going to be at the park (believe it or not, i snagged it from atop Lassen peak which was the only place i got 5g !!). This entrance gives you access to Sandbeach Lake, Finch & Pear Lake, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, Thunder Lake, and Bluebird Lake. If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. The Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. This family friendly hike is a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. For now, the forecast does call for afternoon thunderstorms from what i can see on weather.com, It depends. Restaurants. Equally enjoyable on foot or from your car, there are four separate ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. One of the drawbacks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months is that Trail Ridge Road is closed. I hope you have a great time! Clouds start moving in around noon with the storms occurring almost like clockwork between 1 and 3 pm. Alpine Ridge Road reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. Suggestions for this weekend Nov 03, 2022. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. With that being said, you should know that crowds are the largest during the summer months, especially July and August. It is equipped with a sofa bed and a double bed, and there is a fireplace in both the bedroom and the warm living room. You will reach Loch Vale before the final climb to Sky Pond. Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles long, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. Grand Lake's bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. It is our favorite short hike in the park. From the hotel it's a 15-minute drive to Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, while downtown Estes Park is just a couple of miles away. 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. Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. 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. With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Do you think I can do Nymph, dream and emerald lakes (or at least 2 out of those 3?). It is close to my Rocky Mtn NP trip (going there next week tue-sat), I wanted your opinion for this following itinerary and if it is doable 1) Tuesday afternoon: I will be at RMNP around 4pm. And you wouldn't be disappointed at any choice. Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. Dont miss Forest Canyon Overlook, one of the best on the drive. They said if you skip bear corridor, timed entry is only needed between 9a-3p. Best nearby. Get a free Colorado national park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Illustrated t On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. 6. Evening back at Estes park at my hotel. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, it is normal to get out of breath easily. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. In summer 2022, timed-entry reservations are required between May 27 and October 10, 2022, and are in addition to your entrance fee. Shuttle Bus. But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. 1000 US Hwy 36 These are the only official entry stations into the park. 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO, 80517. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. Would that help mitigate some of the altitude sickness? Learn more on the official National Park Service website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Not sure either if we should stay in Estes park or grand lake? See five lakes in one hike. There are many things to do here. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. Youll be glad you did. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. Here are you options: The private vehicle entrance fee, good for 1 day, is $25. Have fun in RMNP! Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place so we hope you have a wonderful time here. Nymph, Dream, Emerald & Bear Lakes: 4.2 miles, easy to moderate, 3 hours. Al, Thats a tricky question to answer. The last stretch to Wild Basin is a narrow, gravel road that becomes one lane in places, so it is not appropriate to bring your RV. (970) 586-1206. 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. Thanks so much ! In this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, many of days end by the early afternoon, because of these storms. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. 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. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. This road will lead you out of town and to the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. 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). The west side of RMNP is not the side of RMNP that most people want to visit. Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. 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. Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. Cheers, Julie, QQ for those noon thunderstorms, are they quick showers? 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). best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Get answers to your questions about Rocky Mountain Do's and Don'ts When Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, Timed Entry FAQ's and Explaining the Bear Lake Corridor. 3. 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. During the summer and autumn, you can expect the entrance stations to be busy for most of the day, and extra busy in the morning from 7:00am-9:30am and in the afternoon from 2:30-4:00pm. Typically this road12,183 feet at it's highest point, remains closed from late-October to late-May. On the return drive, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Approaching Moraine Park, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk love to congregate. These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. Cheers, Julie. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sky Pond. Lake Haiyaha | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Address. Follow the three day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. 1. 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). 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. Also, if Longs Peak is on your list, watch the weather report for your visit. You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This road is gravel and is quite narrow. 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. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is the east side (Estes Park side) of RMNP that has . After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. Located just a couple minutes from Grand Lake, the Grand Lake Entrance is arguably the parks best-kept secret. Buckle in for some altitude gain and, outside of warmer summer months, pack spikes for the hiking trail! From here, hike the Alpine Ridge Trail. The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. The road is well-graded and suitable for standard cars. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks. Show more. Have a great time in RMNP! 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. 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. But even with a week here, there are still a lot of hikes left on our to-do list. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. Rocky Mountain National Park began addressing crowding . (Learn about the different park pass options available.) 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. For your afternoon activities, just keep your fingers crossed that you wont have afternoon thunderstorms on those days. If you are an avid hiker, plan on spending at least three to five days in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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 are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Watch the weather, enjoy the time you spend in the park, and you might find you want to hike more, or less, than you expected to. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? 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. Outside the usual water, bug spray, sunscreen, etc? If time permits be adventurous and try a different entrance each day! Loch Lake. Do you think this is doable? Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. 365. On the east side of the park, located on highway 36 and 3.5 miles west of Estes Park, is the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Hi Julie ! When Trail Ridge Road closes, there will be no access to the west side of the park, if you are staying in Estes Park. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Denver International Airport straight to Estes Park. 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. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. Each residence is individually managed, so some are better than others. miles of dramatic beauty, high rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, 350 miles of hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Chasm Lake. You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. And I think that RMNP just got its first snow storm of the fall season. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is another one of our favorite hikes. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Want to receive a printed insiders guide to Colorados four national parks including Rocky Mountain National Park? Information? The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek). Snow on the trail in July (hiking to Fern and Odessa Lakes from Bear Lake). If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. . Rocky Mountain National Park is a special place any season, but fall brings out the best in the park. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. We were here in early July, so all of the photos on our website were taken around the first week of July. These two are the most popular entrances to the park. The Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 34 approximately 5 miles east of Estes Park. You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. 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. Stop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the Grand Lake Entrance to get more information. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. So, after Labor Day, you might have some of both (snow and crowds). Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Centre distance. Loveland and Boulder are two Colorado cities that are located much further away than the other options for where to stay when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park - Annual Pass. Or is it pretty bad and long lasting? How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. And bring a camera , its a beautiful park! 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. Thank you! You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. But it is a great entrance for those traveling the Peak-to-Peak from Nederland who dont want to join the crowds entering in Estes Park. 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. 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. 9.8 miles, strenuous, 4.5 to 6.5 hours. If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. 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 National Park Fees. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. Emerald Lake. A 2 hour trip from either Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge will only get you to the west side entrance to RMNP. It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. , Park Hours:Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Simply follow highway 36 through downtown Estes Park. 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. From Loveland it's 30 miles (48 km) and 45 minutes by car to get to Estes Park. Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. Phone. This is the best Timed Entry Permit for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, recreate on the west side of the park, as well as access Longs Peak, Lily Lake, East Inlet, Wild Basin, and all other outlying areas of RMNP. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Should I spend my time on the east side or the west side of the park? In a normal year, Rocky Mountain National Park attracts well over 4 million visitors to its 415 square miles that are home to 147 lakes, dozens of different mammals (bear, moose and bighorn sheep among them), 355 miles of hiking trails and the Continental Divide. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. To stay safe, start your hike early in the day so that you are finished, or at least below the tree line, by 1 pm. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! 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).