How to Visit: Rocky Mountain National Park

Note about the reservation system

During peak season (typically end of May to mid-October), Rocky Mountain National Park has a timed entry system.

Option 1: Bear Lake Road

A permit for the Bear Lake Road corridor will include access to that entire corridor as well as the rest of the park. With this option, guests can make reservations to enter during a two-hour window sometime between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Option 2: The rest of the park

The other permit will be for the rest of the park, excluding the Bear Lake Road. With this option, guests can make reservations to enter during a two-hour window between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

You will need a timed entry reservation, if you want to enter the park during that window, as well as a park pass.  Check the park website to see when reservations will become available.  Though they do open additional slots the night before.

Permits & Reservations - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Day One

Below are options for your time along the Bear Lake Road corridor.  When you are planning your trip, consider using the free shuttle that runs along Bear Lake Road. As a passenger on the shuttle, riders can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bear Lake Road without the distraction and stress of navigating traffic congestion searching for limited parking.

Shuttle Buses and Public Transit - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Trails

Shorter Trail Options

Dream Lake

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Dream Lake Trail: 2.0 miles (moderate) This short trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. The alpine lake water is clear and the hike is often lined with gorgeous wildflowers during the summer.

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Emerald Lake

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Emerald Lake Trail: 3.2 miles (moderate) This scenic hiking trail through the Tyndall Gorge to Emerald Lake is an extremely popular route in Rocky Mountain National Park. Starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead, hikers will walk through pine forests, past pristine alpine lakes including Nymph Lake and Dream Lakes.

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Lake Haiyaha

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Lake Haiyaha: 4.0 miles (moderate) Lake Haiyaha is a very popular destination within Rocky Mountain National Park. It is known for its clear, beautiful water. The lake is surrounded by boulders and beautiful rock formations. In 2022, the lake changed color to a milky turquoise due to landslides above the lake in Chaos Canyon.

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Longer Trail Options

Four Lake Loop

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Four Lake Loop Trail: 7.2 miles (moderate) This route takes you to four of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular lakes: Bear Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and a bonus - Nymph Lake! Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to take in the views of the beautiful lakes as well as one stunning set of cascades at Alberta Falls.

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Sky Pond

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Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail: 8.6 miles (hard) The trek begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead along Bear Lake Road. You'll also stop by several other sought-after spots including Alberta Falls, The Loch (also known as Loch Vale), Lake of Glass, and Timberline Falls. You can also add on a side trip to Andrew's Tarn on your way back.

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Things to Do

Estes Park

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Estes Park is a picturesque town located outside Rocky Mountain National Park. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town itself has a charming downtown area with a mix of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can stroll along the Riverwalk, explore unique boutiques, and enjoy local cuisine.

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Stanley Hotel

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Estes Park has several historic sites, including the Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King's novel "The Shining." The hotel is a grand historic landmark and offers ghost tours.

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Day Two

Trails

Deer Mountain Trailhead

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Deer Mountain Trail: 6.0 miles (moderate) Deer Mountain Peak offers panoramic views at its peak, which is over 10,000 feet. The trail starts off in a valley and soon enters a steep forested area, dominated by beautiful ponderosa pines. Once you enter the forested area, the trail follows many switchbacks that climb toward the summit. Once at the Deer Mountain summit, you have views of Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and Estes Park.

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Gem Lake Trail

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Gem Lake Trail: 3.2 miles (moderate) The breathtaking views on your way along this hike make every step worth it. Once you reach Gem Lake at the top of this route, you’ll find a great spot for a hiking snack.

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Things to Do

Trail Ridge Road

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Trail Ridge Road is a spectacular high-altitude highway that traverses Rocky Mountain National Park. Here is what to expect: Elevation: Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters) at its highest point. The road crosses the Continental Divide, marking the separation between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Location: The road spans approximately 48 miles through Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting the towns of Estes Park on the east side and Grand Lake on the west side. It is the primary route through the park for visitors traveling by car. Scenic Beauty: Trail Ridge Road offers some of the most breathtaking and panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. As you ascend, the landscape changes from montane forests to alpine tundra, providing a diverse and stunning visual experience. Visitors can expect to see snow-capped peaks, expansive meadows, and a variety of wildlife. Wildlife Viewing: The road provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors may encounter elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and a variety of smaller mammals. Birdwatchers also appreciate the diverse bird species found in the park. Visitor Centers: Along Trail Ridge Road, there are several visitor centers, including the Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass. These centers offer information about the park's ecology, geology, and history, as well as exhibits and educational programs. Seasonal Closure: Due to its high elevation, Trail Ridge Road is typically open seasonally, usually from late May to mid-October, weather permitting. Snow and harsh weather conditions at higher elevations make the road impassable during the winter months. Recreational Opportunities: Numerous pull-offs and overlooks along the road provide opportunities for photography and simply enjoying the stunning scenery. There are also hiking trails that start from various points along Trail Ridge Road, allowing visitors to explore the alpine environment on foot. Trail Ridge Road is not just a means of transportation through Rocky Mountain National Park; it is a destination in itself, offering a unique and awe-inspiring journey through some of the most majestic mountain landscapes in the United States.

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Day Three

Trails

Chasm Lake

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Chasm Lake: 8.0 miles (hard) There are incredible views while traversing the subalpine forest up to the alpine tundra. The lake sits below the spectacular Long’s Peak, the highest peak in the park.

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Things to Do

Lily Lake

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Lily Lake is a scenic and serene destination located in Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake is surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery, offering breathtaking views of the nearby peaks, including Longs Peak and Mount Meeker. Lily Lake is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. There is a relatively easy, wheelchair-accessible trail that goes around the lake, providing a pleasant stroll with opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and observe wildlife. Lily Lake has designated picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic surroundings. These areas often have benches and tables, providing a peaceful setting for picnics.

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Places to Stay

Hotel Options

Comfort

Historic Crags Lodge

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Each villa-style room offers a seating area, a flat-screen cable TV and a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator and a dining area. A private bathroom is also included. Guests can play a game of billiards, as well as enjoy free coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate. Use of on-site laundry facilities is provided. Lake Estes is 2.5 mi from Historic Crag's Lodge and shopping on Elkhorn Avenue is a 5-minute drive away. Denver International Airport is 1 hour 40 minutes' drive from the property.

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Streamside on Fall River

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Set in Estes Park, Streamside on Fall River features barbecue facilities. Every guest at the 3-star property can enjoy mountain views from the rooms, and has access to a hot tub. Some rooms include a patio with a river view. All guest rooms at the hotel come with a TV with cable channels. Some rooms have a kitchenette and a dining area. A private bathroom is provided in guest rooms, while all rooms are equipped with a DVD player. The units have a seating area. A variety of popular activities are available in the area around Streamside on Fall River, including fishing and hiking.

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Ponderosa Lodge

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Ponderosa Lodge is set in Estes Park. Boasting a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. The property provides a children's playground. All units at the motel are fitted with a seating area. Some rooms have a kitchen with an oven and a toaster. All rooms will provide guests with a microwave. Guests at Ponderosa Lodge will be able to enjoy activities in and around Estes Park, like fishing.

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Budget

Blue Door Inn

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Located 4 mi from Rocky Mountain National Park, this Estes Park, Colorado hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool, basketball court and barbecue facilities with picnic tables. Mountain views and free WiFi are offered in all rooms. Lake Estes is 1.9 mi away. Each room provides a flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning and an private bathroom. Coffee-making facilities, a microwave and a refrigerator are also offered in rooms at Blue Door Inn in Estes Park. Select rooms offer a spa bath. A free continental breakfast is offered for all guests at Blue Door Inn. Guests play shuffleboard, corn hole and horseshoes on site.

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Estes Park Adventure Hostel

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Featuring a shared lounge, Estes Park Adventure Hostel is located in Estes Park. The hostel provides both free WiFi and free private parking. Guest rooms at the hostel are equipped with a seating area. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower, while selected rooms are equipped with a patio and others also offer city views. At Estes Park Adventure Hostel rooms have bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Estes Park, like hiking.

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Campgrounds

Campgrounds - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Longs Peak campground is the only first-come, first-serve campground in Rocky Mountain National Park.  If you would like to stay at another campground, please plan ahead and reserve early. 

Meeker Park Overflow Campground

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There are 29 first-come, first-served campsites that allow tents, campers, trailers, and RVs. Sites are best for tent camping due to unpaved roads, steep hills and short pull-ins. Picnic tables, fire rings, and portable toilets are provided. There is no drinking water, electricity, hook-ups, dump stations, or showers. All campsites with a tent pad have a bear locker.

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An Anecdote

After the worst night of sleep of the trip (thanks to the man camping next to us who was coughing all night), Anna and I left our campsite early with a goal in mind - hike Chasm Lake.

My sleepiness quickly wore off and was replaced by excitement as we neared the trailhead.  The parking lot was already full at daybreak, so we parked down the road, but then we were off!  The first few miles were through a pine forest that smelled like Christmas.  We played trail games to keep our mind off the constant steady climb.

When we reached the tree line, we hiked through the alpine tundra.  Cute yellow flowers peaked through the rocky landscape.  There were several waterfalls along the way, which allowed us to take plenty of picture breaks.  The scenery transformed again when Longs Peak came into view and we could peer down at Peacock Pool, which was one of my favorite views so far.

After a short break, we felt our excitement grow once more as we started the loose rock scramble and crossed three snow passes.  We took things slow, and we were rewarded with an epic view of Chasm Lake tucked within the mountains.  We stayed at the lake for a while, taking in the scenery and basking in our accomplishment.  Eventually, we tackled the descent and spent the afternoon at Lily's Lake, soaking in even more beautiful views of the Rockies.