Rocky Mountain Travel RMNP Travel Guide
The Ultimate Visitors Guide
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most iconic and visited national parks in the United States, spanning over 400 square miles of rugged mountain terrain, alpine lakes, dense forests, and high-elevation tundra. With elevations ranging from 7,800 to over 14,000 feet, the park offers a wide variety of ecosystems and experiences—from easy lakeside walks to challenging summit climbs like Longs Peak.
The park has two main gateway towns:
Estes Park (east entrance – most popular)
Grand Lake (west entrance – quieter)
Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP is packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re here for a day or a full week, these are must-do activities:
Top Experiences:
- Hike to alpine lakes like Dream Lake and Emerald Lake
- Drive Trail Ridge Road for incredible high-altitude views
- Wildlife viewing (elk, moose, bighorn sheep)
- Sunrise and sunset photography
- Picnicking in scenic valleys like Moraine Park
This is one of the best places in Colorado to experience true alpine wilderness without needing technical skills.
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hiking is the #1 activity in Rocky Mountain National Park, with trails for every skill level.
Easy Hikes:
- Bear Lake Loop – short, scenic, and accessible
- Sprague Lake – great for families
Moderate Hikes:
- Alberta Falls
- Dream Lake → Emerald Lake
Advanced Hikes:
- Sky Pond – dramatic alpine scenery
- Longs Peak (Keyhole Route) – challenging 14er climb
Scenic Drives in Rocky Mountain National Park
Trail Ridge Road (Must-Do)
Trail Ridge Road is the crown jewel of the park, climbing above 12,000 feet and offering sweeping views across alpine tundra. It’s the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. Trail Ridge Road in part is open year round, however, much of it is closed due to deep snow from November to May.
To check the status of Trail Ridge Road, call their hotline: 970-586-1222.
Old Fall River Road
In the 1930’s Trail Ridge Road was constructed by the American Conservation Corps, to replace the rugged Old Fall River Road, which still exists today as a seasonal, gravel, one way road to the Alpine Visitors Center at 12,000 feet. This is an adventure in and of itself, as it climbs and takes you on switchbacks offering breathtaking views of RMNP you can only see from this vantage point. There are numerous hiking trails off this road, so be prepared to pull off and explore.
Wildlife Viewing in RMNP
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places in Colorado for wildlife viewing. The park is home to Elk (especially during fall rut in Estes Park), Moose (found near lakes and wetlands), mule deer, and less commonly scene are Bighorn sheep. Smaller animals unique to RMNP found above tree line include the yellow-bellied marmot and the Pika.
The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and sunset.
Plan your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park
Timed Entry System
Timed Entry reservations are needed to enter and visit all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily beginning on Friday, May 22 through Monday, October 12, 2026. This includes outlying areas like Lily Lake, Wild Basin, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and East Inlet Trail.
These reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov. There are two reservation options available to choose from:
- Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road)
- Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road
Timed Entry (no access to Bear Lake Road)
Timed Entry reservations provide access to all areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding areas within the Bear Lake Road Corridor. This reservation is best for those planning to take a scenic drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit Alpine Visitor Center, explore destinations on the west side of the park, hike at Wild Basin or visit any area of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
Reserve your timed entry | Starting May 1 for the following month arrival
Accessing Bear Lake Corridor
Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations provide reservation holders access to RMNP’s popular Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park near Beaver Meadows Entrance. These reservations are best for those who plan to hike Emerald Lake or visit destinations inside the Bear Lake Road Corridor, including Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, Park & Ride Parking Area, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake.
When are Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park?
Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations are needed between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily beginning on Friday, May 22 through Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Reserve your Timed Entry + Bear Lake Access | Starting May 1 for the following month arrival
Timed Entry Permits will be available starting May 1 for the dates of May 22 through June 30.
On the first of each month, RMNP will release timed entry permits for the following month. For example, starting June 1, you can reserve your timed entry for the month of July and any days in June that might still be available.
Don’t have a reservation? That’s ok! You can enter the park (excluding Bear Lake Corridor) before 9 a.m. or anytime after 2 p.m. without a timed entry reservation.
Want to skip the timed entry? Hire a professional hiking guide or book a tour. These guides and tour operators do not require timed entry.
Entrance Fees and Park Passes
A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky’s staffed park entrance stations. Digital fees and passes can also be purchased online via Recreation.gov.
America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series – including the interagency Annual Pass, the Interagency Annual Senior Pass, the Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass, the Interagency Access Pass, the Annual Military Pass, and the 4th Grade Pass.
A Park for All Seasons
Each season in Rocky Mountain National Park brings a unique beauty and adventure to it. The elevation range in Rocky Mountain National Park spans from below 8,000 feet to over 14,000 feet above sea level. With many diverse ecosystems found within the park, there is something for everyone.
Summer Activities
There is so much to see and do inside Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer season! Summer is also high season so expect crowds. Before you come to Rocky Mountain National Park, make sure you take the time to plan. There are so many miles and acres to explore! Research your hiking routes as there are so many to choose from with varying difficulties.
Things to do in RMNP
Depending on your level of activity, there is something for everyone in RMNP. There are open meadows to gaze at like Moraine Park or Horseshoe Park. You can take a scenic drive up Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road. Start early and you can visit Grand Lake on the western side of the park. Other activities include:
- A short day hike.
- Fly fishing in a mountain lake.
- Take a scenic drive over the Continental Divide or visit the Alpine Visitor Center.
- Plan a monster hike to summit a mountain or a multi-day wilderness backpacking camping trip.
- Have a picnic at one of the many picnic areas
- Or just relax in a meadow in the Colorado sun and bird watch.
- Reserve a camp site and sleep under the stars
Hire a Professional Hiking Guide or Book a Scenic Tour
One advantage of taking a tour or hiring a guide is avoiding the timed entry system! But more so, professional tours can offer your experiences that are hidden gems. Other professionally guided excursion in RMNP include horseback riding and fly fishing.
Check Availability of Hiking Guides
Schedule a Horseback Ride in the park with a local outfitter.
Fall Activities
The early fall is still high season so expect crowds, particularly on weekends. The park has a timed entry system until the end of October. The fall is also rutt season. This is the mating season for the elk. So they will be out enmasse. The bull elks follow the herds of female elks, called calves and call to them with their unique bugling.
Activities you might like to do while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
- A short day hike.
- Enjoy elk watching.
- Fly fishing in a mountain lake.
- Take a leaf peeper scenic drive through the park.
- Or just relax in a meadow in the Colorado sun and bird watch.
Trail Ridge Road is closed sporadically when there is bad weather and then opens once it is clear and safe to travel, so plan accordingly. You can always call the Trail Ridge Road hotline for the very latest info: 970-586-1222.
Winter Activities
Winter is the quietest season yet, with plenty to do in the park. There is no longer a timed entry system, but you will still need a park pass. Much of the park is closed due to the large amounts of snowfall and the roads are not maintained. The Bear Lake corridor is open and hikes to Emerald Lake and Sky Pond are fun with snowshoes or micro spikes.
Activities you might like to do while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
- A day hike – bring or rent micro spikes.
- Snowshoeing through the park.
- Take a drive to Many Curves Road and walk up Trail Ridge Road.
- Cross country skiing.
Spring Activities
This time of year brings snow, rain and sunshine. Sometimes all in one day! You can expect to find deep snow on most of the hikes, as the big melt does not begin until late May. Trail Ridge Road is closed at this time up up to Many Curves Road, eventually opening to Rainbow Curve sometime in May, depending on the snow loads. An iconic day can be spent driving into the park to Rainbow Curve. Park at the parking lot and continue walking up Trail Ridge Road. You can only do this in May!
You can expect Trail Ridge Road to open sometime in late May. Old Fall River Road remains closed until the first part of June, depending on the snow.
Tips for a Smooth RMNP Visit
Watch the Weather
The weather can be extreme in Rocky Mountain National Park. The town can be 85 degrees and delightful in August. Yet a drive to the top of Trail Ridge Road, and you can find snow! Early summer afternoons can bring thunder and lightening storm. To get below tree line before the storms roll in, start your long hikes in the early morning.
Hydration is the Name of the Game
Our weather here in Colorado is dry. And at a high altitude, the sun is stronger than you realize. So make sure you drink LOTS of water. The rule of thumb is to drink an ounce per pound you weigh. Staying hydrated also helps prevent altitude sickness.
Purchase your Park Pass ahead of time
Annual and Lifetime passes purchased online take 2–4 weeks to arrive by mail. If you’re planning to visit in the next month, please wait and purchase your Annual or Lifetime pass in-person upon arrival at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Dress in Layers
Our weather can change very rapidly, especially in the park. A 75 degree day in Estes Park, can mean snow at the Alpine Visitors Center. So be prepared with layers you can add or take off easily when hiking or touring around. And consider wearing clothing other than cotton. Tech material and micro wool help keep moisture away from your skin, helping you feel warmer and more refreshed when enjoying the outdoors.
FAQ
When are Timed Entry Reservations needed to enter the park?
Timed Entry reservations are needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily beginning on Friday, May 22 through Monday, October 12, 2026.
Do I need a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes. Every vehicle requires a park pass to enter. This can be an annual pass, a military all access pass, or a day use or weekly pass that you purchase when you arrive to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Can I approach an elk or a moose?
Absolutely not! While the elk are plentiful in Estes Park and look very relaxed and approachable, they are not. They are horse sized wild animals. The females (cows) are protective of their babies and in the fall, the bull elk (with the antlers) are aggressively pursuing a mate. Moose sighting are less frequent, but in wetland areas, they are more common. And moose are the most dangerous mammals in North American, capable of running 35 mph.
How many days do you need in RMNP?
If you only have one day, that is still worth it as driving through the park and taking short hikes and scenic peeks is amazing. However, 2–3 days is ideal to explore hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife areas.
Is Rocky Mountain National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely—it’s one of the most popular national parks in the United States with over 4 million visitors annually.
When was Rocky Mountain National Park established?
Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Rocky Mountain National Park Act. Conservation efforts previously spread headed by Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and John Muir, who all had a deep appreciation for nature, led to the formation of this park.