Hiking poles are a good idea for some of the tougher hikes (Sky Pond, Chasm Lake) if you have knee issues or if there is snow on the trail. If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. 9 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. We also really liked the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Because the Wild Basin Entrance is about a 30-minute drive south of Estes Park on the parks east side, most of the parks visitors never even see the Wild Basin area. Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best US national parks to go hiking. So, keep your fingers crossed for clear skies! We are going to put RMNP last so we have time to get used to the altitude, because we are from the East Coast. 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. I recommend staying at The Residences. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. Forest Canyon Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Rainbow Curve Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. In order to see and do everything we list in this itinerary, plan on visiting the park when everything is open. Bear Lake Road runs into the heart of the park. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, encompasses an area of 416 square miles (265,769 acres). (970) 586-1206. But one afternoon, they went until dinner, off and on. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. Visit the Rockies and experience mountain climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and breathtaking views of jagged peaks, glaciers, and high-mountain lakes. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. Good job on this article (that popped up in my newsfeed). There are two ticket types: Park Access + and Park Access. By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. Learn more on the official National Park Service website. But dont bring your RV there. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. So you basically log on in July when they open it up for dates in August and quickly pick 2-3 dates? It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. If you plan to hike Sky Pond, Mills Lake, or Black Lake later in this itinerary, you will pass Alberta Falls, so there is no need to hike to it today. Clicking on the photos on this page will open up a larger version. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Since you will know your exact dates, I recommend making your reservations on July 1 so you get the permits for each day you will be in RMNP. It does get tiring, but these trails are so much fun and offer such a wide variety of views and experiences that it never gets monotonous or boring. miles of dramatic beauty, high rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, 350 miles of hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Yay!! Where to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Alberta Falls Trail. How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. RMNP East or West Entrance? - Rocky Mountain National Park Forum 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. When to Visit. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. This hike starts at Bear Lake and summits Flattop Mountain before arriving at Hallett Peak. You will reach Loch Vale before the final climb to Sky Pond. Combine two of the above hikes into one great experience. Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a lot to do for those who arent big fans of hiking. 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park Do 4 days if you canthere are a LOT of hikes to choose from here. Evening at the hotel 3) Thur Morning: Mt Ida. Cheers, Julie. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. For many visitors, the winter months are their favorite time to visit RMNP. Cheers, Julie. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary Ideas from 1 to 5 Days For a longer list, read our post about Estes 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. Park Details. The Stanley Hotel. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited recreation area in the state, headquartered in Estes Park. Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. I recommend hiking Longs Peak on the day with the clearest weather. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. The larger portion of the park sits to the south of Trail Ridge Road. Visiting RMNP from Breckenridge regardless of which entrance you use is not ideal. One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park - Earth Trekkers Typically this road12,183 feet at it's highest point, remains closed from late-October to late-May. You can also access Bear Lake Road, but it requires an additional 10 minutes of driving. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled . Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. Here are six tips on what to do in Estes Park during your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation. Cheers, Julie. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. Because the entrance is so accessible from Estes Park and open year round, it is the most popular. 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. The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is the best place to get information, books, maps and backcountry permits, as well as catch the park bus. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. Hi Julie! . To reach the Wild Basin Entrance from Estes Park, head south on CO 7. Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. Grand Lake, Colorado at Rocky Mountain National Park Difficulty: Moderate. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. Follow the three day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. How to Make the Most of One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Ascending only 700 feet over 3 miles, this is a great introduction to moderate hiking in the park. Al, Thats a tricky question to answer. These national parks require reservations in 2023 Answer (1 of 2): All of them them! Bodies of Water. 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. 970 586-1206 You can help to move the line move more quickly by having your park pass, permit, and ID ready when you reach the entrance station. Note: This post contains affiliate links. 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. This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. Yes. The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Park Hours:Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. 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. 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. For full details on how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, read our post One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. So, after Labor Day, you might have some of both (snow and crowds). If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. I think that puts the Mills Lake + Loch Vale hike somewhere around 7.6 miles total. And I think that RMNP just got its first snow storm of the fall season. 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. For the first part of this hike you will be sharing the trail with those on their way to Longs Peak. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. If the skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas Begin February 15 to Protect Nesting Raptors, Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP continues pilot timed entry permit reservations from May 26 through Oct 22, Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park, All material copyright by Morning Light Photography, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 . But it looks like you have some free time on Thursday and Friday afternoon in case an afternoon gets rained out earlier in the week. Once the snow begins to fall, you can still hike many of the trails that we list, but you will need snowshoes. This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary - Colorado.com In our experience, they typically just last an hour or two. 6 Things to Do on the East Edge of Rocky Mountain National Park Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. The park is quieter and with the snow, it is a winter wonderland. 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?) What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. The longer and harder the hike, the earlier you will have to start. Emerald and Dream Lakes are great but crowded. Get a free Colorado national park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Only 0.6 miles round trip, this flat, easy trail circles around Bear Lake. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. After one final short and strenuous climb you arrive at Chasm Lake. Moraine Park Campground. You have included all of our favorite hikes in RMNP so I think your list looks good! You could plan your visit for the end of September and keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome views from the top. Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. This road opened in 1920 at it was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park. Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. And bring a headlampyoull be hiking before the sun comes up. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. The views from the overlooks are stunning. They can linger into September, when fall colors continue to attract visitors and hikers. Due to its large size and long list of noteworthy hikes, you need several days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. Sky Pond. If you plan to visit RMNP early in the summer, there is a good chance that you will encounter snow on some trails. See what else made the list! WorldMark Estes Park. You will need a Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) permit if you plan to hike Chasm Lake or Mount Ida. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Phone. Acadia National Park; Montana / Wyoming. Grand Lake's bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. Is it safe?. Drive one of the highest roads in the USA, spot wildlife, walk the easier trails around scenic lakes and waterfalls, and be amazed at the beauty here. If you are an avid hiker, plan on spending at least three to five days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Flattop Mountain to Hallett Peak. Is RMNP a good place to visit for the elderly or those with limited mobility? Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry - Recreation.gov This road is gravel and is quite narrow. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. The closest town near Rocky Mountain National Park is Estes Park, less than 5 miles from the Beaver Meadows entrance.Many popular trails are easily accessible from here, as well at the national park's Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, Fall River Visitor Center, and Moraine Park Discovery Center. The Continental Divide runs through the park. 1-Day Pass - Automobile - $25. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. We just walked up and down the main road, and glanced at all the salt water taffy . And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. RMNP is quite popular, with about than 3 million visitors a year. This easy hike offers spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park and it is great for all ages and ability levels. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. Its our favorite hike in RMNP. If you think you can go farther, and if skies are clear, consider going all of the way to Sky Pond. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Denver International Airport straight to Estes Park. Most people will be acclimated by this point, which means that you can hike almost any trail in the park.