This entrance is right next to the intersection with Bear Lake Road providing you with easy access to this area of the park. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Ultimate Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park - AARP The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome views from the top. Do you think I can do Nymph, dream and emerald lakes (or at least 2 out of those 3?). Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. The Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. or maybe 4? I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. l plan on 7 days there. Restaurants. Important Things to Know Before You Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Grand Lake, Colorado at Rocky Mountain National Park Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. Thats a great question! Rocky Mountain National Park Granby West Entrance c. 1940's tourist The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. Spend the rest of the day in Estes Park. If so, you need one for each day that you plan to visit RMNP. This hike adds on Lake Haiyaha, another very pretty alpine lake. However, if Longs Peak is on your list, I recommend waiting one more day if you come from sea level. 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 map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. 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 !! Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. Looking at the trail signs on our Sky Pond guide, it looks like hiking the spur only to Loch Vale adds 1.6 miles total. Good to know: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Black Lake, Sky Pond, Flattop Mountain, and Fern Lake are some of the trails that start at or near Bear Lake. I lucked out and it didnt rain on the 3 main days i was hiking (there was some rain on the day i came in but even that stopped around 4p and i was able to do nymph to dream to emerald and bear lake hike that evening). Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park? In this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, many of days end by the early afternoon, because of these storms. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Wondering if there are differences between entering park through entrances by Estes park or better to enter park through grand lake? Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary Ideas from 1 to 5 Days Your email address will not be published. A 2 hour trip from either Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge will only get you to the west side entrance to RMNP. Crowds will begin to quiet down in October, but snow on the trails becomes a lot more likely. We have visited Rocky Mountain National Park several times in the past. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. Closest Airport to Rocky Mountain National Park - Hello Hiker I recommend hiking Longs Peak on the day with the clearest weather. Most recently, in 2020, we spent one very busy week here, and learned a lot about this park. Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This road is gravel and is quite narrow. Thats awesome that you got Bear Lake permits and thats so COOL that you got them while on Lassen Peak (yes, I cant wait to visit that park). The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) all year, but sections of the park close once the snow begins to fall. However, the road is open to Many Parks Curve, approximately 7 miles from the start of Trail Ridge Road from the east. To feel like you are really in the heart of the mountains, head to the only entrance on the parks west side, the Grand Lake Entrance. Thunderstorms dont happen every single day, but it is something that you need to plan for. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds 2022 If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. There are pull outs along the road for viewing but can get busy during the day so head . Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. To the north of the Beaver Meadows area, located on highway 34 approximately four miles west of Estes Park, is the Fall River Entrance Station. 9 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. 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. We just walked up and down the main road, and glanced at all the salt water taffy . In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. You will have to find your own way to the park from Estes Park because the shuttle only runs to the town. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . 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. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. One of the drawbacks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months is that Trail Ridge Road is closed. For your afternoon activities, just keep your fingers crossed that you wont have afternoon thunderstorms on those days. In summer 2022, timed-entry reservations are required between May 27 and October 10, 2022, and are in addition to your entrance fee. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in 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. Snow can start to fall in September. 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. 1-Day Pass - Automobile - $25. 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. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. Its time for an amazing scenic drive in RMNP. They can linger into September, when fall colors continue to attract visitors and hikers. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. Longs Peak is the biggest at 14,259 ft and can be seen from nearly anywhere. At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. South Saint Vrain Ave/Hwy 7. I was thinking June but am guessing some of the hikes up about 10k feet would still have snow? After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. Trailhead Location. Is it safe?. There are numerous pull-over areas on each side of the road for this purpose. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. Only 0.6 miles round trip, this flat, easy trail circles around Bear Lake. :) All the entrances lead to the Beautiful Rocky Mountains. If you did not do it yet, you have the option to hike the short but sweet Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. 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. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE 1. BEST OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a list of top experiences, read our article Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats and explore Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake. View from Mount Ida | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. For Longs Peak, that means starting by 3 or 4 am. All passes are available at all park entrance stations. Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry - Recreation.gov 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO, 80517. That means you will not be able to visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, drive Old Fall River Road, or visit some of the best overlooks in the park. . 31 Top Things to Do in Colorado - US News & World Report Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. Pssst. You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. Rocky Mountain National Park - Annual Pass. Those are the 3 that were recommended to me. 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. I am travelling solo. Is it worth going to RMNP if I only have 4 hours? In 2021, RMNP was the fifth most visited park in the USA, receiving 4.4 million visitors. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. I hope you have a great time! Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. 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. This family friendly hike is a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Emerald lake lays below Hallett peak, Tyndall glacier, and Flattop mountain. These are the only official entry stations into the park. Most people will be acclimated by this point, which means that you can hike almost any trail in the park. On the west side of the park, located approximately two miles north of Grand Lake, is the Grand Lake Entrance Station. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. Rocky Mountain National Park Site Pass in Colorado - Recreation.gov If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. For the first part of this hike you will be sharing the trail with those on their way to Longs Peak. That is correct. 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. Thank you! Clicking on the photos on this page will open up a larger version. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. From here, you can park at the trailheads and hike some of the best trails in RMNP, like Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Mills Lake, and Hallett Peak. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. , Thanks ! As part of the National Park system, Zion operates under the same rules as other parks. Call 970-586-1222 before you head out. Moraine Park Campground is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Take the shuttle to avoid parking hassles. Timed Entry Permit: If you have plans to visit the park in the summer months, dont forget to reserve your permit in advance. This hiker shuttle take visitors to some of the most popular trails along Bear Lake Road. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. Depending on the volume of traffic, some visitors with detailed questions must be directed to the visitor centers where the rangers and volunteers there can more adequately provide the needed assistance. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Crowds are still big in September, both to see fall colors and the elk mating season. One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park - Earth Trekkers Finch Lake is a 4.5 mile hike through pines, aspen glades, and wildflower laden meadows to a sub-alpine lake where the forest surrounds its shores. Cheers, Julie. Learn more here. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the Winter Alpine Ridge Road reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park-Grand Lake Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. There are four entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park, and in 2022, you will need a park pass plus a separate day-use reservation to get into the park, regardless of which entrance you take. Learn more about the national parks in our Guide to the US National Parks. 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. This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. I recommend getting here early (ideally by 7:30 am) to make sure you get a parking space and to give yourself plenty of time today. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. There will be people. I highly recommend this particular residence. A beginner's guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park 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). However, I only recommend doing this if you are acclimated to the altitude, since these are strenuous hikes with big ascents. This station is .25 miles from our newest visitor center, the Fall River Visitor Center. Wild Basin Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park Dont miss Forest Canyon Overlook, one of the best on the drive. Evening back at Estes park at my hotel. For example, if you hike Deer Mountain at 6 am, you do not need a permit. Located just a couple minutes from Grand Lake, the Grand Lake Entrance is arguably the parks best-kept secret. In order to see and do everything we list in this itinerary, plan on visiting the park when everything is open. 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). This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. 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. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Once the snow begins to fall, you can still hike many of the trails that we list, but you will need snowshoes. 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. 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. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. Text in English. Timed Entry Ticket: You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access permit (Park Access +) if you plan to hike Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, or Mills and Black Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Cheers, Julie, Thanks Julie, Also seems like the bear lake corridor timed entry begins at 5a. Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, encompasses an area of 416 square miles (265,769 acres). These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. It is our favorite short hike in the park. 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. You may experience lines that can stretch up to a mile long during the busy season. Odessa and Fern Lakes. You have included all of our favorite hikes in RMNP so I think your list looks good! Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly fee per vehicle. COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. Cheers, Julie. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural parks featuring 76 mountains each over 10 thousand feet high. As it is, I like to hike early to avoid the crowd, Yes, leaving that early should work. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 80517. Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For many visitors, the winter months are their favorite time to visit RMNP. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that don't have a physical entrance to drive through. The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. Rocky Mountain National Park began addressing crowding . Alberta Falls Trail. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Autumn ushers in cooler days, smaller crowds, golden aspen and elk bugling. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. From the summit you have a great view over Moraine Park and Longs Peak. 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 . Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide - Parks & Trips (Old Maps, 20th Century Maps, Americana, Travel, Tourism, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby Reservoir, Granby).Grand Lake West Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.Published c. 1940's, United States.Folding cartoon pictorial travel map, printed on both sides of the sheet. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. 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. How To Plan A Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary If you have any questions about planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. The road is well-graded and suitable for standard cars. Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. We also have a guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to spend one day in RMNP. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. How long does it take to drive Trail Ridge Road? Turn around and look for the trailhead on your left. Emerald Lake. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Do we have others using the trails even in the mornings? Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. But even with a week here, there are still a lot of hikes left on our to-do list. Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. The Continental Divide runs through the park. or are there better/rewarding hikes that i can sub in instead of the above listed ones? 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. The only thing to note is that each day I started the hike between 4a-5a (especially because some parking lots like the Glacier gorge one and Longs peak one get filled up by 5a). How likely is someone to get altitude sickness at RMNP? Learn more on the national park service website. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Tahosa Valley Cabin (from USD 275) Show all photos. It's like a tour of amazing mountain lakes. This road opened in 1920 at it was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park. I am so glad you had great weather and a great trip! Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park; Flat Tops Wilderness; Maine. Alberta Falls: 2 miles, easy, 1 to 1.5 hours. 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. Cheers, Julie. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs . 2023 Best 10 Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park | AllTrails Hi Julie! During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. Follow the Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. Cheers, Julie. It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. So on Tuesday, do you think I can salvage some hiking? The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled in 2000-2001, adding another entrance lane to reduce the time spent waiting in line. It is the east side (Estes Park side) of RMNP that has . Clouds start moving in around noon with the storms occurring almost like clockwork between 1 and 3 pm. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks. 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. Deer mountain Alpine ridge trail Trail ridge drive Ute trail to tomb bridge Alberta falls Nymph, dream and emerald lake Haiyaha Bear lake Sprague lake loop sheep lakes lily lake loop chasm falls Gem lake Mills lake, Rocky Mountain is very safe for a solo traveler and yes, in the mornings, there will be people on these trails. The best way to . Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. Potentially one of the busiest trails at RMNP is the Emerald Lake trail.