1. The Continental Divide runs through the park. Gem Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. If you do not plan on visiting the Bear Lake Corridor, and you plan to enter the park before 9 am, you do not need a permit. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. 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. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. or maybe 4? Learn more on the official National Park Service website. 6.2 miles, moderate, 3 to 4 hours. Have fun in RMNP! The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. This hike passes Cub Lake, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake and Lake Helene. With that being said, you should know that crowds are the largest during the summer months, especially July and August. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled . It is about 2 hours to get to the western entrance and 2 3/4 hours to get to the eastern entrance, taking the least scenic routes in both cases and hoping for no significant delays for the Twin Tunnels construction near Idaho Springs. Timed Entry Permit: If you have plans to visit the park in the summer months, dont forget to reserve your permit in advance. This road opened in 1920 at it was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park. You will really feel the effects of the altitude. , Tombstone Ridge | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. The west side (Grand Lake side) is more about the Kawuneeche Valley and the Colorado River. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that don't have a physical entrance to drive through. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. Turn around and look for the trailhead on your left. Trail Type: Out-and-back. Afternoon/Evening Trail ridge road/Alpine ridge trial. l plan on 7 days there. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. This itinerary is best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. Lily Lake offers an easy and flat 0.8-mile loop trail around the lake, making it one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. All passes are available at all park entrance stations. I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. If you want to see some of the best lakes such as Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, or Sprague Lake, then you should go to the Beaver Meadows entrance. There are two ticket types: Park Access + and Park Access. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. Each residence is individually managed, so some are better than others. Cheers, Julie. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Suggestions for this weekend Nov 03, 2022. Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year. Entrance tickets and fees. The best places to have your questions answered is at one of the park visitor centers. 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. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Thank you! 7.6 Good 275 reviews. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are a great idea too, since snow is a possibility on some of these trails, all year. This "rest of park" Timed Entry Permit Reservation period will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado, drawing 4.5 million annual visitors to its 415 square miles of mountain beauty. If you live in Colorado and/or are planning on visiting the park more than once, you can get the Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass for US$ 70 per vehicle. Since I like to hike, I am guessing maybe 3 solid days? Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. The Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 34 approximately 5 miles east of Estes Park. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. You have a choice today: take a break from hiking and explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, or hike another trail. If so, you need one for each day that you plan to visit RMNP. Emerald lake lays below Hallett peak, Tyndall glacier, and Flattop mountain. What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. #3 Granby - Best Place to Stay near Rocky Mountain National Park for Families. Hi Julie ! If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. 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. You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here are some articles to help you plan your trip. 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. How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you did not do it yet, you have the option to hike the short but sweet Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. 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. See what else made the list! Here you'll have access to Holzwarth Historic Site, the Coyote Valley Trail, the Colorado River Trail, Green Mountain, and Onahu Trail as well as Trail Ridge Road. Entrance Sign to Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Depositphotos. Chasm Lake. Combine two of the above hikes into one great experience. And bring a headlampyoull be hiking before the sun comes up. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. If you hike to Sky Pond, you will hike through the Loch to get there. If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! After one final short and strenuous climb you arrive at Chasm Lake. This road will lead you out of town and to the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Kawuneeche Entrance. 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. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. 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. Once the snow begins to fall, you can still hike many of the trails that we list, but you will need snowshoes. Serving visitors to the Wild Basin area of the park, approximately 19 miles to the south of Estes Park on highway 7, is the Wild Basin Entrance station. Those are the 3 that were recommended to me. The best way to . Ascending only 700 feet over 3 miles, this is a great introduction to moderate hiking in the park. You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. Also, if Longs Peak is on your list, watch the weather report for your visit. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. Evening back at Estes park at my hotel. For reference, my family will be traveling to all the Colorado national parks in late July for around two weeks. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. Important Things to Know Before You Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? Sky Pond. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. At the entry station you will be greeted by a ranger. But the real reason for doing this is for the incredible view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular alpine lakes in the USA. This is the hike that I recommend for today. I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). Good job on this article (that popped up in my newsfeed). Hike one of the trails that I mentioned earlier in this itinerary, or click here to see our list of 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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). If you are coming from a lower elevation and plan to hike to these taller peaks, you will need to spend a few days in the park, acclimating to the higher elevation, before you tackle these hikes. 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. It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. Outside the usual water, bug spray, sunscreen, etc? The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. Most of this hike is over 11,000 feet, in the alpine tundra, so its best to save this hike for when you are acclimated to the altitude. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. 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. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Its a short, easy hike in the subalpine tundra so you have 360 degree views on the entire hike. Take the shuttle to avoid parking hassles. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. 5. 3. Alberta Falls: 2 miles, easy, 1 to 1.5 hours. We also have a guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to spend one day in RMNP. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. One of the drawbacks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months is that Trail Ridge Road is closed. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. View from Mount Ida | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. 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 !! 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. Afternoon/Evening spending it around the visitor center, or back at Estes Park 4) Fri Morning: Chasm lake. This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. Accessible trails include favorites like Bear Lake and Sprague Lake, and you can also reserve an all-terrain wheelchair from Estes Park Mountain Shop (970-586-6548). Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . There are a lot of hikes that start at the Bear Lake Trailhead. 7.4 miles (12 km). Equally enjoyable on foot or from your car, there are four separate ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. 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. Or is it pretty bad and long lasting? Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best US national parks to go hiking. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. Do we have others using the trails even in the mornings? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Pssst. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? For now, the forecast does call for afternoon thunderstorms from what i can see on weather.com, It depends. Learn more on the national park service website. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. The larger portion of the park sits to the south of Trail Ridge Road. Only 0.6 miles round trip, this flat, easy trail circles around Bear Lake. The best entrance for Rocky Mountain National Park is Beaver Meadows Entrance or Fall River Entrance. 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. Estes Park sits to the east of the park. I think your itinerary looks great. RMNP is quite popular, with about than 3 million visitors a year. 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. Earth Trekkers is my starting point for every hiking vacation. 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. 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. :) All the entrances lead to the Beautiful Rocky Mountains. If you get to Allenspark, you have gone too far. BTW I reach Denver around 12.30pm on a Tuesday in mid August, that puts me in Estes Park area at about 3:30pm (waiting for rental/lunch/traffic). This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. 1000 US Hwy 36 Is there anything you recommend to bring on the hikes? Acadia National Park; Montana / Wyoming. 1-Day Pass - Automobile - $25. or are there better/rewarding hikes that i can sub in instead of the above listed ones? If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. From Loveland it's 30 miles (48 km) and 45 minutes by car to get to Estes Park. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the first part of this hike you will be sharing the trail with those on their way to Longs Peak. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Is it safe?. If you end at RMNP, you should not have any issues with altitude sickness, unless you hike Longs Peak on your first day here (but even that would be highly unlikely). Youll reach Trail Ridge Road a lot faster than those waiting in line at the Beaver Meadows Entrance during the summer and fall seasons. Rocky Mountain National Park - Annual Pass. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. Cheers, Julie. What would be the best time to hike RMNP after labor day? Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park? Ideally, you want a day with crystal clear skies and no chance of rain. These are the only official entry stations into the park. The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park for first-time visitors. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. Visit the Rockies and experience mountain climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and breathtaking views of jagged peaks, glaciers, and high-mountain lakes. With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. Buckle in for some altitude gain and, outside of warmer summer months, pack spikes for the hiking trail! Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. Length: 5.5 miles. [The vibe of Estes Park is very wild west mountain-like] [We passed at least 4 Saltwater Taffy shops on our way up the main street] [The Historic Park Theater] Estes Park is definitely worth checking out if you go through the Beaver Meadows entrance like we did. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. Snow can start to fall in September. 4. After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. A Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) timed entry ticket is sufficient for this day. Evening at the hotel 3) Thur Morning: Mt Ida. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. Go back to the fork and then take the trail to Loch Vale. The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. All offer bookstores and much printed information to supplement the knowledgeable staff. There are many things to do here. ), you can spend the mornings hiking and the afternoons relaxing in Estes Park or wherever you might be staying. Wondering if there are differences between entering park through entrances by Estes park or better to enter park through grand lake? Cheers, Julie. . For a longer list, read our post about Estes Park. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. What are some alternate routes if Trail Ridge Road is closed? I am so glad you had great weather and a great trip! 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. Hi Julie! Hopefully in your case they will be quick! This entrance station has only one entry booth. Once you are finished hiking, hop back into your car. Cheers, Julie. Put your higher hikes in the second half of your RMNP visit and you should be fine. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. photo by Ladona Stork. Shuttle Bus. We are going to put RMNP last so we have time to get used to the altitude, because we are from the East Coast. Location: north-central Colorado. Address. Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. Tahosa Valley Cabin (from USD 275) Show all photos. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. . The Fall River entrance is 4 miles from Estes Park a wonderful little mountain town. This road will lead you all the way up to the Alpine Visitor Center and across the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) all year, but sections of the park close once the snow begins to fall. I am not the hiker I used to be [did Kili in 04] so a moderate/ mildly strenuous 8 miler more my speed now. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. Alberta Falls Trail. It is our favorite short hike in the park. Travel to Aspen and Rock Mountain During thanksgiving Nov 08, 2022. Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. For the "Park Access, Does Not Include Bear Lake Road" Timed Entry Permits, they will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 970-586-1222 before you head out. So if i leave Estes at 4.30a I think i should be past that entrance by 4.45a or so and can avoid having to buy the time entry correct? Quantity. 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. I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. Learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park! The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. We just walked up and down the main road, and glanced at all the salt water taffy . There are pull outs along the road for viewing but can get busy during the day so head . Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. Moraine Park Campground. Here are you options: The private vehicle entrance fee, good for 1 day, is $25. Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. 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. Learn more about the national parks in our Guide to the US National Parks. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . 4. (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. 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. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. I climbed 3 different volcanoes in 3days and it was lovely. Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. Cheers, Julie. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! How Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? 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). However, both routes cross high over the mountains and close down once winter weather arrives. 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. more, Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Experts. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks.

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