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As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Rocky Mountain National Park. Old Fall River Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats and explore Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake. Have fun in RMNP! Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. 9 Adventures in Grand County near Rocky Mountain National Park Located on Highway 34, the gateway to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, the Quality Inn & Suites Loveland hotel is the perfect resting point for vacationing travelers. The wilderness area includes 355 miles of hiking trails, 147 lakes, 77 mountains taller than 12,000 feet, and the opportunity to see elk, bighorn sheep and moose. 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). During this time, you will be able to drive through the park, with access to all of the hikes and overlooks. After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a lot to do for those who arent big fans of hiking. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. That is correct. But even with a week here, there are still a lot of hikes left on our to-do list. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Each residence is individually managed, so some are better than others. Its a short, easy hike in the subalpine tundra so you have 360 degree views on the entire hike. 9. Sky Pond. If you are an avid hiker, your itinerary will look something like this: Day 1: Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes plus Trail Ridge Road and the Alpine Ridge Trail Day 2: Deer Mountain in the morning, Estes Park in the afternoon/evening Day 3: Sky Pond Day 4: Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida Day 5: Longs Peak Day 6: Rest day from hiking (Old Fall River Road and activities in Estes Park) Day 7: Chasm Lake. Emerald and Dream Lakes are great but crowded. This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. Take a tour of the historic Stanley Hotel, ride the Aerial Tramway to the peak of Prospect Mountain, go shopping, walk the Riverwalk, visit Lake Estes, play mini-golf, or visit a winery or brewery. In the southeast corner of the park there is an entrance to the Wild Basin area. Loch Lake. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is also a popular activity. #1 Estes Park - Overall Best Place to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park. 365. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This year's system has loosened to 75% to 85% of parking capacity. Gorgeous alpine views can certainly be seen from this center located at 11,796' elevation! This is our favorite hike in RMNP. Beginners Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park - Visit Grand County 16 Best Things To Do in Rocky Mountain National Park Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park? This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry system frustrates visitors When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. What is a good itinerary for a day trip to RMNP in the winter? Should I spend my time on the east side or the west side of the park? Estes 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 !! The larger portion of the park sits to the south of Trail Ridge Road. 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Attractions You Can't-Miss - MSN Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! 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. 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. 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. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. I am not the hiker I used to be [did Kili in 04] so a moderate/ mildly strenuous 8 miler more my speed now. 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? Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. Mills Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly fee per vehicle. If you plan to do a lot of hiking and drive Trail Ridge Road, plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between Memorial Day and mid-October. If you think you can go farther, and if skies are clear, consider going all of the way to Sky Pond. 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. Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles long, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. In this post, get all of the information you need to plan your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Trailhead Location. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Rocky Mountain National Park Granby West Entrance c. 1940's tourist But dont bring your RV there. 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. It is our favorite short hike in the park. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. 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). Entrance tickets and fees. High in the center of the park, the Alpine Visitor Center offers displays about the most noted area of the park, the land above the trees. The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. Quantity. However, the road is open to Many Parks Curve, approximately 7 miles from the start of Trail Ridge Road from the east. 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. However, if Longs Peak is on your list, I recommend waiting one more day if you come from sea level. Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. Cascade Cottages & Colorado Cottages. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are four main entrance stations to Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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). There will be people. 10 Awesome Hikes on the East Side of Rocky Mountain National Park For every hike that we list, you do not need an SUV or non-standard vehicle. 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. Shuttle Bus. 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. You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. Ideally, you want a day with crystal clear skies and no chance of rain. The longer and harder the hike, the earlier you will have to start. We also have a guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to spend one day in RMNP. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. 17 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park (2023) Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. 80517. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park (No Hiking) - Sights Better Seen Learn more about the national parks in our Guide to the US National Parks. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. The Fall River entrance is 4 miles from Estes Park a wonderful little mountain town. Illustrated t 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. Hi Julie! The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Note: Its a slightly shorter hike (1.7 miles) if you park at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. Estes Park. If you plan to visit multiple national parks, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 and valid for all of the national parks for one year). more, Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Experts. Bear Lake with Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds in the background. Learn more here. The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. We also really liked the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. The Wild Basin entrance is located 13.5 miles south of Estes Park just off of scenic highway 7. Acreage: 265,769. If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. 9. Due to its large size and long list of noteworthy hikes, you need several days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . Map courtesy of the National Park Service. And bring a headlampyoull be hiking before the sun comes up. You will really feel the effects of the altitude. This is a gorgeous drive. Head to Grand Lake, a quaint, historic town surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. (970) 586-1206. Whats the Best Season to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Have a great time in RMNP! 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. This road is gravel and is quite narrow. Abandon Your Car. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. Yellowstone National Park; Wind River . I hope you have a great time! Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. 700 feet (213 m) elevation gain. Wondering if there are differences between entering park through entrances by Estes park or better to enter park through grand lake? Thats a great question! Autumn ushers in cooler days, smaller crowds, golden aspen and elk bugling. You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. For a longer list, read our post about Estes Park. Known appropriately as the "Highway to the Sky," it crosses the Continental Divide at a whopping 12,183 feet. , Thanks ! We are going to put RMNP last so we have time to get used to the altitude, because we are from the East Coast. Yes, August is a great month to hike in RMNP. Cheers, Julie. With that being said, you should know that crowds are the largest during the summer months, especially July and August. We have info on this post on how to do this, so make sure you get your permit for each day that you plan to be in the park. Lily Lake. Text in English. Anything to keep in mind? Visit the Rockies and experience mountain climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and breathtaking views of jagged peaks, glaciers, and high-mountain lakes. Crowds are still big in September, both to see fall colors and the elk mating season. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fall River Visitor Center features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. 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. Its time for an amazing scenic drive in RMNP. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. Lake Estes | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. 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. 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). Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best US national parks to go hiking. Entrance Stations and Visitor Centers - Rocky Mountain National Park (U Clouds start moving in around noon with the storms occurring almost like clockwork between 1 and 3 pm. 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. Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited recreation area in the state, headquartered in Estes Park. The park is much less crowded at this time, but Trail Ridge Road is not open and many, if not all, of the hiking trails can be snow covered. Chasm Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 16 Exciting Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park 8 Unbelievable Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park - Wheatless Wanderlust Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek). If you are an avid hiker, plan on spending at least three to five days in Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, it is such a popular place to visit that you now need a timed entry permit to enter. On our first attempt it was cloudy and we could barely see the lake and we couldnt see the spires of rock around the lake at all. I think its a good idea to have a basic plan of what you want to do while at RMNP but be flexible. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, and has a total area of 265,795 acres (415 square miles, or 1,076 square kilometers). You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. Our website uses cookies. 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. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the Winter ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 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. If you hike to Sky Pond, you will hike through the Loch to get there. When to Visit. Not bad for a town of 400 residents, all of whom seem . 10. . Visiting RMNP from Breckenridge regardless of which entrance you use is not ideal. You can follow this itinerary during the winter months with some modifications. You will need a Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) permit if you plan to hike Chasm Lake or Mount Ida. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Estes Park. Ty in advance for your help as usual ! At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. Three Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Four Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Five or More Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. There are many things to do here. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. Trail Type: Out-and-back. The best places to have your questions answered is at one of the park visitor centers. Best Places to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry - Recreation.gov 1. When you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you have several choices of which entry point to use. The Loch. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. Rocky Mountain National Park's 4 Neighborhoods to Stay in. Spend the rest of the day in Estes Park. But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. Rocky Mountain National Park - Annual Pass. The price for one way is just $55, but you can also book a round-trip shuttle for $95. Difficulty: Moderate. The Best Campgrounds Near Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of contrast from one season to the next. 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). 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. Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. 2023 Best 10 Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park | AllTrails So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome views from the top. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. A 2 hour trip from either Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge will only get you to the west side entrance to RMNP. On the west side of the park is the Kawuneeche entrance, located just north of the town of Grand Lake. From Loveland it's 30 miles (48 km) and 45 minutes by car to get to Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary Ideas from 1 to 5 Days Rocky Mountain National Park began addressing crowding . 1000 US Hwy 36 By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Look for that option at the intersection next to McDonald's on the east side of Estes Park. Evening back at Estes park at my hotel. 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. And bring a camera , its a beautiful park! 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 Entrance was remodeled . I am so glad you had great weather and a great trip! this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. Odessa and Fern Lakes, Mills and Black Lake, Sky Pond, and Hallett Peak can all be hiked from this trailhead. Cheers, Julie. This road opened in 1920 at it was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike passes Cub Lake, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake and Lake Helene. Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. Earth Trekkers is my starting point for every hiking vacation. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. If time permits be adventurous and try a different entrance each day! Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE 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. If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! Colorado Springs. With numerous hotels and restaurants, and a great location near the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a great place to stay. For reference, my family will be traveling to all the Colorado national parks in late July for around two weeks. Acadia National Park; Montana / Wyoming. Which entrance would be better. The Park's 415 square miles encompass a variety of alpine terrain, with at least 60 mountains exceeding 12,000 ft. In order to see and do everything we list in this itinerary, plan on visiting the park when everything is open. You can get to this entrance without going through the middle of town by following highway 34 up East Wonderview Avenue. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. $70. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. Bodies of Water. Once you pass through the entrance booth, you have access to that area of the park (for example, if you are coming from Estes Park and enter through the Beaver Meadows entrance before 9 am, you do not need a permit and can tour the park, with the exception of the Bear Lake Corridor, for the rest of the day). Al, Thats a tricky question to answer. At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. There are two ticket types: Park Access + and Park Access. Since you will know your exact dates, I recommend making your reservations on July 1 so you get the permits for each day you will be in RMNP. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Get answers to your questions about Rocky Mountain Do's and Don'ts When Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, Timed Entry FAQ's and Explaining the Bear Lake Corridor. Rocky Mountain National Park is a special place any season, but fall brings out the best in the park. Equally enjoyable on foot or from your car, there are four separate ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. In 2021, RMNP was the fifth most visited park in the USA, receiving 4.4 million visitors. The road is well-graded and suitable for standard cars. Parking lot sizes vary. Do 4 days if you canthere are a LOT of hikes to choose from here. 2. Cheers, Julie. For your afternoon activities, just keep your fingers crossed that you wont have afternoon thunderstorms on those days.