Anything to keep in mind? For example, if you hike Deer Mountain at 6 am, you do not need a permit. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. With one day, I recommend going on a hike, starting at Bear Lake, and driving Trail Ridge Road (its awesome!). Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are a great idea too, since snow is a possibility on some of these trails, all year. The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. more, Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Experts. We still had some snow in a few spots at the higher elevations. Length: 5.5 miles. You could plan your visit for the end of September and keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. I hope you have a great time! Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. Colorado has also designated Trail Ridge Road as a scenic and historic byway. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. I hope you have an awesome time in RMNP and happy hiking! 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. Emerald Lake. Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. Rocky Mountain National Park is a special place any season, but fall brings out the best in the park. Cheers, Julie. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. These two are the most popular entrances to the park. When Trail Ridge Road closes, there will be no access to the west side of the park, if you are staying in Estes Park. We just walked up and down the main road, and glanced at all the salt water taffy . You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. In order to see and do everything we list in this itinerary, plan on visiting the park when everything is open. I am travelling solo. 16 Exciting Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park Odessa and Fern Lakes. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs . This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Park Hours:Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. This entrance station has only one entry booth. 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. Restaurants. Lake Estes | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. One week was perfect for us. Nymph, Dream, Emerald & Bear Lakes: 4.2 miles, easy to moderate, 3 hours. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. Show more. Clicking on the photos on this page will open up a larger version. On the west side of the park, located approximately two miles north of Grand Lake, is the Grand Lake Entrance Station. Alpine Ridge Road reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. But its only worth it if skies are clear. Known appropriately as the "Highway to the Sky," it crosses the Continental Divide at a whopping 12,183 feet. 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. Wild Basin Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park RMNP East or West Entrance? - Rocky Mountain National Park Forum What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. 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. When does Trail Ridge Road close in the fall? As part of the National Park system, Zion operates under the same rules as other parks. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. Rocky Mountain National Park Site Pass in Colorado - Recreation.gov $70. The Fall River entrance is 4 miles from Estes Park a wonderful little mountain town. The west side (Grand Lake side) is more about the Kawuneeche Valley and the Colorado River. After you drive through the entrance station you can park at the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead which is immediately on your right or continue straight ahead on Wild Basin Road for 2 miles to reach the main parking area. Odessa and Fern Lakes, Mills and Black Lake, Sky Pond, and Hallett Peak can all be hiked from this trailhead. Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. 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. 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. Is there any need for an SUV or non-standard vehicle to access any of the trailheads for your recommended hikes? The longer and harder the hike, the earlier you will have to start. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. 7.4 miles (12 km). The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. 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. 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. The Wild Basin entrance is located 13.5 miles south of Estes Park just off of scenic highway 7. Entrance tickets and fees. Fall River Visitor Center features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. A Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) timed entry ticket is sufficient for this day. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. photo by Ladona Stork. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. Gorgeous alpine views can certainly be seen from this center located at 11,796' elevation! Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. Emerald and Dream Lakes are great but crowded. Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. 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. 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. Dont miss Forest Canyon Overlook, one of the best on the drive. Estes Park sits to the east of the park. The job of the entrance station rangers is to welcome the visitors to the park, issue entrance passes, and answer visitor questions. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. All offer bookstores and much printed information to supplement the knowledgeable staff. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. You can also access Bear Lake Road, but it requires an additional 10 minutes of driving. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate, 2 to 3 hours. With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. How long does it take to drive Trail Ridge Road? All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Sometimes, when the permits open up, you just have to grab them, no matter where you are in the world (we got our Narrows permit for Zion while rock climbing Svolvaergeita in Norway ). All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that don't have a physical entrance to drive through. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. What is a good itinerary for a day trip to RMNP in the winter? From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. I was able to snag early AM Bear lake for 3/4 days i am going to be at the park (believe it or not, i snagged it from atop Lassen peak which was the only place i got 5g !!). 10 of the Best Cities and Towns Near Rocky Mountain National Park 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. It is only staffed in the busy season and during the busiest hours of the day the line can get long. Hi Julie! Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Yes, take a look at the Where to Stay section of this article. 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. Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. 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). But one afternoon, they went until dinner, off and on. There are pull outs along the road for viewing but can get busy during the day so head . If you have no desire to fill each day with a hike, your itinerary will look something like this: Day 1: Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes plus Trail Ridge Road and the Alpine Ridge Trail Day 2: Gem Lake in the morning, Estes Park in the afternoon Day 3: Sky Pond Day 4: Old Fall River Road and Estes Park Day 5: Mills and Black Lakes Day 6: More activities in Estes Park Day 7: Deer Mountain. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. The Ultimate Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park - AARP Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. Best Places to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park On the way, you'll pass the park entry sign on your right, which is a great place to take family photos, and then the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on your left. The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. 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. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! 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. 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. ie last an hour or so and go away? Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park-Grand 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). (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. The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. This entrance gives you access to Sandbeach Lake, Finch & Pear Lake, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, Thunder Lake, and Bluebird Lake. 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. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. Thanks for writing in!! All passes are available at all park entrance stations. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. Learn more about the national parks in our Guide to the US National Parks. After one final short and strenuous climb you arrive at Chasm Lake. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the Winter This is the best Timed Entry Permit for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, recreate on the west side of the park, as well as access Longs Peak, Lily Lake, East Inlet, Wild Basin, and all other outlying areas of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. Located just a couple minutes from Grand Lake, the Grand Lake Entrance is arguably the parks best-kept secret. We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. The Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 34 approximately 5 miles east of Estes Park. Longs Peak is the highest mountain in the park, and the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park. This road is gravel and is quite narrow. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. . However, the road is open to Many Parks Curve, approximately 7 miles from the start of Trail Ridge Road from the east. There will be people. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds 2022 Estes Park. There are two ticket types: Park Access + and Park Access. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. From Loveland it's 30 miles (48 km) and 45 minutes by car to get to Estes Park. 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. Cheers, Julie. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. Old Fall River Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited recreation area in the state, headquartered in Estes Park. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. 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. And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . Ty in advance for your help as usual ! 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. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome views from the top. 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. :) All the entrances lead to the Beautiful Rocky Mountains. Visiting RMNP in the spring (April or May), Rocky Mountain National Park Bed and Breakfast, Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation Rentals, Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide, Browse all 3,365 Rocky Mountain National Park topics , 2 days in Rocky Mountain National Park--afraid of heights, Multi-day horse riding trail or pack trip, See All Rocky Mountain National Park Conversations. Do you think this is doable? Parking at the most popular trailheads fill up extremely early in the day. 4. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Your email address will not be published. The main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. Once the snow begins to fall, you can still hike many of the trails that we list, but you will need snowshoes. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled in 2000-2001, adding another entrance lane to reduce the time spent waiting in line. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will be a busy day. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. Find out what to do, what to see, tours to join and more! 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 skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. Timed Entry Permit: If you have plans to visit the park in the summer months, dont forget to reserve your permit in advance. One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a full list of our Rocky Mountain National Park articles, plus important planning tips, check out our Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. Mills and Black Lake. (Learn about the different park pass options available.) South Saint Vrain Ave/Hwy 7. If you wish detailed information to help enjoy your time in the park, stop by one of the park's visitor centers. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. You will have to find your own way to the park from Estes Park because the shuttle only runs to the town. Trailhead: Glacier Gorge (40.31053, -105.64033) Why we love it: This quiet winter hike avoids the Bear Lake throngs while still delivering the same stop-in-your-tracks alpine viewsincluding Longs Peakfor hardy snowshoers. For every hike that we list, you do not need an SUV or non-standard vehicle. 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 . This is the hike that I recommend for today. 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. 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. This road will lead you out of town and to the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Approaching Moraine Park, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk love to congregate. 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 you are an avid hiker, you are probably ready to hike some of the longer, tougher, more thrilling hikes in the park. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. This hiker shuttle take visitors to some of the most popular trails along Bear Lake Road. Our website uses cookies. Shuttle Bus. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. Do 4 days if you canthere are a LOT of hikes to choose from here. 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats and explore Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake. For reference, we live in Maryland, visited RMNP as our first Colorado park last summer, hiked to Emerald Lake and Fern Lake on our first day here, and had no issues whatsoever. This "rest of park" Timed Entry Permit Reservation period will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. Follow the Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks.. Best entrance to rocky mountain national park - Tripadvisor The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! Price. Cascade Cottages & Colorado Cottages. Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park; Flat Tops Wilderness; Maine. 5 Best RV Parks Near Rocky Mountain National Park - RV LIFE The Continental Divide runs through the park. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed permit entry system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a $30 vehicle entrance pass. Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park (2023 - The Broke Backpacker This is a well-rounded, well-written, and nicely illustrated summary for newbies. Go back to the fork and then take the trail to Loch Vale. Hi Is there any stay offered by national park ? If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, it is normal to get out of breath easily. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly fee per vehicle. Difficulty: Challenging. In July I will be doing Glacier NP so the hikes there should warm me up for RMNP QQ For RMNP, I noticed you mentioned the need for the extra pass (outside of America the beautiful) Are those passes setup in a way that they last 3 straight days (like how Yosemite or Glacier) or just limited to one day? I highly recommend this particular residence. However, both routes cross high over the mountains and close down once winter weather arrives. I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 2 fantastic scenic drive opportunities. 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. Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On . Phone. 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). 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. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. Which entrance would be better. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. Information? #2 Grand Lake - Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples. BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON: One of the best things to do on the South Rim is to drive South Rim Drive to the overlooks of the Black Canyon. Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. 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. Have fun 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. Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park