These are the only official entry stations into the park. I recommend the shorter, easier hikes if you are not acclimated to the altitude, arent a big fan of hiking, and/or have more than one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park for first-time visitors. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake). On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Is RMNP a good place to visit for the elderly or those with limited mobility? Learn more on the official National Park Service website. Yes. So, keep your fingers crossed for clear skies! This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 5. Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Alpine Ridge Road reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . 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. I climbed 3 different volcanoes in 3days and it was lovely. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. 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. 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 !!). Located just a couple minutes from Grand Lake, the Grand Lake Entrance is arguably the parks best-kept secret. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. But one afternoon, they went until dinner, off and on. 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park - Hiking Daily The permit system limited visitation to about 60% of parking capacity. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. But dont bring your RV there. Glacier Gorge parking lot and Longs Peak trailhead parking lot fill before sunrise. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . The Best Campgrounds in (and Near) Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park Neighborhood Guide. Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry system frustrates visitors Gem Lake. The best places to have your questions answered is at one of the park visitor centers. I think its a good idea to have a basic plan of what you want to do while at RMNP but be flexible. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations are in effect for most areas of RMNP. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. Evening back at Estes park at my hotel. 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. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 80517. Hopefully in your case they will be quick! Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. Restaurants. And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. If you plan to visit RMNP early in the summer, there is a good chance that you will encounter snow on some trails. I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. If the skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. Pass Type. The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. On the east side of the park lies the Beaver Meadows Entrance, the most direct entrance from Estes Park, Colo.,which lies right outside Rocky Mountain National Park. But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. Cheers, Julie. 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. Address. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. 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. Lake Haiyaha | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Only 0.6 miles round trip, this flat, easy trail circles around Bear Lake. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. Estes Park sits to the east of the park. Entrance tickets and fees. If time permits be adventurous and try a different entrance each day! You can hike here from Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake Trailhead. 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. And I think that RMNP just got its first snow storm of the fall season. You will reach Loch Vale before the final climb to Sky Pond. 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. This easy hike offers spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park and it is great for all ages and ability levels. 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO, 80517. Or is it pretty bad and long lasting? Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. See what else made the list! Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. Old Fall River Road is an 11-mile long gravel road that runs one-way from Horseshoe Park (near Estes Park) and ends at the Alpine Visitor Center. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. The Fall River entrance is 4 miles from Estes Park a wonderful little mountain town. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that don't have a physical entrance to drive through. Yes, take a look at the Where to Stay section of this article. On the west side of the park, located approximately two miles north of Grand Lake, is the Grand Lake Entrance Station. , Its a short, easy hike in the subalpine tundra so you have 360 degree views on the entire hike. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. Fall River Visitor Center features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. 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 !! Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . 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. So, after Labor Day, you might have some of both (snow and crowds). 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. Flattop Mountain to Hallett Peak. Once you are finished hiking, hop back into your car. There are pull outs along the road for viewing but can get busy during the day so head . Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. 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. 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. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. From here, hike the Alpine Ridge Trail. You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. 6.2 miles, moderate, 3 to 4 hours. In order to see and do everything we list in this itinerary, plan on visiting the park when everything is open. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. In summer 2022, timed-entry reservations are required between May 27 and October 10, 2022, and are in addition to your entrance fee. Not bad for a town of 400 residents, all of whom seem . 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. 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. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Important Things to Know Before You Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Crowds are still big in September, both to see fall colors and the elk mating season. Learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park! I recommend hiking Longs Peak on the day with the clearest weather. Ideally, you want a day with crystal clear skies and no chance of rain. 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. Snow on the trail in July (hiking to Fern and Odessa Lakes from Bear Lake). The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. 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. 9 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Difficulty: Moderate. View from Mount Ida | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is our favorite short hike in the park. We also have a guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to spend one day in RMNP. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. This family friendly hike is a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Acreage: 265,769. 9. They can linger into September, when fall colors continue to attract visitors and hikers. If you plan to go hiking during July and August, you will have to assume that there will be a 2 pm thunderstorm. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the USA. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 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. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Its proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake make it even more alluring. The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. Can you Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park? Youll reach Trail Ridge Road a lot faster than those waiting in line at the Beaver Meadows Entrance during the summer and fall seasons. Deer Mountain is nice because the views at the top, but we thought that the trail to get there was a little bit boring, at least compared to the other hikes we did in RMNP. See five lakes in one hike. Cheers, Julie. 9 Adventures in Grand County near Rocky Mountain National Park 3. Show more. What to See and Do in Rocky Mountain National Park in One Day Once the snow begins to fall, you can still hike many of the trails that we list, but you will need snowshoes. 16 Best Things To Do in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Springs. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. 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. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. More about Trail Ridge Road's Season. Are you referring to the timed entry ticket? Parking lot sizes vary. The Stanley Hotel. For hikers, its the ultimate adventure. Follow the Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Site by, Learn about the different park pass options available, 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. Best entrance to rocky mountain national park - Tripadvisor Evening at the hotel 3) Thur Morning: Mt Ida. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? 22 Best Cabins In Rocky Mountain National Park - Updated | Trip101 Snow can start to fall in September. Cheers, Julie. Known as a "scenic wonder road of the world," it traverses 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, taking in several not-to-be-missed sights. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, I know, I said no hiking today, but I couldnt resist adding this one in. At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Old Fall River Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Morning: Hike Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Bear Lakes from the Bear Lake Trailhead Afternoon: Trail Ridge Road (if the weather is clear), Timed Entry Ticket: Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. I hope you have a great time! How To Plan A Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On . These two are the most popular entrances to the 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. The west side of RMNP is not the side of RMNP that most people want to visit. The 7 Estes-Area Entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie, QQ for those noon thunderstorms, are they quick showers? This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. This station is .25 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley. We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. Find out what to do, what to see, tours to join and more! 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Stations Cheers, Julie. Combine two of the above hikes into one great experience. We spent a week there in July and had a thunderstorm in the afternoon about 50% of the time, starting between 1 and 4 pm. If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. Mills and Black Lake. 9. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. Bear Lake Road runs into the heart of the park. 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. Visiting RMNP from Breckenridge regardless of which entrance you use is not ideal. Hi Julie ! Abandon Your Car. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What you will find is an old-fashioned charm combined with recreational opportunities like relaxing at the beach, paddle boarding, paddle boating and kayaking on Grand Lake and visiting the park. Sky Pond. However, both routes cross high over the mountains and close down once winter weather arrives. Bear Lake with Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds in the background. Because the Wild Basin Entrance is about a 30-minute drive south of Estes Park on the parks east side, most of the parks visitors never even see the Wild Basin area. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. RMNP is quite popular, with about than 3 million visitors a year. How to Spend One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park For five days or more, follow our four day itinerary and for each additional day that you have, add on another hike. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. The Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 34 approximately 5 miles east of Estes Park. This road opened in 1920 at it was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park. Also, if Longs Peak is on your list, watch the weather report for your visit. Clouds start moving in around noon with the storms occurring almost like clockwork between 1 and 3 pm. Thank you! Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our nation's most spectacular national parks with 415sq. Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary Ideas from 1 to 5 Days By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary This year's system has loosened to 75% to 85% of parking capacity. , Tombstone Ridge | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Stop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the Grand Lake Entrance to get more information. On the west side of the park is the Kawuneeche entrance, located just north of the town of Grand Lake. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will be a busy day. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. Acadia National Park; Montana / Wyoming. 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. 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. During this time, you will be able to drive through the park, with access to all of the hikes and overlooks. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. To ensure everyone gets a chance to experience the park during this . You have a choice today: take a break from hiking and explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, or hike another trail. Duration. This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. And once at topwhat a view.! 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. Pssst. ), you can spend the mornings hiking and the afternoons relaxing in Estes Park or wherever you might be staying. For the first part of this hike you will be sharing the trail with those on their way to Longs Peak. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. This is a well-rounded, well-written, and nicely illustrated summary for newbies. Rocky Mountain National Park fall guide: Best aspen, elk viewing and $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. 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. WorldMark Estes Park. The Park's 415 square miles encompass a variety of alpine terrain, with at least 60 mountains exceeding 12,000 ft. In a normal year, Rocky Mountain National Park attracts well over 4 million visitors to its 415 square miles that are home to 147 lakes, dozens of different mammals (bear, moose and bighorn sheep among them), 355 miles of hiking trails and the Continental Divide. If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. First-timer's guide to visit Rocky Mountain National Park You need to make it through the Beaver Meadows entrance and where they check permits for the Bear Lake Corridor (I think that is the junction of Bear Lake Road and US-36 but I am not 100% about this) before 5 am. Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. This hike starts at Bear Lake and summits Flattop Mountain before arriving at Hallett Peak. Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. 10 of the Best Cities and Towns Near Rocky Mountain National Park At the entry station you will be greeted by a ranger. 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. Hi Julie !! Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Centre distance. This entrance gives you access to Sandbeach Lake, Finch & Pear Lake, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, Thunder Lake, and Bluebird Lake. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Not sure either if we should stay in Estes park or grand lake? Cheers, Julie.