Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the United States, with an elevation ranging from 7,600 feet to 14,259 feet above sea level.

It’s home to the magnificent Continental Divide and features the highest continuous paved road in the country—Trail Ridge Road.

This scenic route gives visitors access to jaw-dropping views and leads to an array of stunning wilderness areas, perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring untouched landscapes.

Visitor Centers

The park has four visitor centers: Fall River, Kawuneeche, and Alpine. Fall River are located on the eastern side near Estes Park, while Kawuneeche is situated on the western side near Grand Lake. Alpine, the highest-elevation visitor center, closes in winter. Other seasonal centers like the Moraine Park Discovery Center are open during peak times.

How to Get There

Getting There by Car

If you're flying into Denver, head west to Estes Park, Colorado, where you’ll find the two main eastern park entrances and visitor centers. The western entrance near Granby leads to Kawuneeche. There’s no public transportation to the park, so a car is essential for exploring its vast landscapes.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is fall, from late September to early October, when the summer crowds have thinned, and the colors of autumn paint the landscape. September and early October offer wonderful weather, according to Claire Molle, communications manager at Visit Estes Park.

Winter and spring also offer unique opportunities for quieter visits, especially for activities like snowshoeing.

Best Things to Do

Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Rockies. The drive takes four to eight hours, depending on how many stops you make at viewpoints and trailheads. It's open from Memorial Day to mid-October, weather permitting.

Sheep Lakes

Sheep Lakes, near the Fall River entrance, offers a serene setting for wildlife viewing, particularly bighorn sheep. The meadows are also home to elk, coyotes, and ground squirrels. Fall, during the elk rut, is an especially thrilling time to visit.

Holzwarth Historic Site

For a touch of history, visit the Holzwarth Historic Site, which showcases the life of the Holzwarth family, who homesteaded here in the 1920s. While the grounds are open year-round, the historic buildings are accessible only during summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day).

Best Hikes

Bear Lake

The Bear Lake Trailhead offers a short, half-mile hike around the lake with fantastic views of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide. It’s an easy, wheelchair-accessible trail that provides a great introduction to the park's natural beauty. During the summer, it's best to use the Park & Ride shuttle due to limited parking.

Emerald Lake

The Emerald Lake hike, starting at Bear Lake, offers a slightly longer and less crowded trail. You'll pass Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching the stunning Emerald Lake—about two miles in. This trail is perfect for those looking for a little more adventure.

Chasm Lake

For more experienced hikers, the Chasm Lake trail is an 8.4-mile trek that leads to the base of Longs Peak. The hike takes you through forests and tundra, offering a challenging ascent to one of the park’s most dramatic lakes.

Coyote Valley

The Coyote Valley Trail is a one-mile, easy hike along the Colorado River. It’s a perfect option for families or anyone looking for a relaxing walk while enjoying views of local wildlife, including elk and moose.

Cascade Falls

Located on the quieter western side of the park, Cascade Falls offers a nearly seven-mile hike through meadows and dense forest, culminating in a beautiful waterfall. It’s a serene escape from the crowds.

Wildlife

Wildlife watching is a major draw at Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can spot elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional black bear. Fall is the best time to view elk, especially during the rut when males compete for mates. Bighorn sheep can be spotted at Sheep Lakes, and moose are often seen in the western parts of the park along the Colorado River.

Places to Stay

Rocky Mountain National Park offers several campgrounds, both car-accessible and backcountry, as well as modern hotels nearby.

Campgrounds

Aspenglen Campground: Open year-round with 52 RV and tent sites.

Glacier Basin Campground: Open seasonally, with 150 sites and full amenities.

Moraine Park Campground: The largest campground, set to reopen in 2024 with upgraded facilities.

Hotels

Trailborn Rocky Mountains: A modern hotel in Estes Park, perfect for national park visitors with great amenities, including dining options and an outdoor space with fire pits.

Grand Lake Lodge: Located in Grand Lake, this historic lodge offers both cabins and modern tents, providing a rustic yet contemporary stay.

Places to Eat

Dear Lykkers, though there are no dining options within the park itself, visitors can pack a picnic or head back to nearby towns for meals.

Rocky Mountain National Park is an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. From its breathtaking views to its abundant wildlife, this park offers something for everyone. If you're hiking to alpine lakes or simply taking in the scenic drives, you'll find beauty and tranquility at every turn.