The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. 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. You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) all year, but sections of the park close once the snow begins to fall. 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. Yes, I know, I said no hiking today, but I couldnt resist adding this one in. If you did not do it yet, you have the option to hike the short but sweet Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. Learn more on the official National Park Service website. Bear Lake with Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds in the background. For reference, my family will be traveling to all the Colorado national parks in late July for around two weeks. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. or are there better/rewarding hikes that i can sub in instead of the above listed ones? This is a gorgeous drive. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. When does Trail Ridge Road close in the fall? USA TRAVEL INSPIRATION:For more great ideas on where to go in the United States, check out our article Best USA Road Trips, which has 18 sample itineraries for your next big adventure. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. If you are an avid hiker, you are probably ready to hike some of the longer, tougher, more thrilling hikes in the park. The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park for first-time visitors. Sky Pond. #2 Grand Lake - Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples. Estes Park. 3.4 miles, moderate, 2 to 3 hours. 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. We are going to put RMNP last so we have time to get used to the altitude, because we are from the East Coast. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. 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. When Trail Ridge Road closes, there will be no access to the west side of the park, if you are staying in Estes Park. 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. 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? This station is .25 miles from our newest visitor center, the Fall River Visitor Center. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. 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). l plan on 7 days there. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. . To reserve a campsite at Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park, call (970) 586-5342. If time permits be adventurous and try a different entrance each day! There are many things to do here. We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. 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. Colorado has also designated Trail Ridge Road as a scenic and historic byway. This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. Are you referring to the timed entry ticket? 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. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. For Longs Peak, that means starting by 3 or 4 am. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. Unlike other RV parks in the area, Elk Meadow has spaces for tent camping so it is more accommodating to a wider variety of camping styles. Visiting RMNP from Breckenridge regardless of which entrance you use is not ideal. The Loch. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several . Moraine Park Campground. The map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Grand Lake's bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. Loch Lake. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our, Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service, Learn more about the national parks in our. Colorado Springs. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Cheers, Julie. Follow the three day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Parking lot sizes vary. 9 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. 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. Quantity. Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. Parking at the most popular trailheads fill up extremely early in the day. The best way to . The Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. 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). If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks.. At the entry station you will be greeted by a ranger. What are some alternate routes if Trail Ridge Road is closed? The last stretch to Wild Basin is a narrow, gravel road that becomes one lane in places, so it is not appropriate to bring your RV. Among its special features are beautiful mountain vistas (114 named peaks above 10,000', with Longs Peak at 14,259'), and thousands of varieties of wild plants and animals. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles long, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Clouds start moving in around noon with the storms occurring almost like clockwork between 1 and 3 pm. Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. 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. I recommend hiking Longs Peak on the day with the clearest weather. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is the best place to get information, books, maps and backcountry permits, as well as catch the park bus. Thats awesome that you got Bear Lake permits and thats so COOL that you got them while on Lassen Peak (yes, I cant wait to visit that park). ), you can spend the mornings hiking and the afternoons relaxing in Estes Park or wherever you might be staying. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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). From $73.48 per night. 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 ). The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. For your afternoon activities, just keep your fingers crossed that you wont have afternoon thunderstorms on those days. 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. I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . Park Hours:Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. I think Augusts dates open on Jul 1 but i will be at Lassen NP around then (so idk about internet coverage and the morning ones usually fly out fast). Call 970-586-1222 before you head out. Turn around and look for the trailhead on your left. Approaching Moraine Park, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk love to congregate. This is another one of our favorite hikes. 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. Location: north-central Colorado. So you basically log on in July when they open it up for dates in August and quickly pick 2-3 dates? Illustrated t This "rest of park" Timed Entry Permit Reservation period will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mount Ida. There will also be three amazing lakes. Thank you! Thank you! Clicking on the photos on this page will open up a larger version. What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. Yes, August is a great month to hike in RMNP. Have a great trip! View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. Few people hike out this far so this is a great place to leave the crowds behind. But one afternoon, they went until dinner, off and on. CO It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Do we have others using the trails even in the mornings? Itinerary Help: 1 or 1.5 days in RMNP and other CO NPs Nov 20, 2022. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Forum, Best entrance to rocky mountain national park, Re: Best entrance to rocky mountain national park. So if i am staying at Estes, thats a 10-15mins drive to the Beavers meadow entrance (where I am assuming they check for the timed entry thing?) [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. Difficulty: Moderate. 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. And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. Its a short, easy hike in the subalpine tundra so you have 360 degree views on the entire hike. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. In fact, it is such a popular place to visit that you now need a timed entry permit to enter. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. I am so glad you had great weather and a great trip! Rocky Mountain National Park Neighborhood Guide. Gorgeous alpine views can certainly be seen from this center located at 11,796' elevation! This easy hike offers spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park and it is great for all ages and ability levels. Those are the 3 that were recommended to me. Due to its large size and long list of noteworthy hikes, you need several days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. These two are the most popular entrances to the park. Wondering if there are differences between entering park through entrances by Estes park or better to enter park through grand lake? Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. I highly recommend this particular residence. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. This hike adds on Lake Haiyaha, another very pretty alpine lake. Loveland & Boulder, CO - Rocky Mountain lodging further away. Learn more on the national park service website. This family friendly hike is a great intro to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. , Tombstone Ridge | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. The road is well-graded and suitable for standard cars. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our nation's most spectacular national parks with 415sq. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. However, the road is open to Many Parks Curve, approximately 7 miles from the start of Trail Ridge Road from the east. As it is, I like to hike early to avoid the crowd, Yes, leaving that early should work. Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. How Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? 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. Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. I think your itinerary looks great. Your email address will not be published. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. We have visited Rocky Mountain National Park several times in the past. 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 is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? 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. Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled in 2000-2001, adding another entrance lane to reduce the time spent waiting in line. Travel to Aspen and Rock Mountain During thanksgiving Nov 08, 2022. 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. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. Odessa and Fern Lakes. In June, there still could be snow at the higher elevations, and it really depends on how much snow the area gets this spring. this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Look for that option at the intersection next to McDonald's on the east side of Estes Park. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. 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. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. Bear Lake Road runs into the heart of the park. Abandon Your Car. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. 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 !!). Just wrapped up my RMNP trip, ty so much for your help with the itinerary. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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 Fall River entrance is 4 miles from Estes Park a wonderful little mountain town. Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. 11. 7.6 Good 275 reviews. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. However, this property gets rave reviews. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. But it is a great entrance for those traveling the Peak-to-Peak from Nederland who dont want to join the crowds entering in Estes Park. See five lakes in one hike. Required fields are marked *. By fv1989. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. 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. Do you think I can do Nymph, dream and emerald lakes (or at least 2 out of those 3?). Learn more about the national parks in our Guide to the US National Parks. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. Learn more here. A 2 hour trip from either Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge will only get you to the west side entrance to RMNP. 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. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. This is the hike that I recommend for today. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. One week was perfect for us. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. Price. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. Cheers, Julie. Duration. 970 586-1206 Moraine Park Campground is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. You can also access Bear Lake Road, but it requires an additional 10 minutes of driving. Cheers, Julie, QQ for those noon thunderstorms, are they quick showers? Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a lot to do for those who arent big fans of hiking. Answer (1 of 2): All of them them! best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. The longer and harder the hike, the earlier you will have to start. However, if you are traveling in a car, Wild Basin is a wonderful area to explore with trails that reach eight lakes and three waterfalls. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On . Hi Julie !! Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. So on Tuesday, do you think I can salvage some hiking? 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. 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. You will really feel the effects of the altitude. 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. 5. Enter the number of passes you would like to purchase from the available choices below: Site passes table. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are a great idea too, since snow is a possibility on some of these trails, all year. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. Suggestions for this weekend Nov 03, 2022.
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