I am so glad you had great weather and a great trip! Pssst. Inside the park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers year-round seminars, guided fly-fishing, naturalist tours, hiking and photography classes. 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. 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. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. BEST OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a list of top experiences, read our article Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. 9 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. Outside the usual water, bug spray, sunscreen, etc? It is only staffed in the busy season and during the busiest hours of the day the line can get long. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. 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. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. In the summer months, the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park are hiking, driving Trail Ridge Road, taking a stroll around Bear Lake, driving Old Fall River Road, and mountaineering. Abandon Your Car. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Serving the park at the entrance stations and visitor centers are a group of dedicated full time and seasonal rangers and volunteers. With that being said, you should know that crowds are the largest during the summer months, especially July and August. Start your trip off right, with a hike from the Bear Lake trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. 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. Flattop Mountain to Hallett Peak. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. I hope you have a great time! The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. Emerald and Dream Lakes are great but crowded. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. If you get to Allenspark, you have gone too far. Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our nation's most spectacular national parks with 415sq. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo by Buddy Smith/The Points Guy) Rocky Mountain National Park basics. This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. As it is, I like to hike early to avoid the crowd, Yes, leaving that early should work. Here are several to choose from. You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) all year, but sections of the park close once the snow begins to fall. This hike starts at Bear Lake and summits Flattop Mountain before arriving at Hallett Peak. 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. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National 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). Travel to Aspen and Rock Mountain During thanksgiving Nov 08, 2022. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. 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. :) All the entrances lead to the Beautiful 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. The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 61 Comments. Phone. See what else made the list! 9.8 miles, strenuous, 4.5 to 6.5 hours. All offer bookstores and much printed information to supplement the knowledgeable staff. Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? The permit is in effect from 5 am to 6 pm. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Autumn ushers in cooler days, smaller crowds, golden aspen and elk bugling. Would that help mitigate some of the altitude sickness? There will be people. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. Cheers, Julie, QQ for those noon thunderstorms, are they quick showers? 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. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Is RMNP a good place to visit for the elderly or those with limited mobility? Lake Haiyaha | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. A 2 hour trip from either Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge will only get you to the west side entrance to RMNP. Hi Is there any stay offered by national park ? 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. If you have any questions about planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. 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. This hiker shuttle take visitors to some of the most popular trails along Bear Lake Road. 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. Lily Lake. Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. 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. Yes, I know, I said no hiking today, but I couldnt resist adding this one in. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. On the west side of the park is the Kawuneeche entrance, located just north of the town of Grand Lake. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). 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. Hi Julie! Map courtesy of the National Park Service. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . It may sound counterintuitive, but if you really want to see Rocky Mountain National Park hassle-free, leave your car behind. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. This road will lead you all the way up to the Alpine Visitor Center and across the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Once the snow begins to fall, you can still hike many of the trails that we list, but you will need snowshoes. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Forum, Best entrance to rocky mountain national park, Re: Best entrance to rocky mountain national park. 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. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. Moraine Park Campground. 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? Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Three Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Four Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Five or More Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Gem Lake. Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. Grand Lake's bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. 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). Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. Parking at the most popular trailheads fill up extremely early in the day. [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. The Continental Divide runs through the park. It is located further north than the Beaver Meadows Entrance. Ascending only 700 feet over 3 miles, this is a great introduction to moderate hiking in the park. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. You have a choice today: take a break from hiking and explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, or hike another trail. 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. The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. 10. Cheers, Julie. From the summit you have a great view over Moraine Park and Longs Peak. If you love lakes you'll like this hike. The Fall River entrance is 4 miles from Estes Park a wonderful little mountain town. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Clouds start moving in around noon with the storms occurring almost like clockwork between 1 and 3 pm. Quantity. This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Answer (1 of 2): All of them them! If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. Save. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. 9. 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. There are two ticket types: Park Access + and Park Access. 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. When to Visit. The best way to . In June, there still could be snow at the higher elevations, and it really depends on how much snow the area gets this spring. I recommend staying at The Residences. And you wouldn't be disappointed at any choice. 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. Private vehicle: $30, valid for 1 day / $35, valid for 7 days; Motorcycle: $25, valid for 1 day / $30, valid for 7 days; Per person (including cyclists): $15, valid for 1 day Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of contrast from one season to the next. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. . 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. These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. 2. The best Time to do scenic driving and hiking is during the summer and fall seasons. 7.6 Good 275 reviews. 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. Or is it pretty bad and long lasting? Difficulty: Moderate. 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. Cheers, Julie. 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). Hi Julie ! Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. It is our favorite short hike in the park. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. CO You will really feel the effects of the altitude. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. Estes Park. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. So, keep your fingers crossed for clear skies! Trail Ridge Road - You can see forever! This station is .25 miles from our newest visitor center, the Fall River Visitor Center. All passes are available at all park entrance stations. Good to know: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Black Lake, Sky Pond, Flattop Mountain, and Fern Lake are some of the trails that start at or near Bear Lake. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. In summer 2022, timed-entry reservations are required between May 27 and October 10, 2022, and are in addition to your entrance fee. The Stanley Hotel. 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. Hiking poles are a good idea for some of the tougher hikes (Sky Pond, Chasm Lake) if you have knee issues or if there is snow on the trail. 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. Snow can start to fall in September. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. I think that puts the Mills Lake + Loch Vale hike somewhere around 7.6 miles total. I highly recommend this particular residence. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. 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. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. 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. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. 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. Is there any need for an SUV or non-standard vehicle to access any of the trailheads for your recommended hikes? 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. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. Due to its large size and long list of noteworthy hikes, you need several days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! Length: 5.5 miles. For hikers, its the ultimate adventure. Cheers, Julie. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. (Learn about the different park pass options available.) What is a good itinerary for a day trip to RMNP in the winter? You'll pass the popular Wild Basin Lodge just before the entrance. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 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. Snow on the trail in July (hiking to Fern and Odessa Lakes from Bear Lake). 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. What are some alternate routes if Trail Ridge Road is closed? At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily.