There are pull outs along the road for viewing but can get busy during the day so head . or are there better/rewarding hikes that i can sub in instead of the above listed ones? Entrance Sign to Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Depositphotos. However, if Longs Peak is on your list, I recommend waiting one more day if you come from sea level. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. It is located further north than the Beaver Meadows Entrance. With one day, I recommend going on a hike, starting at Bear Lake, and driving Trail Ridge Road (its awesome!). 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Attractions You Can't-Miss - MSN The Best Campgrounds Near Rocky Mountain National Park I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. Explore the exhibits at the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park Service. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for families Estes Park. You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. 8 Unbelievable Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park - Wheatless Wanderlust For your afternoon activities, just keep your fingers crossed that you wont have afternoon thunderstorms on those days. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. Serving visitors to the Wild Basin area of the park, approximately 19 miles to the south of Estes Park on highway 7, is the Wild Basin Entrance station. Cheers, Julie. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Inside the park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers year-round seminars, guided fly-fishing, naturalist tours, hiking and photography classes. Emerald lake lays below Hallett peak, Tyndall glacier, and Flattop mountain. 31 Top Things to Do in Colorado - US News & World Report Mills Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Note: You do not need a 44 for this drive. 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. The best places to have your questions answered is at one of the park visitor centers. 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. Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. The west side (Grand Lake side) is more about the Kawuneeche Valley and the Colorado River. This is our favorite hike in RMNP. The Continental Divide runs through the park. Rocky Mountain National Park: Glacier Gorge Snowshoe Hike You are now standing at 12,718 feet, with 360 views, which makes this one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie, QQ for those noon thunderstorms, are they quick showers? For every hike that we list, you do not need an SUV or non-standard vehicle. We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. Learn more on the official National Park Service website. Turn around and look for the trailhead on your left. Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park (2023 - The Broke Backpacker At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Head to Grand Lake, a quaint, historic town surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National 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. Yes, August is a great month to hike in RMNP. Bear Lake: 0.6 miles, easy, 30 minutes. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers 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? Note: This post contains affiliate links. Ty in advance for your help as usual ! Elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park. 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. A Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) timed entry ticket is sufficient for this day. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. Thanks for writing in!! All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Nymph, Dream, Emerald & Bear Lakes: 4.2 miles, easy to moderate, 3 hours. The job of the entrance station rangers is to welcome the visitors to the park, issue entrance passes, and answer visitor questions. Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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). You'll pass the popular Wild Basin Lodge just before the entrance. How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are visiting between late May and mid-October during peak hours, then you will also need to show your timed entry permit to gain entry. Stop by the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the Grand Lake Entrance to get more information. Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. These national parks require reservations in 2023 Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. Less known, but my personal favorite moderate hike in the Bear Lake Trailhead: Jewel Lake. Have a great trip! The 7 Estes-Area Entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park In this post, get all of the information you need to plan your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Or is it pretty bad and long lasting? . Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado, drawing 4.5 million annual visitors to its 415 square miles of mountain beauty. Closest Airport to Rocky Mountain National Park - Hello Hiker If you think you can go farther, and if skies are clear, consider going all of the way to Sky Pond. Thank you! Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. 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. To reserve a campsite at Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park, call (970) 586-5342. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. RMNP East or West Entrance? - Rocky Mountain National Park Forum For five days or more, follow our four day itinerary and for each additional day that you have, add on another hike. Do you think this is doable? Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. Look for that option at the intersection next to McDonald's on the east side of Estes Park. For a longer list, read our post about Estes Park. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. 9 Adventures in Grand County near Rocky Mountain National Park The Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida. Rocky Mountain National Park Site Pass in Colorado - Recreation.gov Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. Not sure either if we should stay in Estes park or grand lake? . Where to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Is there any need for an SUV or non-standard vehicle to access any of the trailheads for your recommended hikes? 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. This is a hike that we did on our first trip to Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago, and we retraced our steps on our latest trip en route to Sky Pond (more on that in a second). The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. 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. And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. 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. Yellowstone National Park; Wind River . Crowds are still big in September, both to see fall colors and the elk mating season. 10. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. In this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, many of days end by the early afternoon, because of these storms. What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. If you have any questions about planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. Have fun in RMNP! Forest Canyon Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Rainbow Curve Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 80517. 2. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. This station is .25 miles from our newest visitor center, the Fall River Visitor Center. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. It's like a tour of amazing mountain lakes. If you like scenic drives and going off-the-beaten-path, youll love this drive. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park (With Map) - Roaming the USA Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks. Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. Finch Lake is a 4.5 mile hike through pines, aspen glades, and wildflower laden meadows to a sub-alpine lake where the forest surrounds its shores. How to Spend One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park South Saint Vrain Ave/Hwy 7. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. 7.6 Good 275 reviews. How long does it take to drive Trail Ridge Road? Its proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake make it even more alluring. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles long, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. I climbed 3 different volcanoes in 3days and it was lovely. Never been to park at all. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation. Would that help mitigate some of the altitude sickness? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hotels in Rocky Mountain National Park, USA - save 15% with the best deals For reference, my family will be traveling to all the Colorado national parks in late July for around two weeks. 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. 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. We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. Dont miss Forest Canyon Overlook, one of the best on the drive. Plus, this is a lesser known hike, so the trail gets a lower number of hikers than other hikes on this list. 11. ie last an hour or so and go away? A Quick Geography Lesson. Is RMNP a good place to visit for the elderly or those with limited mobility? 3.1 miles (5 km). By fv1989. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You will hike past Alberta Falls, wind around lovely Mills Lake, and end at Black Lake. Most recently, in 2020, we spent one very busy week here, and learned a lot about this park. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. We were here in early July, so all of the photos on our website were taken around the first week of July. Cheers, Julie. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. Note: Its a slightly shorter hike (1.7 miles) if you park at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. I am there all day Wed,Thur and Fri (in mid August), On that Tuesday afternoon, you might be able to go hiking, depending on the thunderstorm situation. Once you are finished hiking, hop back into your car. Difficulty: Challenging. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. And once at topwhat a view.! Rocky Mountain National Park fall guide: Best aspen, elk viewing and Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park Wildlife & Activities Bodies of Water. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. This road is gravel and is quite narrow. If the skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. Potentially one of the busiest trails at RMNP is the Emerald Lake trail. But dont bring your RV there. Shuttle Bus. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks.. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Forum, Best entrance to rocky mountain national park, Re: Best entrance to rocky mountain national park. First-timer's guide to visit Rocky Mountain National Park Odessa and Fern Lakes, Mills and Black Lake, Sky Pond, and Hallett Peak can all be hiked from this trailhead. 7.4 miles (12 km). From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Important Things to Know Before You Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The Finch Lake trail is a great choice for those who prefer solitude as it's one of the lesser traveled trails in the Wild Basin region of RMNP. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. 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. The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. Located just a couple minutes from Grand Lake, the Grand Lake Entrance is arguably the parks best-kept secret. The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is the best place to get information, books, maps and backcountry permits, as well as catch the park bus. Map courtesy of the National Park Service. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. (Learn about the different park pass options available.) If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. Learn more on the national park service website. With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. However, both routes cross high over the mountains and close down once winter weather arrives. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. 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. 2. Length: 5.5 miles. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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). If you get to Allenspark, you have gone too far. Rocky Mountain National Park And I think that RMNP just got its first snow storm of the fall season. 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. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. Thank you! This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled in 2000-2001, adding another entrance lane to reduce the time spent waiting in line. Old Fall River Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. Cheers, Julie, Thanks Julie, Also seems like the bear lake corridor timed entry begins at 5a. Hike one of the trails that I mentioned earlier in this itinerary, or click here to see our list of 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. On day two, as you are still acclimating to the altitude, I recommend one of these hikes: Deer Mountain. 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 . Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. 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. Mills Lake and Loch Vale are very nice and might be perfect for you. You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. If you love lakes you'll like this hike. 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. Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Simply follow highway 36 through downtown Estes Park. 4 Entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park - Which is best? Snow can start to fall in September. Location: north-central Colorado. We have visited Rocky Mountain National Park several times in the past. 3.4 miles, moderate, 2 to 3 hours. Length: 5.2 miles round-trip. 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. . Hi Julie !! I highly recommend this particular residence. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. Get a free Colorado national park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. For reference, I was able to do Highline trail from the loop all the way to Grinnell viewpoint, Ptarmigan tunnel and Grinnell Glacier including Grinnell lake, hidden lake overlook, virginia waterfalls over 3 full days at my recently concluded Glacier NP trip. Ive lived down the hill and explored RMNP a lot for 44 years. 22 Best Cabins In Rocky Mountain National Park - Updated | Trip101 During this time, you will be able to drive through the park, with access to all of the hikes and overlooks. I think that puts the Mills Lake + Loch Vale hike somewhere around 7.6 miles total. I think its a good idea to have a basic plan of what you want to do while at RMNP but be flexible. Sky Pond. From Glacier Gorge parking lot (get there super earlypeople are rolling into the park before 5 am if they dont have a timed entry ticket so parking lots are filling up earlier this year), hike to Mills Lake. While here you can enjoy quiet walks, exhilarating hikes, gorgeous sunrises and . If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Acadia National Park; Montana / Wyoming. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a lot to do for those who arent big fans of hiking. 9. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. Just wrapped up my RMNP trip, ty so much for your help with the itinerary. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. Want to receive a printed insiders guide to Colorados four national parks including Rocky Mountain National Park? But one afternoon, they went until dinner, off and on. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park - Hiking Daily We also have a guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to spend one day in RMNP. 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).