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. Do a Hike Near Bear Lake. The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. The permit system limited visitation to about 60% of parking capacity. Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Centre distance. 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. Trail Ridge Road is 48 miles long, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. The Best Campgrounds in (and Near) Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. 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). Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. Depending on the volume of traffic, some visitors with detailed questions must be directed to the visitor centers where the rangers and volunteers there can more adequately provide the needed assistance. While here you can enjoy quiet walks, exhilarating hikes, gorgeous sunrises and . And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. Address. I lucked out and it didnt rain on the 3 main days i was hiking (there was some rain on the day i came in but even that stopped around 4p and i was able to do nymph to dream to emerald and bear lake hike that evening). Moraine Park Campground is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. The road is well-graded and suitable for standard cars. The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. Have fun in RMNP! This is another one of our favorite hikes. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. There are four main entrance stations to Rocky Mountain National Park. 7.4 miles (12 km). If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. Many hikes top out over 9,000 feet, with some reaching up to 13,000 and 14,000 feet. 10 of the Best Cities and Towns Near Rocky Mountain National Park 1. or maybe 4? These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cheers, Julie, Thanks Julie, Also seems like the bear lake corridor timed entry begins at 5a. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. On our first attempt it was cloudy and we could barely see the lake and we couldnt see the spires of rock around the lake at all. 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). I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). Bear Lake Road runs into the heart of the park. Rocky Mountain National Park 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). Estes Park sits to the east of the park. I dont know if it is too late, but you could always try to get a permit so you dont have to start super early. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). Location: north-central Colorado. The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. 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. If you did not do it yet, you have the option to hike the short but sweet Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Pssst. Gem Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. From $73.48 per night. It is close to my Rocky Mtn NP trip (going there next week tue-sat), I wanted your opinion for this following itinerary and if it is doable 1) Tuesday afternoon: I will be at RMNP around 4pm. Located on Highway 34, the gateway to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, the Quality Inn & Suites Loveland hotel is the perfect resting point for vacationing travelers. You will need a Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) permit if you plan to hike Chasm Lake or Mount Ida. The Wild Basin entrance is located 13.5 miles south of Estes Park just off of scenic highway 7. You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. Chasm Lake. On day two, as you are still acclimating to the altitude, I recommend one of these hikes: Deer Mountain. The Stanley Hotel. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. If you get to Allenspark, you have gone too far. Rocky Mountain National Park | VISIT DENVER Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Autumn ushers in cooler days, smaller crowds, golden aspen and elk bugling. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. Bodies of Water. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. But its only worth it if skies are clear. If your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of a bigger road trip through Colorado, here are some articles to help you plan your trip. Here are six tips on what to do in Estes Park during your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation. Afternoon/Evening Trail ridge road/Alpine ridge trial. Fall River Visitor Center features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. Yay!! . Forest Canyon Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Rainbow Curve Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 31 Top Things to Do in Colorado - US News & World Report Typically this road12,183 feet at it's highest point, remains closed from late-October to late-May. And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 22 Best Cabins In Rocky Mountain National Park - Updated | Trip101 RMNP is quite popular, with about than 3 million visitors a year. I was thinking June but am guessing some of the hikes up about 10k feet would still have snow? #1 Estes Park - Overall Best Place to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park. Emerald and Dream Lakes are great but crowded. 6 Things to Do on the East Edge of Rocky Mountain National Park 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. With numerous hotels and restaurants, and a great location near the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a great place to stay. The scenery is beautiful, as you gradually twist and turn through the mountains to get to the Alpine Visitor Center. 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. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary How much is the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! 15+ Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park - Hiking Daily Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo by Buddy Smith/The Points Guy) Rocky Mountain National Park basics. Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. For many visitors, the winter months are their favorite time to visit RMNP. When you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you have several choices of which entry point to use. Which entrance would be better. Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place so we hope you have a wonderful time here. Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek). If so, you need one for each day that you plan to visit RMNP. Do we have others using the trails even in the mornings? 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. 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. This gives you enough time to acclimate to the higher elevation (very important if you live at a low elevation) before tackling some of the higher, tougher hikes (such as Mount Ida, Hallett Peak, or Longs Peak). If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. 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. Have a great time in RMNP! Hi Is there any stay offered by national park ? Due to its large size and long list of noteworthy hikes, you need several days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Attractions You Can't-Miss - MSN 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. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled in 2000-2001, adding another entrance lane to reduce the time spent waiting in line. Yes, I know, I said no hiking today, but I couldnt resist adding this one in. In this post, get all of the information you need to plan your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. I hope you have an awesome time in RMNP and happy hiking! There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Save. Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in 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?) Is it safe?. Combine two of the above hikes into one great experience. For your afternoon activities, just keep your fingers crossed that you wont have afternoon thunderstorms on those days. Crowds are still big in September, both to see fall colors and the elk mating season. Hi Julie ! best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Denver International Airport straight to Estes Park. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is also a popular activity. One of the drawbacks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months is that Trail Ridge Road is closed. Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 2 fantastic scenic drive opportunities. This road will lead you all the way up to the Alpine Visitor Center and across the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. Anything to keep in mind? Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the 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. This itinerary is best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. You can follow this itinerary during the winter months with some modifications. Potentially one of the busiest trails at RMNP is the Emerald Lake trail. Rocky Mountain National Park - Annual Pass. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. 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. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. 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. Earth Trekkers is my starting point for every hiking vacation. These national parks require reservations in 2023 Acreage: 265,769. I highly recommend this particular residence. Not sure either if we should stay in Estes park or grand lake? Is it worth going to RMNP if I only have 4 hours? Text in English. 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. Cheers, Julie. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. [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. But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! 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. Timed Entry Permit: If you have plans to visit the park in the summer months, dont forget to reserve your permit in advance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We just walked up and down the main road, and glanced at all the salt water taffy . Lily Lake. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Summer (generally Memorial Day to Labor Day) is peak visitor season for good reason trails are snow-free, the park's wildlife is active, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. For the "Park Access, Does Not Include Bear Lake Road" Timed Entry Permits, they will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 4 Entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park - Which is best? Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 2. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. 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. Lily Lake. For now, the forecast does call for afternoon thunderstorms from what i can see on weather.com, It depends. 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. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry - Recreation.gov Note: You do not need a 44 for this drive. View from the Alpine Ridge Trail | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. 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. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. Also, it can snow every month of the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. However, I only recommend doing this if you are acclimated to the altitude, since these are strenuous hikes with big ascents. Trailhead Location. Cheers, Julie, QQ for those noon thunderstorms, are they quick showers? You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate, 2 to 3 hours. On the west side of the park is the Kawuneeche entrance, located just north of the town of Grand Lake. Loveland & Boulder, CO - Rocky Mountain lodging further away. Should I spend my time on the east side or the west side of the park? The price for one way is just $55, but you can also book a round-trip shuttle for $95. They said if you skip bear corridor, timed entry is only needed between 9a-3p. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. The 7 Estes-Area Entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park Shuttle Bus. Yes, August is a great month to hike in RMNP. 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. Here are you options: The private vehicle entrance fee, good for 1 day, is $25. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. When does Trail Ridge Road close in the fall? Plan Your Visit to Rocky Mountain National Park (970) 586-1206. Best entrance to rocky mountain national park - Tripadvisor With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park-Grand Lake Rocky Mountain National Park is a special place any season, but fall brings out the best in the park. 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO, 80517. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Difficulty: Moderate. Look for that option at the intersection next to McDonald's on the east side of Estes Park. If you are coming from Estes Park, this drive takes 30 minutes. Thank you! Not bad for a town of 400 residents, all of whom seem . 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. 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. 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. Since you will know your exact dates, I recommend making your reservations on July 1 so you get the permits for each day you will be in RMNP. What would be the best time to hike RMNP after labor day? If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Are current Colorado fires affecting or near RMNP? 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. This gave us enough time to hike at least one trail every day, with contingency time for bad weather. The Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 34 approximately 5 miles east of Estes Park. 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. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. 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 !!). Bear Lake with Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds in the background. 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). This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the 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. This area is home to various trails, lakes, and wildlife. If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! . Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will be a busy day. 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. 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 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. 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. And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. Suggestions for this weekend Nov 03, 2022. If you are an avid hiker, plan on spending at least three to five days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. The larger portion of the park sits to the south of Trail Ridge Road. 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. 9. Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. Its our favorite hike in RMNP. Sky Pond. 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.