A visitor may only reserve one timed entry permit during a single day. Timed entry permitsare not available at park entrance stations, visitor centers, or through the park's Information Office. Interesting Facts about Rocky Mountain National Park, Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Get more information, and see many more photos, in our post, Map of Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. A valid motorcycle entrance fee or park pass is alsorequiredto enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. WebRocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorados largest national parks which supports on average over three million visitors a year, country. Crowds can linger into autumn, as the leaves change color and pleasant weather continues to attract hikers. This hike starts at Bear Lake and ends on the summit of Hallett Peak. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. 10 best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. It got 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management, Find complete information on the timed-entry permit reservation system here, official Rocky Mountain National Park website. If driving over Trail Ridge Road, motorcycle riders may enter the park before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without a timed entry permit. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. When the snow starts to fly, youll hear lots of backcountry skiers on the Colorado Front Range talking Hidden Valley Ski Area officially opened in 1955, about 10 miles from the town of Estes Park, Colorado. In addition, theres also a reservation system in place during its peak season of October to early May that requires timed-entry permits. The overnight camping fee for Longs Peak Campground does not include aTimed Entry Permit to enter the park. Rocky Mountain National Park is bursting with an abundance of natural beautyincluding six glaciers, some of the highest mountains in the continental U.S., and, on either side of the Continental Divide, over 100 pristine mountain lakes, forested valleys, and the kind of majestic high-alpine terrain that every serious hiker dreams of. This hike is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Make sure you bring extra layers, even during the summer months. Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, greeting more than 4.5 million annual visitors with rugged postcard-perfect peaks, glistening lakes and webs of trails through various ecosystems. in Rocky Mountain National Park Sport fishing is permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park, a protected area. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park along with other national parks, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass ($80 and valid for all of the national parks for one year). Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Overlook, Estes Park, CO, Rocky Mountain National Park's Bear Lake Trail, Estes Park, CO, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO, Rocky Mountain National Park elk herd, Estes Park, CO, Learn about Rocky Mountain National Parks timed-entry permit system >>, Check for RMNP closures before you head out >>, Learn more about accessibility in the park >>, Find out how to get involved with volunteer efforts >>. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. Here's how you know. If adesired parking area is full, you may have to visit a different area andtry again at a different time. Here is a map of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 3.6 miles, easy to moderate. one perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park. When arriving at the park's entrance station, the person whose name is on the timed entry permit reservation must be present in the vehicle in order to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. 7.4 miles, moderate. A timed entry permit reservation is required to enter ALL areas of Rocky Mountain National Parkduring the times when they are in effect,when arriving by vehicle,whether a visitor parks their vehicle within RMNPor outside of the park boundary. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Trail Maps. During the times when timed entry permitsare in effect, only one timed entry permit is required per vehicle (not per person). Just a lovely, lovely, thorough guide to the Park and area. In good driving conditions, the national park is about 90 minutes northwest of Denver. If you are an avid hiker, you could easily spend 5 to 7 days in the park and never run out of things to do. Sky Pond. Before you hit the trail, visit the National Park Service website for updates on conditions. Current Conditions Bear Lake Trail Guide - Summer (PDF 3.8 MB) Bear Lake Trail Guide - Winter (PDF 3.9 MB) Fall River Trail Guide (PDF 3.3 MB) Kawuneeche Valley Trail Guide (PDF 1.4 MB) Longs Peak Trail Guide (PDF 0.2 MB) Wild Basin Trail Guide - Summer (PDF 0.7 MB) Wild Basin Trail Guide - Winter (PDF 3.1 MB) Rocky Mountain National Park's timed entry permits are available in 2-hour blocks of time. One week was perfect for us. What time of day do you plan to drive over Trail Ridge Road? Its nearby neighbors of Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake get a lot more visitors, so if you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. With its network of hiking trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great summer and fall destination. This is the document you will be required to show a park ranger at the entrance gate. Rocky Mountain National Park offers an incredible range of expeirences for all visitors that change depending upon the time of year that you plan to visit, from wildlife viewing and scenic drives to camping, hiking, fishing and more! Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Here is a list of some of the best trails in RMNP, starting with short, easy hikes and ending with longer, full day (and very worthwhile!!) In between, a vibrant range of plants and animals call the park their home. The park piloted different park-wide timed entry permit reservation systems (2020-2022) and will be piloting a system again during2023. Rocky Mountain National Park offers an incredible range of expeirences for all visitors that change depending upon the time of year that you plan to visit, from wildlife viewing and scenic drives to camping, hiking, fishing and more! Once you enter, you may leave at any time. 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. If you enter Rocky Mountain National Parkprior to 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m., then you do not need a timed entry permit. Travelers favorites include #1 Trail Ridge Road, #2 Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and more. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. There are two reservation options to choose from: Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits. There are two different types of timed entry permits. Learn more on the park's website. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Glacier Creek Livery, located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, will be open this summer. Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is committed to trying new things and being adaptive. There are additional liveries adjacent to the park who also provide horseback riding opportunities into the park. 3.4 miles, moderate. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round, 24-hours/day. Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, greeting more than 4.5 million annual visitors with rugged postcard-perfect peaks, glistening lakes and webs of trails through various ecosystems. Rocky Mountain National Park All areas in Chaos Canyon to the west of Lake Haiyaha remain closed to all users. White-tailed ptarmigan are snowy white in the winter, and their summer features are a mottled brown that helps them blend in with lichen-splashed rocks. Visitors who enter the park via bicycle donot need a timed entry permit reservation. WebRocky Mountain National park offers breathtaking views of the spectacular Rocky Mountain range, with 60 peaks over 12,000 feet, small permanent glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and historic and cultural treasures including ancient trails, game drives, cattle ranches and lodges. This can be a printed copy or a screenshot on amobile device. Rocky Mountain National Park in Julyon the trail to Emerald and Dream Lakes. Sport fishing is permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park, a protected area. And be sure to plan ahead for the construction in Estes Park and the national park's Fall River Entrance. For more on accessibility in the parkincluding which trails and campsites are accessible, service animal info, and morevisit the National Park site. Rocky Mountain National Park Planning to go hiking? Longs Peak and Timber Creek are first-come, first-served, while the other three require reservations. Learn About Timed Entry Permit Reservations, Are you familiar with winter recreation? The route is not for the queasy and open only between Memorial Day and Labor Day, pending the towering walls of winter snow have melted. Required fields are marked *. If you do not already have a Recreation.govaccount, visitors will be asked tocreate a new account. How to get to Rocky Mountain National Park. Webplan your trip Let's Travel Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series, Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Travel Guide. If you are planning to visit Rocky anytime before or on May 25, 2023, then you Do Not need a timed entry permit. From meadows found in the montane life There are five front-country campgrounds in the park: Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, Moraine Park, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek. Rocky Mountain National Park Plenty of room, good WiFi, nice furnishings, and beautiful views from our balcony. It is best to plan ahead, these night-before reservationswill sell out quickly. 9.5 miles, strenuous. which is also the check-in time for all park campgrounds. Overlooking Moraine Park from Deer Mountain | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Open 365 days a year, there are activities and sports throughout thesummer/fallandwinter/springseasons. If taking a screenshot, make sure you capture the full reservation confirmation, including thedates and the reservation "QR Code.". The towering peaks of Colorados spectacular wilderness are some of the highest in any U.S. national park. There is no set time for departure. This means that when you reservea timed entry permit, a visitormust initially enter the park within the 2-hour window specifiedunder thereserved permit. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. The park is situated between the towns of Located outside Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a great family vacation destination, offering outdoor experiences for allfrom easy nature hikes around crystal clear mountain lakes to daring rock scrambles up waterfalls and mountains. Here's how you know. At 12,718 feet, you get 360 views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Its a Dont drive Old Fall River Road. Estes Park, Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are over 50 lakes and many streams where you can fish. Maps This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Twin Sisters. Sky Pond | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are over 50 lakes and many streams where you can fish. Above 11,000 feet, trees disappear, temperatures drop, and wildlife becomes scarce. To enter Rocky Mountain National Park between May 26and October 22, 2023, two things are required: a timed entry permit plus a park pass or entrance fee. When entering any area of Rocky Mountain National Park during thetimeof day whentimed entry permits are in effect,all vehicles, including motorcycles, are required to have onetimed entry permit reservation per vehicle. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. Skip to main content An official website of the United States government. The most noteworthy hotel near RMNP is The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park a Colonial Revival beast that inspired Stephen Kings The Shining. A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Rocky Mountain National Park is also prime birding territory, with nearly 300 species calling the park home or a migratory stopover. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hours drive from Boulder. These include: Are you planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park anytime from May 26th through October 22nd? Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. It Depends! Just like last year, park visitors who have reservations to camp at Glacier Basin and Aspenglen Campgrounds will have access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor as well as all other areas of the park. If you are planning to visit Rocky anytime before or on May 25, 2023, then you Do Not need a timed entry permit. When arriving at the park's entrance gate, visitors with campground reservations must show their reservation confirmation to the park ranger at the gate. Timed entry permit holders are required to initially enter the park during their reserved 2-hour window of time. The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. If you would like to visit destinations located alongtheBear Lake Road and arrive before 5 a.m. or after 6 p.m., a timed entry permit is not required. 0.6 miles, easy. bouldering for a couple of hours to multi-day big wall experiences. It is known for its alpine and subalpine lakes, peak hikes, and wildlife. Before you go, check with the National Park Service website about bivouac permits and closures for raptor nesting. The park has two gateway towns: Grand Lake on the west and Estes Park on the east. With numerous peaks over 12,000 feet, 20 of these which sit above 13,000 feet, this park attracts climbers from around the world. This hike is 1.7 miles round trip and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Aside from hiking, these are some of the best activities that the park has to offer: Given that there are over 300 miles of hiking trails alone in the park (and all of them are worth exploring), it can be tough to narrow down the best hikes. Yes. Another trip you might be interested in is AAAs , the national Herds of elk can be found grazing in this valley. Current Conditions Current Conditions Visit theofficial Rocky Mountain National Park websiteor call the RMNP information line, 970-586-1206. Rocky Mountain National Park Here are some know before you go tipsfor visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and the nearby town of Estes Park and a few quick, helpful videos on how to dothe national park right. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Visitor Information | Rocky Mountain National Park A horseback ridingreservation will act as your timed entry permit and will allow reservation holdersinto the park and the Bear Lake Road Corridor up to two-hours prior to ascheduled horseback ride. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide and looks out over dozens of peaks that tower more than 13,000 feet high. WebRocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorados largest national parks which supports on average over three million visitors a year, country. Journey higher to the subalpine region (9,000 to 11,000 feet), into the evergreen forests and mountain lakes. If you are planning to visit Rocky anytime before or on May 25, 2023, then you Do Not need a timed entry permit. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. This includes when driving over Trail Ridge Road. If you arrive outside of your reserved time frame, you may be notified by a park ranger that you have missed your reservation window and you will beasked to come back after 2 p.m. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. After entering the park with your Park Access Timed Entry Permit, visitors may exit and re-enter the park at any time between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. With a Park Access Timed Entry Permit, access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor is excluded. Ouzel Falls offers scenic beauty with a bit more challenge, coming in at 5.4 miles round trip with nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Timed entry permit reservationsare also non-transferable. There are a few key ways that the 2023 pilot Timed Entry Permit Reservation System will be different from past years. Located outside Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a great family vacation destination, offering outdoor experiences for allfrom easy nature hikes around crystal clear mountain lakes to daring rock scrambles up waterfalls and mountains. Hwy 34 Entrances to the park. Additionally,be prepared to showyour timed entry permit reservation to a park rangerif asked. Deer Mountain is one of the easiest mountain summit hikes in the park. Plan Your Visit Once your reservation is complete, you will receive an email confirmation with yourattached timed entry permit reservation. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. You can cross the Continental Divide by foot or by driving Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved through road in the national park system. Not only will you have amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, there is a good chance that you will get to see elk along the way. On September 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked. The winter months are a great time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs either west to the Pacific Ocean or east to the Atlantic. Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park anytime in May? Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). Partial screenshot images may not be accepted. Located outside Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a great family vacation destination, offering outdoor experiences for allfrom easy nature hikes around crystal clear mountain lakes to daring rock scrambles up waterfalls and mountains. The subalpine regions and alpine tundra can be explored by cross-country skiing. This one-way, gravel road is 11 miles long and it takes about one hour to drive it. From meadows found in the montane life Things to Do Best Hikes and Trails Where to Stay How to Get There Accessibility Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park Address Colorado, USA Phone +1 970-586-1206 Web Visit website Learn how to plan for a summer trip to Rocky! Rocky Mountain National Park Activities range from bouldering to easy climbs to multi-day climbs up vertical cliffs. During thisfirst window, reservations will be available for the dates of May 27 through June 30. to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park How Much Time Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? The park is situated between the towns of For a stunning waterfall hike, make your way 1.6 miles (round trip) through stands of aspens and scenic overlooks to Alberta Falls to see its waters rushing and tumbling 30 feet into Glacier Creek. Please keep in mind when purchasing an entrance pass online, you must also have a timed entry permit reservation per vehicle to enterthe RMNP during the times of daywhen they are required. Both reservation optionsallow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of time during the day. This is one of the best overlooks located along Trail Ridge Road. Step 1: Decide which reservation option is best for you: Park Access or Park Access+. Or, if you have less time, we also have suggestions on how to spend, Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, As you plan your trip and just before your visit, get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service, For more information about what to do in Estes Park, including where to stay and where to eat, read our, Learn more about the US National Parks in our. The ribbon of a road covers the 46-mile stretch between Estes Park on the parks east side and Grand Lake at the parks western entrance. Its 10 miles long and tops out at almost 13,000 feet, so its a tough hike, but the views are incredible. If you have any questions about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the comment section below. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. This photo was taken on the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. The Fall River Entrance, Fall River Visitor Center, and businesses outside the park located along Fall River Road are open. This is one of the most visited national parks in the USA. The easy .6-mile Bear Lake Trail is a popular hike featuring an interpretive nature trail hugging a subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road. Choose from flat lakeside walks to steeper, more challenging mountain climbs. 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). Rocky Mountain National Park has two free in-park shuttle bus routes that operate dailythrough October 22. Fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park elk herd, Estes Park, CO. Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of the fun. Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida | Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park boasts a wide range of activities that include summiting 14,259-foot Longs Peak, camping in the expansive backcountry, hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes and, of course,wildlife viewing. Rocky Mountain National Park United States ; Colorado (CO) Rocky Mountain National Park ; Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Forum; Search. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. Rocky Mountain National Park elk herd, Estes Park, CO. Rocky Mountain National Park Grand Lake, the parks quieter western entrance, also boasts a bevy of beds, ranging from lakeside properties and mountain chateaus to motels and vacation rentals. Rocky Mountain National Park miles of dramatic beauty, high rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, 350 miles of hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Longs Peak Campground is a first come, first-served and tents-onlycampground that will openbeginning in July. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. WebExplore Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado with Recreation.gov. WebRocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country and the largest national park in Colorado. Timed Entry Permit System Hwy 36 and the Fall River/U.S. Go Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing, 15 Great Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. If entering the park during the times when timed entry permits are in effect (9 a.m. - 2 p.m. for most areas of the park), theneach vehicle entering the park will need aseparate timed entry permit reservation. Alberta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park. Additionally, the park will be running a Hiker Shuttle seven days a week from late May through early September and weekends through October. From the peak you will have a great view over Moraine Park and out to Longs Peak.