The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. On the return drive, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. For the first part of this hike you will be sharing the trail with those on their way to Longs Peak. Chasm Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. From Loveland it's 30 miles (48 km) and 45 minutes by car to get to Estes Park. The main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. See what else made the list! These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. Trail Type: Out-and-back. For every hike that we list, you do not need an SUV or non-standard vehicle. 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. How Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. 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. With that being said, you should know that crowds are the largest during the summer months, especially July and August. It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. . If you love lakes you'll like this hike. 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. , Thanks ! The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park for first-time visitors. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. For five days or more, follow our four day itinerary and for each additional day that you have, add on another hike. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. 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 . This station is .25 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley. Acreage: 265,769. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate, 2 to 3 hours. #2 Grand Lake - Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples. 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. With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Approaching Moraine Park, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk love to congregate. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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). Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, and has a total area of 265,795 acres (415 square miles, or 1,076 square kilometers). 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 !!). 3.1 miles (5 km). Yay!! This hike starts at Bear Lake and summits Flattop Mountain before arriving at Hallett Peak. 80517. However, this property gets rave reviews. If you have any questions about planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, let us know in the comment section below. Mills Lake and Loch Vale are very nice and might be perfect for you. Serving the park at the entrance stations and visitor centers are a group of dedicated full time and seasonal rangers and volunteers. This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. 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. Mills Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. Phone. Nymph, Dream, Emerald & Bear Lakes: 4.2 miles, easy to moderate, 3 hours. Do you think August is a good time to visit RMNP? Estes Park You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. Forest Canyon Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Rainbow Curve Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 3.4 miles, moderate, 2 to 3 hours. Emerald and Dream Lakes are great but crowded. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. The park is quieter and with the snow, it is a winter wonderland. 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. miles of dramatic beauty, high rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, 350 miles of hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Difficulty: Challenging. 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. Buckle in for some altitude gain and, outside of warmer summer months, pack spikes for the hiking trail! For hikers, its the ultimate adventure. The various view points along trail ridge road were worth the stop overs as well (especially Forest canyon overlook and the small hike behind Alpine visitor center) Thanks again !! Visit the Rockies and experience mountain climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and breathtaking views of jagged peaks, glaciers, and high-mountain lakes. If you like scenic drives and going off-the-beaten-path, youll love this drive. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. 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. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks.. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of contrast from one season to the next. In our experience, they typically just last an hour or two. Trailhead Location. Its proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake make it even more alluring. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our nation's most spectacular national parks with 415sq. Within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park, more than 100 peaks rise above 11,000 feet in altitude, including Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Winter Guide. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. You may experience lines that can stretch up to a mile long during the busy season. 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). The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Lily Lake. Note: You do not need a 44 for this drive. Timed Entry Ticket: You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access permit (Park Access +) if you plan to hike Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, or Mills and Black Lake. Parking lot sizes vary. 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. You can hike here from Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake Trailhead. 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. We have visited Rocky Mountain National Park several times in the past. Moraine Park Campground. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. , Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. 5. Turn west onto Highway 84 (Wild Basin Road) and follow it for 0.4 miles to the Wild Basin entrance station. However, I only recommend doing this if you are acclimated to the altitude, since these are strenuous hikes with big ascents. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. On the western side of the park, you can explore the Colorado Rivers headwaters, look for moose and hike to the site of Lulu City, a former mining town, among many other things. It is the east side (Estes Park side) of RMNP that has . You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. This station is .25 miles from our newest visitor center, the Fall River Visitor Center. Three Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Four Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Five or More Days in Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 6. Entrance Sign to Rocky Mountain National Park Photo: Depositphotos. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. 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 Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. The price for one way is just $55, but you can also book a round-trip shuttle for $95. , Tombstone Ridge | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. That is correct. The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. And bring a headlampyoull be hiking before the sun comes up. It is our favorite short hike in the park. Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Centre distance. 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). From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. Location: north-central Colorado. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. One week was perfect for us. 94 within 3 miles. Are current Colorado fires affecting or near RMNP? Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. This is the best Timed Entry Permit for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, recreate on the west side of the park, as well as access Longs Peak, Lily Lake, East Inlet, Wild Basin, and all other outlying areas of RMNP. The only first-come, first-served Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds in the park, Longs Peak Campground, has 26 sites and charges $26 per night. 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. On the way, you'll pass the park entry sign on your right, which is a great place to take family photos, and then the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on your left. Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. This is a well-rounded, well-written, and nicely illustrated summary for newbies. But it looks like you have some free time on Thursday and Friday afternoon in case an afternoon gets rained out earlier in the week. When does Trail Ridge Road close in the fall? Visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike Alpine Ridge Trail, and consider driving down to Grand Lake, visiting the Holzwarth Historic Site on the way. Address. One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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. I climbed 3 different volcanoes in 3days and it was lovely. If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. From the summit you have a great view over Moraine Park and Longs Peak. There are four main entrance stations to Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. The Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 34 approximately 5 miles east of Estes Park. The views from the overlooks are stunning. This road will lead you all the way up to the Alpine Visitor Center and across the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. Crowds will begin to quiet down in October, but snow on the trails becomes a lot more likely. Earth Trekkers is my starting point for every hiking vacation. This includes the best hikes, the best experiences, how to get around, and where to stay. They said if you skip bear corridor, timed entry is only needed between 9a-3p. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that don't have a physical entrance to drive through. When to Visit. Is there anything you recommend to bring on the hikes? In fact, it is such a popular place to visit that you now need a timed entry permit to enter. photo by Ladona Stork. There are many things to do here. Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park! 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. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. I was thinking June but am guessing some of the hikes up about 10k feet would still have snow? Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. This road is gravel and is quite narrow. Thank you! As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. Pass Type. The Loch. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. This is another one of our favorite hikes. Go back to the fork and then take the trail to Loch Vale. If you plan to go hiking during July and August, you will have to assume that there will be a 2 pm thunderstorm. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. Park Access +:This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. This "rest of park" Timed Entry Permit Reservation period will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Duration. We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. Here are six tips on what to do in Estes Park during your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. Typically this road12,183 feet at it's highest point, remains closed from late-October to late-May. You can get to this entrance without going through the middle of town by following highway 34 up East Wonderview Avenue. Not bad for a town of 400 residents, all of whom seem . Sky Pond. Flattop Mountain to Hallett Peak. In this post, get all of the information you need to plan your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Cheers, Julie. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Is RMNP a good place to visit for the elderly or those with limited mobility? The west side of RMNP is not the side of RMNP that most people want to visit. 2. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. You will have to find your own way to the park from Estes Park because the shuttle only runs to the town. I am not the hiker I used to be [did Kili in 04] so a moderate/ mildly strenuous 8 miler more my speed now. Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. All offer bookstores and much printed information to supplement the knowledgeable staff. Thanks for writing in!! Would that help mitigate some of the altitude sickness? There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Entrance tickets and fees. Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. Evening at the hotel 3) Thur Morning: Mt Ida. 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. The parking lot at the end of Bear Lake Road is large but from here, you have access to numerous popular trails in RMNP, so it also fills fast. Restaurants. Have fun in RMNP! Al, Thats a tricky question to answer. Take the shuttle to avoid parking hassles. Just wrapped up my RMNP trip, ty so much for your help with the itinerary. Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. Cheers, Julie. Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo by Buddy Smith/The Points Guy) Rocky Mountain National Park basics. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. But one afternoon, they went until dinner, off and on. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs . Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. After the passes and permits are sorted, they will offer you a park map and a park newspaper. 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. The Beaver Meadows Entrance was remodeled . Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park? 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). Ideally, you want a day with crystal clear skies and no chance of rain. I am so glad you had great weather and a great trip! The Fall River entrance also has three entry booths and can sometimes be a faster way to enter the park when it is busy. Timed Entry Reservation Info for 2023 Season Dec 16, 2022. Since I like to hike, I am guessing maybe 3 solid days? This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Want to receive a printed insiders guide to Colorados four national parks including Rocky Mountain National Park? (Old Maps, 20th Century Maps, Americana, Travel, Tourism, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby Reservoir, Granby).Grand Lake West Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.Published c. 1940's, United States.Folding cartoon pictorial travel map, printed on both sides of the sheet. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park.