This entrance station gives you access to the Aspenglen Campground, Horseshoe Park, Old Fall River Road, and Trail Ridge Road. Follow the Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. I think that puts the Mills Lake + Loch Vale hike somewhere around 7.6 miles total. 80517. From the summit you have a great view over Moraine Park and Longs Peak. One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park (No Hiking) - Sights Better Seen That is correct. 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?) This road opened in 1920 at it was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park. At this elevation, its not enough to cause altitude sickness, but you will tire and get out of breath easily. 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. This tough hike follows along the Continental Divide, starting at 10,800 feet and tops out at 12,899 feet on Mount Ida. For hikers, its the ultimate adventure. See what else made the list! The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Rocky Mountain National Park Alternatively, continue straight ahead and you'll find yourself on the dramatic Trail Ridge Road which leads over the Continental Divide to the west side of the park and Grand Lake. You wont find major grocery stores here, although you can drive 25 minutes to Granby and shop at the enormous City Market. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? This is our favorite hike in RMNP. Is it worth going to RMNP if I only have 4 hours? Learn more on the national park service website. The Best Campgrounds in (and Near) Rocky Mountain National Park The best way to . You have included all of our favorite hikes in RMNP so I think your list looks good! Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. 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. 4 Entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park - Which is best? Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. I am travelling solo. This is a gorgeous drive. To stay safe, start your hike early in the day so that you are finished, or at least below the tree line, by 1 pm. Turn around and look for the trailhead on your left. 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. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly fee per vehicle. Good job on this article (that popped up in my newsfeed). 970 586-1206 Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. The west side of RMNP is not the side of RMNP that most people want to visit. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. Rocky Mountain National Park is a special place any season, but fall brings out the best in the park. 1000 US Hwy 36 You spend very little time below the tree line, so the views are incredible for most of the hike. 94 within 3 miles. The Ultimate Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park - AARP 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. For Longs Peak, that means starting by 3 or 4 am. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 61 Comments. However, I only recommend doing this if you are acclimated to the altitude, since these are strenuous hikes with big ascents. The Loch. For your afternoon activities, just keep your fingers crossed that you wont have afternoon thunderstorms on those days. 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. High in the center of the park, the Alpine Visitor Center offers displays about the most noted area of the park, the land above the trees. Most recently, in 2020, we spent one very busy week here, and learned a lot about this park. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park - Tripadvisor For example, if you hike Deer Mountain at 6 am, you do not need a permit. Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Thunderstorms dont happen every single day, but it is something that you need to plan for. l plan on 7 days there. 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 very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. 22 Best Cabins In Rocky Mountain National Park - Updated | Trip101 The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park for first-time visitors. Want to receive a printed insiders guide to Colorados four national parks including Rocky Mountain National Park? Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. You'll pass the popular Wild Basin Lodge just before the entrance. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. Moraine Park Campground. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. For many visitors, the winter months are their favorite time to visit RMNP. Cheers, Julie. . Fern Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 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 are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. Order our free stunning National Park Trip Planner for Colorado filled with an inspiring itinerary, gorgeous photographs and everything you need to plan your dream vacation. Kawuneeche Entrance. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde 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). For a longer list, read our post about Estes Park. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. Sky Pond. In July I will be doing Glacier NP so the hikes there should warm me up for RMNP QQ For RMNP, I noticed you mentioned the need for the extra pass (outside of America the beautiful) Are those passes setup in a way that they last 3 straight days (like how Yosemite or Glacier) or just limited to one day? Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Hi Julie! You will hike past Alberta Falls, wind around lovely Mills Lake, and end at Black Lake. But its only worth it if skies are clear. You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) all year, but sections of the park close once the snow begins to fall. Do we have others using the trails even in the mornings? Potentially one of the busiest trails at RMNP is the Emerald Lake trail. By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. 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. Parking at the most popular trailheads fill up extremely early in the day. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. Tahosa Valley Cabin is situated near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, easily sleeping up to four guests. What is a good itinerary for a day trip to RMNP in the winter? Ive lived down the hill and explored RMNP a lot for 44 years. Those are the 3 that were recommended to me. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! From the Alpine Visitor Center, drive Alpine Ridge Road back to Estes Park. 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. Trail Ridge Road - You can see forever! Mount Ida. That means you will not be able to visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, drive Old Fall River Road, or visit some of the best overlooks in the park. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. Nymph, Dream, Emerald & Bear Lakes: 4.2 miles, easy to moderate, 3 hours. Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Or is it pretty bad and long lasting? Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a lot to do for those who arent big fans of hiking. And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. Is it safe?. 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. Best Places to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Deer mountain Alpine ridge trail Trail ridge drive Ute trail to tomb bridge Alberta falls Nymph, dream and emerald lake Haiyaha Bear lake Sprague lake loop sheep lakes lily lake loop chasm falls Gem lake Mills lake, Rocky Mountain is very safe for a solo traveler and yes, in the mornings, there will be people on these trails. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. Due to its large size and long list of noteworthy hikes, you need several days to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place so we hope you have a wonderful time here. 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. 4. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park (2023 - The Broke Backpacker 6. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. On the return drive, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. Drive one of the highest roads in the USA, spot wildlife, walk the easier trails around scenic lakes and waterfalls, and be amazed at the beauty here. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. 5. Thanks so much ! Moraine Park Campground is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. Mills Lake and Loch Vale are very nice and might be perfect for you. The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of rooms. Parking lot sizes vary. or maybe 4? [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. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year. Cheers, Julie. 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. I definitely recommend Lassen NP if you havent been there. Grand Lake sits to the southwest of RMNP and it is another place you can consider staying, but it will be a longer drive to most sites in the park. They can linger into September, when fall colors continue to attract visitors and hikers. Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. 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). But the real reason for doing this is for the incredible view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular alpine lakes in the USA. photo by Ladona Stork. 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. Enter the number of passes you would like to purchase from the available choices below: Site passes table. Alberta Falls: 2 miles, easy, 1 to 1.5 hours. From $73.48 per night. I am so glad you had great weather and a great trip! This includes the best hikes, the best experiences, how to get around, and where to stay. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. If you get to Allenspark, you have gone too far. 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 !!). Not sure either if we should stay in Estes park or grand lake? This entrance is right next to the intersection with Bear Lake Road providing you with easy access to this area of the 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. 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. Put your higher hikes in the second half of your RMNP visit and you should be fine. What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? 3.1 miles (5 km). BTW I reach Denver around 12.30pm on a Tuesday in mid August, that puts me in Estes Park area at about 3:30pm (waiting for rental/lunch/traffic). (970) 586-1206. Best nearby. This is another one of our favorite hikes. You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. Accessible trails include favorites like Bear Lake and Sprague Lake, and you can also reserve an all-terrain wheelchair from Estes Park Mountain Shop (970-586-6548). You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. 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. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. I am not the hiker I used to be [did Kili in 04] so a moderate/ mildly strenuous 8 miler more my speed now. To the north of the Beaver Meadows area, located on highway 34 approximately four miles west of Estes Park, is the Fall River Entrance Station. But dont bring your RV there. Rocky Mountain National Park's 4 Neighborhoods to Stay in. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Site by, Learn about the different park pass options available, Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas Begin February 15 to Protect Nesting Raptors, Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP continues pilot timed entry permit reservations from May 26 through Oct 22, Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park. #3 Granby - Best Place to Stay near Rocky Mountain National Park for Families. Odessa and Fern Lakes. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Lily Lake. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. Have a great time in RMNP! Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry system frustrates visitors 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.