rocky mountain national park

Travellingknowledge.com

By: Prerana Aggarwal

Rocky Mountain National Park offers spectacular mountain scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, and climbing.

Purchase a $30 per vehicle 7-day pass online or at the gate to access the park. 

Entrance Ticket

From May to October, you'll need a timed entry reservation to enter in addition to the ticket. Make these in advance on recreation.gov.

Reservations

Spring and fall have moderate weather and smaller crowds. Summer brings crowds but all amenities are open.

Best Times to Visit

Hike iconic trails like Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, Sky Pond, Bear Lake, and Deer Mountain. Lots of options for all levels.

Hiking Trails

Look for elk, bighorn sheep, moose, marmots, pikas and over 280 bird species in the park.

Wildlife Viewing

Frontcountry and backcountry camping is available. Make reservations months in advance for popular spots.

Camping

Free shuttles run within Bear Lake Road, Canyon Village and Estes Park to cut down on traffic.

Shuttle Buses

Stop at 11,796 feet on Trail Ridge Road for sweeping mountain views, exhibits and snacks.

Alpine Visitor Center

Expect more crowds in late morning and early afternoon. Arrive early or late for less congestion. 

Peak Times

Options include cafeterias, restaurants, grills, food stands, and general stores spread around the park. 

Dining 

Hiking, climbing, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic driving are all popular warm weather pursuits. 

Activities

Estes Park, Grand Lake, and surrounding mountain towns offer more amenities just outside the park.

Nearby Towns