Explore the Wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park

/ ShaktiShiva Wellness/

Dream Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park ©Carl Finocchiaro/500px

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is among the top destinations in the United States, drawing over 4 million visitors annually. Its allure lies in the stunning mountain vistas, diverse wildlife, and a plethora of outdoor activities available throughout the year. Nestled against RMNP are the charming towns of Estes Park to the east and Grand Lake to the west, both offering a range of accommodations from budget-friendly to luxurious.

The two towns bumping up against Rocky Mountain National Park are not only easily accessible, but each have their own unique personality.

Estes Park sits to the east of the park and is a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Denver airport. I highly recommend going up to Hwy 34/Loveland from I-25 but travelling through Boulder and Lyons may save you time. Hwy 34 weaves through the Rocky Mountain foothills and Big Thompson Canyon. As the elevation rises the walls of the canyon envelop you creating a sense of peace and solitude. This is also a great time to look for Big Horn Sheep and Mountain Goats.

As you arrive in town, you'll discover its main street teeming with activity, bustling with both eager visitors and majestic elk! The charming blend of human and wildlife presence adds a unique and lively touch to the atmosphere.! It offers a lively tourist atmosphere with plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions like the historic Stanley Hotel. Accommodations are plentiful, ranging from hotels to charming B&Bs, making it a convenient and accessible choice for many. The resident elk herd making its home right downtown is always a sight to behold.


grand lake, co

Grand Lake lies on the west side of RMNP and from Denver International Airport, it is about a 2.5-hour drive. You’ll start on I-70 west then turn north onto US-40. Once on US-40 the scenery really gets good. This route takes you through Clear Creek Canyon which showcases Colorado's rugged terrain, the historic mining town of Idaho Springs, and Berthoud Pass where you’ll cross the Continental Divide.

Grand Lake provides a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of Estes Park. It boasts a laid-back, small-town vibe, accentuated by the stunning backdrop of Colorado's largest natural lake. This area is typically less crowded, offering a more peaceful retreat with scenic accommodation options that are perfect for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.

Camping

While Rocky Mountain National Park doesn't offer lodging within its boundaries, it does provide five campgrounds for visitors. On the park’s east side, you can choose from Aspen Glen, Glacier Basin, Longs Peak, and Moraine Park campgrounds. Timber Creek Campground is located on the west side. Due to the high demand, it's essential to make reservations well in advance, up to six months before your desired camping date. For those seeking a completely off-grid experience, backcountry camping is available. Summer wilderness camping permits are required and can be reserved starting March 1st. For the winter adventurer, there are plenty of winter wilderness campsites in the park, with permits issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Staying in one of the towns adjacent to the park or camping within its borders makes entering Rocky Mountain National Park quite convenient. Estes Park provides two main entrances into RMNP, while Grand Lake offers one. Additionally, there is another entrance just south of Estes Park. To enter Rocky Mountain National Park, there is an entrance fee. Daily passes start at $30 per vehicle, covering all passengers inside. Annual passes cost $80, making them a more cost-efficient option if you plan to visit the park multiple times or explore other national parks within the year.

Rocky Mountain National Park is the third busiest park in the United States. Due to its immense popularity, the park has implemented seasonal Timed Entry Permit Reservations to minimize the negative impacts of overcrowding and to protect its natural resources. The timed entry permit for Rocky Mountain National Park cost $2. They are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please remember that this is in addition to the cost to enter the park. In 2024, visitors required permits from May 24th to October 20th, and for 2025, permits will be required starting on May 23rd. There are two options available for Timed Entry Permit Reservations:

Option 1: Park Access + Bear Lake Road

  • This permit provides access to all areas of RMNP, including destinations along the Bear Lake Road Corridor (from the Trail Ridge Road junction to the Bear Lake Trailhead).

  • Timed Entry Permit Reservations are required for Bear Lake Road from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • If you have a Bear Lake Corridor permit for 9am – 11am, you need to enter one of the Rocky Mountain National Park entrances from 9am – 11am AND sign-in at the Bear Lake Kiosk from 9am – 11am. You may stay in the Bear Lake Corridor for as long as you like once you are signed in.

    • Bear Lake Corridor has access to 10+ major trailheads which makes this part of the park heavily travelled and requires the extra permit.

Option 2: Park Access (Does Not Include Bear Lake Road)

  • This permit provides access to all areas of RMNP, excluding destinations along the Bear Lake Road Corridor.

  • The reservation window for this permit is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When in effect, Timed Entry Permit Reservations are available in 2-hour blocks. Permit holders must enter the park within their reserved time window. For example, if your permit is from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., you must enter during that period and not before or after.

Once inside Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll find a wealth of year-round activities to suit every level of ability and interest.

SUMMER (late May to late October)

Estes Park

The most popular activity in the summer months is hiking. RMNP boasts over 355 miles of groomed trails of varying intensity. The top 5 trails (in my opinion):

  • Alberta Falls is mostly flat and easy, making it an ideal hike for all ages and skill levels. The 1.6-mile round trip trail takes you through beautiful aspen groves and pine forests, creating a picturesque and enjoyable hike. Along the way, you'll be treated to the sight and sound of the 30-foot waterfall thundering down Glacier Creek, providing a stunning and memorable experience.

  • Dream Lake is a 2.2-mile moderately easy hike leading to not just one, but three stunning lakes. Starting at the forested Bear Lake, you'll pass by the serene Nymph Lake and finally reach Dream Lake, nestled in a beautiful alpine setting with clear waters reflecting the majestic mountains.

  • Gem Lake is a hidden gem in Rocky Mountain National Park, nestled among granite domes in the Lumpy Ridge area. The moderately challenging 3.4-mile round trip hike offers panoramic views of Estes Park, Longs Peak, and the Continental Divide. It features interesting rock formations and historic sites along the way. Gem Lake itself is a shallow pond filled by snowmelt and rainfall, providing a serene and picturesque setting.

  • Lake Haiyaha (my personal favorite) features a mix of forested areas and rugged boulders, making it a moderately challenging 4.2-mile roundtrip hike. The trail includes areas of steep incline, and the lake itself is surrounded by boulders that require some scrambling to reach the destination. However, the effort is well worth it, as the stunning views and tranquil atmosphere of Lake Haiyaha provide a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

  • Sky Pond has a little bit of everything: waterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. To reach Sky Pond, you'll need to rock scramble up a waterfall, which can be refreshing in warm weather and downright cold in chilly conditions. But the entire reason to do this hike is for the view of Sky Pond, one of the most spectacular lakes in the park.

Another popular activity in Rocky Mountain National Park is driving the scenic Trail Ridge Road, aptly nicknamed the "Highway to the Sky." This drive, which may start in montane forests of aspen and ponderosa pine, soon leads into thick subalpine forests of fir and spruce. As you reach the treeline, the last stunted, wind-battered trees give way to the alpine tundra. Winding across the tundra's vastness, Trail Ridge Road climbs to its high point at 12,183 feet elevation, offering visitors thrilling views, wildlife sightings, and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions, all from the comfort of their car. There are many scenic turnouts to stop at and appreciate the beauty of the changing landscape as you ascend. Be sure to stop at Rock Cut scenic viewpoint, at 12,110 feet in elevation, to truly feel on top of the world.

  • Note: Trail Ridge Road closes mid-October to Memorial Day. Extreme weather can change the status of Trail Ridge Road at any time—be ready to adjust your travel plans if needed and always check the weather before you start your drive.

Wildlife is abundant in and around Estes Park. In addition to the resident elk herd that resides within the city limits, visitors can also spot bighorn sheep and mule deer. While mountain lions, bears, bobcats, pine martens, and many of the park's other occupants are present, they are rarely seen. In all, there are over sixty species of mammals, eleven species of fish, hundreds of species of birds, over three hundred different types of insects, and a number of reptiles and amphibians in the park.

  • Tips for viewing wildlife:

    • Time your outing when wildlife is active: dawn or dusk. These times also have some of the best lighting for photos!

    • Use binoculars, a spotting scope, or a telephoto lens for a safe, close-up view.

    • Stay quiet and still. Noise and quick movements can startle wildlife.

    • Look to the edges of the landscape (e.g. where forest trees meet a grassy area).

Grand Lake

WATER ACTIVITIES

Boating in the Grand Lake area is an amazing experience that blends breathtaking natural beauty with adventure across three stunning lakes: Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, and Lake Granby. You'll find tranquility that's hard to beat when you navigate the water, whether you choose powerboats or human-propelled vessels, all while surrounded by majestic Rocky Mountain National Park.

Hiking is a truly immersive experience and one of the best ways to encounter Grand Lake’s natural beauty. With exclusive Rocky Mountain National Park trails located in town, or pet-friendly trails in the Arapaho National Recreation Area, you’ll have miles of fun any time of year. A few of the most popular trails include:

  • Adams Falls is a 1-mile easy, well-maintained trail that takes you to a 55 ft cascading waterfall. This trail is a perfect hike for those looking to enjoy a short, scenic walk with beautiful waterfall views.

  • Cascade Falls is a 6.7-mile accessible and scenic hike along the North Inlet Trail taking you through lush forests, past serene meadows, and alongside the babbling North Inlet. As you approach the falls, the sound of rushing water grows louder, culminating in the breathtaking sight of Cascade Falls tumbling down the rugged cliffside. This a favorite for families, wildlife lovers, and photographers.

  • Big Meadows/Granite Falls is a 10.3-mile out and back hike, where you'll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring waterfall. Big Meadows is a fantastic spot for viewing elk, moose, and deer in their natural habitat. Although there are areas of steep incline, they are short and the trail levels out afterward, making the journey enjoyable. This trail offers a perfect blend of wildlife viewing and scenic beauty,

  • Lake Nokoni is a challenging 19-mile round trip hike offering stunning views of the Continental Divide, lush forests, meadows, and alpine tundra. Along the way, you'll encounter diverse wildlife, serene backcountry campsites, and excellent fishing spots. The trail's highlight is the picturesque Lake Nokoni, nestled among rugged cliffs. This hike can be done in one day, but for a truly immersive experience, grab a backcountry permit and spend the night by Lake Nokoni before returning home. Camping by the lake allows you to fully appreciate its breathtaking beauty and tranquil surroundings.

Wildlife: Grand Lake is a haven for wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts alike, offering countless opportunities to spot animals in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for moose, elk, deer, and even bald eagles soaring above as you explore the trails and shores. Whether hiking, boating, or simply relaxing by the water, the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close adds a memorable touch to any visit to Grand Lake.

Fishing

Anglers of all ages gather in Grand Lake to enjoy the peaceful and rewarding experience of fishing in one of the area’s three lakes or along the mighty Colorado River. With ample spots for both shore and boat fishing, visitors can try their hand at catching trout, kokanee salmon, and bass.

WINTER (late October to late May)

Estes Park

  • Estes Park offers an array of exciting outdoor activities during the winter season. Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing through the picturesque trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, sledding at the Hidden Valley Snow Play Area, and ice skating on frozen lakes like Dream Lake. For those seeking a peaceful experience, ice fishing on Sprague Lake is a perfect choice.

  • For an unforgettable winter adventure, winter tours offer a safe and informative way to explore the snowy landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park, complete with transportation, equipment, and knowledgeable guides. For a one-of-a-kind experience, embark on a snowcat tour with Estes Park Outfitters to a backcountry lodge, where you can enjoy the pristine wilderness in comfort. These tours and experiences allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and magic of Estes Park during the winter season.

  • Winter is technically the off season for Estes Park, given the absence of ski hills. However, if you prefer fewer crowds or are looking for a comfy-cozy vacation, this is the perfect time to visit. Some stores and restaurants may close for the season, and Trail Ridge Road is closed due to snow, but the serene winter landscape and peaceful atmosphere make Estes Park a delightful retreat.

Grand Lake

Winter Activities

Grand Lake offers a variety of exciting winter activities for visitors to enjoy. Snowmobiling is a popular choice, with over 130 miles of trails, including 80 groomed ones, providing stunning alpine scenery and thrilling rides. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also great options, allowing you to explore the snowy landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park. For a unique experience, try dog sledding with Siberian and Alaskan huskies at Snow Mountain Ranch. Additionally, ice skating on the town's rinks and ice fishing on frozen lakes offer peaceful and enjoyable winter pastimes. Whether you're an adventure seeker or looking for a cozy retreat, Grand Lake has something for everyone during the winter season.

Final tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Determine what kind of trip you want to take as Estes Park and Grand Lake offer different activities.

  • Prepare for altitude sickness. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and insomnia. To help prevent altitude sickness ascend slowly to allow your body to acclimate and drink plenty of water. If you begin to notice symptoms you can try Ibuprofen, acetazolamide, or dexamethasone can help in mild cases. If symptoms are severe, descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible.

  • Rocky Mountain National Park is known for extreme weather patterns. Due to elevation ranges, slope, and exposure, weather conditions inside the park can change rapidly. Be weather aware before heading out on any backcountry trip.