Rocky Mountain National Park is consistently one of the most visited national parks each year, and for good reason. The park is nestled in northern Colorado just passed the front range, making it an accessible way to explore the Rockies with ease. This popular park also offers plenty to do for the more adventurous including backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, and more. If you’re looking for a dynamic park with seemingly endless breathtaking vistas, this might be the national park for you. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your next trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Why Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain has it all. You can truly disconnect from modern day life in the wilderness one day and be back within the comforts of a major city the next day (or two). Rocky Mountain National Park — or as some call it “RMNP” — is roughly an hour and half away from Denver International Airport in Colorado. To get there, you can drive your own vehicle, rent a car, or catch a shuttle from the airport if you’re flying in. Either way, you can get to the park easily from Denver. Once you’re there, you’re transported to the timeless mountain range of the Colorado Rockies, giving the park it’s namesake. As you begin to plan your days in the park, you’ll find there’s endless things to do and see. From simply driving through the park to take in the wild beauty from the road, to backpacking into remote campsites away from everything familiar.
The Location
The park is only a quick drive from some of the most populated cities in Colorado. It sprawls across the continental divide, spans 415 square miles, and weaves throughout 77 mountains higher than 12,000 feet. The iconic mountain town of Estes Park is to the east. Grand Lake, also known as the “snowmobiling capital of Colorado”, is to the west. RMNP is not far from hotels, breweries, and many other modern accommodations.
Once you’re in the park, you’ll be sitting anywhere from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet. This makes it one of the highest national parks in the country. Given the high altitude, it’s important to be aware that altitude sickness is very real and can affect anyone. If you’re visiting from sea level, be sure to acclimate yourself appropriately by limiting your physical activity and alcohol consumption the first day you’re there. Altitude sickness can range from a light headache to disorientiation. At any level, it should be taken seriously. Even if you’re not feeling the pains of altitude sickness, it’s best practice to drink a lot of water and, if you can, slowly build up to your highest altitude.
For example, if you’re planning on camping at 10,000 feet, try not to go straight to your campsite. Sleep at a lower altitude to give your body the proper time to acclimate.
For any visitors entering the park, you’ll have to pay a fee and potentially make a reservation to experience the mountainous majesty of the park. Be sure to plan ahead before your trip.
Lodging in Rocky Mountain
If you want to stay in the park, your options are frontcountry camping or wilderness camping. There are no hotels, cabins or cottages in this national park. Book ahead to find the perfect campsite for your trip. Some spots are booked up to six months in advance or only open seasonally.It’s best to do your research so you can plan for the perfect adventure. Be sure to also consider the altitude if you’re coming from sea level and be sure to bring everything you’ll need for the forecast.
Every campground fee starts at $30.00 a night and increases by the size of your group for spots that can accommodate more campers.
Campgrounds
Aspenglen is known as being one of the best options for frontcountry camping with several drive-up sites and RV spots. Most of the plots are close to others, but there are a few more secluded spots at this campground.
With 150 reservable spots, this site is still close to some modern luxuries from flushing toilets and some drive-up sites.
This area sits at a higher elevation of 9,500 feet and has only 26 tents-only sites. This campground is first-come, first-serve.
This is the only campground open during the winter. During the summer, all 244 sites are reservable up to six months in advance. In the winter season, 64 sites are open and first-come, first-served only.
The only campground on the west side of the park sits at 8,900 feet. Most if not all of the 98 sites are not shaded.
Looking to immerse yourself even further into the park? Backpack to a wilderness campsite within the park starting at 8,000 feet of elevation. There’s 120 camping spots to choose from that span across the park. Be sure to check out the Wilderness Campsite Map to see where you’ll want to set up camp. Some spots require technical skills and more strenuous hiking to get to.
You’ll need to pay a wilderness fee of $30 that acts as a contract with the National Park Service that you’ll treat the land with respect and Leave No Trace. This fee is separate from your entrance fee.
Outside of the Park
If you’re not into campgrounds or backpacking to your bed, you’ll have to find lodging outside of the park. Luckily, Rocky Mountain is nestled in between Estes Park and Grand Lake. There are plenty of hotels, cabins, home sharing, and other options to accommodate what you’re looking for.
Hiking
There are roughly 355 hiking trails in the park. They range from quick and easy to one of the most intense 14,000+ foot mountains in the state. These are just a few of our favorites ranging from easy to extremely difficult.
View from hiking trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 0.6 miles
- This is one of the most popular and shortest hikes in the park with a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains.
Emerald Lake Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 3.2 miles
- This trail is heavily trafficked and for good reason. On this hike you’ll pass by three beautiful alpine lakes: Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, and Nymph Lake. This is a great and flexible route since you can turn around at any of the three lakes.
Sky Pond Trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- Length: 9.5 miles
- This hike has a little bit of everything to see: waterfalls, alpine lakes and beautiful vistas along the way.
Longs Peak
- Difficulty: Extremely difficult
- Length: 14.8 miles
- The only 14,000+ mountain ‘fourteener’ in the park is also one of the most challenging. You’ll gain over 5,000 feet with the option to take the keyhole route where there’s a lot of exposure and rock scrambling to get to the summit. Those who want to do this hike should take this route very seriously.
More Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park
There’s so much to do and see year-round in the park. If you’re tired from hiking or just not into it, get around the park by horseback or on a bike. There’s also designated places to fish, watch wildlife and learn about the Rockies.
Rock climbing
This park is a world-class climbing destination. It’s home to over 300 official routes from bouldering to multi-pitch big wall climbing. To learn more about climbing in the park, visit the official National Park site here.
Fly fishing
RMNP is known for great fly fishing with a few major river systems to choose from. Practice your cast at Cache la Poudre, Colorado, North Fork St. Vrain, Big Thompson, and Fall river.
Winter activities
Rocky Mountain is active in the winter with a lot to do. Take to the snow as you snowsled, snowshoe, cross country ski, and more. If you’re traveling without gear, you can rent whatever you need in the neighboring towns on Estes Park or Grand Lake.
Relaxing
The Rockies are a great place to experience a truly refreshing change of scenery. When it comes to relaxing, there’s plenty to do, or not do.
Take a scenic drive
The roads within the park were made for scenic drives that immerse you into the rockies. Gather your group and hit the road on Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake Road or Old Fall River Road. Remember the speed limits are slow to protect you and the wildlife. Be sure to pull over at turnoffs and vistas for the full experience and great photo opportunities.
Visit Estes Park
This iconic mountain town is a must-visit when you’re in Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s plenty of restaurants, breweries, and attractions to choose from. Stop by or stay in the haunting and historical Stanley Hotel. Sit down for some unique Colorado cuisine at Bird and Jim. Grab a beer at a local brewery like Avant Garde Aleworks.
When to Visit
This park is open 365 years days a year and is worth the visit all year long. The busiest seasons are summer and fall with the huge increase in the number of visitors. Depending on the activities and vibe you want from your trip, the season will set the tone.
Summer: Prepare yourself to see beautiful fields of wildflowers and lush foliage on your trip, but also get ready for crowds and full trailheads.
Spring: Watch the park come to life after the long winter without the massive crowds of summer. However, most hikes at higher elevations will still be covered in snow, so be sure to bring the right gear.
Fall: A few benefits of visiting in the fall range from the lack of seasonal closures that you’ll encounter in the spring and winter, plus you’ll get to see elk rutting season i.e., mating season.
Winter: There’s nothing quite like the Rockies in the winter, but this season comes with lots of seasonal closures. If you’re looking for a more remote-feeling trip, winter might just be the perfect time to visit.
Wildlife
This park is teaming with fauna and is considered one of the best places in the country to observe wildlife. There’s a large number of larger mammals that are known to frequent highly trafficked areas like big horn sheep, elk, and mule deer. There’s also iconic smaller mammals that visitors are sure to encounter like pikas, chipmunks, squirrels, and marmots.
According to the National Park Service, Rocky Mountain is home to:
- 60+ species of mammals
- 280+ recorded bird species
- 6 amphibians
- 1 reptile (the harmless garter snake)
- 11 species of fish
- Countless insects
Of course, along with docile deer and friendly chipmunks there are dangerous predators and large mammals to watch out for. Encounters with black bears, mountain lions, and moose should all be taken seriously. Be sure to stay as far away as possible to let the animal walk away peacefully.
Photography Hotspots
Rocky Mountain National Park is iconically beautiful with endless world-class views throughout and around the park.
The continental divide sign – This divide runs all the way from Alaska, through the Rockies and along the Andes Mountains in South America. Take a photo with the sign that signifies this natural wonder.
Glaciers and snow covered peaks – For the cooler months of the year, the peaks are always dusted with majestic layers of ice and snow. If you want to take it to the next level, hike to one of the park’s alpine glaciers, Andrews Glacier and Taylor Glacier.
Anywhere in the fall – Did you know people travel all the way to Colorado just to see the aspen trees change? It’s true. Visit this national park in the fall to one of the most beautiful turns of the seasons in the country.
Packing
When you adventure in the mountains, the key is to bring layers. The higher you climb in elevation, the weather gets more unpredictable. Although, there are a few Rocky Mountain staples you should bring with no matter what.
- Plenty of nutrition dense snacks for hikes like granola bars
- Layers – puffers, beanies, wool leggings, etc.
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket
- Water or a hydration system
- Headlamps or flashlights
- Maps or map apps
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and sun shirts
- Gear to help you Leave No Trace
Rocky Mountain is one of the most historically accessible national parks and an awe-inspiring bucket list trip, making it a do-not-miss national park for every kind of adventurer.
