BEST OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a list of top experiences, read our article Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. This itinerary is best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. 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. It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. From Loveland it's 30 miles (48 km) and 45 minutes by car to get to Estes Park. If you like scenic drives and going off-the-beaten-path, youll love this drive. Known appropriately as the "Highway to the Sky," it crosses the Continental Divide at a whopping 12,183 feet. 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. From $73.48 per night. Gem Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. or are there better/rewarding hikes that i can sub in instead of the above listed ones? I am not the hiker I used to be [did Kili in 04] so a moderate/ mildly strenuous 8 miler more my speed now. Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. We just walked up and down the main road, and glanced at all the salt water taffy . I think that puts the Mills Lake + Loch Vale hike somewhere around 7.6 miles total. You will have to find your own way to the park from Estes Park because the shuttle only runs to the town. Along the way, its a quick stop to see Chasm Falls. Full-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Over The Top Tour" - RMNPhotographer. Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. Best nearby. Visiting RMNP from Breckenridge regardless of which entrance you use is not ideal. 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. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Thank you! Alberta Falls Trail. The stark colors of the evergreen trees and the sparkling high-mountain waters combine for picture perfect vistas. If you are an avid hiker, your itinerary will look something like this: Day 1: Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes plus Trail Ridge Road and the Alpine Ridge Trail Day 2: Deer Mountain in the morning, Estes Park in the afternoon/evening Day 3: Sky Pond Day 4: Continental Divide Trail to Mount Ida Day 5: Longs Peak Day 6: Rest day from hiking (Old Fall River Road and activities in Estes Park) Day 7: Chasm Lake. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. The Wild Basin entrance is located 13.5 miles south of Estes Park just off of scenic highway 7. Equally enjoyable on foot or from your car, there are four separate ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. Pre-hike fuel: Near the main junction in Estes, hit up Notchtop . With one day, I recommend going on a hike, starting at Bear Lake, and driving Trail Ridge Road (its awesome!). Yes, August is a great month to hike in RMNP. Gem Lake. Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks.. There are a million different ways to put together a Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, and how you choose to do so really depends on your interests, the time of year you plan to visit the park, and the weather. In fact, it is such a popular place to visit that you now need a timed entry permit to enter. What are some alternate routes if Trail Ridge Road is closed? 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. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park; Flat Tops Wilderness; Maine. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. There are numerous pull-over areas on each side of the road for this purpose. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The scenery is beautiful, as you gradually twist and turn through the mountains to get to the Alpine Visitor Center. Parking lot sizes vary. 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. Most people will be acclimated by this point, which means that you can hike almost any trail in the park. We were here in early July, so all of the photos on our website were taken around the first week of July. So if i leave Estes at 4.30a I think i should be past that entrance by 4.45a or so and can avoid having to buy the time entry correct? In this post, get all of the information you need to plan your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. 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, All material copyright by Morning Light Photography, Inc. All rights reserved. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several . However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. Bear Lake Road runs into the heart of the park. The price for one way is just $55, but you can also book a round-trip shuttle for $95. Rocky Mountain National Park. With that being said, you should know that crowds are the largest during the summer months, especially July and August. Yes, take a look at the Where to Stay section of this article. For every hike that we list, you do not need an SUV or non-standard vehicle. You can hike here from Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake Trailhead. However, I only recommend doing this if you are acclimated to the altitude, since these are strenuous hikes with big ascents. Hi Julie! So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. Colorado Springs is a great weekend trip from Denver if you are looking to explore a smaller city within an hour or two of Denver. Learn more here. This hike starts at Bear Lake and summits Flattop Mountain before arriving at Hallett Peak. For many visitors, the winter months are their favorite time to visit RMNP. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. 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. Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. Is there anything you recommend to bring on the hikes? :) All the entrances lead to the Beautiful Rocky Mountains. , Tombstone Ridge | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Or is it pretty bad and long lasting? 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 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). This entrance station has only one entry booth. (Learn about the different park pass options available.) The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. 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. This hiker shuttle take visitors to some of the most popular trails along Bear Lake Road. I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. But dont bring your RV there. For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. Not sure either if we should stay in Estes park or grand lake? Text in English. If you think you can go farther, and if skies are clear, consider going all of the way to Sky Pond. Rocky Mountain National Park is a special place any season, but fall brings out the best in the park. If you had afternoon thunderstorms on Day One, drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning. Since the timed slots are only 2hrs long, if i end up not doing any hikes on the bear lake corridor and i plan on being inside the park around 6a I can get away w/o having to get any timed entries right? However, this property gets rave reviews. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Forum, Best entrance to rocky mountain national park, Re: Best entrance to rocky mountain national park. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. photo by Ladona Stork. 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). The best entrance for Rocky Mountain National Park is Beaver Meadows Entrance or Fall River Entrance. This road opened in 1920 at it was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park. It's like a tour of amazing mountain lakes. Miles of trails: More than 355 miles along about 160 trails. If you get to Allenspark, you have gone too far. However, both routes cross high over the mountains and close down once winter weather arrives. Address. Never been to park at all. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. 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. Because the entrance is so accessible from Estes Park and open year round, it is the most popular. For full details on how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, read our post One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. If the skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. This easy hike offers spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park and it is great for all ages and ability levels. In the southeast corner of the park there is an entrance to the Wild Basin area. Acreage: 265,769. Cheers, Julie, Thanks Julie, Also seems like the bear lake corridor timed entry begins at 5a. With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The permit system limited visitation to about 60% of parking capacity. 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. Most of this hike is over 11,000 feet, in the alpine tundra, so its best to save this hike for when you are acclimated to the altitude. Since I like to hike, I am guessing maybe 3 solid days? There are many things to do here. Approaching Moraine Park, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk love to congregate. Evening back at Estes park at my hotel. For a longer list, read our post about Estes Park. Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of contrast from one season to the next. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. Hopefully in your case they will be quick! If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, it is normal to get out of breath easily. Whats the Best Season to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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 !! Here are six tips on what to do in Estes Park during your Rocky Mountain National Park vacation. 9. You can also access Bear Lake Road, but it requires an additional 10 minutes of driving. And bring a camera , its a beautiful park! Alpine Ridge Road reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. Ideally, you want a day with crystal clear skies and no chance of rain. But more often than not, in the summer, afternoon storms will occur. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. CO Watch the weather, enjoy the time you spend in the park, and you might find you want to hike more, or less, than you expected to. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. This is a well-rounded, well-written, and nicely illustrated summary for newbies. Bear Lake: 0.6 miles, easy, 30 minutes. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. Park Details. After one final short and strenuous climb you arrive at Chasm Lake. Lily Lake offers an easy and flat 0.8-mile loop trail around the lake, making it one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. Estes Park. To reserve a campsite at Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park, call (970) 586-5342. Colorado Springs. Cheers, Julie. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. View from Mount Ida | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park for first-time visitors. 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. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service website. If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. This is our favorite hike in RMNP. From the summit you have a great view over Moraine Park and Longs Peak. Map courtesy of the National Park Service. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. The best places to have your questions answered is at one of the park visitor centers. Gorgeous alpine views can certainly be seen from this center located at 11,796' elevation! 94 within 3 miles. Not bad for a town of 400 residents, all of whom seem . From here, hike the Alpine Ridge Trail. Lake Estes | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. 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. Moraine Park - Located just a few miles east from the park headquarters, Moraine Park is one of the best places to see elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. As it is, I like to hike early to avoid the crowd, Yes, leaving that early should work. The last stretch to Wild Basin is a narrow, gravel road that becomes one lane in places, so it is not appropriate to bring your RV. (970) 586-1206. Information? Rocky Mountain National Park Neighborhood Guide. 1. 970 586-1206 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. It is located further north than the Beaver Meadows Entrance. Snow on the trail in July (hiking to Fern and Odessa Lakes from Bear Lake). Afternoon/Evening free to do whatever 5) Sat Morning: Prepare to drive back to the airport for afternoons flight. The views from the overlooks are stunning. At the entry station you will be greeted by a ranger. You will really feel the effects of the altitude. If you do not plan on visiting the Bear Lake Corridor, and you plan to enter the park before 9 am, you do not need a permit. If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will be a busy day. 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 !!). RMNP is quite popular, with about than 3 million visitors a year. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Emerald lake lays below Hallett peak, Tyndall glacier, and Flattop mountain. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a full list of our Rocky Mountain National Park articles, plus important planning tips, check out our Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. Note: Its a slightly shorter hike (1.7 miles) if you park at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. 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. . this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Length: 5.2 miles round-trip. Cascade Cottages & Colorado Cottages. Crowds will begin to quiet down in October, but snow on the trails becomes a lot more likely. Looking at the trail signs on our Sky Pond guide, it looks like hiking the spur only to Loch Vale adds 1.6 miles total. more, Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Experts. This hike passes Cub Lake, Fern Falls, Fern Lake, Odessa Lake and Lake Helene. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park? You'll need to be prepared to pull over regularly to let cars pass that are coming the other way. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. For reference, my family will be traveling to all the Colorado national parks in late July for around two weeks. Its a short, easy hike in the subalpine tundra so you have 360 degree views on the entire hike. And bring a headlampyoull be hiking before the sun comes up. 1,400 feet (426 m)of elevation gain. Afternoon/Evening spending it around the visitor center, or back at Estes Park 4) Fri Morning: Chasm lake. It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. Trailhead Location. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Located just a couple minutes from Grand Lake, the Grand Lake Entrance is arguably the parks best-kept secret. Forest Canyon Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Rainbow Curve Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. [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. The best way to . Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. This hike adds on Lake Haiyaha, another very pretty alpine lake. 10.4 miles, strenuous, 6 to 8 hours. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Ive lived down the hill and explored RMNP a lot for 44 years. 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. If you plan to visit RMNP early in the summer, there is a good chance that you will encounter snow on some trails. They can linger into September, when fall colors continue to attract visitors and hikers. We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. In this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, many of days end by the early afternoon, because of these storms. Your email address will not be published. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. Follow the Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Estes Park. Because the Wild Basin Entrance is about a 30-minute drive south of Estes Park on the parks east side, most of the parks visitors never even see the Wild Basin area. 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. Moraine Park Campground. Ascending only 700 feet over 3 miles, this is a great introduction to moderate hiking in the park. The longer and harder the hike, the earlier you will have to start. You can also hike to Fern Lake out-and-back from either Bear Lake or Moraine Park. Head to Grand Lake, a quaint, historic town surrounded on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. I recommend the shorter, easier hikes if you are not acclimated to the altitude, arent a big fan of hiking, and/or have more than one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road winds high into the Rockies, taking visitors into the treeless tundra. The Park's 415 square miles encompass a variety of alpine terrain, with at least 60 mountains exceeding 12,000 ft. 6.2 miles, moderate, 3 to 4 hours. As part of the National Park system, Zion operates under the same rules as other parks. For Longs Peak, that means starting by 3 or 4 am. After you drive through the entrance station you can park at the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead which is immediately on your right or continue straight ahead on Wild Basin Road for 2 miles to reach the main parking area. Quantity. You will need a Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access Timed Entry Ticket (Park Access +)for this day. Acadia National Park; Montana / Wyoming. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Just be aware that this is also the busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its our favorite hike in RMNP. In our experience, they typically just last an hour or two. Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate, 2 to 3 hours. Save. If you want to see some of the best lakes such as Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, or Sprague Lake, then you should go to the Beaver Meadows entrance. There are a lot of hikes that start at the Bear Lake Trailhead. 1. If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This station is .25 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley. 365. So, after Labor Day, you might have some of both (snow and crowds). 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. But this is a strenuous hike and longer than your 8 mile cut-off. The park is quieter and with the snow, it is a winter wonderland. Thats a great question! For the first part of this hike you will be sharing the trail with those on their way to Longs Peak. Grand Lake's bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk is right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park's West Entrance. 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. Moraine Park Campground is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517. Drive Trail Ridge Road. 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. Park Hours:Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Typically this road12,183 feet at it's highest point, remains closed from late-October to late-May. Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Centre distance. 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). If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. In order to see and do everything we list in this itinerary, plan on visiting the park when everything is open. Two of them, Beaver Meadows and Fall River, are just west of the town of Estes Park. 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. Cheers, Julie. For now, the forecast does call for afternoon thunderstorms from what i can see on weather.com, It depends. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. Rocky Mountain National Park Fees. Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year. But even with a week here, there are still a lot of hikes left on our to-do list. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. 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. Duration. You have included all of our favorite hikes in RMNP so I think your list looks good! best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. How likely is someone to get altitude sickness at RMNP? Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks. #2 Grand Lake - Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples. Plenty of room, good WiFi, nice furnishings, and beautiful views from our balcony. If you love lakes you'll like this hike. BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON: One of the best things to do on the South Rim is to drive South Rim Drive to the overlooks of the Black Canyon. 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. Note: This post contains affiliate links. There are pull outs along the road for viewing but can get busy during the day so head . 7.6 Good 275 reviews. This includes the best hikes, the best experiences, how to get around, and where to stay. , You'll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter. Inside the park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers year-round seminars, guided fly-fishing, naturalist tours, hiking and photography classes. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. An hours drive from Boulder and two hours from Denver, the lively Estes Park is the closest town to the park on the east side of the park.