Do I need a timed-entry reservation?

Yes, for most of the park during the summer season. The Bear Lake corridor uses a separate, harder-to-get permit. Both are released in batches by recreation.gov.

Estes Park on the east side is the obvious base. Grand Lake on the west is quieter and closer to moose habitat.

Can I climb Longs Peak?

Yes, but it's a serious 15-mile, 5,000-foot day with class-3 scrambling. Most parties start at 2-3am to be off the summit before afternoon storms.

National Park · Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is 415 square miles of alpine tundra, glacier-carved cirques, and the highest paved road in any national park. It's also Denver's backyard, which means weekend crowds. Get above treeline and most of them disappear.

Best time to visit

July-September for full access and wildflowers. Trail Ridge Road typically opens late May and closes by mid-October. Fall elk rut in September is a highlight.

How long you need

Two to three days. Add a day for a 14er attempt (Longs Peak) if you're experienced.

Don't miss

Trail Ridge Road across the tundra — pull over often
Bear Lake area trails: Emerald, Dream, and Nymph Lakes
Sky Pond hike — alpine basin, waterfalls, and a scramble
Sunrise at Sprague Lake (flat, accessible, gorgeous)
Old Fall River Road one-way uphill in a high-clearance vehicle

What people get wrong

Underestimating the altitude. The valley floor is 7,500 feet, Trail Ridge tops out at 12,183. Visitors fly in from sea level and try to hike hard the next day. Take a rest day, drink water, and don't be surprised when 2 miles feels like 6.

About Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing.

Things to do

Arts and Culture
Auto and ATV
Scenic Driving
Astronomy
Stargazing
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Group Camping
RV Camping
Climbing
Fishing
Hiking
Junior Ranger Program
Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Snow Play
Snowshoeing
Wildlife Watching
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Weather & when to go

Weather can change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park due to the mountains and elevation. Elevation in the park ranges from 7,800 feet above sea level to over 14,000 feet at the top of the tallest mountain peaks. Weather conditions can change quickly throughout the day. For detailed weather information, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/all-about-weather.htm For the most up-to-date weather forecasts, visit the National Weather Service webpage for Rocky at https://www.weather.gov/bou/rmnp

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
1-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This pass is valid for one private vehicle to enter RMNP for one day only. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
$30.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
7-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This vehicle entrance pass is valid for one vehicle to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
$35.00
Entrance - Per Person
1-Day Per Person Entrance Pass. This park entrance fee is for individuals, walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups to enter RMNP for 1-day only. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
$30.00
Entrance - Per Person
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass. This park entrance fee is for individuals, walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.
$20.00
Nonresident
Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Rocky Mountain National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
$100.00

Operating hours

Rocky Mountain National Park

While certain roads and facilities may be closed for the winter season, Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Campgrounds

Aspenglen Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
Glacier Basin Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
Timber Creek Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
Moraine Park Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
Longs Peak Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗

FAQ

Do I need a timed-entry reservation?: Yes, for most of the park during the summer season. The Bear Lake corridor uses a separate, harder-to-get permit. Both are released in batches by recreation.gov.
Where should I stay?: Estes Park on the east side is the obvious base. Grand Lake on the west is quieter and closer to moose habitat.
Can I climb Longs Peak?: Yes, but it's a serious 15-mile, 5,000-foot day with class-3 scrambling. Most parties start at 2-3am to be off the summit before afternoon storms.