A person is using hiking poles and traction devices and hiking in snow

National Park · CO

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.

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

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.