Your Guide To Designing The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary

Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect backdrop for any kind of outdoor adventure you are looking for. Whether you want to challenge yourself on remote trails or enjoy picturesque overlooks, there is truly something for everyone. We found this the perfect park to get off the beaten path, unplug and enjoy a digital detox, and set aside time for mindful moments in nature and pristine mindful hikes.

This travel guide aims to help you design your own fully customized Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary based on what would be most meaningful and fulfilling for you, based on your interests, and the time you have available!

About Rocky Mountain National Park

Situated between Estes Park on the east and Grand Lake on the west, Rocky Mountain National Park holds over 265,000 acres of land in Northeastern Colorado. Not far from the high desert of Denver, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park holds dense forests, alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, the Continental Divide, and the headwaters of the Colorado River within its borders.

This includes 350 miles of trails, 450 miles of rivers and streams, 150 lakes, and an epic 14er, among other stunningly tall and sharp rocky mountain peaks. It is filled with epic views, challenging hikes, and unique wildlife and is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S.

Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry System

For 2023, both a timed entry reservation and a park pass or entrance fee are required to enter the park between May 26 and October 22. The only way to enter any area of the park without a timed entry reservation is if you have camping reservations within the park.

• The cost of a timed entry reservation permit (either type) is $2.00
• The entrance fee is $35 for a 7-day vehicle pass ($30 for 1 day)
• If you are going to visit more than 1 or 2 National Parks in a year, you might consider purchasing an America The Beautiful Pass, which gives you access to all National Parks for 1 year ($80)

If you want to visit the Bear Lake Corridor (Bear Lake, Moraine Park, Sky Pond, Sprague Lake, etc.) a timed entry reservation is required between 5 am and 6 pm.

• This will require the option of Park Access + Access to Bear Lake Road Corridor

If you want to visit other areas in the park (such as Trail Ridge Road and anywhere over towards Grand Lake) a timed entry reservation is required between 9 am and 2 pm. No timed entry reservation is required for the more southern portions of the park, such as the trailhead for Long’s Peak and Chasm Lake hikes.

• This will only require the Park Access option (no access to Bear Lake Road Corridor)

Reservations can be made on recreation.gov and you will be able to select a 2-hour entry window (such as 9am-11am) for whatever permits you purchase. 30 percent of permits are held for the day prior and released at 5 pm, but it is best to plan ahead when possible to ensure you are able to travel to the places in the park you wish.

Typically the other batch of permits is released for the following month on the first day of the month prior at 10 am MT (for example, September permits would be released on August 1).

Tips for Securing a Timed Entry Permit Reservation:

Here is an example of how to secure a permit for a timed entry reservation, the day before you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Step 1: Bring up the recreation.gov website and click on the permit you are interested in
• Step 2: Have a universal clock ready to ensure your time is accurate
• Step 3: At around 4:59:55 pm (Mountain Time) refresh your browser
• Step 4: At 5 pm MT select the date that has just been released. This date will be the next day. Confirm your reservation window time and purchase your permit. You will need to show the confirmation of your reservation along with your park pass (or pay your entrance fee) when you pass through the gates to the park.

Designing Your Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary

The following categories provide a basic outline of some of the best places to see and the best things to do with your time in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Browse below based on what you want to see and do or how you envision your visit to the park. Each category then contains options so that you can choose and explore based on your needs, interests, and time available!

If you want to see lakes or alpine lakes…

Easy Hikes

These are short hikes that are more accessible and still offer beautiful scenery and a chance to experience the magic of Rocky Mountain National Park

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a popular and heavily photographed destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. This lake’s calm waters sit at about 9,400 feet of elevation and often display a beautifully mirrored image of the rocky peaks that frame its backdrop.

This can be easily accessed from the parking lot at the trailhead, which sits at the end of Bear Lake Road and is also a stop along the free shuttle route if the parking area is full.

Bear Lake Nature Trail

• Distance: 0.7 roundtrip loop around the lake
• Elevation gained: 49 feet
• Duration Estimate: 15 minutes
• Add-on possibilities: This easy nature trail can easily be completed along with hikes to nearby Nymph and Dream Lakes, accessible via the same trailhead.
• Best times to visit: March – November

Nymph Lake

The first lake you will encounter if you continue hiking past Bear Lake is Nymph Lake. Also framed by sharp mountain peaks, this lake’s unique feature is the lily pads adorning the surface of the lake. This is also a very popular destination, so you can expect crowds.

Nymph Lake Trail

• Distance: 1.2 miles total, out and back
• Elevation gained: 262 feet
• Duration Estimate: 30-45 minutes
• Add-on possibilities: Looking for a longer hike to more lakes? Consider continuing on to Dream and Emerald Lakes, accessible via the same trail
• Best times to visit: March – November

Important Note: Access to this trail will require a timed entry ticket that includes access to Bear Lake Road

Dream Lake

Hiking to Dream Lake will be the most difficult of the hikes listed in this “easy” category and may be pushing more of a moderate hike, depending on how acclimated you are to the elevation and how frequently you hike.

This is also a busy trail so you can expect crowds and hiking early in the morning or later in the afternoon will give you the best opportunities for parking and smaller crowds. Dream Lake is a great place to see wildlife and wildflowers and is picturesque with its sparkling clear waters.

Dream Lake Trail

• Distance: 2.0 miles total, out and back
• Elevation gained: 426 feet
• Duration Estimate: 1 hour
• Add-on possibilities: Looking to extend your hike to more lakes? Consider continuing on to Emerald and Haiyaha Lakes, accessible via the same trail system. These will require a bit more elevation gain.
• Best times to visit: April – November

Important Note: Access to this trail will require a timed entry ticket that includes access to Bear Lake Road

Moderate Hikes

A bit more distance to travel and some additional exercise. Make sure you allow yourself to acclimate to the elevation before hitting the trails too hard!

Emerald Lake

When sitting in the sunshine, Emerald Lake has a beautiful blue hue that you might think of when alpine lakes come to mind. Set in a basin, you can see views of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain from the shores of this lake.

This is a great place to see waterfalls as the snow melts down into the lake from Tyndall Glacier, as well as plenty of wildlife.

Emerald Lake Trail

• Distance: 3.2 miles total, out and back
• Elevation gained: 698 feet
• Duration Estimate: 1.5-2 hours
• Add-on possibilities: Looking for a bit more challenge? Consider continuing on and hiking up to Haiyaha Lake, accessible via the same trail system. This will require a bit more elevation gain and navigating over large boulders.
• Best times to visit: June – November

Important Note: Access to this trail will require a timed entry ticket that includes access to Bear Lake Road

Lake Haiyaha

We found the hike up to Lake Haiyaha to be the most difficult and most beautiful of the lake hikes we did from the Bear Lake Trailhead.

The trail is a forested path that winds up along mountain drop-offs, opening up to sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Navigate over wooden bridges across trickling blue streams and then climb up over large boulders to access Lake Hiayha and witness it in all its foggy blue-green glory.

Lake Haiyaha Trail

• Distance: 4.0 miles total, out and back
• Elevation gained: 846 feet
• Duration Estimate: 2-2.5 hours
• Best times to visit: June – October

Important Note: Access to this trail will require a timed entry ticket that includes access to Bear Lake Road

Cub Lake

Cub Lake is a great hike if you are hoping to see fewer crowds and more wildlife. The lake has a unique halo of thick lily pads covering most of the lake’s surface.

Sitting at its shores will treat you to a display of small wildlife, including a frenzy of hummingbirds feeding on beautiful wildflowers.

Not the most picturesque of all the lakes, but a unique experience and great to slow down and enjoy a mindful moment in nature. In this area, you will also see evidence of fire damage, but there is still plenty of life bringing this place alive.

Cub Lake Trail

• Distance: 6.0 mile loop
• Elevation gained: 744 feet
• Duration Estimate: 2.5 -3 hours
• Best times to visit: March – October

Important Note: Access to this trail will require a timed entry ticket that includes access to Bear Lake Road

Fern Lake

This trail was recommended to us, but we, unfortunately, did not have time to complete it. It includes views of Fern Falls and culminates in a beautiful lake that is reportedly great for seeing wildlife such as elk and moose. This area was also affected by fire damage, making the trail not have much protection from the sun.

Fern Lake Trail

• Distance: 7.5 miles total, out and back
• Elevation gained: 1,476 feet
• Duration Estimate: 3.5 – 4 hours
• Best times to visit: May – October

Important Note: Access to this trail will require a timed entry ticket that includes access to Bear Lake Road

Difficult Hikes

These are longer hikes that are a bit more strenuous, but in our opinion, the reward is definitely worth the effort!

Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge

The trail to Sky Pond is a beautiful mix of lush forest, epic views, wildflowers, and peacefully rushing water. It is a long hike and steady climb that includes a bit of precarious navigation up through a waterfall. This was one of our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

We started this hike after work in July and were able to complete it before it got dark – just be weary of your typical hiking pace, acclimation to altitude, and the weather.

Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail

• Distance: 9.4 miles total, out and back
• Elevation gained: 1,758 feet
• Duration Estimate: 4.5 – 6 hours
• Best times to visit: June – October

Important Note: Access to this trail will require a timed entry ticket that includes access to Bear Lake Road

Chasm Lake

Chasm Lake includes a short distance of hiking below the tree line and then an amazing stroll up atop the alpine tundra. This trail is also abundant with wildflowers and includes a waterfall crossing that is tamer than what you will encounter at Sky Pond.

We got brave and even enjoyed a dip in this frigid alpine lake, sparkling blue and clear under the hot summer sun. Another quintessential example of a Colorado alpine lake!

Chasm Lake Hike

• Distance: 8.8 miles total, out and back
• Elevation gained: 2,542 feet
• Duration Estimate: 5-7 hours
• Best times to visit: June – October

If you want to see waterfalls…

There is something majestic, powerful, and peaceful about watching water as it roars over the edge of a towering cliff.

There are a few great waterfalls you could add to your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary:

• Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail: 5.9 miles, 1,062 feet of elevation gain, 3-5 hours

• Alberta Falls: 1.6 miles, 232 feet of elevation gain, 45 minutes – 1.5 hours

• Adams Falls: 0.8 miles, 104 feet of elevation gain, 20-45 minutes

• Chasm Falls via Old Fall River Road: 2.5 miles, 465 feet of elevation gain, 1-2 hours

If you want to hike mountains…

Having spent time exploring various areas of Colorado prior to our visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, we had done a lot of mountain hiking including five 14ers. For this reason, our itinerary was focused more on alpine lakes and wildlife, but there are many great mountains to climb!

The trails below have been recommended to us and are on our bucket list for future visits to the park:

Moderate Hikes

Emerald Mountain Trail

Distance: 1.6 miles total, out and back
Elevation gained: 921 feet
Duration Estimate: 1.5 – 3 hours
Best times to visit: May – October

Chapin Pass to Mount Chapin

Distance: 3.9 miles total, out and back
Elevation gained: 1,463 feet
Duration Estimate: 2.5 – 4 hours
Best times to visit: May- October

Mount Chiquita via Chapin Pass Trail

Distance: 5.0 miles total, out and back
Elevation gained: 2.057 feet
Duration Estimate: 3.5 – 5 hours
Best times to visit: May – November

Difficult Hikes

Flattop Mountain

Distance: 8.2 miles total, out and back
Elevation gained: 2,870 feet
Duration Estimate: 5.5 -7 hours
Best times to visit: June – October

Hallet Peak

Distance: 10.3 miles total, out and back
Elevation gained: 3,293 feet
Duration Estimate: 6.5 -8 hours
Best times to visit: June – October

Mt Ida

Distance: 7.5 miles total, out and back
Elevation gained: 2,516 feet
Duration Estimate: 4.5 – 6 hours
Best times to visit: May – October

Twin Sisters Peak

Distance: 9.3 miles total, out and back
Elevation gained: 2,358 feet
Duration Estimate: 5 – 7 hours
Best times to visit: June – October

Long’s Peak

For this epic 14er, plan to start your hike well before sunrise! Many hikers we talked to started this hike between 1:30 and 3 am!

Longs Peak Trail

Distance: 13.3 miles total, out and back
Elevation gained: 4,900 feet
Duration Estimate: 9.5 – 11 hours
Best times to visit: June – October

Note: Be sure to always check trail and weather conditions before embarking on these hikes!

If you want to enjoy panoramic views and mountain vistas…

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive

Trail Ridge Road is the highest-elevation continuous paved road in the United States! While it is not the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park (that claim is reserved for Long’s Peak), this scenic drive provides you with the unique opportunity to get up above the treeline and experience characteristics of high elevation and the alpine tundra with the help of your vehicle!

Time Needed: Half Day – Full Day (if you want additional time for hikes, pictures, etc.)

Trail Ridge Road is a 48-mile stretch of highway that spans across Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting Estes Park on the east to Grand Lake on the west. This well-paved road winds its way through the magnificent Rocky Mountains, offering sweeping views both from within the thick tree-lined forest past the Continental Divide and up upon the alpine tundra. Prepare for steep climbs, hairpin curves, and hair-raising drop-offs on this drive that will show you all of what this amazing park has to offer in a way that is safe and accessible for all.

With a high point of 12,183 feet up above the tree line, you can expect colder temperatures and higher winds than at lower elevations, and views that will take your breath away. Scenic mountain views, wildlife opportunities, and beautiful vegetation ranging from aspens and ponderosas to wildflowers make this a great option to explore a large section of the park from the comfort of a vehicle.

Most of the popular overlooks are between the east entrance and the Alpine Visitor Center, but we recommend exploring all the way over into Grand Lake as well if you have time.

In addition, be aware of changing weather conditions. It is common for afternoon storms to roll in and this can be dangerous at high elevations above the tree line. Trail Ridge Road does close for the winter, typically opening on or around Memorial Day each year depending on snowfall and conditions.

Popular Turnouts & Scenic Overlooks:

Be sure to grab a map when you enter the park to help you navigate! The links below are also connected to Google Maps to further help you plan your stops. The map is also interactive so you can use it to make sure you hit all the stops along Trail Ridge Road!

• Many Parks Curve
• Rainbow Curve Overlook
• Forest Canyon Overlook
• Rock Cut Overlook
• Lava Cliffs Overlook
• Fairview Curve
• Medicine Bow Peak Curve Overlook
• Milner Pass

Hikes Along Trail Ridge Road

There are also some great hiking opportunities along Trail Ridge Road to get out, stretch your legs, and immerse yourself in the surroundings! When up on the alpine tundra, you can get great views of all the surrounding peaks. These are all short, easy trails along the route:

• Beaver Boardwalk: 0.1 miles, 2-5 minutes
• Hidden Valley Creek Nature Walk: 0.4 miles, 10-15 minutes
• Toll Memorial via Tundra Communities Trail: 1.1 miles, 30-35 minutes
• Alpine Ridge Trail: 0.7 miles, 20-25 minutes
• Lake Irene: 0.8 miles, 20-25 minutes
• Holzworth Historic Site Trail: 1.2 miles, 25-35 minutes
• Adams Falls: 0.8 miles, 20-25 minutes

Looking for a bit of a longer hike?

• Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge: 4 miles out and back, 2-3 hours

If you want to see wildlife…

Rocky Mountain National Park has abundant wildlife and is a wonderful place to experience the majestic feeling of seeing a variety of animals in their natural habitat.

Some of the species you might spot in the park include bighorn sheep, moose, elk, deer, yellow-bellied marmots, coyotes, beavers, black bears, snowshoe hare, and even endangered species such as greenback cutthroat trout, Mexican spotted owl or North American Wolverine.

Here are some great spots for wildlife in the park:

• Moraine Park: We frequently saw elk in the area of Moraine Park, and several people also reported seeing moose in this area as well. Moraine Park Loop Hiking Trail might be an excellent option in this area.
• Grand Lake: Moose are frequently seen in the valley before you exit the park and enter Grand Lake. This is where we went on what we are calling our “moose safari” and saw our first ever moose in the wild!
• Trail Ridge Road: There is an abundance up on the alpine tundra along Trail Ridge Road. We saw hundreds of elk and a coyote.

If you love sunrises or sunsets…

Romantic lakes and dreamy mountain peaks are the perfect environments for painted sunrises and sunsets that will take your breath away.

There are several places you could see a glowing sunrise or sunset, but here are a few that we found really impressive:

• Sprague Lake: A picturesque setting for an evening stroll and a great place for a colorful sunset reflecting on the lake
• Bear Lake: Another mirrored lake great for sunrise or sunset, which will also help you to avoid some of the crowds during the peak hours of the day
• Trail Ridge Road: We caught a beautiful sunset illuminating the sky behind layers of peaks that appeared to go on forever. This would also be a great place for some astrophotography, just be careful of the wildlife, curves, and drop-offs in the dark.

If you want to do some window shopping or dine out…

Estes Park

Estes Park is a bustling town that serves as a gatekeeper on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This quaint town is set among a beautiful Colorado mountain backdrop and lined with shops and restaurants and is a great place to do some shopping, grab a meal, or simply walk around for an evening stroll after a day of hiking and adventures inside the park.

Estes Park also offers several different lodging and accommodation options if you are not planning to camp within the park itself. It can be very busy, so you can expect to encounter crowds and potentially have trouble finding parking.

Estes Park also has a great off-leash dog park if you are looking to get some exercise for your adventure pup who won’t be able to join you for hikes within the park. It is also home to Lake Estes which is a great spot for water sports such as paddleboarding, walking trails, riding your bike, or fishing!

Grand Lake

Over on the west side of the park in Grand Lake, is another quaint lakeside Colorado mountain village. Walk the streets and enjoy a variety of restaurants and shops and perhaps even enjoy some live music.

Sitting next to Grand Lake, the largest natural body of water in Colorado, this area also offers stunning views and includes a public boat ramp as well as private and public marinas. You can also see evidence of the tragic East Troublesome Fire which impacted this area in 2020, much of which can be seen by the forest devastation within the park boundaries just outside Grand Lake.

Eat, shop, fish, cruise the lake, or enjoy scenic hiking or biking trails. If you plan to drive the entirety of Trail Ridge Road, allotting some time to explore Grand Lake can be a great option!

There are also lodging options in Grand Lake if you prefer to stay on the west side of the park, although many of the more popular hiking trails and attractions tend to fall further on the eastern side of the park in the areas near Moraine Park and Bear Lake, for example.

Other Outdoor Activities To Consider…

Rocky Mountain National Park truly has something for everyone. In addition to scenic drives, wildlife, lakes, and amazing hiking there are also plenty of other activities for any outdoor enthusiast. In and around the park you can enjoy fishing, bouldering, rock climbing, mountaineering, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, white water rafting, or even a guided jeep tour.

For more information from Park Rangers, or to grab a souvenir, check out one of the 4 visitor centers in Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Fall River Visitor Center: Located just beyond the Fall River Entrance Toll Station on the north side of the park near Aspenglen Campground
• Beaver Meadows Visitor Center: Located just outside the entrance station on the east side of the park in Estes Park
• Kawuneeche Visitor Center: Located in Grand Lake on the west side of the park
• Alpine Visitor Center: Located at 11,796 feet of elevation along Trail Ridge Road, the highest visitor center in the U.S. Park System!

This interactive map has all of the visitor centers included on it:

Guided Tours & Activities

Looking for a more hands-on experience from a local guide? Get Your Guide is a helpful tour site that allows you to compare prices and availability and find the perfect match for your trip and itinerary! We heard people raving about these experiences and they are a great way to take in the park without having to stress about where to go or where to park.

Example 5-day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary

With any trip, there is sacrifice. There is only so much time and always so much to see and do. Even with us traveling full time, we often have to pick and choose what we can do in each place around our travel and work schedules. This typically means designing our itineraries carefully so we can fully enjoy the experiences we have, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

This guide aims to help you prioritize during your trip and make the most of your precious time so that you can see and experience more of what you want on your next visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Create your best trip, designed for YOU!

Where To Stay During Your Visit To Rocky Mountain National Park

With a park teeming with so much natural beauty, camping can be a great way to immerse yourself in the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park and full experience the benefits that spending time in nature can offer.

We loved the convenience and soothing environment of staying in a National Park Campground within Rocky Mountain National Park. Limited to a 7-day stay and dry camping, our stay at Moraine Campground afforded us a shaded spot amongst the pines with hiking trails we could utilize right from our site. We were steps away from epic mountain views, often had elk and deer sightings out our windows, and did not have to worry about a timed entry reservation for any part of the park.

Starlink allowed us to work during the day even with limited cell service and we were truly able to make the most of our time at this amazing park due to being right in the heart of it all. We recommend planning in advance if you wish to secure a spot in a National Park Campground. We booked the first day we could, 6 months in advance to score our perfect spot.

Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

Making the most of your Rocky Mountain itinerary becomes even easier when you are able to stay right in the park for the duration of your stay! There are 4 great campground options right in the park that are run by the National Park Service:

Aspenglen Campground: Typically open end of May to the end of September. The reservation allows you access to the park without a timed entry reservation, including the Bear Lake area. No dump station, seasonal potable water, and 52 sites.

Glacier Basin Campground: Typically open end of May to the middle of September. The reservation allows you access to the park without a timed entry reservation, including the Bear Lake area. Seasonal dump station and potable water, 150 sites, 73 tent only.

Moraine Park Campground: Typically open end of May to early October, at which point it transitions to first come first serve for the winter season. The reservation allows you access to the park without a timed entry reservation, including the Bear Lake area. Seasonal dump station, potable water, 244 sites, 101 tent only. We absolutely loved our stay here, the location was perfect and the scenery was insanely beautiful. We had to book our site 6 months in advance to secure a spot, but planning ahead was completely worth it!

Timber Creek Campground: Typically open end of May to the end of September. The reservation allows you access to the park without a timed entry reservation, excluding the Bear Lake area. Seasonal dump station and potable water, 98 sites, 30 tent only.

Rates: $35/night for a standard site for the 2023 season. All dry camping (no hookups). Sites of varying lengths. Most likely will be best suited for RVs under 40 feet long.

Private Campgrounds

There are also several private campground options on both the east and west side of the park. Where you choose to stay may change, depending on how you build out your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary!

Estes Park Camping (East side of RMNP)

• Spruce Lake RV Park: close to downtown and the park entrance, a river flows by the campground

• Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Park: Only 5 minutes from the park entrance, accommodates big rigs

• Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake: less than 10 minutes to downtown and RMNP, mostly gravel spots

• Estes Park KOA: Spots can be tight, but a good option for families

• Jellystone Park of Estes Park: Pricey, but another great option for families looking for amenities

Grand Lake Camping (West side of RMNP)

• Winding River RV Resort: great for a stay away from some of the crowds that can be found in Estes Park

Boondocking & Free Camping

Boondocking near Rocky Mountain National Park can be tough to come by, but here are a couple local options:

Country Highway 455 Dispersed Camping: 20 minutes to the west entrance of RMNP, free off-grid camping

Ideglen Staging Area Dispersed Camping: Free camping also near the Grand Lake side of the park (west) in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland

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