Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park with this comprehensive tour guide including places to visit, must-try food and drinks, best things to do, and more.


Introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking wilderness area located in Front Range, Colorado. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience natural beauty like no other place in the United States. The park spans over 265,000 acres of mountains, forests, lakes, and streams. Rocky Mountain National Park draws more visitors annually than any other national park in the United States and is a must-visit location for outdoor enthusiasts. Plan your trip with this comprehensive guide to Rocky Mountain National Park.

List of Places to Visit in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park provides visitors with a full range of cultural and natural attractions. This list details some of the most popular places to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Beaver Meadows Visitor Center: The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is located near the park’s east entrance and is the place to go for park information, guidebooks, maps, and permits.
  • Moraine Park Museum: The Moraine Park Museum offers historical exhibits about the park’s geology, flora, and fauna through a combination of educational displays and hands-on experiences.
  • Fall River Visitor Center: The Fall River Visitor Center is another information resource offering hands-on exhibits and educational displays. It also houses a gift shop and bookstore.

Natural Attractions of Rocky Mountain National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Trail Ridge Road: Trail Ridge Road is one of the most scenic drives in the United States, and it offers visitors vistas of alpine tundra, mountain peaks, and wildlife.
  • Bear Lake: Bear Lake is one of the more popular destinations in the park, as it offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing.
  • Longs Peak: Longs Peak is the park’s highest peak and a major draw for summit-seeking hikers. The hike to the summit is extremely challenging, but the views are worth it.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s paradise offering everything from easy paved trails to strenuous multi-day hikes. Here are a few notable hikes for different skill levels:

  • Cub Lake Trail: This trail is a moderate 4.6-mile hike to the picturesque Cub Lake.
  • Odessa Lake Trail: This 7.3-mile trail is a moderate to strenuous hike through several different landscapes, ending at Odessa Lake.
  • Sky Pond Trail: This is a strenuous 9.0-mile hike with some steep elevation changes. The reward is breathtaking views of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park: Activities and Tours

  • Wildlife Watching: Rocky Mountain National Park has an abundance of wildlife, from elk and moose to bighorn sheep and black bears. The park offers ranger-led tours to help visitors see these majestic creatures up close and personal.
  • Fishing: Visitors can fish in the park’s lakes and streams. Permits are required and can be purchased at visitor centers.
  • Horseback Riding: Visitors can ride horses through the park’s beautiful landscapes on guided tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Day 1: Arrive and check-in to your accommodation. Visit the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and take the shuttle to the Park and Ride for a hike on the Bear Lake Trail.
  • Day 2: Drive Trail Ridge Road stopping at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest-elevation visitor center in the National Park Service.
  • Day 3: Take a ranger-led tour to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Day 4: Sign up for a horseback riding tour.
  • Day 5: Visit one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s iconic waterfalls such as Alberta Falls or Ouzel Falls.
  • Day 6: Go fishing or enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s many lakes.
  • Day 7: Depart for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Rocky Mountain National Park

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rocky Mountain Oysters: Despite the name, rocky mountain oysters are not seafood, but rather fried bull’s testicles. It is definitely an adventurous food to try.
  • Green Chile: Colorado green chile is a staple in many dishes. It is a combination of green chili, pork, and beans.
  • Colorado Lamb: Colorado is known for its lamb. Try it grilled or slow-cooked and served with fresh garlic.

Local Beverages

  • Colorado Craft Beer: Colorado is famous for its microbreweries, especially for their hazy IPAs and sour beers.
  • Freshly Brewed Tea: Celestial Seasonings Tea is headquartered in Boulder, CO, and is a must-visit for tea lovers.
  • Wine: Colorado is growing as a wine country, producing unique varietals like Cabernet Franc and Lemberger.

Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Stanley Hotel: This famous hotel in Estes Park is known for its beautiful architecture and history. It was also the inspiration for Stephen King’s book, “The Shining.”
  • YMCA of the Rockies: The YMCA of the Rockies offers affordable lodging options and family-friendly activities.
  • Aspen Winds on Fall River: This boutique property is located near the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

What to Buy in Rocky Mountain National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local Honey: Colorado has an abundance of honey farms that offer unique and delicious honey varieties.
  • Handcrafted Pottery: The Estes Park Pottery Studio offers beautiful pottery pieces crafted by local artists.
  • Native-American Handicrafts: The park is home to the Ute and Arapaho tribes. Experience their cultural heritage through creative products they produce, such as jewelry, baskets, and blankets.

Local Culture and Customs of Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park sits on the territories of the Ute and Arapaho tribes. The best way to respect the park’s cultural heritage is to preserve natural resources. Visitors should take care not to litter, show respect for wildlife by keeping a safe distance, and avoid feeding them. Visitors should also be aware of the Leave No Trace principles, avoiding off-road activities, and respecting designated areas.

Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is from late May to early October when the weather is milder with warm days and cool nights. August and September are the best months for wildlife watching, and the fall colors are spectacular in September and October. Remember, the park’s opening and closing dates depend on snowfall and mountain weather conditions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rocky Mountain National Park

Do:

  • Do wear layers and proper footwear.
  • Do bring plenty of water.
  • Do carry bear spray, especially if you intend to hike.
  • Do visit during the shoulder seasons, spring, and fall, when the crowds and temperatures are lower.
  • Do Carpool to reduce congestion in the park.

Don’t:

  • Don’t approach or feed wildlife.
  • Don’t litter.
  • Don’t hike off-trail.
  • Don’t leave campfires unattended.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful, but remote wilderness area, and visitors should take appropriate measures for their safety, such as:

  • Bringing a first-aid kit and relevant medications.
  • Always carrying plenty of water.
  • Informing a friend or park ranger of travel plans and routes before setting out on a hike.
  • Staying on designated trails.

Health in Rocky Mountain National Park

Altitude sickness is a risk for many visitors due to the park’s high elevation. It’s important to keep hydrated, rest often, and avoid strenuous activities if you’re not acclimated to the altitude. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Denver International Airport (DEN) is the most convenient airport with Denver-based shuttle services like Green Ride and Estes Park Shuttle.

Bus Stations Near Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Greyhound buses stop in Denver, Loveland, and Longmont, with shuttle services running to Estes Park.

Other Options

  • The park’s shuttle service is a great option for visitors who don’t want to drive or for visitors who want to avoid parking hassles. There is also a trolley that runs during the summer season from downtown Estes Park to most parts of the park.

How to Get Around in Rocky Mountain National Park

The best way to explore Rocky Mountain National Park is by car. Most of the park is accessible by car via Trail Ridge Road. It is suggested to take the park’s shuttle service to avoid parking stress. Visitors can also rent mountain bikes for cycling through the park.

Where to Go Next from Rocky Mountain National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Estes Park: Estes Park is a charming town 6 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park that is perfect for a post-adventure visit. It offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options.
  • Denver: Denver is the capital of Colorado, located just under 70 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park, making it a great day trip.
  • Boulder: Boulder is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities as well as its shopping and dining scene, and just under 45 miles from the park.

Conclusion

Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit national park for any outdoor enthusiast. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and wide range of activities, it is easy to see why it has been a favorite destination for decades. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip to make the most of your experience with Rocky Mountain National Park.

Mt. Meeker & Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Over a third of the park is above timberline. Mt. Meeker & Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Over a third of the park is above timberline. A Clark's Nutcracker at Rainbow Curve. A Clark's Nutcracker at Rainbow Curve. Expect steady traffic on Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Expect steady traffic on Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Fireweed sprouts next to a jumble of downed trees along Old Fall River Road. Fireweed sprouts next to a jumble of downed trees along Old Fall River Road. The falls at the Alluvial Fan, an area still recovering from a massive landslide that occurred in 1982. The falls at the Alluvial Fan, an area still recovering from a massive landslide that occurred in 1982. The view of Grand Lake from the Grand Lake Lodge porch. Built in 1919, the lodge is a classic example of Victorian stick architecture. The view of Grand Lake from the Grand Lake Lodge porch. Built in 1919, the lodge is a classic example of Victorian stick architecture. In the summer months, herds of elk move into the high country to graze above timberline. In the summer months, herds of elk move into the high country to graze above timberline. Due to climate change, pine bark beetles have killed large swathes of pines throughout the park. On windy days, beware of falling trees and Due to climate change, pine bark beetles have killed large swathes of pines throughout the park. On windy days, beware of falling trees and "widow maker" branches.