Cathedral mountains, quiet forests, clear blue mountain lakes: John Denver might as well have been singing specifically about Rocky Mountain National Park in his Colorado anthem “Rocky Mountain High.” Straddling the Continental Divide, this alpine Colorado park encompasses peaks of up to 14,000 feet in elevation, extensive swathes of tundra, glimmering lakes, and aspen-shaded streams home to black bears, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Prehistoric mammoth hunters roamed here for thousands of years, followed by the Ute and Arapaho people who summered within the current park bounds until the early 1800s. Today, Rocky Mountain represents the best of its namesake range—a place of stunning extremes and beauty, with enough trails, lodging, and dining options nearby to enchant every kind of traveler.
Below, we cover everything you need to know for a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park—from the best time to go, to the mountain hikes with views you won’t soon forget. Pay a visit, and you'll know why many consider if one of the best national parks in the US.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
How to get to Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is an hour-and-a-half to two-hour drive from Colorado’s major Front Range spots, including Denver, Fort Collins, and Denver International Airport. To reach the primary entrance at Beaver Meadows, on the park’s east side, take U.S. Highway 36 (from the south) or 34 (from the north or east). Or opt for the slightly longer, even more dramatic Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway, a worthy detour with excellent Continental Divide views running through the high elevations west of Boulder. You can also come in on the park’s quieter west side through the Kawuneeche Entrance via U.S. Highway 34, a convenient option for travelers driving in from the west. A few other, lesser-used entrance stations grant access to specific locations, such as Wild Basin and Longs Peak.
Entry permits
During the busy season from late May to late October, visitors must reserve a timed-entry permit through recreation.gov to enter the park during peak daytime hours. Sixty percent of permits are released in batches about a month ahead of time, while 40 percent become available the day before a desired start date. Two options provide access to different areas of the park. If you snag reservations for a campground or outfitted trip, then you won’t need to worry about a permit.
The best time to visit
The busy season at Rocky Mountain falls from summer into mid-autumn, and no wonder: July through October bring blooming wildflowers, (mostly) snow-free trails, golden aspen foliage, and active wildlife. The weather is typically lovely during this period, with warm, sunny days and crisp nights (though snow can begin falling in September, particularly in the high country).
Winter and spring (which looks a lot like winter) can also be wonderful times to visit for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and backcountry skiing, though you might be dealing with frigid temperatures, fierce winds, and abundant snow. The park’s main thoroughfare, Trail Ridge Road, usually shuts down between late October and late May, depending on the weather. By May, snow has typically begun to melt in the lower elevations, which are still around 8,000 feet, and wildlife babies, like elk and moose calves, can be seen grazing on the new greenery.
The best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park
It’s right there in the name: Rocky Mountain National Park is all about the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Soak it in by foot, car, horseback, snowshoe, or all of the above.
The scenic drive
Trail Ridge Road, the 48-mile high-alpine highway connecting the gateway towns of Estes Park on the east to Grand Lake on the west, has bragging rights as America’s highest continuous paved road—11 miles of it cruise above treeline, and its apex reaches 12,183 feet. Driving the whole thing delivers a sampler platter of Rocky Mountain’s highlights, from lush valleys to thick forests to wide-open mountain panoramas, but a trip from either endpoint to the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet will do just fine, too.
Hiking
To truly appreciate Rocky Mountain National Park, you have to get out and hike. About 350 miles of trails crisscross the park, from flattish strolls to harrowing mountaineering routes. Among the easiest is the 1.6-mile round trip to Alberta Falls, a powerful, 30-foot gusher that begins at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The one-two-three punch of Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes is justifiably popular, too. From Bear Lake, it’s only a half-mile (one-way) to Nymph Lake, a lily pad-dotted pool with views of jagged Hallett Peak. Continue another 0.6 mile to Dream Lake or another 1.3 miles to Emerald Lake for even better views.
Those looking to explore the tundra can head to 12,880-foot Mt. Ida, a gentle, walk-up peak with commanding views over remote alpine lakes. The 9.6 miles round-trip starts at Milner Pass at nearly 11,000 feet and climbs a rocky ridge line to Ida’s summit. You’ll need to be of a good fitness level, and have basic route finding skills and a clear weather window for this one.
Rocky Mountain’s high point, 14,259-foot Longs Peak, is the park’s most coveted summit—and it’s a whopper. The Class-3 Keyhole Route—meaning you’ll need both hands and feet to ascend the steep upper reaches—requires a predawn start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, 15 miles of hiking, and 5,000 feet of elevation gain. It's for fit, experienced hikers; Longs Peak is the crown jewel of the park.
Read our complete guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Horseback riding, fishing, and snowshoeing
Park trails look even better from a saddle. Hi Country/Glacier Creek Stables runs the only in-park horseback riding outfit, and offers two-, three-, and five-hour rides departing from Sprague Lake (which cost $110, $140, and $245 per person, respectively).
Fly-fishing in Rocky Mountain’s pristine lakes draws anglers like cutthroats to a woolly bugger. Most park waters are open to casting for brook, brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, with some of the best fishing to be found in the backcountry lakes. Kirks Flyshop in Estes Park offers gear rentals and a variety of guided trips.
Winter visitors can explore many of the park’s trails, too: Just strap into a pair of snowshoes and go. Tromp out to Mills Lake, a 5.6-mile round trip, for a classic quiet-season journey out of Glacier Gorge. Rangers also lead guided snowshoe treks on both the east and west sides of the park (free; reservations required).
Where to stay
Unlike some of the other marquee national parks, Rocky Mountain doesn’t have any in-park lodges—so if you’re dreaming of a night within park borders, choose one of the five car campgrounds. Our top pick: Aspenglen, a 52-site campground tucked into the pine forest near the Fall River Entrance ($35 per night; reservations required).
If you’re basing yourself in Estes Park, stay at the iconic Stanley Hotel. Famously known as the place that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining, this stately hotel has been catering to well-heeled guests since 1909. Options range from historic rooms to boutique-y renovated units to apartments. In Grand Lake, the rustic Grand Lake Lodge sits just outside the park boundary and offers lake views, a pool, and accommodations in both cabins and glamping-style jupe tents.
Read our full guide to the best places to stay in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Where to fuel up
Dining options inside the park are limited to sandwiches and coffee at the Café at Trail Ridge inside the Alpine Visitor Center, so plan on having your restaurant experiences in gateway towns, before or after the day’s explorations.
Estes Park’s dining scene features plenty of steak, burgers, and giant burritos, but several eateries elevate things a bit. Bird & Jim showcases locally sourced ingredients, an extensive wine list, and a bourbon-and-whiskey heavy cocktail menu. And the Stanley Hotel hosts not one but three restaurants, with upscale game meat dishes at Cascades Restaurant & Lounge, hot chicken and microbrews at The Post, and fancy pancakes at Brunch & Co. On the other side of the divide, Grand Lake’s Sagebrush BBQ & Grill earns its local-favorite status with an extensive menu of ribs, brisket, seafood, and wild-game sausage.
.jpg)
