Colorado
1 - 5 days
3 day
itinerary in
Rocky Mountain
Alluvial Fan
Alluvial Fan off Endovalley Road, waterfall cascading through boulder field.
Located off the road to Endovalley, the Alluvial Fan is a beautiful cascade of water flowing down through a boulder field.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake Road ends 9.2 miles. Short walk to Bear Lake. Spectacular scenic views.
Bear Lake Road ends 9.2 miles from the junction with Trail Ridge Road at the Parking Area for Bear Lake. From the parking area, take a short walk on a marked path to reach Bear Lake itself. Bear Lake offers spectacular scenic views of Bear Lake, Hallett Peak and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Beaver Creek Picnic Area
Quiet picnic spot in Kawnueeche Valley at Beaver Creek Picnic Area.
At the Beaver Creek Picnic Area visitors will find a quiet spot for picnicking in the scenic Kawnueeche Valley.
Beaver Meadows Entrance
Enter park via Beaver Meadows. Closest to Estes Park.
Enter Rocky Mountain National Park via the Beaver Meadows Entrance. This entrance is the closest entrance to Estes Park.
Beaver Ponds on Trail Ridge Road
Experience wetland environment at Beaver Ponds on Trail Ridge Road.
At Beaver Ponds on Trail Ridge Road visitors can see, hear, and feel one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s wetland environments.
Beaver Ponds Picnic Area
Visit peaceful picnic area near Kawnueche Valley for relaxation. No walking time.
Beaver Ponds Picnic Area is an excellent location to enjoy the peacefulness of the Kawnueeche Valley.
Bowen-Baker Trailhead
Easy access to meadow in Kawuneeche Valley, walking time included.
The Bowen-Baker Trailhead provides easy access to the meadow in the Kawuneeche Valley.
Bustang - Seasonal Transportation to RMNP
Bustang resumes service to Rocky Mountain National Park on weekends.
The Bustang is back and Rocky Mountain National Park is pleased to partner with CDOT again this summer. CDOT's Bustang to Estes Route will be providing summer seasonal transportation service to Rocky Mountain National Park's Park & Ride Transit Hub on Saturdays and Sundays beginning May 27 through October 1, 2023.
Colorado River Trailhead
Colorado River Trail Head gives access to many northwest park trails.
The Colorado River Trail Head is the access point for many trails in the northwest corner of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Deer Mountain
Deer Mountain, 10,013 feet, surrounded by aromatic ponderosa forest.
At 10,013 feet, Deer Mountain is encompassed in a forest of sweet-smelling ponderosa pines.
Endovalley Picnic Area
Pause for meal or solitude at Endovalley picnic area.
Stop at the Endovalley picnic area to enjoy a meal or quiet solitude.
Estes Park Visitor Center
Transit from visitor center to national park in Colorado.
Transit from Estes Park Visitor Center, located in Estes Park, Colorado to Rocky Mountain National Park
Exploring the Bear Lake Road Corridor
Gateway to scenic views, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, camping. Paved 9.2-mile road, elevation climbs to 9,475 ft.
The Bear Lake Road Corridor is a gateway to incredible scenic views, a variety of hiking trails great for all ages, spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities and camping. There is a reason the Bear Lake Road Corridor is one of the most visited areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake Road is a paved road that is 9.2-miles. It climbs in elevation from 8,200 ft (2,500 m) at the junction with Trail Ridge Road to 9,475 ft (2888 m) at the Bear Lake Parking & Trailhead.
Fall River Entrance
Enter park via Fall River Entrance on east side. Enjoy walking.
Enter Rocky Mountain National Park via the Fall River Entrance on the east side of the park.
Farview Curve Overlook
Sweeping valley views and the Never Summer Range overlook.varies walking時間
Enjoy sweeping views of the Kawnueeche Valley and the Never Summer Range from this spectacular overlook.
Forest Canyon Overlook
Forest Canyon Overlook, elevation 11,716 feet, stunning views. 5-minute walk.
At 11,716 feet, Forest Canyon Overlook offers a splendid panorama. Take a five minute walk down the paved asphalt trail to see Forest Canyon and its tributary canyons, Hayden Gorge and Gorge Lakes.
Gore Range Overlook
Gore Range Overlook offers views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
At 12,048 feet elevation, Gore Range Overlook offers spectacular views Rocky Mountain National Park’s highest peaks, the Never Summer Mountains, and the Gore Range.
Grand Lake Entrance
Enter park via Grand Lake Entrance, closest to Grand Lake.
Enter Rocky Mountain National Park via the Grand Lake Entrance. This entrance is the closest entrance to Grand Lake.
Harbison Meadows
Picnic area with covered and uncovered tables at Harbison Meadows.
This picnic area on the edge of Harbison Meadows offers covered and uncovered picnic tables.
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is ideal for families with picnic and restrooms.
Hidden Valley is a great place for families to explore. During the summer, this is Junior Ranger Headquarters, open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are multiple picnic tables located under a covered pavilion and a flush toilet restroom available.
Hollowell Park
Road to relaxing destination, picnic tables, views of Mill Creek.
Take this road to a relaxing destination with many picnic tables and excellent views of Mill Creek Basin below Longs Peak.
Horseshoe Park
Low-land meadow with lakes, mountain views, wildlife viewing.
West Horseshoe Park is a low-land meadow with small lakes, great views of the Mummy Mountain Range, and top-notch wildlife viewing opportunities.
Lake Irene Picnic Area
Ideal spot to enjoy park's ecosystem. Short walk to Lake.
The Lake Irene Picnic Area is an ideal location to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park’s sub-alpine ecosystem. There are several picnic tables available at this location and it is just a short walk to Lake Irene.
Lava Cliffs
Rare volcanic rock formation in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Lava Cliffs features a rare section of volcanic rock in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Many Parks Curve
Spot scenic vista on Trail Ridge Road, Rock Mountain National Park.
Get panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park! Along the Trail Ridge Road, use this pull out to see a scenic vista of ‘many parks’, meaning low-land meadows.
Medicine Bow Curve
Medicine Bow Curve offers views of Rocky Mountain Park and Wyoming.
Medicine Bow Curve provides a great location to view the northernmost areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Looking to the horizon, visitors will see the Medicine Bow Mountains and the state of Wyoming.
Milner Pass
Mountain pass at 10,759 feet with exceptional views and lake.
At 10,759 feet, this mountain pass has exceptional views of Poudre Lake, and is located on the continental divide!
Moraine Park
Views of Rocky Mountains, access via Bear Lake Road, walking time.
Get awe-inspiring views of the Rocky Mountains! Moraine Park is located and accessed off of Bear Lake Road.
Park & Ride
Enjoy scenic walks without traffic congestion and parking limitations.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery without the distraction and hassle of traffic congestion and limited parking.
Rainbow Curve
Stop at Rainbow Curve viewing area on Trail Ridge Road.
Along Trail Ridge Road, stop at the Rainbow Curve viewing area to appreciate a varied and spectacular view.
RMNP - Overview of Timed Entry Permit Reservations
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park, need timed entry permit and park pass.
Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 through October 22? All vehicles will need two things: a timed entry permit reservation (there are two options to choose from: a Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit) and a park entrance pass (including a 1-day or 7-day Vehicle Pass or an America the Beautiful Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or 4th Grade Pass).
RMNP Park & Ride Transit Hub
Rocky Mountain National Park Park & Ride Transit Hub.
Rocky Mountain National Park Park & Ride Transit Hub
RMNP Park Access Timed Entry Permit Reservations
Temporary timed entry permits available for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park will implement another pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system. There are two different reservation options available to choose from: Park Access or Park Access+. Park Access Timed Entry Permits are great for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, explore the Kawuneeche Valley, hike at Wild Basin or visit any area of the park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Bear Lake Road is excluded.
RMNP Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits Including Bear Lake Road
Rocky Mountain NP launches timed entry permit system, with two options.
Rocky Mountain National Park will implement another pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system. There are two different reservation options available to choose from: Park Access or Park Access+. Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits are great for visitors interested in visiting Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Moraine Park, or hiking on trails beginning at Glacier Gorge or other destinations located along Bear Lake Road, as well as providing access to other areas of RMNP.
RMNP Shuttle Routes
Hiker Shuttle: Estes Park Visitor Center to Rocky Mountain NP. Summer schedule: May 26 - October 22.
The Hiker Shuttle provides summer seasonal service to passengers departing from the Estes Park Visitor Center, located in the Town of Estes Park, to Rocky Mountain National Park's Park & Ride Transit Hub, located on Bear Lake Road, and back.  7-Day Service for the 2023 Summer Season is available May 26 through September 4.  Saturday & Sunday Only Service begins September 9 through October 22.
RMNP Timed Entry - Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for Rocky's Timed Entry Permit Reservation System explained here.
This place describes the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Rocky's Timed Entry Permit Reservation System.
Rock Cut
Stop on Trail Ridge Road at 12,110 feet, "Roof of the Rockies".
At 12,110 feet, this stop along Trail Ridge Road is on the “Roof of the Rockies.”
Sheep Lakes
Sheep Lakes near Fall River Entrance, walking distance to Horseshoe Park.
A few miles from the Fall River Entrance, Sheep Lakes offers a dramatic view of Horseshoe Park.
Trail Ridge Store
Alpine Visitor Center: highest in National Park Service at 11,796 feet. Watch for Trail Ridge Road status changes.
At 11,796 feet, the Alpine Visitor Center is the highest visitor center in the National Park Service! Extreme weather can change the status of Trail Ridge Road at any time—be ready to adjust your travel plans if needed.
Tuxedo Park Picnic Area
Picnic by river, relax, eat, fish, walking time optional.
Picnic by the river! Feel free to sit and relax, have a good meal, or even go fishing.
Upper Beaver Meadows Picnic Area
Stop at picnic area overlooking meadows with Continental Divide view.
Stop along Upper Beaver Meadows road to enjoy a secluded picnic area overlooking peaceful meadows with the backdrop of the Continental Divide.
View Fall Colors on the West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park
Fall in park: elk bugling, tundra turns red and purple.
Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park is marked by shorter days, cooler temperatures, bugling elk, and shifting colors. At high elevations, the alpine tundra is cloaked in deep red and purple hues as plants go dormant for the season. Across the park, deciduous trees like aspen and cottonwood adopt their gold and orange palette before losing their leaves completely.

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