Rocky Mountain National Park is one of those places that never gets old—and with scenic drives, wildlife encounters, stunning lakes, waterfalls, and trails for every skill level, there is always a reason to go back. Whether you’re building your first Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary or you’re a seasoned park visitor, this guide covers 29 adventures worth adding to your list.
Over the past 25 years of living in Colorado, my family and I have spent countless weekends finding things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is no surprise that the park consistently ranks among the top 5 places to visit in Colorado according to US News & Travel. That kind of staying power says everything you need to know.
30 Mountain Adventures for a Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
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If you live in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park has a way of becoming a regular weekend destination. My family and I have spent countless weekends exploring the park over the past 25 years and we still find new reasons to go back. Whether you’re needing tips for your first RMNP itinerary or adding new adventures to an existing list, this guide covers everything worth doing in the park. Check out my complete Colorado Road Trip guide for even more Colorado inspiration.
America the Beautiful Pass
If you visit national parks regularly, the America the Beautiful Pass is worth every penny. At just $80 annually it covers entrance fees at all national parks and federal recreational lands. Purchase yours at nps.gov before you go.
US 4th grade students receive the pass for FREE through the Every Kid Outdoors program — visit everykidoutdoors.gov for instructions.
US Military members receive the pass for FREE.
1. Drive Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States—designated as both a scenic and historic byway, it crosses the Continental Divide at just over 12,000 feet. The road is only open from Memorial Day through mid-October, and even then you may encounter snow and significantly cooler temperatures at the summit. If you only have one day in RMNP, Trail Ridge Road belongs on your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary.
Linking Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west, the road winds through the park offering some of its most dramatic scenery and views. Be sure to stop at the Alpine Visitor Center and take in the panoramic vista surrounding you—it’s one of those moments that makes the drive worth every mile.
2. Drive Old Fall River Road
After many years of living in Colorado, Chris and I finally drove Old Fall River Road—instead of the usual Trail Ridge Road—to the Alpine Visitor Center and then on to Grand Lake, and I’d absolutely add this to your RMNP itinerary. Before Trail Ridge Road was completed in 1933, Old Fall River Road was the only means of accessing the park’s high country.
If you drive it today, note that it is a one-way gravel road without guardrails starting at Endovalley. The road is 11 miles long with numerous switchbacks and a posted speed limit of 15 miles per hour—not the place to be in a hurry.
3. Stop at the Alpine Visitor Center
The Alpine Visitor Center, located along Trail Ridge Road, is the highest visitor center in the entire national park system—and the views from the parking lot alone are worth the drive. For an even better payoff, hike up the short hill to the elevation marker at 12,005 feet above sea level. It’s a popular spot for photos and a legitimate bragging rights moment.
If you happen to play the license plate game, the Alpine Visitor Center parking lot is a gold mine—visitors come from all over the country and beyond to experience this spot on their RMNP itinerary.
4. Drive Over the Top of the Mountain to the West Side of RMNP
Once you reach the Alpine Visitor Center, don’t stop there. The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park has its own set of hikes, lakes, waterfalls, and scenic roads worth exploring—and the crowds thin out considerably once you cross over. After exiting the park you’ll find the charming small towns of Grand Lake and Granby, both worth a stop and far less hectic than Estes Park.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park Photography
Taking pictures is one of my favorite hobbies—and even after dozens of visits to RMNP, I still discover new photo spots in Rocky Mountain National Park every single time. Whether you’re shooting with a professional camera or just your iPhone, the park delivers endless opportunities for stunning shots around every bend.
6. Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park has trails for every skill level—from easy lakeside strolls to challenging summit hikes that will test your legs and your lungs. You’ll find hikers of all ages on the trails, from parents carrying babies on their backs to older couples soaking in the scenery at their own pace. Picking just one favorite hike in RMNP is nearly impossible, but here are the ones worth adding to your itinerary:
- Alberta Falls
- Bear Lake
- Bierstadt Lake
- Deer Mountain Trail
- East Portal Hike
- Lake Haiyaha
- Lawn Lake
- Lily Lake
- Loch Vale
- Mills Lake
- Ouzel Falls and Ouzel Lake
- Ypsilon Lake
7. Picnic
Pack a picnic—Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the best picnic spots in the state, and eating lunch with that kind of scenery surrounding you is hard to beat. RMNP has captured my heart more than any other place in Colorado, and a slow afternoon at a picnic table with mountain views is a big reason why. Here are a few of the picnic areas scattered throughout the park:
- Sprague Lake
- Tuxedo Park
- Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
- Endovalley
- Hidden Valley
- Lawn Lake Trailhead
- Lily Lake
8. Discover Waterfalls
Waterfalls are one of the best surprises tucked into a Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary—and there are more than most visitors expect. Alberta Falls along the Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular, a family-friendly hike from Glacier Gorge Trailhead that leads to a thundering 30-foot cascade. Chris and I have also loved the waterfalls leading to Ouzel Lake in Wild Basin and Grace Falls on the trail from Bear Lake to Odessa Lake.
9. Explore Amazing Lakes
Many of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park lead to stunning alpine lakes—and the payoff is always worth the effort. Lake Haiyaha is one of my personal favorites, with turquoise water so clear it barely looks real. For your RMNP itinerary, mix in some easy access lakes like Lily Lake and Bear Lake alongside a few that will leave you breathless from both the beauty and the hike to get there.
10. Fish
Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park is a legitimate bucket list experience—but come prepared. Anyone 16 and older needs a valid Colorado fishing license, and it’s your responsibility to know and follow the park’s fishing regulations before you cast your line.
11. Join a Ranger-Led Program
Ranger-led programs are one of the most underrated additions things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Both the east and west sides of the park offer programs covering everything from birding and bighorns to fishing and ecology. Just make sure your timed entry reservation covers the time slot you want.
12. Become a Junior Ranger
If you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with kids, the Junior Ranger Program is a must. Pick up an activity booklet at any visitor center—there are versions for ages 5 and under, 6-8, and 9 and up. My girls loved working through the Junior Ranger booklets at every national park we visited, and RMNP is no exception.
13. Take a Tour
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of those places where a guided tour genuinely enhances the experience—and there are options for every interest and budget. From wildlife tours and photography excursions to guided hikes and scenic drives, a little expert guidance can help you discover parts of the park you’d never find on your own.
14. Stop at the Visitor Center
Don’t skip the visitor centers—they are genuinely useful stops on any RMNP itinerary. Park rangers are on hand at Beaver Meadows, the Alpine Visitor Center, Kawuneeche, and the Wilderness Office to answer questions and help you make the most of your time in the park. The Nature Stores at several locations are also worth a browse for maps, books, and park souvenirs.
15. Visit the Moraine Park Museum
The Moraine Park Museum and Amphitheater is a worthwhile stop on your RMNP itinerary—and easy to include since it sits along the Bear Lake Corridor, approximately one mile from the park’s administration building on US Highway 36. Note * A Bear Lake Corridor reservation is required, so plan ahead before you go.
16. Stop at the Willow Park Ranger Station (Patrol Cabin)
Built in 1923 for maintenance crews along Fall River Road, the Willow Park Ranger Station is a rustic log cabin that makes for one of the best photo spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is plenty of room to pull off along the roadside, stroll around the exterior, and snap some great shots. Just note that the cabin itself is not open for touring.
17. Visit Bear Lake
The nature trail around Bear Lake is one of the most accessible and rewarding stops on any RMNP itinerary—easy enough for all ages and packed with interesting stops along the way. Set off counter-clockwise to follow the interpretive guides published by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, which provide historical, natural, and geological information at 30 marked spots along the trail. The small booklet can be purchased right at the trailhead.
One important planning note: the Bear Lake parking lot fills up fast in summer and a special reservation is required to access the Bear Lake Corridor. Don’t show up without one.
18. Drive to Lily Lake
Lily Lake sits about six miles outside of Estes Park on Colorado Highway 7, still within RMNP boundaries—and it’s one of the most accessible stops on your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. The trail is fully accessible and perfect if you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with kids, making it an easy win for all ages and skill levels. When the water is calm, the reflections here make it one of the best spots for Rocky Mountain National Park photography.
19. Don’t Forget Wild Basin on Your Rocky Mountain Itinerary
Continue on Colorado Highway 7 past Lily Like to find an often overlooked region of the adventure wonderland of Rocky Mountain National Park called Wild Basin. There are numerous hikes in the Wild Basin area that take you to multiple waterfalls, an alpine lake, snowfields, and more of the best photo spots in Rocky Mountain National Park that few travelers see. The hike to Ouzel Falls passes by Cascade Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls; if you visit in the June when spring run off is still high, these falls are impressive.
20. Explore the Alluvial Fan
The Alluvial Fan is a beautiful cascading waterfall flowing through a dramatic boulder field—and its history makes it even more interesting. This area has been improved and then devastated by flooding multiple times, and that parking sign in the photo above tells the whole story. Once standing at normal road sign height, it’s now buried in debris—a vivid reminder of the powerful forces of nature at work in Rocky Mountain National Park. The area is still accessible by trail and worth the stop.
21. Meet People from All Over the World
Rocky Mountain National Park draws visitors from every corner of the globe—and some of the best conversations happen right on the trail. Chris and I regularly meet fellow travelers from around the world who have made RMNP a destination on their itinerary. We recently struck up a conversation with two gentlemen from Lucerne, Switzerland—and it turned out we had just returned from exploring their beautiful country. Small world, big mountains.
22. Ride Horses
To be fair, my family has never ridden horses in the park—but we see evidence of horses on the trails all the time. If horseback riding is on your RMNP itinerary, there are a number of stables where you can schedule rides in the park.
23. Spot Wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park
Wildlife sightings are one of the best parts of any Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary—elk, moose, bears, bighorn sheep, and more are all regular park residents. That said, keep your distance and under no circumstances feed the animals. And please—don’t be one of those people who jumps out of their car to get a closer look at a moose. I’ve seen it happen. It never ends well.
24. Add Camping to Your Rocky Mountain Itinerary
Camping is the only overnight option within Rocky Mountain National Park itself—and reservations are essential, especially in summer. Options inside the park include:
- Aspenglen Campground
- Glacier Basin Campground
- Moraine Park Campground
- Timber Creek Campground
- Longs Peak Campground
Prefer to camp just outside the park? There are plenty of options near Estes Park ranging from full-service RV parks to more rustic settings:
- Paradise on the River
- Elk Meadow Lodge/RV Park
- Hermit Park Open Space
- Spruce Lake RV Park
- Estes Park KOA
- Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Inn
- River Forks Inn
- Manor RV Park at Trout Haven Resorts
- Estes Park Campground at East Portal
- Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District
If camping isn’t your thing, vacation rentals in Estes Park and Grand Lake are worth exploring—just plan well ahead as availability disappears fast in summer.
>>Related Post: Things to Do In Estes Park, Colorado
25. Discover Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park
Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park is nothing short of spectacular—and the vibrant yellows of the aspen trees are the main event. While the color variety may not match some other national parks, the golden aspens more than make up for it. The road past the Alluvial Fan toward the Endovalley picnic area is one of the best photo spots in Rocky Mountain National Park and absolutely worth adding to your fall RMNP itinerary.
26. Go Sledding at Hidden Valley
While Estes Park doesn’t have a downhill ski resort like Breckenridge or Steamboat Springs, Rocky Mountain National Park has its own winter fun. What was once a small ski area at Hidden Valley is now the park’s designated sledding hill—the only place in RMNP where sledding is officially allowed. It sits on the east side of the park about 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrance Stations and is a favorite for families in winter.
27. Add Snowshoeing to Your Bucket List for RMNP
Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of those experiences that belongs on every winter RMNP itinerary. Whether you bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair from a shop in Estes Park, the winter scenery in the park is absolutely worth braving the cold. Chris and I snowshoed from Alberta Falls all the way up to Bear Lake—and I don’t think my heart has ever worked that hard in my life.
Just remember that RMNP sits at significantly higher elevation than most visitors are used to—come prepared with the right winter hiking gear and safety equipment before you head out.
28. Play in the Snow
One of my girls’ favorite memories is hiking to Alberta Falls on New Year’s Day and discovering the falls completely frozen over. We jumped off ledges, built a snow fort, and threw snowballs—and it cost nothing but a little effort to get there. Rocky Mountain National Park makes family memories in every season, but winter has a magic all its own.
29. Visit Estes Park
Estes Park is the Gateway to the Rockies and a worthy stop on any Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary—before or after you explore the park. US News & Travel ranks it among the best mountain towns to visit in the USA, and the main street is lined with shops, restaurants, and enough fudge and saltwater taffy to derail any diet. Speaking of which—the Estes Park Taffy Shop just topped USA Today’s list of the top 10 candy stores in the nation. Consider yourself warned.
30: Enhance Your RMNP Experience with a GuideAlong Tour
You made it to 29 adventures—here’s one more. The GuideAlong Audio Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park is a location-based audio tour that triggers automatically as you drive through the park, pointing out stories, history, and hidden gems you’d otherwise miss. Consider it your knowledgeable backseat tour guide — dad jokes included.
If you haven’t tried the GuideAlong Audio Tours (available for many national parks and scenic byways in the US, Canada and Australia), you are in for a treat.
Download the app today and bring GuideAlong on all of your road trips as you plan your Rocky Mountain itinerary. Consider giving the tours as gifts to family and friends as they set off on travel excursions of their own!
GuideAlong Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park
How To Get From the Denver Airport to Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most accessible major national parks in the country—and if you’re flying into Denver International Airport, you’re closer than you might think. The drive from DIA to Estes Park runs about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, making RMNP a very doable addition to any Colorado road trip itinerary.
Travel by Car
If you’re driving to Rocky Mountain National Park, the map above shows the most direct route from Denver and surrounding areas to Estes Park. Come prepared with a National Park pass and a timed-entry reservation if you’re visiting between May and October—both are required and sell out fast.
Travel by Bus
Prefer to skip the drive? The Bustang bus runs from Union Station in downtown Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park on weekends and holidays from late May through early October. The ride is about 2.5 hours each way—check ridebustang.com for current ticket pricing and availability.
A few important notes:
- Tickets must be reserved in advance to guarantee your seat
- You can exit in Estes Park near the east entrance or ride all the way to the Park & Ride inside RMNP
- From the Park & Ride, free shuttles serve Bear Lake and Moraine Park
- Want to explore Estes Park first and enter the park later? Book a spot on the park’s Hiker Shuttle
Hiking Gear for Mountain Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park
Before you hit the trails, make sure you’re properly equipped. Check out my Amazon Travel and Hiking Gear page for everything you need:
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Face Sunscreen: PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45
- Visor
- Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Hiking Boots
- Oboz Hiking Boots for Oboz Juniper Hiking Shoe Women
- Camelbak 3.0 Liter Hydration Pack Reservoir
- North Face Recon Backpack
- Electrolytes, Zipfizz, or Crystal Lite single serve packs
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I plan to visit Estes Park too?
Absolutely—Estes Park sits just outside the national park entrance and is worth at least a day of exploring on its own. Plan to stay a few days to experience both the town and the park without feeling rushed.
What is the Rocky Mountain National Park Reservation System?
Due to the park’s popularity, timed-entry reservations are required from May through October. Reservations are available through the park’s online system and sell out quickly—check the website for the current ticket schedule and snag yours as soon as they become available.
What do I need to know about the Bear Lake Corridor in RMNP?
Bear Lake Corridor requires a specific reservation separate from your general park entry. Note that having a reservation does not guarantee parking—use the shuttle system once inside the park to reach Bear Lake. A general park reservation allows you to visit everywhere in RMNP except the Bear Lake Corridor.
How many days do you need for an RMNP itinerary?
Two to three days gives you enough time to cover the highlights—Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, a few hikes, and Estes Park. A full week lets you go deeper into the backcountry and west side of the park.
What wildlife can you see in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Elk, moose, black bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and coyotes are all regular park residents. Fall is prime time for elk—the bugling season draws visitors from around the world.
What is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
Summer is the most popular season but also the most crowded. Fall is a favorite for fewer crowds and stunning aspen foliage. Winter and spring offer a quieter, more peaceful experience—just come prepared for cold temperatures and possible road closures.
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Finding Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park: Adventure Awaits
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national treasure—415 square miles of trails, wildlife, scenic drives, and adventures that never get old. After 25 years of visiting the park, I am still discovering new hikes and stumbling onto some of the best photo spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. Don’t forget your camera.
If you only have one day for your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, start with Alberta Falls—it’s accessible, stunning, and sets the bar for every hike that follows. Before you head out, grab my free Day Hike Packing List so you show up prepared for whatever the trail throws at you.
You may also love…
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- 30 Best Tips for Driving in the Mountains
- 25 Incredible Hikes in Colorado Near Denver
- 17 Best Places in Colorado for Family Travel This Summer
- 15 Hot Springs in Colorado: From Relaxing Resorts to Natural & Quirky Gems
Isn’t it the cutest town?
Hiking is a great activity for families. We love exploring the nearby mountains.
What a fun list of things to do! That slide looks so fun!
My oldest two are in their twenties, and they still love to go on the slide.
There is so much to explore in Colorado. We’ve been maybe 3-4 times and have barely scratched the surface! I would love to go back and spend more time exploring these wonderful places you’ve highlighted. Great post, as always!
Thank you. Colorado has so much beauty and outdoor activities to offer.
Wow, it’s incredible how much there is to do here! Outdoorsy vacations are always my favourite ones. This has a lot of potential!
We have always loved visiting RMNP. And yes, there is always something new for us to do.
National Parks in the States are a different game to what we have here in the UK. So much open space…ad the wildlife! I’d love to visit one day. To see a bear would be magical!
I love RMNP! I grew up going to Estes Park, CO with my family every summer so we’ve gone all through that area many times. It’s so beautiful! I’m glad you’ve had a chance to take your girls there as well. God’s beauty is evident all around.
I love the rocky mountains and am so blessed to live in MT! I will definitely need to check this park out one day!
Thanks for sharing! This is really a great and complete list. I’ve actually never been to Rocky Mountain National Park…which is odd as I love places like this. The hikes look so beautiful, especially the Lily Lake Loop. The reflection is so cool!
Thanks. It is a pretty amazing national park. My husband and I have enjoyed exploring more of it this past year.
Rocky Mountain National Park looks so incredibly beautiful with something for everyone to enjoy! The kind of place you could visit hundreds of times and still find a new area to explore.
Twenty years and we are still finding new hikes!
It’s awesome that after 20 years, you are still finding so many things to explore in Rocky Mountain National Park. I guess even if you do repeat some trails, so can go back in different seasons to see them looking totally different. 🙂
The whole area looks incredible and I LOVE the sound of those hikes.
Exactly. We did a lot of winter hiking this past year and now we want to see some of those locations in the summer, especially waterfalls.
We are still finding new hikes after 20 years!
I would love to see the fall foliage here! Great tips on hiking boots too.
Definitely a must-have to have good hiking boots.
Rocky Mountain National Park looks like a great place to explore! I’d love to tour the Stanley Hotel, I bet it is a fascinating place to visit! Thanks for the great guide!
This is a bucket list destination for me! Thanks for sharing.
We sometimes take living so close for granted.
I love visiting our national Parks as often as possible. I can’t wait to return to Rocky Mountain. Great post!
This post is so timely as we are heading to RMNP end of this month. Cannot wait to see fall colors (fingers crossed they show up by then!).
Perfect. The colors should be starting to change pretty quick.
Great post, the park sounds amazing!
Thanks.
Wow, this is incredible. I would love to go one day!
Everybody should plan to visit RMNP at least once.
So many great hikes to follow in the Rocky Mountain National Park! The ones around Lake Haiyaha and Lily Lake must be very beautiful!
Yes, they are amazing.
All these lovely hikes and cool winter activities sound so much fun! I’d definitely check out Rocky Mountain National Park next time I get to visit Colorado.
RMNP is great any season of the year.
One of the places that is on my bucket list since Colorado is one of my favourite states.
Agreed. A visit to RMNP is a must-do activity.
I can’t wait to visit this park again.
RMNP is one of the best.
Next time I visit CO, I’ll have to take more time to hike the Rocky Mountain National Park! So much gorgeous scenery!
Oh! I love hiking. It’s a great activity. Though I haven’t done it with family.
Oh, wow, those lakes ARE amazing! Great photos!
Great recommendations! Exploring RMNP in winter for snowshoeing and winter hiking often doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
I stay pretty up-to-date with all your posts, but I absolutely LOVE this one! When I was a kid I did the Junior Ranger Program out there and I thought I was sooooo cool hahahaha. There’s just so much to see and admire. As always, excellent photos! <3
I’d love to see waterfalls and discover trails. This is a national park I haven’t been to yet!
Such gorgeous pictures of the lakes especially! Your great post has inspired me to get outdoors! 🙂
These are great! I love visiting this area.
Woaah! The views are stunning and there are so many things to do!