A trip to the mountains has a great way of putting life in perspective. John Muir once noted to his sister, Sarah, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” If you have ever visited the mountains, you know the draw they can have as you marvel at the grandeur of the peaks that surround you.
There are definitely things to know before visiting the mountains, especially the Rocky Mountains near me in Colorado! Discover tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park (aka RMNP) to ensure that your experience is awesome and measures up to the anticipation you feel as you plan your adventure.
35 FAQs & Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
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When our three girls were younger, Chris and I took advantage of our proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and visited often for picnics, adventures, and hikes. While our girls may have tired of our hikes and comments such as, “You are so lucky. People come from all over the world to visit these mountains and you live less than an hour away,” the sentiment still rings true.
A visit to RMNP is sure to introduce you to some of the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails, hikes, lakes, scenery, and waterfalls. Here are a few things to know before visiting the mountains, especially the Rocky Mountains near me!
1. First, Do I Need a Reservation?
Yes. One of the essential things to know before visiting the mountains is that the national park reservation system that became popular in recent years is here to stay. One of my top tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is to GET A RESERVATION. Without a reservation, you won’t be admitted into the park until much later in the day.
Rocky Mountain National Park has a timed-entry permit system that limits the number of people entering the park from mid-May to mid-October.
All timed-entry permits require an America the Beautiful Park Pass , a 1-day pass, or a 7-day Entrance Fee (payable in person or online).
There are two types of Timed-Entry Permits available from Recreation.gov for Rocky Mountain National Park. Be sure to visit the link to clarify ALL of the details.
Timed Entry
This permit allows visitors to visit the Alpine Visitor Center, drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road, enter Wild Basin, and explore the east and west side of Rocky Mountain National Park—EXCEPT for the Bear Lake Corridor—between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm MDT. Access is allowed to all visitors after 2 pm.
Timed Entry + Bear Lake Corridor
With this permit, you can visit all parts of RMNP—INCLUDING the Bear Lake Corridor—between 5 am and 6 pm MDT. The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular sections of the park and after entering the park with your timed-entry permit, you will go through a second entrance and must show proof of your Bear Lake Corridor permit. YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY WITHOUT A PERMIT.
2. Plan Ahead
If you are planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer months, you need to plan ahead. I love to visit the mountains near me, but I can only if I have a reservation. This is one of the essential tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park!
RMNP is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Not only will you want to make timed-entry permit reservation in advance, but you will also want to book a hotel room, reserve a campsite in Rocky Mountain National Park, plan to hike some of the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails, and schedule tours in advance.
Timed-entry permits are available on Recreation.gov on a first-come first-served basis following this schedule:
| Release Date | Reservation Dates |
| May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT | May 24 – June 30 |
| June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT | July 1 – July 31 |
| July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT | August 1 – August 31 |
| August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT | September 1 – September 30 |
| September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT | October 1 – October 20 |
In case you missed the first of the month deadline, a limited number of tickets become available at 7 pm the night before your chosen date of arrival.
3. Getting to RMNP
By Car
If you have access to a car or are planning to rent a car for your visit, the Rocky Mountain National Park map above shows the most direct route from Denver (and surrounding areas) to Estes Park.
By Bus
Ride the Bustang bus from Union Station in downtown Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park on weekends and holidays from the end of May until the first of October.
Tickets to ride the bus to RMNP are only $5.00 each way from Denver (also from Westminster and Boulder, and $3.00 each way from Lyons) and the ride is about 2 1/2 hours each way.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets must be reserved in advance. Plan to pay with cash? Be sure to select the “Pay Cash on Board” option as your ticket type when you begin the reservation process.
If you choose, you can get off the bus at the Estes Park Visitor Center or ride the bus all the way to the Bear Lake Corridor Park & Ride in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here you will transfer to the free Bear Lake or Moraine Park shuttles to explore more of the park.
If you choose to get off in Estes Park first but still want to enter the park later, you can make a reservation on the park’s Hiker Shuttle from the Visitor Center.
4. Parking in RMNP
There is parking available within the park and my best advice is to follow the directions of the rangers. Even though there is a parking lot at Bear Lake, if you aren’t in the park before 6 or 7 am, you likely won’t get a parking spot. When the rangers and signage suggest that you park at the Park & Ride, I recommend you follow the advice.
Chris and I ignored the advice a couple of years ago and figured we could surely find a spot at the Bierstadt Trailhead, the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, OR at Bear Lake. We were wrong; the lots were all full with people waiting for an empty spot to become available. Plus, the rangers were blocking entrance to all vehicles at the Bear Lake parking lot. So, we wasted a lot of time driving when we could have just parked in the Park & Ride lot and taken the shuttle. Live and learn. But now YOU know.
Tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park: Parking is not available along the side of the road unless posted. You will be towed.
5. Shuttle Bus Information
Bear Lake Shuttle Route
FREE shuttles are available from the Bear Lake Park & Ride along the Bear Lake Corridor and run regularly throughout the day beginning at 6:30 am. Stops are made at: Bierstadt Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake. The last shuttle of the day leaves Bear Lake and returns to the Park & Ride at 7:30 pm.
Moraine Park Shuttle Route
FREE shuttles are available from the Bear Lake Park & Ride beginning at 6:30 am. The stops for this shuttle include: Sprague Lake, Glacier Basin Campground, Hollowell Park, Tuxedo Park, Moraine Park Campground at the C Loop, Cub Lake Trailhead, and the Fern Lake Bus Stop (from our experience, this shuttle is not as regular). The last shuttle of the day departs from the Fern Lake Bus Stop at 7:30 pm.
Hikers Shuttle Route
The Hikers Shuttle provides service between the Estes Park Visitor Center to RMNP’s Park & Ride on the Bear Lake Road. Tickets are required.
Shuttle Schedule from the Visitor Center: 9 am, 9:45 am, 10:30 am, 11:15 am, 12 pm, 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:15 pm
Shuttle Schedule from the Park & Ride: 9:45 am, 10:15 am, 11:15 am, 12 pm 12:45 pm, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:15 pm and 6 pm
6. How Many Entrances are There Into RMNP?
There are four main entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Beaver Meadows Entrance – The main entrance from Highway 36
- Fall River Entrance – Entrance from Highway 34 (currently under construction)
- Wild Basin Entrance – This entrance is just as popular with visitors and is located 13.5 miles south of Estes Park off of scenic highway 7.
- Kawuneeche Entrance – This entrance is on the western side of the park just 2 miles north of Grand Lake on Highway 34.
7. Where Can I Stay in the Rocky Mountains?
Unless you plan to camp within Rocky Mountain National Park, there are no overnight accommodations in the park. There are plenty of options available in Estes Park as well as Grand Lake. You will need to plan in advance as you will often see many “No Vacancy” signs in the summer months.
Camping is definitely an option:
- 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
Camping options within Rocky Mountain National Park (with a reservation):
- Aspenglen Campground
- Glacier Basin Campground
- Moraine Park Campground
- Timber Creek Campground
- Longs Peak Campground
8. Is There Wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park?
There are so many times when Chris and I just shake our heads at the stupidity of tourists. One of the things to know before visiting the mountains is that they are filled with wildlife. Wildlife that can hurt you or kill you! We have watched people run after a bear just to capture a picture. C’mon people. IT IS A BEAR!
9. Is There a RMNP Self-Guided Tour?
If you have never listened to a GuideAlong Tour (formerly known as GyPSy Guide), you’re going to love this self-guided audio tour that you can listen to as you drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. It is humorous, educational, and self-starting once you have activated the tour you want to hear.
US West Tour Bundle – These tours include Arches, Canyonlands, Big Sur, Mount Rushmore, Capitol Reef, Death Valley, Glacier (Going to the Sun Road), Grand Canyon South Rim, Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam, and many more.
Northern Parks Bundle – Includes Beartooth Hwy, Black Hills, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Glacier, Olympic, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
There are many GuideAlong Tours throughout Canada, Australia, the US (including Hawaii).
10. What are the Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails?
Chris and I have hiked miles and miles on some of the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails, and we still seem to find hikes we haven’t tried yet. The hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are plentiful. You’ll find hikes for all ages and skill levels. What is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park? Can you really just pick one?
- 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 Lake
- Ypsilon Lake
11. Lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Ahhhh, the lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park are awesome, stunning, amazing…all the best adjectives! If I didn’t have mountains near me, I would still be planning trips to the mountains to see the beautiful lakes (and waterfalls)!
- Bear Lake – Features a walking path around the lake.
- Bierstadt Lake – If you plan to visit this lake, start your hike from Bear Lake. The hike up the side of the mountain starting at the Bierstadt Trailhead is a beast!
- Lake Haiyaha – Our favorite of the lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a clear turquoise blue and a perfect place to stop for lunch.
- Lily Lake – Lily Lake is about 15 minutes outside of Estes Park. The path around the lake is wheelchair accessible and offers easy exploration for families with young children.
- Loch Vale – To reach Loch Vale, hike to Alberta Falls from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. The junction for Loch Vale is also where you can choose the trail for Mills Lake and Lake Haiyaha.
- Mills Lake – The hike to Alberta Falls is a pretty easy hike with some elevation gain. Little kids do it all of the time. If you continue on to Mills Lake, the hike becomes a MODERATE hike.
- Ouzel Lake – Before you ever reach Ouzel Lake, you’ll pass by Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls—3 falls in 3 miles! Jackpot!
- Sky Pond – I will admit that I will not hike to Sky Pond again. I had no idea that I would have to scramble up the side of a waterfall, trying for handholds and praying that I wouldn’t slip. Fortunately, Chris went before me and reached down to help me up all along the way. PLUS, you’ll have to shimmy your way down the waterfall on your return trip! If you don’t mind a bit of adventure and thrills, this lake might just be the destination for you! It was just under 10 miles round trip with almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
- Ypsilon Lake – 2,100 feet of elevation gain is no joke. I read a review on the hike which said, “It is all uphill for the first 4.5 miles. After that, it is all downhill from there!” Chris and I finally made it to the lake and were happy to sit and rest for a bit. We ate lunch and noticed trout lazily swimming in the water right by the shore where we were sitting.
12. Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and Driving Trail Ridge Road
Did you know that Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States?
It has been designated as both a scenic and historic byway, Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide just over 12,000 feet.
The road is typically only open from Memorial Day through the middle of October, and even then you may encounter snow and much cooler temperatures. If you have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, driving Trail Ridge Road is a great way to see the beauty of the park.
Trail Ridge Road scenic byway links Estes Park on the east of Rocky Mountain National Park to Grand Lake on the west. The road winds through Rocky Mountain National Park offering some of the park’s best views.
13. Can I Still Drive the Fall River Road?
After many years of living in Colorado, Chris and I finally drove the Old Fall River Road (instead of Trail Ridge Road) to the Alpine Visitor Center.
Before Trail Ridge Road was finished in 1933, Old Fall River Road was how your reached the Alpine Visitors Center and traveled through Rocky Mountain National Park’s high country.
One of the tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and driving Old Fall River Road is noting 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. It is not a difficult drive and the slow speed allows you to enjoy the views along the way.
14. Alpine Visitor Center
The Alpine Visitor Center, located along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, is the highest visitor center in the national park system. The views are stunning. Even more so if you climb to the elevation marker at 12,005 feet. It is usually chillier at the visitor center, so be sure to bring a jacket or hoodie.
15. Be Prepared for the Altitude
One of the things to know before visiting the mountains is that the elevation may take some getting used to. Rocky Mountain National Park has elevations ranging from 7,860 to 14,260 feet (2,396 – 4,346 m). You may feel a little lightheaded, out of breath, or even a bit sick. Altitude sickness is real, but you can adjust by eating small meals frequently, drinking plenty of water, pacing yourself, and acclimatizing to the area for a few days before hiking. Be sure to consult your doctor if necessary.
16. Is There a Great Picnic Spot in RMNP?
You will want to plan for picnics within the park. Endovalley is a great spot. One of the tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is that there are no restaurants or small grocery stores within the park (with the exception of a small cafe next to the Alpine Visitor Center).
17. Are there Instagrammable Spots in RMNP?
I love the mountains near me because there are so many Instagrammable spots! You’ll love pictures from any of the waterfalls, lakes, and marked viewpoints along Trail Ridge Road.
>>Related: Discover Inspiring Hiking and Mountain Quotes for Instagram
18. Is There a Ski Resort in RMNP?
There is no official downhill ski slope as you might find in Breckenridge or Steamboat Springs, but there is skiing within the park if you love backcountry or cross-country skiing. There used to be a small ski area at Hidden Valley, but it closed many years ago and has been since replaced by a sledding hill.
Tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park: “The only place in Rocky Mountain National Park where sledding is allowed is on the sledding hill at Hidden Valley, located on the east side of the park about 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrance Stations.” ~ NPS
19. What are the Best Waterfalls in RMNP?
- Alberta Falls
- Copeland Falls
- Calypso Cascades
- Ouzel Falls
- Chasm Falls
- Adam Falls
20. What is the Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain is one of the most popular parks within the National Park System with over 4.5 million visitors every year.
Springtime
The park is just beginning to come alive. If you find spring has arrived in Denver, Colorado, you may be surprised that spring is a month or so behind in the park. Many of the best Rocky Mountain National park trails will still be covered in snow and Trail Ridge Road will not be open yet.
Summer in the Park
Summer, July in particular, is the most popular time to visit the park. The reservation system helps to manage the number of visitors that the park can accommodate. This is a perfect time to see the wildlife and wildflowers. Hiking trails are open and the waterfalls are running strong.
Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park
Fall foliage in RMNP is stunning. While the colors aren’t always as varied as in other national parks, the vibrant yellows of the aspen trees in Rocky Mountain National Park can’t be missed.
Winter
RMNP is still open in the winter. The bonus is that you do not need a reservation between mid-October and mid-May. Prepare for the cold temperatures with appropriate winter clothing for you and gear for your vehicle.
21. What is the Closest Town to RMNP?
Estes Park is the gateway to RMNP on the east and Grand Lake is on the west side of the Rocky Mountains.
22. Is Rocky Mountain National Park a Good Family Destination?
100% Yes. Our family has loved visiting the park over 20 years for picnics, for scenic drives, for wildlife spotting, for hikes, and for the waterfalls. It is nice to have mountains near me that allow for an afternoon getaway.
23. Can I See Rocky Mountain National Park in One Day?
Definitely. If you are on a national park road trip and have allotted only one day to visit RMNP, there is still plenty to see and do. I highly recommend the RMNP GuideAlong self-guided audio tour as you will definitely get to see the highlights of the park as you drive through it. Be sure to get a reservation in the summer months.
24. What are Some of the Lesser Known Spots of the Park?
- Wild Basin
- Lumpy Ridge
- East Inlet
- Lily Lake
25. What Outdoor Adventures Are Available in the Park?
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Jeep Tours
- Wildlife Spotting
- Fishing
- Camping
- Scenic Drives
- Picnics
- Photography
- Ranger Led Programs
Things to Know Before Visiting the Mountains
26. Prepare for the Weather
Snow is a possibility throughout the year in Rocky Mountain National Park; many people arrive unprepared. In the middle of summer, one of the things to know before visiting the mountains is to bring jackets and rain gear. When Chris and I hike in the summer months, we always bring a rain jacket, waterproof backpack cover, and light jacket. The weather can change within a matter of minutes.
27. Check Your Mountain Driving Skills
What are some things you should know before driving in the mountains?
- Bring food and water.
- Fill your gas tank before you leave and keep your vehicle well maintained.
- Pack a first aid kit.
- Have a roadside emergency kit.
- Check the weather before you leave.
- Download maps.
- Follow signage.
28. Drink Lots of Water
According to Camelbak, “Drinking enough water can mean the difference between feeling good on the mountain and feeling just blah, or even really bad…From skiing in Colorado to camping in Utah or summiting the great Denali, high altitude can affect your physical and mental condition. High altitude dehydration is one of the most common challenges you may experience.”
29. Wear Sunscreen
I am a big proponent of wearing sunscreen—whether hiking in the mountains near me or at the beach!
30. Dress in Layers
Whether you are visiting the park in the summer months or the winter, dressing in layers is always good advice. Chris and I often see tourists totally unprepared for the hiking conditions within the park…imagine flip flops and heels!
31. Be Prepared When You Hike
If you want to know what to bring when you hike, these articles offer great tips:
32. Download Maps for Hiking Before You Enter the Park
Be sure to download maps for hiking before you enter the park! Another good suggestion is to also make sure your park reservation is downloaded before you reach the entrance to the national park. Cell service can be spotty there.
If you use an app such as AllTrails, make sure you download your maps in advance so that they will work for you while offline.
33. Check the Rules for Pets
If you love to travel with your pets, note that dogs and pets are NOT allowed on any of the national park hiking trails. Chris and I notice that lots of people like to break this rule. Your pets are limited to your car, some park roads, some picnic areas, and some campgrounds.
Read more about visiting the park with dogs (service dogs as well) to understand the rules and why they are in place.
34. There is Limited Cell Service
Cell coverage in the mountains can be limited. If you plan to use your phone for navigation, be sure to download maps in advance. Let family members know where you are and when you plan to return. A cell tower has been added in the Bear Lake area which has significantly improved reception.
35. Leave No Trace
Your motto should be to leave the mountains better than you found them! Stay on the trail, pick up your trash, and avoid stepping on small plants off the trail.
Gear for Hiking the Best Rocky Mountain National Park Trails
Check my Amazon Travel and Hiking Gear page!
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Face Sunscreen: PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45
- Visor
- Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Hiking Boots
- Oboz Hiking Boots for Women
- Camelbak 3.0 Liter Hydration Pack Reservoir
- North Face Recon Backpack
- Electrolytes, Zipfizz, or Crystal Lite single serve packs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Dogs are limited to park roads, picnic areas, and some campgrounds. Dogs are NOT ALLOWED on trails within the park. There are exceptions for service dogs. Read the rules for visiting the park with dogs.
Are there bears in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Some. RMNP does not have a large bear population as it is not an ideal bear habitat.
What are the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Hike
Fish
Camp
Enjoy scenic drives
Spot wildlife
Take pictures
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Final Thoughts on 35 Essential Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
The mountains near me are known for some of the best Rocky Mountain National park trails, lakes, waterfalls, and scenic byways. If you have a chance to visit, be sure to take note of the tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park—#1 tip is to GET A RESERVATION!
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Very detailed post with lots of tips you have written. I find it interesting that you need to book a spot to visit a national park.
I can’t believe you’ve seen people in flip flops and heels for hiking!
There was a LOT of effort put into this post! Thanks for sharing so much. I visited RMNP with my grandparents when I was in middle school and it’s one trip I never forgot. It’s so beautiful out there!
First of all, these photos are BEAUTIFUL! Colorado is one of my absolute favorite states in the US and I enjoy spending time there tremendously. However, I’ve yet to visit this park and I’d love to, it looks peaceful and beautiful. Thank you for all of these helpful tips!
This is such a comprehensive guide to fully prep for a trip to the Rockies! I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the Rockies in person yet, but this will certainly be helpful when I do!
Nice exhastive post with lots of tips!
This is really a well laid out post. Great information. I’ve been to RMNP but would love to go again…but off season. I hope to visit late fall maybe. Your photos are beautiful too. I’m saving!
What gorgeous views! 😍
That’s a lot of info! Beautiful park. Been there many times. Love seeing the moose, elk, and many lakes
Such an awesome place to visit. When I go I will remember your advice to make a reservation, otherwise we won’t get in till late. I think I would choose to go by bus, as the drive might be overwelming.
Looks like a beautiful place , pictures are great too. Thanks for sharing the detailed information
I would love to try horseriding and fishing here 🙂
I love that there are so many bus and shuttle options to get to the park. The fewer vehicles the better, for so many reasons. I’m sad, though, that pets are so limited in the park. I’m sure there are compelling reasons, but parks, hiking trails, and campsites are always on doggy bucket lists!
You covered everything I need to know about visiting the Rocky Mountains. I considered going there when I was younger, but now I know it won’t happen. But it does look like a beautiful place to visit.
We have visited a lot of National Parks but have missed Rocky Mountain National Park so far. So it was great to read some tips to help when we plan and take our first visit there. Love that there are some great spots to stay close to the park so that we could visit for a few days.