Article Overview: Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park you’ve come to the right place. I was part of a film crew tasked with shooting the most beautiful places in the park and as a result have basically seen it all in Rocky Mountain.
Situated in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park spans more than 400 square miles of jaw-dropping mountain beauty.
Alpine lakes, panoramic vistas, abundant wildlife, and vast forests comprise this high-elevation wonderland. Rocky Mountain embodies every aspect of “epic”.
In this article I’ll go over:
- Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Best Places to See in Rocky Mountain
- The Reservation Systems (yes there are multiple layers)
- Must See Sites in Rocky Mountain
Let me tell me you, Rocky Mountain National Park lives up to the hype. There is a caveat however. Nowadays visiting the park and having the best possible time requires some extra planning but not to fear, I’ve got all the details you need here.
Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
Table of Contents: Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
Table of Contents: Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
- The Rocky Mountain National Park Reservation System
- Things to Know Before Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
- Where to Stay at Rocky Mountain National Park
- Top 5 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Top 10 Best Things to Do at Rocky Mountain National Park
- Top 15 Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Top 20 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
- Summary of Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Map of the Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountain National Park Reservation System
Due to surging demand RMNP has instituted a timed-entry system.
What this means for you: Visitors trying to access the park between May 28 – October 11 must:
- Obtain a Timed Entry Ticket (follow the link to do so)
- Pay the entry fee for the park (all regular passes are accepted in lieu of payment)
If you plan to visit during a time between late October to late May, these rules does not apply to you and you may enter the park at your leisure. Always best to double check however prior to visiting in case of rule changes.
Bear Lake Road Permit (yep, another permit required)
When you go to the reservation system to obtain your Timed Entry Ticket you will be given two types of permits to choose from (if they’re available).
Option 1 is called Park Access with Bear Lake Road. This permit gives you the ability to access the very popular Bear Lake Road + the rest of the park. Bear Lake Road is the gateway to attractions like Sprague Lake, Storm Pass, Bierdstat Lake, Bear Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and more.
Option 2 is called Park Access, No Bear Lake Road which, as it says in the name, includes access to everything in the park except for the Bear Lake Road corridor.
For more information on the system you can check out the NPS Timed Entry page.
Rocky Mountain National Park Shuttle System
Hooray! Rocky Mountain is one of the all too few national parks that offers an alternative transportation system. However, the shuttle is currently only doing park and ride along the Bear Lake Corridor and not from the Estes Park visitor Center.
Here’s a current route map:
For more information on the Rocky Mountain shuttle system check out the NPS shuttle page.
Things to Know Before Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Entrance Fees
$35 per vehicle. But, if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at any national park) and gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.
Cell Service
Cell Service is not bad in the park, but as you get away from more developed areas around mountains and narrow gorges you’ll lose it.
Guide Book
Best Guide Book is this one by our absolute favorite National Parks Guides creator of all time.
Map
The best map for Rocky Mountain National Park is without a doubt this one.
Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park
I recommend flying into Denver and driving into the park through Estes Park. Please note the timed entry system mentioned above.
Don’t feed or approach wildlife!
Seriously, there have been problems here with visitors feeding or approaching wildlife that have resulted in serious, even fatal incidents. And, in many cases the animals involved have to be euthanized.
Be prepared for crowds.
It is one of the most visited national parks in the country after all. Thankfully, owing to the layout of the park, we’re not talking about Yosemite or Zion level crowds. But in the summer this park is bursting at the seams with tourists and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a campsite or empty parking space.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is in the fall. With the hectic and cramped summer season over and kids back in school visitation to the park tapers off and access becomes much easier. The fall also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including elk rutting season which is incredible to watch and listen to at Rocky Mountain.
Where to Stay at Rocky Mountain National Park
I recommend staying in the picturesque town of Estes Park which serves as the gateway to the parks most popular attractions. There are over 400 listed lodging options in the Estes Park but prices are known to soar during Summer. Here’s our favorite lodging option.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
1. Drive the Scenic Trail Ridge Road
Known as “the highway to the sky”, Trail Ridge Road is one of the greatest engineering feats in the entire national park system.
The road is 48 miles long and reaches a peak elevation of over 12,000 feet! 11 of the road’s 48 miles are above the tree line at over 11,500 feet high.
Trail Ridge Road is one of the most breathtaking roads in the world which is why it ranks so high on our list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This road offers unparalleled, panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains which were are typically only available to the most adventurous backcountry backpackers.
While you’re up there I highly recommend you check out the Alpine Visitor Center where the park service has some great exhibits and refreshments.
NOTE: Trail Ridge Road is closed in winter so plan accordingly.
Hiking the Alpine Ridge Trail
- Distance: .7 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Situated at an elevation of 11,976 feet the Alpine Ridge Trail is one of the highest trails in North America. Starting at the Alpine Ridge Visitor Center the trail itself is a short, scenic walk amongst the peaks.
The road up to Alpine Ridge is perhaps even more epic than the trail itself boasting one of the highest, if not *the* highest in the contiguous US.
Stretching your legs on this trail is a great way to experience the park at it’s high elevations and one of the unique aspects of Rocky Mountain.
2. Hike to Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes
One of the most popular things to do in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes hike.
This moderate hike starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and follows Tyndall Creek via the Emerald Lake Trail all the way up to Emerald Lake.
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700ft
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The first lake you’ll see is the smallest of the three, Nymph Lake, which is more like a pond. Dream Lake is a crowd favorite coming next with dramatic views of Flattop Mountain. Finally Emerald Lake appears at the 1.6 mile mark with steep walls all around.
In the winter and early Spring this hike is completely buried in feet of snow. As such it is primarily used as a Summer and Fall hike.
To get the above photo of Emerald Lake I scrambled up the right side of the canyon to a high vantage after reaching the trail’s end. I do not recommend doing this as the rock is loose and the terrain is dangerous.
3. Admire the Majestic Elk
The first time I visited Rocky Mountain National Park the elk were so prolific I figured the mayor of Estes Park was probably of that species. While that turned out to not be the case, it is almost guaranteed you will catch a glimpse of this majestic animal in the park.
In the fall, you can witness and hear the park’s elk population perform their famous bugling calls during rutting season. The strange calls of these massive animal’s is really something to see!
If you’ve got a wildlife lover in your party then elk spotting is a must on your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Best Places to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Moraine Park
- Trail Ridge Road
- Bear Lake Road
- Upper Beaver Meadows
- Horseshoe Park
- Kawuneeche Valley
4. Catch a Sunrise at Bear Lake
Bear Lake is one of my favorite places in the park to see a sunrise and one of the most popular things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The way the first light of the day hits Flat Top Mountain and moves down towards Bear Lake is breathtaking.
I recommend getting to Bear Lake at least 30 minutes prior to sunrise as you’ll have to park your car and then hike somewhere between a tenth and a quarter of a mile to the lake (depending on where you park).
Once at the lake it may take a little time to find the perfect spot to soak it all in! Even if you don’t make it for sunrise, Bear Lake is a great addition to your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park but be prepared for crowds later in the day!
Hiking Bear Lake Trail
- Distance: .7 mile
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
The Bear Lake Hike is one of the most popular hikes in the park and very accessible. The trail features magnificent views of Flattop Mountain as well as the surrounding peaks.
The distance from the parking lot to the lake is a few hundred feet. From there hikers can take a leisurely .7 mile stroll around Bear Lake.
I’ve hiked this trail in all seasons and prefer winter when the lake is frozen over and the signs are completely buried in snow. Bear Lake makes for a great and easy snowshoe trail in Rocky Mountain for the whole family.
5. See the Beautiful Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is one of the easy, popular things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many folks (myself included) consider it the most beautiful waterfall in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 230 feet
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
To access the trail hikers must use the Glacier Gorge Junction Trailhead. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks.
The Alberta Falls Trail, like many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, follows a creek (in this case, Glacier Creek).
If you’re a waterfall lover like me then add this one to your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Top 10 Best Things to Do at Rocky Mountain National Park
6. Camp Out Under the Stars
One of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park is spend a night under the stars. The park is home to some wonderful campgrounds and as such, camping is one of my favorite things to do here.
In the fall, during elk rutting season, campers are routinely serenaded by the wild bugle calls of the elk. You can also here coyote howls as well making for a truly unique and memorable experience.
My favorite campground in Rocky Mountain is Moraine Park due to it’s great proximity to everything and wildlife viewing opportunities (elk).
7. Hike to Odessa & Fern Lakes
Odessa & Fern Lakes are two beautiful high alpine lakes located within Rocky Mountain National Park and on many folks list of favorite things to do.
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1500 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult
The hike to Odessa Lake & Fern Lake is a moderate to difficult hike in Rocky Mountain National Park ascending more than 1400 feet of elevation gain over 7.5 miles.
The trail itself is quite scenic with access to fishing in the lakes and sees a lot less traffic. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds on busier days then add this hike to your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park!
8. Take a Leisurely Stroll by Boulder Brook
Boulder Brook is one of the best places to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park during the fall. The trail features spectacular foliage and follows an idyllic creek (Boulder Brook) for a couple of miles.
This trail is super relaxing with very few folks make it one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park to beat the crowds.
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1400 feet
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Along the way hikers are treated to a bevy of small falls and pleasant babbling from the brook. Another plus is that this hike is lesser traveled meaning you’ll probably have it to yourself.
Watch the Award-Winning Rocky Mountain National Park Video
ROCKY MOUNTAIN 8K is the culmination of several years spent filming in the rugged mountains of Colorado. Situated in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park spans more than 400 square miles of jaw-dropping mountain beauty.
Journey with us as we experience all four seasons of life high in the wild heartland of the continental divide.
RELATED: 25 BREATHTAKING National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip
9. Go Stargazing
Rocky Mountain, while not a designated dark sky park, is still one of the best places in Colorado (and America) for stargazing. On a clear night you can see unfathomable amounts of stars along with the milky way.
There are many great places throughout the park to soak in the night sky including the campgrounds and also the higher elevation spots like Trail Ridge Road.
Adding this to your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park will not be regretted!
10. See Sunrise at Sprague Lake
Sprague Lake is situated at 8,700 feet elevation and is a great spot to get acclimated to the elevation with minimal effort.
It’s one of the first things to do in Rocky Mountain for many folks as it’s a great activity for families and those looking for an easy, scenic jaunt to stretch the legs. Scattered along the trail hikers will find several picnic tables and benches for anyone looking for a rest.
If you’re lucky and get to the lake around sunrise you might even see a moose or deer taking a morning dip!
I’d say sunrise is the best time to see the lake as there are less people and the reflection on a calm day is mesmerizing. This is one of the easier additions to your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park as there is minimal walk required to get to the lake from the parking lot.
- Distance: .8 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Top 15 Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
11. Check out Upper Beaver Meadows
The Upper Beaver Meadows Trail is a beautiful area to visit in Rocky Mountain. In spring and summer the meadow fills with lovely wildflowers making for a beautiful display.
This area is usually calmer for those looking to escape the crowds and relax in the serene natural setting.
From the trail hikers have a great vantage of the surrounding mountains and peaks as well as some nice wildlife viewing including deer, elk, and even moose (if you’re lucky).
This is a great addition to your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park for families and folks seeking a little solace.
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
12. Hike to Sky Pond
A lot of folks consider Sky Pond one of the most beautiful things to do in Rocky Mountain. Breathtaking alpine scenery and some of the best views in the entire park is visible from the Sky Pond Hike.
- Distance: 9.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1700 feet
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
The trail itself is not easy so hikers will have to work for the views. At 9.4 miles long with over 1700 feet of elevation gain the hike will likely take around 6 hours to complete.
Those who complete it typically recommend it to family and friends as *the hike* in the park on account of the scenery.
13. See the Impressive Alluvial Fan
As one of Rocky Mountain’s most accessible things to do (featuring full wheelchair access) the Alluvial Fan Trail is a great hike to pop off and get a taste of what the park has to offer. In the fall this trail is a great easy access point to beautiful fall foliage.
The trail itself is half a mile long with two access points (East and West) with minimal elevation gain requiring about 15-30 minutes to complete.
With the new and improved boardwalk trail this is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park for families with young children and people with mobility issues.
- Distance: .5 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
14. Soak in the Views of Storm Pass
Storm Pass is my favorite place to photograph Rocky Mountain National Park as you get a great look at so many of the components that make this park special.
Flat Top mountain is the star of the show here with the surrounding forest in the Glacier Basin coming together to showcase the park at its finest. This area is especially stunning in the fall when the foliage displays are exploding across the valley.
The Storm Pass hike is really nothing more than a trailhead but offers some of the best views in the entire park, especially in the fall. With Flattop Mountain dominating the landscape and brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows ablaze, Storm Pass is always worth a stop.
For photographers this is an easy must to add to your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.
15. Consider Hiking Longs Peak
Longs Peak is the tallest and most prominent of all the peaks in the park representing one of the most challenging things to do in Rocky Mountain. My advice, if you haven’t heard of this hike before entering the park don’t try it this time.
The Longs Peak Trail
- Distance: 14.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 5000 feet
- Time: 7-12 hours
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
More than 60 people have died attempting to climb Long’s Peak over the years. The hike itself is a grueling, all-day affair with an ascent of over 5000 feet at high elevations.
Getting to the top requires scrambling over loose rock and there are many places on the trail where a slip would likely be fatal.
If you’ve done your homework and have prepared for the hike (both physically and mentally) then it can be incredibly rewarding offering some of the best views in Colorado.
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
16. Cub Lake Hiking Trail
Cub Lake is on the easier side of things to do near Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain. Elk are frequently sited on the hike as well as beautiful alpine scenery (some of my favorite in the park).
- Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The trail is 6 miles long with 700 feet of elevation gain taking about 2 – 3 hours to complete depending on your pace.
Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
3 Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
1st Day – Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
- Start your day by exploring the park’s east side, which is known for its stunning alpine tundra and abundant wildlife. Head to the Bear Lake Trailhead and take a leisurely hike around Bear Lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery and looking for moose and elk along the way.
- After your hike, head to the town of Estes Park for lunch and some shopping. Estes Park is a charming mountain town located just outside the park and is filled with great restaurants and boutiques.
- In the afternoon, take a drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest continuous paved road in the United States and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, make a stop at the Alpine Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s geology and wildlife.
- In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the park’s lodges or a local restaurant and then relax by the fireplace.
2nd Day – Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
- On your second day in the park, spend the morning exploring the park’s west side, which is known for its beautiful forests and waterfalls.
- Start your day by taking a hike to Alberta Falls, a popular destination located just a short distance from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead.
- After your hike, grab lunch at the park’s cafeteria or pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the park’s many scenic overlooks.
- In the afternoon, head to the Moraine Park Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history and geology, and then take a hike through the park’s beautiful meadows and forests.
- After sunset go stargazing at Bear Lake or Moraine Park
3rd Day – Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
- On your final day in the park, spend the morning exploring the park’s north side, which is known for its beautiful forests and lakes. Start your day by taking a hike to one of the park’s many beautiful lakes, such as Sprague Lake or Dream Lake.
- After your hike, grab lunch at the park’s cafeteria or pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the park’s many scenic overlooks.
- In the afternoon, head to the park’s Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history and geology, and then take a hike through the park’s beautiful forests and meadows.
Pin the Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
Summary of Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Trail Ridge Road
- Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes
- Bear Lake
- Elk Viewing
- Alberta Falls
- Camping
- Odessa Lake & Fern Lake
- Boulder Brook
- Stargazing
- Sprague Lake
- Upper Beaver Meadows
- Sky Pond
- Alluvial Fan
- Storm Pass
- Longs Peak
- Cub Lake
Map of the Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
Why Trust Us About Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park?
I’m Jim Pattiz and along with my brother Will, we make up the film-making duo known as the Pattiz Brothers.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.
Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
And a bonus! Tips for Visiting a National Park Responsibly
Permit Systems and Reservations
Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.
Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.
Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!
Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.
For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.
Practice Safety, Seriously
National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:
- Sticking to trails
- Checking the weather before going out on a hike
- Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
- Avoid ledges with steep drop offs
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very nice article
The only thing I would change about this is when you say ‘Hike to Emerald, Dream, and Nymph Lake’ I would also include Lake Haiyaha. It is a 4.2-mile trail (from the trailhead) and is just past Dream Lake. A few years ago, I probably wouldn’t have included it, but because of recent ‘glacial flour’, it caused the water to turn a stunning Greenish-Blueish that makes it my favorite of the lakes. I would definitely recommend this lake to anyone going somewhat close to the trailhead, as it will not disappoint, while also being the least crowded of the several lakes by a huge margin.