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Dramatic mountains, an abundance of wildlife, and extensive trail systems – it’s no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park is so popular. Coming in at 4.7 million visitors in 2019, it ranked third out of all the national parks in terms of total visitors. There are plenty of pictures online, but the best way to experience Rocky Mountain is up close and in person. Keep reading for everything you need to know when planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park!
When to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain provides a different experience depending on which season you go! When planning a trip to Rocky Mountain, the time of year you’ll want to visit depends on what you’re interested in seeing and doing, as well as how crowd-averse you are.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is peak season in Rocky Mountain. Although this is probably the best weather for hiking and exploring the park, be warned that you’ll be battling crowds. As far as weather goes, average highs range from low- to upper-70s and lows average in the 40s.
Summer is wildflower season, so if you’re hoping to see colorful, flower dotted scenery this is the time to go. This is also the best time of year to spot bighorn sheep.
Fall (September – November)
Fall is the second busiest time in the park. The weather is still gorgeous, with average highs in the mid-40s to low-70s, and average lows in the low-20s to upper-30s.
Early in the fall you can catch the aspens changing from green to a beautiful golden color. Additionally, this is the best time of year to spot elk.
Winter (December – February)
December through February is historically the slowest time in the park. Temperatures are low – average highs during this season range from the high-30s to the mid-40s, with average lows in the teens and 20s.
Although it’s chilly, this is still an amazing time to see Rocky Mountain. There is something so magical about being surrounded by the snow covered mountaintops and trees. There is still plenty of wildlife to see and crowds are smaller so you can explore the park without as many concerns about parking or packed trails.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is typically more crowded than the winter, but not as busy as summer or fall. Weather can be unpredictable in the spring, with snowstorms in May not at all uncommon. Average spring temperatures range from the highs in the mid-40s to low-60s and lows in the low-20s to low-30s.
In the spring, you can catch the early wildflowers at lower elevations and see the other foliage in the park coming back to life. May is also a good month to spot bighorn sheep.
Cost
- Automobile one-day pass (per vehicle): $25
- Walk in or bicycle one-day pass (per person): $25
- Motorcycle one-day pass (per motorcycle): $25
- Annual pass for Rocky Mountain National Park: $70
- Annual pass for all U.S. national parks: $80
Additionally, there are pass options for special groups, such as U.S. military, families with 4th grade students, seniors, national park volunteers, and more.
The annual pass for all U.S. national parks is your best deal, as it pays for itself after only a few uses. If you’re planning on spending more than a couple days in any national park over the course of a year, this is the way to go.
Where to Stay
There are multiple entrances to the park in both Estes Park and Grand Lake, but I recommend staying in Estes Park. Estes Park has more options as far as food and lodging, and is on what is typically thought of as the more scenic side of the park.
Stanley Hotel: This gorgeous, historic hotel is the place that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. The Stanley Hotel is located in the center of Estes Park and is close to most dining options. The hotel is full of character and is one of the nicer places to stay near Rocky Mountain.
YMCA of the Rockies: The YMCA of the Rockies is one of the closest options to the park entrance. Lodging options include both cabins and hotel rooms. In addition to its close proximity to the park, the YMCA itself has tons of free and paid activities.
The Estes Park Resort: Located along the shores of Lake Estes, the Estes Park Resort combines modern furnishings with all the coziness of a mountain lodge.
Fall River Village Resort: Fall River Village Resort is a short walk from Downtown Estes Park and provides log cabin feels with a modern twist. Each condo comes with a fully equipped kitchen, so if you prefer to cook for yourself, this is the place to stay!
What to Eat / Drink
Despite being a small town, Estes Park has a lot to offer when it comes to food and drink.
- Bird & Jim: Open for lunch and dinner, Bird & Jim is one of the best dining choices in Estes Park. Everything from the service to the food and drinks is incredible. Make sure to try the pheasant chowder!
- Scratch Deli & Bakery: Scratch Deli & Bakery is near Rocky Mountain’s Beaver Meadows entrance, and is open for breakfast and lunch. All bread and pastries are freshly made in-house. This is a great choice
- Notchtop Bakery & Cafe: Notchtop serves classic breakfast and lunch items, with a focus on local and organic ingredients, and options for most dietary needs.
- Coffee on the Rocks: Coffee on the Rocks has good food and beverages, and a large outdoor patio with excellent views. Stop here on your way into Rocky Mountain, or stay a while and enjoy sitting outside next to the duck pond.
- Kind Coffee: Kind Coffee is located in the heart of Downtown Estes Park along the riverwalk. This coffee shop has an extensive drink menu that’s not limited to just coffee. Ingredients are generally sustainable and organic.
- The Whiskey Bar at Cascades Restaurant: Tucked inside the historic (and haunted) Stanley Hotel is the best cocktail bar in Estes Park. Despite the name, drinks aren’t just limited to whiskey. Choices include spirits of all kinds, as well as a wide selection of wines and local beers.
What to Do
Scenic Drives
If you only have a day in Rocky Mountain National Park, take the time for one of the scenic drives.
Old Fall River Road
Old Fall River Road was first opened in the early 1920s. The 11 mile, unpaved road is one-way uphill. Expect plenty of switchbacks and no guard rail – this narrow passage is not for those who are nervous around heights. If you’re up to the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with an up close look at nature without having to leave your car. This is an excellent drive for spotting wildlife and elk in particular are known to frequent the area.
Typically starting the first Monday in October, the road closes to vehicles for the season.
Trail Ridge Road
Stretching from Estes Park to Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road connects the east and west sides of Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the 48 mile road, drivers will climb around 4,000 feet in only a few minutes. As the elevation changes, so does the surrounding terrain. Lower elevations are surrounded with lush forests of aspen and pine trees, while the highest elevations are well-above tree line and are pure alpine tundra.
Due to snowfall, portions of Trail Ridge Road are closed to vehicles during the winter.
Hiking
When planning a trip to Rocky Mountain, make sure to include some hikes. Trails range anywhere from 0.5 miles to 10.0 miles and more, with all kinds of scenery. Whether you want to see majestic mountain peaks, quiet meadows, or anything in between, there truly is something for everyone. In the winter, snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy many trails in spite of the snow.
Here’s a full post on my 12 favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, or book a guided hike!
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding provides a unique perspective of the park unlike what you would get by foot or by car.
There are two stables located within the park that offer trail rides: Glacier Creek Stables and Moraine Park Stables. Trail rides range from 30 to 120 minutes and are a great way to see parts of Rocky Mountain that are less accessible by foot.
See Estes Park and Grand Lake
While in the Rocky Mountain area, take the time to see the surrounding towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Both have quaint downtown areas that are worth browsing. It’s also common to spot wildlife strolling the towns.
Wildlife Watching
Rocky Mountain has excellent wildlife watching! Simply driving around the park you can expect to see deer and elk. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a moose or bear. In the alpine and subalpine areas, pikas and marmots can be spotted, typically among the rocks. In general, dawn and dusk are when animals are most active, so this will be the best time to wildlife watch.
If you’re wildlife watching from your car, make sure to pull off the road before stopping so that you don’t block traffic. Also, remember not to feed the animals. Pikas are really cute, but they don’t need a bite of your granola bar.
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
The aerial tramway starts in Estes Park and carries passengers to the summit of Prospect Mountain. Over a matter of minutes, the tramway climbs approximately 1,100 vertical feet. Along the way, there are panoramic views of the town, the Continental Divide, and mountain peaks, such as Longs Peak.
What Else to Know Before Planning a Trip to Rocky Mountain
Elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park range from 7,860 feet to over 14,000 feet. If you aren’t used to higher elevations, altitude sickness can hit you hard. To avoid altitude sickness and its trip-ruining effects, drink plenty of water, take it easy, and watch your alcohol intake. If you’re out hiking, be aware that you are likely to get fatigued faster than usual.
Weather within the park fluctuates dramatically, especially between lower and higher elevations, and all four seasons can happen in the same day. It might be a beautiful summer day when you enter the park, but windy and blustery the higher you climb. Rainstorms can also appear out of nowhere. When planning a trip to Rocky Mountain, make sure to pack some extra gear in case of cold or damp weather, and be mindful of changing conditions.
Are you planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? What are you most looking forward to seeing?
