Your Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Connie Blumenthal
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) covers over 415 square miles with more than 350 miles of hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide. If you're a seasoned hiker, we recommend spending at least three to five days to explore RMNP. Beware that crowds are largest during the summer months, especially July and August.If hiking isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other activities to fill your days. This itinerary is best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. Please also note that during this period, timed entry reservations are required to access the park.
Before we dive deeper, let's familiarize ourself with the geography:
Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved continuous road in the U.S. and cuts through the park from east to west.
Bear Lake Road runs into the heart of the park and allows access to some of the best trails in RMNP.
The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, including Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Isolation Peak, and many more.
To get an idea of the full experience and discover extra insider tips, be sure to visit these places on the Nature's Playbook app!
Things to Know When Planning Your RMNP Itinerary
Timed Entry System (there are two ticket types)
From May 23-October 19, 2025, you will need to make a reservation in advance to visit the park. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly fee per vehicle. Learn more on the official National Park Service website. Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation.
Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road: This permit allows access to all areas within Rocky Mountain National Park. It covers Bear Lake Road and the trails that begin there, including Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake. The permit is valid from 5 am to 6 pm.
Timed Entry (Excludes Bear Lake Road access): This permit allows you to explore all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, with the exception of Bear Lake Road. You can drive along Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, and hike to Longs Peak, Chasm Lake, and Gem Lake. The permit is valid from 9 am to 2 pm.
Courtesy of NPS
Elevation of RMNP
RMNP is one of the highest national parks in the U.S.. The elevations at the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600-9,500 feet. If you're coming from sea level, know that you might tire and get out of breath more easily. A number of hikes exceed 9,000 feet, with some reaching 13,000-14,000 feet. If you plan to tackle these hikes, make sure you've given yourself enough time to acclimate to the higher elevation and are staying hydrated.
Afternoon Thunderstorms
Always be prepared! Afternoon thunderstorms, especially during the summer months are very common–2pm tends to be the sweet spot for these. To be safe, plan to start your hike early in the day so that you are finished, or at least below tree line by 1pm.
Parking at Trailheads
Parking spaces at the most popular trailheads fill up very early in the morning. The parking lot at Glacier Gorge and the one at Longs Peak trailhead are usually full before sunrise. Although the parking area at the end of Bear Lake Road is sizable, it fills up quickly because it serves as an entry point to several popular trails in the park. If you plan to start your hike from this location, try to arrive by 7:30 am to secure a spot.
During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
Lake Haiyaha
Credit: Anna Bruce
Your 3 Day Itinerary for RMNP
Day One:
Morning: Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha, and Bear Lakes from the Bear Lake Trailhead
This 6.2 mile hike covers the heavy hitters and then some. This is a moderate hike passing by five lakes and taking roughly 4-5 hours to complete. If you're looking for a shorter hike, this route can be modified a number of ways. Pack snacks or lunch to enjoy when you reach Lake Haiyaha before returning to the trailhead. After a rockslide the color of Haiyaha can turn a milky tropical blue. Remember to pack-out all your trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Trail Ridge Road
Credit: Tami Roberts
Afternoon: Drive Trail Ridge Road
From Bear Lake Road turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. This is a 48 mile long road that connects Estes Park to Grand Lake, taking you into alpine tundra and up to 12,000 feet. It's also the highest continuous paved road in the U.S.. If you want to to learn more about the road's complex history and what led to It's creation, read this article.
Day Two: Odessa and Fern Lakes
If you are looking to escape the crowds and visit multiple alpine lakes, this is good hike to consider. Depending on the route you choose, the hike can be 7.5-10 miles. There's a good chance you'll spot wildlife, we saw a moose and multiple deer. Remember to keep your distance because while they may be friend shaped, they are not your friend.
Sky Pond Trail
Credit: Kyle Voigt
Day Three: Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge
Wake up early, as this will be a long yet stunningly beautiful day! The 8.6-mile hike to Sky Pond offers some of the most breathtaking views in RMNP. The journey starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Along the way, you'll visit several popular spots, including Alberta Falls, The Loch (also known as Loch Vale), Lake of Glass, and Timberline Falls. You can also opt for a side quest to Andrew's Tarn on your way back.
Explore Estes Park
Estes Park is the town at the base of RMNP and where you'll find lodging, restaurants, and plenty of ice cream shops. It's also where you'll find a number of breweries to quench your thirst after a long day on the trails.
Want more places to explore? Check out Nature’s Playbook for even more outdoor destinations and adventure ideas!
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