Quick Info
Distance: 45 minutes to the park entrance via Highway 36. Highlights: Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, alpine tundra, wildlife. Season: Year-round, but Trail Ridge closes in winter. Note: Timed entry reservations required during peak season.
Rocky Mountain National Park is Boulder's grand backyard. The 45-minute drive via Highway 36 through Lyons puts you at the park entrance, with access to some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the lower 48. For day trippers, the proximity is remarkable - you can have breakfast on Pearl Street and be above treeline by mid-morning.
The park offers everything from drive-through scenic experiences to challenging summit hikes. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at over 12,000 feet, passing through alpine tundra that feels more like Tibet than Colorado. Bear Lake provides accessible hiking with mountain views. And if you're ambitious, Longs Peak awaits - the park's signature fourteener.
Getting There
Highway 36 route: From Boulder, take Highway 36 northwest through Lyons to Estes Park, then continue into the park. This is the most direct route, about 45 minutes to the Beaver Meadows entrance. The drive through Lyons is pleasant, following the St. Vrain River into the foothills.
Peak-to-Peak route: For a longer, more scenic approach, take Highway 119 to Nederland, then Highway 72 north to Estes Park. This adds an hour but delivers spectacular mountain driving. Good for visitors who want to make the journey part of the experience.
Reservations required: During peak season (typically late May through mid-October), you need a timed entry reservation for the most popular areas. These release on Recreation.gov and can sell out quickly. Without a reservation, enter before 9 AM or after 3 PM when restrictions lift.
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is the park's signature drive - 48 miles crossing the Continental Divide with 11 miles above treeline. At the highest point (12,183 feet), you're in genuine alpine tundra, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and fragile high-altitude vegetation. Pull-offs with interpretive signs explain the unique ecosystem.
The road is typically open from late May through October, weather permitting. Early and late season may see temporary closures for snow clearing. Check current conditions before planning a Trail Ridge day.
Even if you don't hike, the drive alone is worth the trip. The transition from forest to tundra is dramatic, and the views from Alpine Visitor Center and the various overlooks provide mountain experiences without requiring physical effort.
Day Hikes
Bear Lake area is the most popular hiking zone, with trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging climbs. The Bear Lake loop is flat and scenic (0.8 miles). Emerald Lake (3.6 miles round trip) passes Nymph and Dream Lakes. Sky Pond (9 miles) is one of the park's most rewarding full-day hikes.
Glacier Gorge offers similarly spectacular terrain with slightly fewer crowds. The hike to Alberta Falls (1.6 miles) is an excellent family option. Mills Lake (5.6 miles) delivers classic Rocky Mountain scenery with fewer people than the Bear Lake corridor.
Tundra walks from Trail Ridge Road provide high-altitude experiences without serious hiking. The Alpine Ridge Trail from the Alpine Visitor Center is a short, steep path to 12,000+ feet. The Ute Trail descends from the road toward the forest, offering tundra walking at a gentler grade.
Longs Peak is the park's only fourteener and a serious undertaking - 15 miles round trip with 5,000 feet of gain. Most parties start at 3 AM to summit before afternoon storms. This is not a casual day hike; it requires preparation and experience.
Day Trip Tips
Start early. The parking lots at Bear Lake and other popular trailheads fill by 8 AM on summer weekends. Earlier starts mean better parking and fewer crowds on trails.
Dress in layers. At high altitude, temperatures drop quickly. Even on warm summer days, Trail Ridge Road can be 30 degrees colder than Boulder. Wind is constant above treeline.
Watch for wildlife. Elk are common, especially near meadows in early morning and evening. Moose inhabit the western side of the park. Bears are present but rarely seen.
Respect the altitude. Many hikes start at 9,000+ feet and climb higher. If you're from sea level, the air is noticeably thin. Take it slower than you would at home and drink extra water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park?
During peak season (late May through mid-October), yes. Timed entry reservations are required for the Bear Lake corridor and for driving Trail Ridge Road. Book in advance on Recreation.gov or arrive outside reservation hours.
How long does the Trail Ridge Road drive take?
About 2-3 hours if you stop at overlooks and the Alpine Visitor Center, which you should. It's not a drive to rush - the scenery and pull-offs are the point.
What's the best hike for beginners?
Alberta Falls (1.6 miles round trip) or the Bear Lake loop (0.8 miles). Both are relatively easy with rewarding payoffs. Dream Lake adds more distance but stays moderate.
Should I stay in Estes Park instead of Boulder?
If you want multiple days in the park, Estes Park puts you at the entrance. For a day trip, Boulder works well and offers more dining and evening options.