Quick facts: Entry fee is $30 per vehicle (7-day pass). Timed entry reservations required May-October. Trail Ridge Road reaches 12,183 feet—the highest continuous paved road in the US. About 70 miles from Denver (90 minutes without traffic). Best accessed through Estes Park on the east side or Grand Lake on the west.
Overview
Rocky Mountain National Park covers 265,000 acres of mountain wilderness along the Continental Divide. The park contains 77 peaks over 12,000 feet, including Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. Over 350 miles of hiking trails range from easy lakeside walks to challenging summit climbs.
The park is one of America's most visited, with over 4 million annual visitors. Most come during summer and early fall. The east side (Estes Park entrance) sees the heaviest traffic.
Getting There
From Denver, take I-25 north to US-36 through Boulder, then continue on US-36 to Estes Park. The drive takes about 90 minutes without traffic. The main east side entrances are at Beaver Meadows and Fall River.
The west side via Grand Lake is quieter but farther from Denver (about 2.5 hours via I-70 and US-40). Trail Ridge Road connects both sides when open (typically late May through mid-October).
Timed Entry Reservations
From May through October, timed entry permits are required to enter the park during peak hours (typically 5am-6pm for the Bear Lake corridor, 9am-3pm for the rest of the park). Reservations release 30 days in advance and sell out quickly for summer dates.
Entry before 5am or after 6pm does not require a reservation. Visitors with camping reservations or backcountry permits don't need separate timed entry permits.
Trail Ridge Road
The park's signature drive climbs to 12,183 feet, spending 11 miles above treeline. The road typically opens late May and closes mid-October depending on snow. Allow 3-4 hours for the drive with stops at overlooks. Weather changes rapidly at elevation—bring layers even in summer.
Key stops include Forest Canyon Overlook, Alpine Visitor Center (highest visitor center in the NPS), and the Medicine Bow Curve viewpoint.
Popular Hikes
Easy trails include Bear Lake (0.5-mile loop), Sprague Lake (0.9-mile loop), and Coyote Valley Trail (1 mile). Moderate options include Alberta Falls (1.6 miles round trip) and Emerald Lake (3.6 miles round trip). Challenging hikes include Sky Pond (9.4 miles round trip) and Longs Peak summit (15 miles round trip, technical).
Bear Lake area trails are the most crowded. The shuttle system runs during summer to reduce parking congestion.
Wildlife
Elk are the park's most visible large animal, especially during fall rutting season (September-October). Mule deer, bighorn sheep, moose, and marmots are commonly spotted. Black bears live in the park but are rarely seen. Mountain lions are present but elusive.
Wildlife viewing is best at dawn and dusk. Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park are good elk viewing areas.
Tips
Altitude affects everyone differently—take it slow, stay hydrated, and watch for signs of altitude sickness. Afternoon thunderstorms are common May through August; start hikes early and be below treeline by noon. Cell service is limited throughout the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes, from May through October during peak hours. Reservations release 30 days in advance at recreation.gov. Entry before 5am or after 6pm doesn't require a reservation.
Can I visit Rocky Mountain National Park as a day trip from Denver?
Yes. The 90-minute drive allows a full day in the park. Leave early to get parking and avoid afternoon traffic returning on US-36.
When is Trail Ridge Road open?
Typically late May through mid-October, weather dependent. Check nps.gov/romo for current status before visiting.