10 Rocky Mountain National Park Attractions You Can’t-Miss
When it comes to National Parks, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of my favorites. Home to the Trail Ridge Road the highest paved highway in the US, parts of the continental divide, tons of hiking, flower filled meadows, alpine lakes and lots of activities in and around the park. If you are looking for a breathtaking outdoor experiences, look no further! I have visited this park a few times now and will be highlighting 10 of the best attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you are interested in hiking, fishing, or just taking in the views, there is something for everyone here!
Psst: Please be sure to follow all park rules, leave no trace and maintain distance from wildlife. Also: this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you.
10 Rocky Mountain National Park Attractions You Can’t-Miss
Rocky Mountain National Park
Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park vs. Grand Lake
What you need to know before visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Best season to visit
Park fees and passes
Be mindful of the altitude
Ten best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hike 5 Lakes Loop
Ouzel Falls at Wild Basin Trail
Take a Scenic Drive along Trail Ridge Road
Take in the views of Long’s Peak
Visit Moraine Park
Look for moose in the Kawuneechee Valley
Hike the Coyote Valley Trail
Holzwarth Historic Site
Alluvial Fan Area
Bear Lake Corridor
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Located in Colorado, the park is known for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Visitors can explore more than 350 miles of hiking trails, drive through the scenic Rocky Mountain Corridor, or take a ride on the historic Alpine Slide.
In addition to its many natural attractions, Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to several historical and cultural sites. The park was established in 1915. Today, it welcomes more than four million visitors each year.
Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in north-central Colorado, about an hour and a half from Denver. The best way to get to the park is by car. However, visitors can also take advantage of the many shuttle and tour services out of Denver. Book a day trip from Denver with a picnic lunch included.
To access the park from Denver, take US-36 for about 70 miles to the park entrance. Once you enter the park, you can take several different routes to explore its many attractions.
Estes Park vs. Grand Lake
Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will likely find themselves debating between the most popular towns in the area: Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Estes Park is the closest town to the park from Denver and also the most popular place for most visitors, it’s just outside its eastern entrance. It is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and camping. Estes Park has tons of options for lodging and restaurants as well as being near the main entrance to the park, where you will find the backcountry permit office, and Estes Park Visitors Center.
Grand Lake, on the other hand, is located on the park’s western side and is known for its boating and fishing opportunities. In the winter it is also popular for snowmobiling. Grand Lake is a smaller town, located right on the shores of the lake. Here you will find vacation homes, a few hotels and a smaller selection of restaurants but also less people. Entering the park on this side is also easier without a reservation.
So, which town should you visit? The answer depends on what you are looking for in your Rocky Mountain experience.
Estes Park
Grand Lake
What you need to know before visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Best season to visit
Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests.
If you want to take advantage of the park’s many hiking trails, the best time is between June and September. This is also the busiest time of year, so be prepared for crowds. You will also want to be prepared for changing weather conditions at any time of year. Bring a rain jacket and something warm if heading out on any hikes.
For those interested in fishing or boating, the best time to visit is between May and September. The fall months offer beautiful views of the changing leaves, but the weather can be unpredictable.
Winter is a great time to go skiing and snowboarding, but many of the park’s roads and trails are closed due to snow. You will also need 4WD or chains to enter many of the areas in the park in winter. No matter what time of year you visit, Rocky Mountain National Park will take your breath away!
Park fees and Entry Requirements
The National Park Service manages Rocky Mountain National Park. Two things are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park:
- A Timed Entry Permit or a reservation with a service, such as an in-park camping reservation, horseback riding reservation, or commercial tours (Service Reservation)
- Plus a Park Pass or Entrance Fee for your vehicle.
Admission to the park costs $30 per vehicle or $15 per person for a seven-day pass. Discounts are available for seniors, military personnel, and people with disabilities, and annual passes are also available for $70. If you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer season you are now required to also have a vehicle reservation.
Timed Entry Permit Reservations are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between May 27 and October 10, 2022
Timed Entry Permit Reservations are in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all areas of the park outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor. To visit destinations along Bear Lake Road, like Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, and Moraine Park, Timed Entry Permits are in effect from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Permit holders must initially enter Rocky Mountain National Park during their 2-hour entrance window. Visitors may exit the park and return as needed throughout the day.
Permits can only be booked at www.recreation.gov or on the Recration.Gov Mobile App.
Be mindful of the altitude
One of the things that makes Rocky Mountain National Park so unique is its high altitude. The park spans from about to more than 12,000 feet above sea level. This can be a significant adjustment for some visitors, so it is essential to take it easy and drink plenty of water when you first arrive. Be sure to take breaks often and avoid strenuous activity. If you feel lightheaded or short of breath, stop what you are doing and seek medical attention. If you are susceptible to altitude sickness avoid alcohol for a few days before any hiking as well. Need more tips on hiking at elevation? Check out this article.
Ten best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hike 5 Lakes Loop
If you’re looking for a breathtaking hike with stunning scenery, look no further than 5 Lakes Loop in Rocky Mountain National Park. This 12.2-mile loop is rated challenging and takes you past five gorgeous alpine lakes nestled in a stunning mountain setting.
The trailhead is located just off of Bear Lake Road, and the entire hike can be completed in a day. However, if you want to take your time and savor the views, consider staying overnight at one of the lakes. No matter how you choose to do it, this is one hike that you won’t soon forget!
Entering Bear Lake Corridor requires a separate entry ticket, which must be reserved in advance. The other option is to take the bus from the Estes park Visitors Center. Learn more at www.recreation.gov
Ouzel Falls at Wild Basin Trail
There’s something magical about waterfalls. Maybe it’s the way they looked tumbling down the rocks or the sound of the water crashing into the pool below. Whatever the reason, waterfalls have a way of capturing our imagination.
Ouzel Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located off the Wild Basin trail, Ouzel Falls drops a total of 40 feet. The falls can be viewed from the footbridge over Ouzel Creek and totals 5.4 miles roundtrip. There is also an unmarked trail that will take you closer to the falls for those that want to get up close. There is also a lake you can hike to after the falls which ads another 1.2 miles to your trip each way.
Take a Scenic Drive along Trail Ridge Road
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park without ever stepping foot out of your car is to take a drive along Trail Ridge Road. Also known as the “highway in the sky,” Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. It crosses the Continental Divide at an incredible 12,183 feet.
You’ll be treated to stunning views of alpine meadows, towering peaks, and rushing streams. You might even spot some wildlife! Deer, elk, and bighorn sheep are often grazing along the roadside. So whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for a scenic drive, Trail Ridge Road is sure to please. For stunning photographs try booking a sunset and night photography tour along the Trail Ridge Road.
Take in the views of Longs Peak.
One of the best things about Rocky Mountain National Park is its many different ways to experience its beauty. If you’re looking for a challenge, consider tackling Longs Peak. With an elevation of 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the park’s tallest mountain, and it is not for inexperienced hikers. At almost 15 miles roundtrip, hiking to the top requires a very early start or an overnight at the Boulderfield followed by hiking and scrambling over narrow ledges and steep inclines. Read more about hiking Longs Peak.
The best views can be found from the summit, but even the journey up is sure to please. For those who don’t want to hike to the top, there are plenty of other great vantage points along the way including from Lily Lake and the road the heads towards Estes Park.
Visit Moraine Park
Moraine Park is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it’s easy to see why. This beautiful meadow is filled with wildflowers in the spring/summer and elk in the winter.
It’s also a great place to catch a glimpse of Longs Peak. The best way to experience Moraine Park is on foot, and there are plenty of trails to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Moraine Park.
Look for moose in the Kawuneechee Valley
One of the best things about Rocky Mountain National Park is that there’s always something new to see. Take, for example, the Kawuneechee Valley. This beautiful valley is home to a variety of wildlife, however, most come to Kawuneechee Valley to see the moose.
Moose are often been seen grazing or wading in the river. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might just get a glimpse of one of these majestic animals.
Hike the Coyote Valley Trail
Located in the Kawuneechee Valley, the Coyote Valley Trail is one of the best places to see wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park. This easy, 1.3 miles out and back trail takes you through a meadow where are most likely to see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.
You might even spot a coyote or two! The best time to hike the Coyote Valley Trail is in the early morning when you will have the best chance of spotting wildlife.
Holzwarth Historic Site
Also located in the Kawuneechee Valley, Holzwarth Historic Site is a must-see for history buffs visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. This site was once a guest ranch. Today, it’s a great place to learn about the park’s history and see some of its original buildings.
The best part of the Holzwarth Historic Site is the scenic trail that leads to the Colorado River. This short, easy hike is perfect for families and offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Alluvial Fan Area
The Alluvial Fan area is great to see some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s best scenery. This area was created by a massive landslide that occurred in 1982. And today, you can reach the Alluvial Fan via a fully accessible trail that takes you across a 56-foot bridge spanning the Roaring River. Once you arrive you will be treated to a view of cascading water through the boulder field. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, and is especially beautiful in the fall when the area lights up in golden yellows.
Bear Lake Corridor
The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park for first-time visitors. This area is home to various trails, lakes, and wildlife. The best way to experience the Bear Lake Corridor is by car or bike. This 10.4-mile paved road is very popular with road cyclists.
In addition to being the perfect place to enjoy the park on a bike, there are plenty of trails to choose from, and you’re sure to see some beautiful scenery along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as this area is home to various animals, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National park is a truly unique experience. There are so many different things to see and do, and you could spend weeks exploring the park and still not see everything it offers. These are just a few of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. So get out there and start exploring!
Have you been to Rocky Mountain National Park? What’s your favorite thing to do in Rocky Mountain National Park? Let us know in the comments!
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