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Rocky Mountain National Park protects a dramatic section of the Front Range in northern Colorado, where glacier-carved valleys climb to alpine tundra and peaks above 12,000 feet. The Continental Divide runs through the park, separating the drier eastern slopes from the forests and meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley to the west. Elk, bighorn sheep and marmots are common sights.
Bear Lake is the hub for many of the most popular hikes, including the chain of Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes, each tucked progressively higher beneath steep cliffs. Alberta Falls is an easy walk from the Glacier Gorge trailhead, which continues to more remote lakes. Sprague Lake has a flat loop with mountain reflections. In the open meadows of Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park, elk gather in fall, and bighorn sheep visit the mineral licks at Sheep Lakes. Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest continuous paved roads in the country, crosses the tundra with a string of overlooks and the Alpine Visitor Center near its high point.
The park suits hikers, wildlife watchers and road-trippers alike. Estes Park is the busy eastern gateway, and Grand Lake serves the quieter west side. Wild Basin, in the southeast, offers waterfalls with fewer crowds. Timed-entry reservations are commonly required in the busy season, and Trail Ridge Road closes in winter.
WiserMap travel guideRocky Mountain National Park Colorado Trail Ridge RoadPlan a Rocky Mountain National Park trip: Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake hikes, Moraine Park elk, Grand Lake, timed entry permits, the best seasons and where to st...Read the guide
Subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road, framed by Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide. A flat half-mile loop circles the shore, and many popular trails start here. Parking fills very early, so use the free park shuttle from the Park and Ride and check if a timed entry permit is needed.
Easy half-mile accessible loop around a small lake on Bear Lake Road with fine views of the Continental Divide peaks. Trout and ducks are common, and the lake is good for sunrise photos. It also has picnic tables and a fishing area. Come early in summer, as the lot fills with families by mid-morning.
Classic hike from Bear Lake that passes three lakes in under two miles, from lily-covered Nymph Lake to Dream Lake with Hallett Peak behind it and Emerald Lake at the base of the cliffs. The trail climbs about 600 feet. Start at sunrise for calm water reflections and fewer people on the path.
Alberta Falls is a 30-foot waterfall on Glacier Creek reached by a short walk of under a mile from the Glacier Gorge trailhead. Hikers can continue deeper into Glacier Gorge toward Mills Lake and The Loch. The trailhead lot fills by early morning, so take the park shuttle from Bear Lake Road.
Quiet southeast corner of the park reached from Highway 7 near Allenspark, with forest trails along North St. Vrain Creek to Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. It is a good choice when the Bear Lake area is crowded. The final road is unpaved and the small lot fills early, so arrive early.
Wide valley meadow on the east side of the park where the Big Thompson River meanders through grassland. Elk gather here in large herds, especially at dawn, dusk and during the fall rut in September and October. Stay in your car or at least 25 yards away, and use pullouts instead of stopping on the road.
Mountain meadow near the Fall River entrance where bighorn sheep come down to the Sheep Lakes for minerals, mostly in May and June. Rangers sometimes stop traffic so the herd can cross. Elk are also common in the meadows. Bring binoculars, and come in the morning for the best chances of sightings.
Broad valley on the park's west side where the Colorado River begins as a small stream. Moose are often seen in willow wetlands, along with elk. Trails lead to the historic Holzwarth ranch and the Never Summer Mountains. Scan the river banks at dawn or dusk and keep a safe distance from moose.
Trail Ridge Road crosses the park and climbs above 12,000 feet, the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Overlooks such as Many Parks Curve, Forest Canyon and Rock Cut show alpine tundra and peaks. It is usually open late May to October. Expect cold wind on top and take it slowly at altitude.
The park's first auto road, a one-way gravel route that climbs about nine miles from Endovalley past Chasm Falls to the Alpine Visitor Center. Tight switchbacks and no guardrails make for slow, scenic driving. It usually opens in early July. Long vehicles and trailers are not allowed on the road.
Highest visitor center in the National Park Service at about 11,796 feet on Trail Ridge Road, with exhibits on tundra life, a gift shop and a cafe. Behind it, the steep Alpine Ridge Trail climbs to a viewpoint. Altitude can cause headaches, so walk slowly and drink plenty of water.
Small mountain town at the park's west entrance on the shore of Grand Lake, the largest natural lake in Colorado. Its wooden boardwalk main street has shops, ice cream and restaurants, and boats can be rented on the lake in summer. It makes a quieter base than Estes Park for exploring the west side.
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