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Clouds resting over the Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

Things to do in  Rocky Mountain National Park

High and mighty

The Rocky Mountains run for some 3,000 miles, from New Mexico’s sacred sands to the wintery scenes of British Columbia. But Rocky Mountain National Park stands high above the rest: 78 of the range’s 100 highest peaks congregate right here, two hours from Denver. Beyond ascending alpine peaks, things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park include basking in wildflowers, picnicking on elk-lined lakes, and driving the highest continuously paved road in the country—to 12,183 feet (3,713 meters) in the sky.

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When to visit

For good weather and open facilities, plan your trip from late May to early October. Be prepared for lots of crowds, though; you'll need a timed reservation during this season (from 9am to 2pm, that is). Between late October and early May, you’ll get considerably fewer visitors, and no timed entry is needed. Trail Ridge Road, the park’s main drag, usually closes in October, but winter visitors can still get about 10 miles into the park.

Getting around

Many visitors will opt to drive their personal vehicles so they can explore Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuously paved road in the US. If you’d like to avoid parking and traffic woes, the park has shuttles that navigate the Bear Lake and Moraine Park areas from late spring through late October, with shuttles departing from the Park & Ride Transit Hub. In the summer, you can take a hiker shuttle to the transit hub from the Estes Park Visitor Center.

Traveler tips

The Grand Lake side (west) of Rocky Mountain National Park is much quieter than the Estes Park side (east). If you head there and time your visit right—around early May or late September—you could get the best of all worlds: good weather, smaller crowds, and open roads and facilities. Otherwise, put exploring at sunrise or sunset on your itinerary to improve your park experience and increase your wildlife sightings (and reduce your human ones).

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People Also Ask
Q:Do I need a reservation to enter Rocky Mountain National Park in 2025?
A:

It depends on your plans. From May 23 to October 13, 2025, those visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between 9am and 2pm will need a timed entry permit in addition to a park pass. Note that permits come in two classes, with one allowing access to Bear Lake Road and the other excluding entry.

Q:Do I need to book timed entry to Rocky Mountain National Park in advance?
A:

Yes, booking timed entry to Rocky Mountain National Park in advance is highly recommended, as permits often sell out. Timed entry permits become available on the first day of each month for the following month. A few additional permits are often released the day before.

Q:Which entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park is best for first-time visitors?
A:

The Beaver Meadows Entrance, near Estes Park, is ideal for first-time visitors. It provides easy access to the park’s main visitor center, Trail Ridge Road, and popular attractions such as Bear Lake and Moraine Park. There’s also a plethora of gorgeous hiking trails that zig and zag through this area.

Q:What's the difference between a park pass and a timed entry permit at Rocky Mountain National Park?
A:

A park pass covers your entrance fee and is valid for multiple days, whereas a timed entry permit is a separate reservation that specifies when you can enter Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season. You need both during the reservation period, from roughly mid-May to mid-October.

Q:How many days in Rocky Mountain National Park is enough?
A:

Three days is ideal for experiencing Rocky Mountain National Park’s highlights, including Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake area hikes, and wildlife viewing in Moraine Park. A 2-day trip works for a rushed itinerary; four days or more allow for deeper exploration. Consider staying in the park to enjoy non-peak times away from the crowds.

Q:Are there shuttle buses in Rocky Mountain National Park?
A:

Yes, Rocky Mountain National Park has free shuttle buses that operate from May to October; the Bear Lake Shuttle Route serves the popular Bear Lake Road corridor, while the Moraine Park Shuttle Route connects to prime hiking areas. In the summer, a hiker shuttle departs from the Estes Park Visitor Center.

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