Plan Your Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park: Best of Rocky Mountain National Park Tourism

By Kimberly D

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park brings the drama. It’s one of the highest-elevation parks in the United States, with peaks reaching to over 14,000 feet. All of that elevation change means exceptional scenery, too, from meadow valleys to evergreen forests to alpine tundra and even small cirque glaciers. You can hike to these awe-inspiring heights yourself or take Trail Ridge Road (only open during summer when ploughs can clear the snow) to Cottonwood Pass at 12,126 feet. Chase waterfalls, soak your feet in a crystal-clear lake, and keep your eyes peeled for elk, black bear, and bighorn sheep.
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Rocky Mountain National Park travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Timed Entry Basics

According to forum posts, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) utilizes a timed entry system to manage park access and reduce congestion. Visitors must reserve entry permits for specific two-hour windows between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. This system is in effect from late May through mid-October. Reservations can be made online, and each vehicle must have a permit to enter during these hours.

Reservation Process

Travelers have called out that reservations for entry can be made through the official RMNP website via recreation.gov. Permits are released on a monthly basis, with additional last-minute permits available 48 hours prior to the desired entry date. The permits cost $2 per reservation, in addition to the park's entrance fee.

Park Access Without Reservation

Some users noted that entry to the park before 6:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. does not require a timed reservation, allowing early birds and late visitors to access the park. However, parking spaces, particularly at popular trailheads like Bear Lake, can fill up early in the morning, even before 6 a.m.

Additional Tips

Travelers have suggested staying informed about any potential changes to the timed entry system, especially during busy seasons or special events like the elk rutting season in September, when park visitation significantly increases.

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Camping Reservations

According to forum posts, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) requires reservations for camping, which can be booked through Recreation.gov. Most campgrounds inside the park, such as Moraine Park and Glacier Basin, are reservation-only even outside of pandemic conditions. Some users highlighted that it's common for these campgrounds to be booked months in advance, although cancellations can provide last-minute availability.

Camping Amenities

Travelers have mentioned that staying at campgrounds inside RMNP, like Moraine Park Campground, offers the advantage of not needing an additional timed entry permit for each day of your visit. This can significantly ease daily access to the park.

Alternative Camping Options

For those unable to secure a spot within the park, some users discussed alternative camping options outside of RMNP. However, specific names or details of these external campgrounds were not provided in the posts.

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Wildlife and Nature Viewing

According to forum posts, family-friendly activities in Rocky Mountain National Park include wildlife and nature viewing. Travelers have called out the Junior Ranger Program as an engaging way for children to learn about the park's ecosystem. Additionally, the Sprague Lake Nature Trail offers opportunities for families to explore and enjoy the natural beauty.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

Many users recommend hiking as a top activity for families. Easy hikes such as the Bear Lake Trail and the hike to Emerald Lake are suitable for children and provide stunning scenery with chances to see wildflowers and wildlife. For adventurous families, horseback riding is available, with some stables allowing children as young as five to ride their own horses.

Water-Related Activities

Some travelers said that while RMNP is not known for extensive water sports, families can enjoy paddle boating on Lake Estes. This activity is particularly relaxing and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Seasonal Activities

Travelers have also suggested seasonal activities such as snowshoeing during winter, which can be a fun experience for families, though the duration might be shorter for younger children.

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Timed Entry Requirements

According to forum posts, Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed entry reservation from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. Travelers must obtain these reservations in advance through the official reservation system. It's important to note that entering Bear Lake Road without a reservation requires arrival before 5:00 am.

Reservation Validity and Access

Travelers have highlighted that once you've entered during your designated two-hour window with a valid reservation, you can leave and re-enter the park throughout the day using the same reservation. However, re-entry is contingent on passing through an entrance station within the reservation window.

Additional Entry Information

For those planning to hike early, some travelers recommend securing a reservation slot between 5:00 am and 7:00 am to start hikes at sunrise. This early entry slot is particularly popular among those looking to experience the park in the quieter morning hours.

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Trail Recommendations

According to forum posts, some lower elevation trails in RMNP recommended for hiking include Lily Lake, Sprague Lake, and the Alluvial Fan area. These trails are generally easier and might be suitable for families or those not accustomed to strenuous hikes.

High Elevation Trail Conditions

For those considering higher elevation hikes, it's suggested to be cautious as areas like Bear Lake and the trail to Emerald Lake can still have snow and ice early in the season. Renting microspikes from local shops in Estes Park might be necessary for safely navigating these conditions.

Trail Accessibility

Travelers have shared that most trails at RMNP are technically open year-round, but the accessibility and conditions can vary significantly with weather. Snowfall can impact lower elevation trails, and higher elevation trails might still be snow-covered or icy even in late spring or early summer.

Environmental Considerations

It was noted that hiking on muddy trails during the mud season should be avoided to prevent trail damage and erosion. This is particularly important during the transitional weather periods when trails have not completely dried out.

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