About Rocky Mountain
Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing.
Things to do: Arts and Culture · Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Group Camping · RV Camping · Climbing · Fishing · Hiking · Junior Ranger Program
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- Emerald Lake Trail1.7 mi
- Bear Lake Loop0.7 mi
- Alberta Falls Trail1.6 mi
- Chasm Lake Trail4.2 mi
- Sky Pond Trail7.4 mi
- Hallett Peak Trail4.5 mi
- Twin Sisters Trail7.2 mi
Camping
Approximately 588 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (June – September).
Best time to visit
Peak season: June – September. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Weather can change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park due to the mountains and elevation. Elevation in the park ranges from 7,800 feet above sea level to over 14,000 feet at the top of the tallest mountain peaks. Weather conditions can change quickly throughout the day.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — 1-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This pass is valid for one private vehicle to enter RMNP for one day only. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.$30
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — 7-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This vehicle entrance pass is valid for one vehicle to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.$35
- Entrance - Per Person — 1-Day Per Person Entrance Pass. This park entrance fee is for individuals, walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups to enter RMNP for 1-day only. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.$15
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.$25
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.$30
Annual Entrance - Park: $70. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Denver, CO. Park center: 40.400°, -105.580°.
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northern Colorado. S. S. Hwy 34 or 36 west to Estes Park. S Hwy 40 towards Granby, take US Hwy 34 east to Grand Lake, CO.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Private Vehicle: $35. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain?
Peak season is June – September. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Weather can change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park due to the mountains and elevation. Elevation in the park ranges from 7,800 feet above sea level to over 14,000 feet at the top of the tallest mountain peaks. Weather conditions can change quickly throughout the day.
Can you camp in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes — about 588 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Rocky Mountain National Park?
Denver, CO is the nearest major city. Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northern Colorado. S. S. Hwy 34 or 36 west to Estes Park. S Hwy 40 towards Granby, take US Hwy 34 east to Grand Lake, CO.
What are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain?
Popular trails include Emerald Lake Trail (1.7 mi), Bear Lake Loop (0.7 mi), Alberta Falls Trail (1.6 mi), Chasm Lake Trail (4.2 mi). The park has roughly 355 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.