National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS · Public domain
Rocky Mountain National Park
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.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Beaver Meadows Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Beaver Meadows EntranceMain
Estes Park, CO · Open year-round (timed-entry reservations may be required in peak season)
- Directions to Fall River Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Fall River EntranceMain
Estes Park, CO · Open year-round (timed-entry reservations may be required in peak season)
- Directions to Grand Lake Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Grand Lake EntranceMain
Grand Lake, CO · Open year-round; Trail Ridge Road over the Divide usually closed mid-Oct to late May
- Directions to Wild Basin Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Wild Basin Entrance
Allenspark, CO · Open year-round to the entrance; road beyond may close in winter
Separate southeast area off CO-7; no road to the rest of the park
Airports
- DEN
Denver International Airport · Denver, CO
ClosestMajor airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
3.6 mi · 771 ft gain · out & back
Passes Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching Emerald Lake at 10,111 feet, with views of Flattop Mountain's jagged spires across the alpine water.
Starts at: Bear Lake Trailhead
1.6 mi · 160 ft gain · out & back
A scenic 30-foot waterfall thundering into Glacier Creek through aspen groves and pine forest. One of the most visited trails in the park.
Starts at: Glacier Gorge Trailhead
8.8 mi · 2,849 ft gain · out & back
One of the most difficult trails in the park, ascending to the Continental Divide with views of Dream Lake and Hallett Peak along the way.
Starts at: Bear Lake Trailhead
6.2 mi · 1,410 ft gain · out & back
Summit at 10,006 feet offers scenic views of Longs Peak, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, and Estes Park.
Starts at: Deer Ridge Junction
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Rocky Mountain National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain
Best time to visit: July–September
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is July–September. Trail Ridge Road is open and high trails are snow-free; September adds the elk rut and golden aspens.
In those months, average highs are 69–79°F at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. July is the busiest month on average.
Monthly averages at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (7,850 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
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. For detailed weather information, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/all-about-weather.htm For the most up-to-date weather forecasts, visit the National Weather Service webpage for Rocky at https://www.weather.gov/bou/rmnp
