National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park · Colorado

Overview

About 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.

Arts and CultureAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingClimbingFishing

Weather

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

Key Facts

TypeNational Park

DesignationNational Park

Official Website

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$30.00

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.

Entrance - Private Vehicle$35.00

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.

Entrance - Per Person$15.00

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.

Entrance - Motorcycle$25.00

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.

Entrance - Motorcycle$30.00

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.

Gallery

Photos of Rocky Mountain National Park.

8 images

Things to do

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park.

The lake is frozen with a layer of snow on top. Mountains in the distance are covered with snow

Bierstadt Lake

3-5 Hours

This lake is a hidden gem in the Bear Lake Corridor of the park! This lake sits atop a forested moraine, a ridge composed of material left behind thousands of years ago by receding glaciers.

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A group of seven people are cross-country skiing on a well-used trail.

Cross-Country Skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park

Cross-country skiing can be an enjoyable way to experience the winter season at Rocky. There is typically enough snow for skiing beginning in December through late March. Visit the west side of the park and enjoy a variety of cross-country skiing terrain.

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Deer Mountain Trail

3-5 Hours

At an elevation of 10,006 feet, the summit of Deer Mountain offers scenic views of Longs Peak, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park and Estes Park.

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Emerald Lake

3-4 Hours

From Bear Lake Trailhead, pass by Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and steadily climb in elevation to scenic Emerald Lake.

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A small SUV is driving on a narrow, dirt road on with switchbacks and view of mountain peaks.

Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Old Fall River Road

Built between 1913 and 1920, a drive up Old Fall River Road is an incredible 9.4-mile scenic drive. This unpaved road begins next to Endovalley Picnic Area and ends at the summit of Fall River Pass and in the parking area for Alpine Visitor Center. At Alpine Visitor Center, use Trail Ridge Road to return to the east side of RMNP.

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View of mountains off to the distance with a steep drop off beyond a rock-lined wall to the right

Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road

2-2 Hours

Enjoy scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities while driving on Trail Ridge Road. This is a 48 mile scenic drive that connects the communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Cresting at an elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States.

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Fishing in RMNP

Fishing

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Flattop Mountain

3-6 Hours

Hike to the top of Flattop Mountain and the Continental Divide! With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, this is one of the most difficult trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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A group of Junior Rangers are at Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is Junior Ranger Headquarters

Junior Ranger Headquarters at Hidden Valley will open for the season beginning on Saturday, May 18. Hidden Valley is on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park along Trail Ridge Road, approximately 8 miles from the Fall River and Beaver Meadows entrances to the park.

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What visitors say