Rocky Mountain National Park

Experience majesty at every angle in Rocky Mountain National Park, with soaring peaks, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife. Explore, play, and learn in over 400 square miles of parkland, featuring 300+ miles of hiking trails and 72 peaks above 12,000 feet. Plan your adventure with our staff at The Ridgeline Hotel Estes Park®.

Rocky Mountain National Park entrance sign

Getting There

Pass Pricing

1-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass: $30
1-Day Per Person Entrance Pass: $15 (applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups)
1-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass: $25
7-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass: $35 (valid for 7 consecutive days)
7-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass: $30 (valid for 7 consecutive days)
America The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass: $80*

Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a temporary timed entry permit reservation system from May 26 through October 22, 2023.

  • One permit is for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor, as well as access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • The second permit is for the “rest of the park”, excluding the Bear Lake Road Corridor. This “rest of park” reservation period will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Permits issued using the reservation system allows park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability, with no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park.

*Annual Pass is valid at all US National Park and federal lands. For more information, please visit the National Park Service website.

2023 Free Entrance Days

Mark your calendar for these National Park entrance fee-free dates in 2023!

  • January 16 – Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
  • April 22 – First day of National Park Week
  • August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • September 23 – National Public Lands Day
  • November 11 – Veterans Day

A father and child at Trail Ridge Road

Explore the Rockies

Take a Scenic Drive

Trail Ridge Road
Experience the highest continuous paved road in the US! This iconic road winds through Rocky Mountain National Park, offering breathtaking views of alpine tundra, snow-capped peaks, and diverse wildlife. With elevations soaring over 12,000 feet, travelers can immerse themselves in stunning panoramic vistas.

Peak-to-Peak Highway
The Peak-to-Peak Highway is a 55-mile scenic route through the heart of the Colorado Rockies, passing through Rocky Mountain National Park, Golden Gate State Park, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and more. Additionally, it highlights the charming mountain towns of Estes Park, Nederland, and Black Hawk.

Hike at Your Speed

Bear Lake Loop
Very popular hike in the area. Family friendly. Loop around Bear Lake in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rating: Easy
Mileage: 0.6 miles, round-trip
Elevation Gain: 45 feet

Nymph Lake
Perfect hike to a small but scenic lake. Great for families!
Rating: Easy
Mileage: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 245 feet

Emerald Lake
On this hike, you will pass by 3 beautiful lakes (which are all fed by the Tyndall Glacier) before getting to Emerald Lake.
Rating: Easy
Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 450 feet

Gem Lake
Beautiful scenery along the way including lake flowers and panoramic views. Great family hike.
Rating: Moderate
Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,080 feet

Cascade Falls
Waterfalls and lots of wildflowers along the way.
Rating: Moderate
Mileage: 6.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 430 feet

Mount Ida
Gorgeous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Outstanding panoramic views. Fairly rugged terrain.
Rating: Difficult
Mileage: 9.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,465 feet

Bluebird Lake
Outstanding hike with many attractions along the way, including 3 waterfalls.
Rating: Difficult
Mileage: 12.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,840 feet

Longs Peak
Ultimate mountain challenge that can take between 10-14 hours. Amazing views. Plan ahead.
Rating: Difficult
Mileage: 14.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,859 feet

Year-Round Adventure

Rocky Mountain National Park is open to visitors 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. Whether you’re a quiet observer or a full-on expeditionist, there’s something for everyone, all year long. In the winter and spring months, sled, ski, ice climb, hike, or just play in the snow. In the summer and fall months, fish, rock climb, bike, run, or go horseback riding. It’s year-round adventure at the place where adventure is always waiting.

If you’re looking for a little structure in the wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park offers recreation and camping services and programs throughout the year. Stop by the Park’s visitor centers and chat with a nature guide or park ranger to learn about the latest special programs and Park information.

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