Rocky Mountain National Park

Majesty surrounds you from every angle in Rocky Mountain National Park. Peaks rising far into the heavens, meandering scenic driveways, and congregating wildlife abound to make Rocky Mountain National Park an adventure destination unlike any other.

There’s more than enough room for you to explore, play, and learn in Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, the Park is more than 400 square miles, with more than 300 miles of hiking trails and 72 peaks that top 12,000 feet in elevation.

Start planning your Rocky Mountain adventure with our staff at The Ridgeline Hotel Estes Park®.

Rocky Mountain National Park 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*

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

Please Note: Rocky Mountain National Park will implement another pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system from May 26 through October 22, 2023.

• One permit will be 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 will be 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 will allow 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.

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

Hikes in the Area

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