Located less than an hour north of Winter Park, Colorado, and a few hours from Denver, accessibility is just one of the many things that makes Rocky Mountain one of America’s favorite national parks. Towering snow-capped mountains, herds of elk, lush forests, alpine lakes galore, a network of trails that make getting outside possible for everyone- the list could go on forever.
Rocky Mountain is one of those places that you have to see to believe, and even then, you will find yourself questioning its reality. It’s a place that you will want to come back to time and time again and a place that you want everyone you love to experience at least once in their lifetime.
So do yourself a favor and find a place to call home in Winter Park House vacation homes because chances are, this won’t be your last trip. Bring the whole family and splurge on that breathtaking lake-view lodge, or opt for something with a hot tub to unwind after a long day of adventure. The options are endless!
About Rocky Mountain National Park
- Website: nps.gov/romo/index.htm
- Entrance fee: nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm
RMNP is open year-round but requires a timed entry permit from May 24th through the end of October. The Bear Lake Road Permit grants you access to the entire park. The Trail Ridge Permit grants you access to most of the park but does not include the popular Bear Lake Corridor. You can make your reservations up to one month in advance.
Best Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park
1. Hike to an Alpine Lake
Rocky Mountain has 355 miles of trail and countless popular hikes to choose from, so deciding on a hike for the day can feel like a daunting task. But when in doubt, hike to an alpine lake! Mountain views, bubbling creeks, and a densely forested trail lead you to a crystal-clear lake shimmering beneath the rugged cliffs. What more could you want?
Many of the trails interconnect so that you can explore more than one lake. The only thing better than one alpine lake is three!
Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lakes
- Length: 3.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 738 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Map: alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/bear-lake-trail-and-emerald-lake
With three picture-perfect lakes in less than 4 miles, this alpine lake trifecta is easily the best bang for your buck. The only problem is that everyone knows about it. So, take your coffee to go and get here early to beat the crowds. The lack of sleep will be worth it when you are admiring the mountain reflection in the calm, unspoiled emerald waters of Emerald Lake.
Chasm Lake
- Length: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,552 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Map: alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/chasm-lake
If you are looking for a more challenging day hike to weed out the crowds and find some solitude in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, then Chasm Lake is for you. As you climb up above the tree line, you will be rewarded with wide-sweeping mountain views and an up close and personal view of the iconic Longs Peak. The turquoise lake that awaits you at the end is just icing on the cake!
Sky Pond
- Length: 8.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,771 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/sky-pond-via-glacier-gorge-trail
One of the most sought-after hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond is an experience that you will have to work for. All that hard work pays off around every corner as you scramble over boulders to reach a string of mesmerizing alpine lakes and climb up a waterfall before arriving at the mirror-like perfection of Sky Pond.
This is also a gateway trail to the backcountry and makes for a truly epic backpacking adventure!
2. Drive Trail Ridge Road
A visit to a national park isn’t complete without going for a cruise on the scenic drive, and RMNP blows most other parks out of the water. Starting at 7,600 feet, the Trail Ridge Road climbs to an impressive 12,183 feet as it winds through a vibrant forest and then up above the tree line. Along the way, you will have a chance to take pictures at pull-offs like the stunning Forest Canyon Overlook and look for marmots amongst an alpine tundra at the Rock Cut Overlook.
You’ll encounter countless mountain vistas before finally reaching the Alpine Visitor Center. Here, you can spend hours admiring the panoramic views of the one-and-only Rocky Mountains.
Fuel up on some water and electrolytes to help fight altitude sickness before getting back on the road and then head back down for spectacular views all over again.
3. Look for Wildlife
Rocky Mountain is a wildlife mecca, so chances are, you are going to see wildlife here whether you want to or not. Mule deer roam through the forest; big horn sheep hang out on the cliffsides, and herds of elk fill the meadows. But if you want to maximize your odds, there are a few places that are specifically known for their wildlife viewing.
Moraine Park
Located off Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park has a reputation for being one of the best places to see elk. These mystical creatures can be seen year-round but the ultimate experience is during the fall rut when you get to witness firsthand the elk bugle (also known as the famous elk mating ritual).
Kawuneeche Valley
is another great place to admire herds of elk. The Kawuneeche Valley is located on the west side of the park and is a great choice for people who don’t have a Bear Lake Road permit. Because of its marshy makeup, this is also a great place to see moose!
Horseshoe Park
If you are on the hunt to see the famous yet evasive big horn sheep, Horseshoe Park is your best bet. These lovely creatures are sensitive to noise, so keep your voices down and arrive early (or late) to increase your odds.
4. Walk Around Bear Lake
A must-see on any first-time trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake is the staple of this iconic park. So much so that it got an entire corridor named after it! In part due to its accessibility, Bear Lake offers incredible views for very little effort. Within minutes from the trailhead, you could be at the foot of this picturesque lake. A half-mile trail lets you walk around its edges while admiring views of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide. Plus, it’s wheelchair accessible!
From here, hikers can extend their adventure with trails leading to Emerald Lake, Flattop Mountain, Dream Lake, and Tyndall Glacier.
5. Enjoy a Family Friendly Hike
With so many hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to extreme mountain treks, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Rocky Mountain National Park! Bring the whole family along for the adventure and check out one of these family friendly hikes to create memories that you’ll never forget!
Sprague Lake
- Length: 0.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 36 ft
- Trail Map: alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/sprague-lake-trail
A short trail leads you around a scenic lake with mountain views and makes for a great alternative to the very popular Bear Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like moose, mule deer, elk, and even the occasional black bear.
If you visit RMNP in the winter, this is also a great trail for snowshoeing and cross country skiing!
Alberta Falls
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 226 ft
- Trail Map: alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/alberta-falls-trail
With just enough mileage and elevation to get the heart pumping, Alberta Falls is a great choice for a breathtaking hike that will be sure to help tire out the kids. You’ll get to walk through Aspen Grove and listen to the sounds of Glacier Creek as you make your way to the impressive thundering falls. Don’t forget to pack your lunch because the rocks here make for a perfect picnic area!
Other Honorable Mentions
- Lily Lake (0.8 miles)
- Upper Beaver Meadows Loop (1.1 miles)
- Alpine Ridge Trail (0.6 miles)
6. Shop the Gateway Towns
Did you really go visit a cool new place if you don’t have the souvenir to prove it? Go buy yourself that national park t-shirt or stock up on some outdoorsy stickers at one of the many shops in Rocky Mountain’s lovely gateway communities.
Estes Park
Located on the east side of the park, is exactly what you would hope for in a Rocky Mountain town. Log cabins and rustic decor make an already fun shopping experience that much more exciting. Shop till you drop, grab a bite to eat at one of the charming restaurants, and get spooked with a seance at the Stanley Hotel; the opportunities are endless!
Grand Lake
Tucked away on the west side of the park, is a great choice for people trying to beat the crowds. The main strip offers a variety of unique shops, and views of the beautiful Grand Lake are never too far away. This is also a great launching spot for adventures like horseback riding, paddleboarding, boating, and more!
7. Take the Road Less Traveled
In a park as popular as Rocky Mountain, it can be difficult to beat the crowds. But if there is a will, there is a way! A few of the park’s roads have managed to stay off the radar (so far) and offer access to some of the most pristine corners of an already unspoiled park.
Old Fall River Road
Known as the first auto route that granted access to the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Old Fall River Road has since been outshined by the Trail Ridge Road, but for nothing more than convenience In fact, the Old Fall River Road offers views of an untouched Rocky Mountain wilderness with no more of a cost than an unpaved, windy road. Plus, it eventually meets back up with the Trail Ridge Road, so you get the best of both worlds!
The Road into Wild Basin
Seeing even less visitation than the Old Fall River Road, the Wild Basin portion of the park is the place, to go if you are seeking true solitude. Wild Basin is the southeasternmost part of the park and is not connected to any other Rocky Mountain roads. The road into Wild Basin, while unpaved and just two miles long, is your gateway into an untouched wilderness filled with waterfalls, alpine lakes, and plenty of hiking trails designed to see it all.
Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is an amazing experience at any time of year. Admire the sea of wildflowers come spring, listen to the sounds of the elks bugle as you marvel at the fall colors, go for a swim in an alpine lake to beat the summer heat, and throw on the snowshoes for a winter hike like you’ve never experienced before.
So pack your bags and hit the road because it’s never a bad time to go on a Colorado road trip adventure to Rocky Mountain National Park! Looking for the perfect place to call home? Look no further than Winter Park House’s large and luxurious vacation homes. From expansive views to a premium location near Winter Park Resort, we make your dream getaway happen.