For the easiest and stress-free way to get around Estes Park and visit Rocky Mountain National Park is via the free shuttle system. The shuttle and trolley system in town offers visitors convenient access to all the popular destinations, including RMNP. When visiting use, be sure to use our guide below and discover how you can get from Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes Park shuttle system
There are a total of six Town of Estes Park free shuttle routes and three Rocky Mountain National Park shuttles, the Gold, Silver, Blue, Brown, Green, and Red routes. The various routes offer stops at local restaurants, hotels, the Estes Park Visitor Center, Bond Park, and the Estes Park events complex. For a complete 2021 guide, download it here.
Plus, when staying at the Brynwood on the River, the brown route shuttle route stops just a few minutes from our property.
Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle system
Once you are inside the park, the shuttle system is the best way to get around, particularly in the summer when its crowded. There are two main routes – the Bear Lake Route and the Moraine Park Route.
Bear Lake Route
- When – Daily service between May 27 through October 19
- Time – The shuttle runs every 10 to 15 minutes, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- The shuttle makes stops at:
- Park & Ride
- Bierstadt Lake Trailhead
- Glacier Gorge Trailhead
- Bear Lake
Moraine Park Route
- When – Daily service between May 27 through October 19
- Time – The shuttle runs every 30 minutes, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- The shuttle makes stops at:
- Park & Ride
- Sprague Lake/Glacier Creek Stables
- Hollowell Park
- Tuxdeo Park
- Moraine Park Campground
- Cub Lake Trailhead
- Fern Lake Bus Stop
Note: the park also offers the Hiker Express Route but that will not run in the 2021 season due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions.
Parking
There are several parking options in town one of which is at the Park & Ride, located at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park. This is the largest parking area and is serviced by the Green and Silver routes, daily in season.
The other parking option is at the Estes Park Visitor Center. You can access all six town shuttles, including the downtown trolley. Or when you stay at Brynwood on the River, you can leave your car here and hop on the nearby shuttle stop in town.
Know before you go
- Reservations are required to enter the park. So, plan ahead, and book your timed entry permit online.
- There are no shuttle bus services on the west side of the park or across Trail Ridge Road.
- There are no bike racks on shuttle buses.
- Most shuttle buses are accessible and can accommodate wheelchairs.
- Pets are not allowed on shuttle buses except service animals.
Stay at Brynwood on the River
Now that you know how to get from Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park, complete your vacation with a relaxing mountain retreat at Brynwood on the River. Located on the banks of the Big Thompson River and just minutes from the park, our resort provides the most convenient access to all your outdoor fun.
We offer cabins, cottages, and vacation homes in Estes Park with scenic views, hot tubs, and fireplaces to warm you up this winter! When booking with us be sure to take a look at our Military discount and Senior Citizen discounts for our Estes Park lodging. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
