Rocky Mountain National Park sits at 415 square miles and features 300 miles of trails, several scenic drives, and several museums and visitors’ centers. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to cram it in all in one day. To help plan your long weekend, use our multi-day itinerary to Rocky Mountain National Park for the perfect mountain getaway!
Day 1
One of the best ways to get to know the park is by taking a leisurely scenic drive. The roads in RMNP take visitors through low-lying meadows and dense aspen groves, crossing rushing rivers and up to subalpine forests reaching more than 12,000 feet in elevation. No other national park roads offer the dramatic experience of a long drive across the alpine tundra region, so why not see it all with one of these scenic drives on day one?
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is easily one of the most scenic routes in the park. Stretching 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake (inside park boundaries), 11 of those miles’ rests above tree line with its highest point reaching 12,183 feet in elevation. Visitors will come across snow-capped mountain peaks, expansive tundra, alpine wildflowers, and views that just won’t quit. Trail Ridge Road operates seasonally and is open mid-June through the end of October, depending on the weather.
Old Fall River Road
Before Trail Ridge Road was completed in 1932, Old Fall River Road was how visitors accessed the park. The one-way dirt road slowly climbs via a series of switchbacks over 11 miles. The road eventually meets up with Trail Ridge Road, where you can either drive back to Estes Park or cross over the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. It’s a great way to experience the park by car as the area’s earliest visitors did. The road is seasonal as well and is usually open by July 4th and closes in early October.
Bear Lake Road
While open year-round, Bear Lake Road is very popular in the summer granting access to popular hiking areas including Sprague Lake or Bear Lake Loop. Catch the route from the Beaver Meadows entrance for 23 miles (round trip) to Bear Lake, passing by scenic lookouts, picnic areas, and Morraine Park.
Day 2
On day 2, stretch those legs and head out on foot for a nice long hike. With 300 miles of trails to cover, there are plenty of options to choose from. With kid-friendly hikes under a mile to climbing the park’s only 14er, Long’s Peak, there is something for everyone.
Hiking in RMNP, you’ll see waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildlife, wildflowers, and of course, scenic mountain views. Be sure to use our guide to our favorite day hikes in RMNP to help kick-start your adventure. Pack a picnic lunch from the nearby Country Market to enjoy on the trail or at one of the many picnic areas inside the park.
Day 3
Begin day 3 with a quick early morning hike for sunrise at Sprague Lake. Experiencing the park in the early morning hours or late evening can be quite nice with fewer crowds and wildlife the most active at this time. And sunrises at Sprague Lake are particularly special when the sun illuminates the mountain peaks and reflects on the still waters of the lake. After sunrise, enjoy the nice hike around Sprague Lake.
Spend the remainder of the day resting and relaxing in your cozy Estes Park cabin at Brynwood on the River. Located on five acres of natural beauty, in the heart of Estes Park, most of our rentals rest on the banks of the Big Thompson River, bringing Mother Nature to your front door. Enjoy cabins with private hot tubs, fireplaces, plus river or mountain views.
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.
Stay at Brynwood on the River
Begin your multi-day itinerary to Rocky Mountain National Park by checking into your cozy cabin at Brynwood on the River. Located just minutes from the park and downtown Estes Park, we offer an ideal location for exploring the best of both worlds. We offer cabins, cottages, and vacation homes in Estes Park with scenic views, hot tubs, and fireplaces for the perfect mountain getaway! Plus, if you plan to stay with us between now and May 20, 2022, be sure to take advantage of our Stay and Play special, the perfect way to complete your three-day getaway to RMNP!
