Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. With endless opportunities for hiking through fields of wildflowers, gazing at majestic peaks, and encountering the local wildlife, a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park can feel like a whole new world.
Resting in the shadow of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a small mountain town that offers a lot for the outdoor enthusiast. Offering a quiet reprieve for those who desire a peaceful weekend away and is the perfect home base when planning your trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Looking for Estes Park lodging? Browse our accommodations at Brynwood on the River for affordable Estes Park lodging near Rocky Mountain National Park.
Visitors come from all over the world to visit Rocky Mountain National Park but for those lucky enough to live nearby, a quick mountain getaway to this esteemed national park is just a quick drive away. For those who live in Denver, CO (or are traveling through Denver), Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are an ideal distance for a much-needed weekend mountain escape. So, hop in the car and read here for our tips on traveling from Denver to Estes Park for your next weekend getaway.
Getting there: Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park
The fastest route from Denver to RMNP is via I-25 to U.S. 36 E near Boulder. In Estes Park, U.S. 36 meets up with U.S. 34, with the Big Thompson Canyon and continues to Rocky Mountain National Park to Granby and Grand Lake. There are two main entrances coming from Estes Park; the Fall River Visitor Center and the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Brynwood on the River is a short 5-minute drive to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.
The drive is an estimated an hour and a half from the central part of Denver.
Driving from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are looking for a more scenic route, take the “Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway.” The route takes you through Central City, Nederland, and Allenspark for beautiful scenic views that make the extra time spent in the car worth it. Estimated drive time is two hours and twenty minutes.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway Route
Estes Park Visitor Center
Once you have made it to Estes Park be sure to first stop in at the visitor center. Here you can find all the information you might need to plan your weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer hours (starting Memorial Day weekend) are Monday through Saturday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Location: 500 Big Thompson Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517
Getting around
Getting around Rocky Mountain National Park is easy to do but will require a car. In Estes Park, there are FREE Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park shuttles that make it easy to get around town and not have to worry about parking.
Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park
When it comes to deciding on things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park there is plenty to choose from. From hiking and biking to skiing and snow-tubing there is something for everyone, no matter the season.
Read here for what to see in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes Park lodging
As you start planning your trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to browse our accommodations at Brynwood on the River. Enjoy a little piece of heaven in Colorado with a stay in one of our vacation rentals, cabins or cottages. Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Colorado mountain life with all the convenient amenities of home with a stay at Brynwood on the River.
