When visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, the number of things to do can be a bit overwhelming. Hiking and taking a scenic drive are both some of the best ways to see Rocky Mountain National Park. Understanding what is available for you to do based on your time, skill level, and time of year are all factors when deciding on what to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Read here for a few tips to help you get started:
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular activities to do in the park. But knowing which trail to choose based on your skill level and time can be hard. While there are many hikes throughout the park, here are a few of our favorites based on difficulty level.
Best leisurely walk: If you are looking to take it easy, take a stroll around Bear Lake. This easy .7 loop offers beautiful views with not a lot of work. This is a very popular trail so be prepared for crowds, especially in the summer.
Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake (3.1 miles) or see some waterfalls and hike the easy 1 mile at Copeland Falls.
Best moderate to advanced hike: The Loch Hike. This 4.5-mile loop brings you close to some of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most beautiful scenery. If you wish to add on there are connecting trails to Timberline Falls and Sky Pond.
Best advanced hike: Rocky Mountain National Park is home to one 14er (14,000-foot mountain peak) – Longs Peak. To ascend this peak takes advanced hiking skills and often a guide. But the views and the bragging rights that come along with it are completely worth it!
Scenic drives in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you would rather explore the park by car there are several scenic drives that take you through the parks’ most awe-inspiring landscape.
Trail Ridge Road: Probably the park’s most popular scenic road is great for those who want to take in views above tree-line without the climb. Trail Ridge Road reaches 12,183 feet at its highest point and offers views of alpine tundra, majestic mountain peaks, and Colorado wildlife.
Bear Lake Road: Connecting Upper Beaver Meadows and Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake Road offers stunning mountain views. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and stop off at Sprague Lake for a picnic lunch or hop out of the car and adventure on foot along the many trails found along the drive. The road ends at Bear Lake, with several hiking trails available here as well.
Old Fall River Road: As the first route over the Continental Divide, Old Fall River Road is a one-way, dirt road that stretches 11 miles connecting Endovalley and the Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass. A variety of wildflowers grow alongside the road and a chance to see wildlife such as elk, deer, and bighorn sheep are all part of this beautiful drive.
Do note some of these drives are seasonal so, be sure to check the park’s website for current closure updates before heading out.
Stay at Brynwood on the River
Just minutes away from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Brynwood on the River offers an exceptional array of accommodations. From soothing river cabins to adventurous and nostalgic themed cabins, Brynwood offers an array of cabin rentals in Estes Park.
