10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
What is the Rocky Mountain National Park Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park encompass all that is great about the great outdoors. Escape the hustle and bustle of modern life amongst its 415 square miles (1,075 square km) of natural beauty, 94% of which is unspoiled wilderness.
In the park you’ll find numerous prime hiking trails leading through glacial valleys and rugged tundra to more than 100+ lakes, 60 snow-capped peaks, and countless breathtaking (and hugely Instagrammable) views. You can even take in the sights from horseback or as part of a camping trip, guided tour, or scenic drive. If you plan to visit in summer or fall, be sure to book a timed entry permit to avoid disappointment.
1. Trail Ridge Road
One of the highest roads in the country
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Families
One of the park’s main attractions is the Continental Divide, which can be seen from Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road is a 48-mile (77-km) route winding past spectacular scenery including the Great Lake.
As well as the Continental Divide, Trail Ridge Road rises above the tree line to 12,183 ft (3,713 meters) and is the highest continuous paved road in the country, providing visitors with thrilling scenic views, animal sightings, and wildflowers galore. All of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. But you’ll want to get out at the observation areas to really appreciate the true beauty of the remarkable landscape. Note that the road is closed in fall and winter due to snow.
Location: Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Trail Ridge Road
2. Emerald Lake
A picturesque trail to the park’s jewel
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Starting from Bear Lake Trailhead, the moderately challenging 3.5-mile (5.6-km) hike to the iconic subalpine Emerald Lake will take you on a steady climb amidst aspen groves and ponderosa pines. On your way, you’ll pass the beautifully named Nymph Lake and Dream Lake.
It’s a popular choice with visitors, so set off early to avoid the rush. The hike will lead you through Tyndall Gorge and up 10,111 ft (3,082 meters) to the lake where you can rest and bask in the setting while enjoying views of the jagged Flattop Mountains. Due to the unpredictability of the weather and possibility of sudden lightning storms, rangers advise on checking the forecast before departure and being back at the trailhead by noon.
Location: Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Phone: +1 970-586-1206
Emerald Lake
3. Alberta Falls
A popular family hike to a captivating destination
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Families
One of the most popular destinations in the park, Alberta Falls is a 30-ft (9-meter) waterfall that cascades thunderously down a narrow gorge into picturesque Glacier Creek. The easy 1.2-mile (1.9-km) round trip to get to it is one of the shorter hikes, so well suited to families, and the destination is an excellent place for a relaxing picnic or a bit of exploring.
As well as backpackers and hikers, the route is also popular with snowshoers and horseback riders, so you will have plenty of company as you wend your way through the aspen groves towards the waterfall. From here you can also walk on to other nearby lakes including The Loch, Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and Black Lake.
Location: Alberta Falls, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Alberta Falls
4. Guided tours
Local insights and secrets
Good for: Families, History
If there’s an activity that can be enjoyed in Rocky Mountain National Park, then there are also guided tours to help you get the most out of it.
A guided hike or horseback tour can be a great way of making sure you don’t miss out on seeing any of the park’s highlights. You can also get expert advice on where the best fishing, rock climbing, or photography locations are or learn more about the abundant wildlife, nature, and park history. Park Rangers are also there to share their knowledge and provide regular programs and classes, as well as a Junior Ranger program for kids. Check with the park visitor centers for more information.
Location: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, 1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Phone: +1 970-586-1206
Guided tours
5. Alpine Visitor Center
A true Rocky Mountain high
Good for: Photo, Food, Shoppers
At 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), the Alpine Visitor Center is the highest visitor center in the US National Park Service. Due to its elevation and the extreme weather, it’s buried in snow during the winter and the distinctive log building is only open during the summer season.
At the back of the center, check out the balcony where you can take in the expansive views and perhaps even see marmots frolicking below. Venture inside to take shelter from the wind and cold and warm yourself up while you check out a gift shop, a ranger desk, and a cafeteria. But beware of altitude sickness if you’re not fully acclimatized to your lofty surroundings.
Location: Trail Ridge Rd, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA
Open: Late-May–mid-October: daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm (closed in mid-October–Late-May)
Phone: +1 970-586-1222
Alpine Visitor Center
6. Moraine Park Discovery Center
Education and inspiration for your own park adventures
Good for: Food, Shoppers, History
Housed in a historic lodge, the Moraine Park Discovery Center offers visitors the opportunity to learn all about the rich history of Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by splendid views.
With classes, programs, and hikes offered by rangers, the visitor center has been described as the best location for visitors to learn all about the park before going off to explore on their own. Nearby, tucked in amongst the pine trees, you will find the rustic Moraine Park Amphitheater, a popular site for outdoor weddings.
Location: Bear Lake Road, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Open: Late-May–mid-October: daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm (closed in mid-October–Late-May)
Phone: +1 970-586-1206
Moraine Park Discovery Center
7. Mount Ida
Spectacular views whichever way you look
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Hiking up Mount Ida is not for the faint-hearted but, if you have a decent stamina level, the 9.6-mile (15.4-km) round-trip up 12,800 ft (3,900 meters) has an incredible payoff. You get probably the best views in all of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Along the way, you’ll likely see bighorn sheep, elk, marmots, pica, and ptarmigans. But at the top of the mountain, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Mummy Range to the north-east and Crackpot Mountain, Terra Tomah, and Mt Julian to the east. Longs Peak can be seen in the south-east, Kawuneeche Valley and Shadow Mountain Lake towards the south-west, and the Never Summer Mountains to the west. And below you, Azure Lake and Inkwell Lake.
Location: Trail Ridge Rd, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA
Mount Ida
8. Forest Canyon Overlook
Amazing colors in the sky as night falls
Good for: Adventure, Photo
For potentially the best sunset views in the park, head up Trail Ridge Road and then off a paved trail through the surrounding tundra to the scenic Forest Canyon Overlook. Here, you’ll get breathtaking views of the glacier-carved valley and its tributary canyons at any time of day, weather permitting.
Stay until the sun goes down and you will likely be rewarded with an awe-inspiring sunset you’ll be able to boast about for years to come. Wrap up warm though, as it can get chilly, even during the summer months.
Location: 1043 Trail Ridge Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Forest Canyon Overlook
9. Grand Lake Nordic Center
Not just hiking and camping, but winter-themed activities too
Good for: Families, Food
While there are no actual ski resorts within Rocky Mountain National Park, there are still plenty of opportunities for skiing in the park, including the Grand Lake Nordic Center.
At Grand Lake Nordic Center you’ll find over 20 miles (32 km) of classic and skate skiing trails for beginners to advanced skiers and snowshoers with rentals available. There’s also a dog loop, a free tubing hill for the kids, and a winter soup kitchen in the lodge to warm you up afterward.
Location: 1415 County Rd 48, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA
Open: Thursday–Monday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Phone: +1 970-627-8008
Grand Lake Nordic Center
10. Old Fall River Road
An old school drive deep into nature
Good for: Photo, History, Adventure
Following a historic hunting route that was once used by Native Americans, Old Fall River Road is a one-way, slow-paced gravel route. It allows drivers, bikers, and hikers to savor every moment of its 11 miles (18 km) through the scenic wilderness up 11,796 ft (3,595 meters) to Fall River Pass.
The narrow, curved road, built in 1920, was the first auto route in the park to offer access to the higher ground. It’s punctuated by switchbacks and no guard rails, but safe, if occasionally nerve-rattling, to drive. At various points you’re so immersed in and surrounded by nature you could reach out and touch it, though you’d best keep both hands on the wheel.
Location: Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Old Fall River Road
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