Rocky Mountain
National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a dream for nature and adventure lovers! Spanning over 415 square miles in Northern Colorado, the park features rugged peaks, alpine tundra, forests, lakes, and meadows, plus 60 mountains over 12,000 feet tall.
The Ute people were the first to explore and value this land, long before miners and settlers arrived. It became a national park in 1915 and is now one of the most visited parks in the country, ranking 5th in 2024!
Rocky Mountain At a Glance
Rocky Mountain National Park is located Northwest of both Denver and Boulder, Colorado, with the closest major airport being the Denver International Airport, 1.5 hours away. The Boulder Municipal Airport is closer at just under an hour, but is much smaller with less flight options.
Rocky Mountain National Park requires timed entry reservations to enter the park between May 23 and October 13, 2025 (or October 19 depending on the option you pick), unless you have a campground or a tour in the park booked, in addition to your entrance fee.Learn more here.
$30 per vehicle for 1 day or $35 for 7 days or FREE with the America the Beautiful pass.
The best time for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is from June to September to have access to the most hikes and scenic drives, although it is the busiest time of year to visit.
Different Areas of the Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is mostly contained within one main area, with access via a few key roads. While there are several regions, like Bear Lake Road Corridor, Wild Basin, and Fall River, the park is generally divided into east and west sides.
The east side, near Estes Park, is the most popular. This side sees the most visitors thanks to Bear Lake Road, which features many of the park’s most iconic hikes. The park’s east and west sides are linked by the stunning 48-mile Trail Ridge Road (more on that later!). Driving the full stretch takes about 1.5 hours from one entrance to the other—and the views are absolutely worth it!
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
In this detailed guide we’re sharing everything you need to know before you visit, the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, sample itineraries, and more!
Hiking the Emerald Lake Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park (+ Lake Haiyaha)
The Emerald Lake Trail is one of the best short hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. In this guide we’re sharing how to hike the Emerald Lake Trail, plus how to add Lake Haiyaha to your route for even more beautiful scenery!
How to hike to Sky Pond at Rocky Mountain National Park (Our favorite hike in the park!)
In this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know to hike to Sky Pond, including the reservations required for the road (and what to do if you do not have one), what to expect along the trail, and more!
