Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is situated in the state of Colorado in the United States. It is located about 76 miles northwest of Denver. Encompassing a vast area of 415 square miles, the park is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife.

Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park holds a rich historical background. Native American tribes such as the Arapaho and Ute used the land for hunting and gathering before European settlers arrived in the area. In the late 19th century, miners explored the region in search of gold and other precious minerals. However, with the establishment of the park, the preservation of the area's natural beauty became a priority.

The park offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a popular choice, with over 355 miles of trails. From easy strolls to challenging hikes, visitors can explore the park's diverse landscapes, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and stunning peaks. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, as the park is home to a variety of species such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears.

Driving along the famous Trail Ridge Road is a must-do while in Rocky Mountain National Park. This scenic highway reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet and offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, picnicking, and scenic drives within the park.

Nearby attractions include Estes Park, a charming mountain town located at the eastern entrance of the park. Estes Park provides various accommodations, restaurants, and shops for visitors to enjoy. It is also a gateway to the park's most popular trailheads. Just outside the park's boundary lies the Wild Basin area, offering stunning waterfalls and serene hiking trails.

In summary, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a scenic and historically significant destination. With its stunning mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, and a wide range of outdoor activities, the park provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Nearby attractions such as Estes Park and the Wild Basin area further enhance the overall visit.

Rocky Mountain National Park is situated in the north-central region of the scenic state of Colorado. Nestled within the majestic Rocky Mountains, this national park covers a sprawling area of approximately 415 square miles. Its geographical location is characterized by rugged landscapes, towering peaks, and alpine tundra. At the park's eastern boundary, the magnificent Continental Divide runs through, separating the watersheds of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Within the park, visitors can explore a diverse range of ecosystems, including lush forests, picturesque meadows, and crystalline lakes, all surrounded by the breathtaking summits of the Rocky Mountains. The location of Rocky Mountain National Park truly showcases the unparalleled natural beauty and grandeur of Colorado's mountainous terrain.

Address & Contact

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
Driving Directions
Phone: 9705861206
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park would be in June or September. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures of 75°F and 70°F respectively. Both months also have lower average precipitation levels compared to other times of the year, with 1.2 inches and 1.8 inches respectively.
Additionally, visiting during these months allows you to avoid the large crowds that are typically seen in July and August when visitor counts are highest. So, plan your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in June or September for an enjoyable experience with favorable weather and fewer crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Rocky Mountain National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Climbing Hiking Fishing Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Snow Play Snowshoeing Group Camping RV Camping

Topics

Learn about these topics at Rocky Mountain National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Transportation Cats (wild) Fish Fire Trails Wilderness Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Lakes Astronomy Scenic Views Waterfalls Roads, Routes and Highways Elk

Visitor Centers

Wilderness Office

Have questions about planning for an overnight backpacking camping trip? Ready to pick up your backpacking permits? Visit the park's Wilderness Office or call 970-586-1242. To get to the Wilderness Office, park your vehicle at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and follow the signs and paved path to the Wilderness Office.

Campsites within or near Rocky Mountain National Park

Aspenglen Campground

Aspenglen Campground is open for the 2024 summer season! Located on the east side of RMNP near the Fall River Entrance, Aspenglen Campground is available by reservation only. To make a reservation, visit https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233187.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Camping Fee - Summer)
Total Campsites: 52
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Glacier Basin Campground

Glacier Basin Campground is open for the 2024 summer season! Located on the east side of RMNP along Bear Lake Road, sites in Glacier Basin Campground are available by reservation only.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Camping Fee), 50.00 (Camping Fee (Small Group)), 60.00 (Camping Fee (Medium Group)), 70.00 (Camping Fee (Large Group))
Total Campsites: 150
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Longs Peak Campground

Longs Peak Campground is open for the 2024 summer season. Located about 20 minutes south of Estes Park on Hwy 7. This small, tents-only campground is located in a forested area that is 9,500 feet above sea level (3000 m). This campground has vault toilets and there is no water available. Campers must bring their own drinking water when camping at Longs Peak Campground.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 26
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Moraine Park Campground

The Moraine Park Campground & Headquarters East Utility Restoration Project is underway! This critical infrastructure project will improve the water, wastewater, and electrical distribution systems that serve not only Moraine Park Campground, but also Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and Rocky Mountain National Park's Headquarters area and many other critical park facilities. Moraine Park Campground is expected to remain closed this summer/fall season due to construction delays.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 244
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Timber Creek Campground

Timber Creek Campground is open for the 2024 summer camping season.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 98
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Rocky Mountain National Park

Fawn Valley Inn: 101

With a stay at Fawn Valley Inn: 101 in Estes Park, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center.
Address: 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link

Fawn Valley Inn: 106

Located in Estes Park, Fawn Valley Inn: 106 is within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center.
Address: 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link

Fawn Valley Inn: 201

With a stay at Fawn Valley Inn: 201 in Estes Park, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center.
Address: 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link

Fawn Valley Inn: 280

Located in Estes Park, Fawn Valley Inn: 280 is within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link

Fawn Valley Inn: 288

Located in Estes Park, Fawn Valley Inn: 288 is within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link

Fawn Valley Inn 3&4 Bedrooms by Rocky Mountain Resorts

Located in Estes Park, Fawn Valley Inn 3&4 Bedrooms by Rocky Mountain Resorts is within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link

Fawn Valley Inn 2 Bedrooms by Rocky Mountain Resorts

With a stay at Fawn Valley Inn 2 Bedrooms by Rocky Mountain Resorts in Estes Park, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link

Fawn Valley Inn 1 Bedrooms by Rocky Mountain Resorts

With a stay at Fawn Valley Inn 1 Bedrooms by Rocky Mountain Resorts in Estes Park, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center. Featured amenities include multilingual staff and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link

Fawn Valley Inn Studios by Rocky Mountain Resorts

Located in Estes Park, Fawn Valley Inn Studios by Rocky Mountain Resorts is within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2760 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link

River Rock -- Ev # 3 Bedroom Condo

When you stay at this condo in Estes Park, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 15-minute walk of Historic Fall River Hydroplant and Fall River Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1605 Ziola Ct, Unit 4, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Web: Link