970-586-1206 • go.nps.gov/rockyfees
Trail Ridge Road Information • 970-586-1222
Wilderness Office • 970-586-1242
Campground Reservations • 877-444-6777
Lost & Found • romolandf@nps.gov
Check website for entrance fees, visitor center hours, closures, and updates.
ESTABLISHED
In 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) protects 415 square miles of spectacular mountain scenery that includes 60+ mountains 12,000ft in elevation or higher. Longs Peak, one of the most technically challenging 14,000ft peaks, is the highest in Rocky. The park is home to 280 types of birds, including eagles and hawks, as well as 60 species of animals such as bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, elk, mule deer, and moose. More than 4.5 million people visited Rocky in the previous years, making it one of the busiest national parks in the United States. Total park acreage is 265,807 with 252,298 acres designated as wilderness.
FIRE IN THE PARK
In October 2020, the East Troublesome Fire reached the west side of the park and then jumped the Continental Divide to burn on the east side. In all, 30,000 acres, or 10%, of the park burned. Most of the fire damage is visible on the west side. Some trails were affected by the fire and may not open this year. Please check the park’s website for updates and conditions.
VISITOR CENTERS
All park visitor centers are accessible and have restrooms, bookstores, visitor information, and seasonal water fountains. There is limited potable drinking water in the park, so please bring your own water. All visitor centers are closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on US Hwy 36, three miles west of Estes Park, shows a 23-minute film about Rocky year-round. Open year-round, hours vary.
- Fall River Visitor Center, four miles west of Estes Park on US Hwy 34, features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. Seasonal hours.
- Moraine Park Discovery Center, on Bear Lake Road in the park, has interactive exhibits, ranger-led programs, and a self-guided nature trail. Seasonal hours.
- Alpine Visitor Center sits on Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. Take in exhibits on the alpine tundra. The building is on the edge of a ridge with an amazing view of the valley below. Open daily in summer only if Trail Ridge Road is open.
- Trail Ridge Store has unique Colorado gifts and a cafe, and is the only place in the park to purchase food and beverages. Plan ahead for congestion and expect the parking lot to be especially busy between 10am and 3pm.
- Kawuneeche Visitor Center, on the west side, is one mile north of Grand Lake on US Hwy 34. A 23-minute film on the park is shown. Open year-round, hours vary.
ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK
RMNP offers more than 350 miles of hiking trails, from leisurely strolls to intense mountain climbs. Hiking options have a wide range of distances, elevation changes, and terrains. From quick day hikes to hardcore backpacking options, there’s a hike for everyone’s style and ability in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Horseback riding is permitted within Rocky, with more than 260 miles of trails open to horses, mules, ponies, llamas, and burros.
For the adventuresome trout angler, Rocky has 147 lakes. Not all have fish, so stop by a visitor center and pick up a brochure listing lakes with fishing and park regulations.
Bicycles are permitted on Trail Ridge Road. There is no shoulder, and the road twists and turns. Be aware that many drivers are looking at the scenery and not used to mountain driving.
Horseback riding is permitted within Rocky, with over 260 miles of trails open to horses, mules, ponies, llamas, and burros.
Ranger-led activities and nature programs are offered at each of Rocky’s visitor centers, including Kawuneeche Visitor Center on the west side of the park.
In the winter months, visitors may also enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing throughout Rocky.
Programs and Seminars
Throughout the year, park rangers present hundreds of programs on the tundra, trees, weather, wildlife, and more. Get information in the park newspaper, at visitor centers, entrance stations, and on the park’s website. go.nps.gov/rockyrangerprograms.
Seminars are led by Rocky Mountain Conservancy in conjunction with Rocky. rmconservancy.org.
Note: RMNP has several area closures to protect plants and animals. Please visit go.nps.gov/rockyclosures for updated information.
commercial tours
Taking a commercial tour is an alternative way to enjoy Rocky. Click here for more info.
GyPSy Guide, a new driving app for Rocky might just be the perfect companion as you drive through the park. It’s fun, educational, and enjoyable. gypsyguide.com.