Rocky Mountain National Park
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 in Colorado, 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. Rocky has been the third most visited national park in the United States for several years.
Seeing the Tundra Up Close
Approximately one third of this national park protects lands above the treeline. Being able to drive in the comfort of your car through this amazing tundra landscape is a distinctively unique experience to Rocky Mountain National Park.
The plants on the tundra have an average of only a 40-day growing season and are fragile but incredibly hardy. They have adapted to the harsh conditions.
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, so there’s a hike for everyone’s style and ability in the park.
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.
Horseback riding is permitted within Rocky, with more than 260 miles of trails open to horses, mules, ponies, llamas, and burros.
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 are not used to mountain driving. So ride carefully.
In the winter months, visitors may also enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing throughout Rocky.
More than 94.8% of the park is designated wilderness. Of the 265,847.74 acres, 89,099 acres, or 33%, is above treeline, an ecosystem known as the alpine tundra.
Open 24 Hours a Day
The park is open 24 hours a day, unless closed for weather or safety reasons.
You need an entrance pass no matter what time you enter the park.
If you don’t have an annual Rocky pass or America the Beautiful pass, passes can be purchased at a staffed park entrance station, or online before you arrive at the park at Recreation.gov.
During the dates of the reservation system, you may enter the park before or after the timed-entry times.
Visitor Centers
There are five visitor centers throughout the main section of the park.
All park visitor centers are ADA accessible and have restrooms, bookstores, visitor information, and seasonal water fountains.
There is limited potable drinking water in the park, so please plan accordingly and bring your own water.
All visitor centers are closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Rangers will be available in locations near the visitor centers to answer visitor questions.
Wild Basin
This area of the park is located off CO Hwy 7, 14 miles from downtown Estes Park.
The two-mile dirt road ends at the Wild Basin Trailhead and Ranger Station.
This more remote and less traveled part of the park is equal in beauty with trails leading to alpine lakes and waterfalls.
You will need a "Rest of the Park" timed-entry permit if visiting May 24-Oct. 15.
Driving App
GuideAlong, an excellent driving app for Rocky, might just be the perfect companion as you drive through the park with most information along Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. It’s fun, educational, and enjoyable. GuideAlong.com.
Visitor Information: 970-586-1206
Daily 8am-4pm Mountain Time
Visitor Information for the Hearing Impaired (TTY): 970-586-1319
Daily 8am-4pm Mountain Time
Trail Ridge Road Information: 970-586-1222
Recorded message 24 hours a day, updated when road status changes
Wilderness Office: 970-586-1242
Lost & Found: [email protected]
Campground Reservations: 877-444-6777
Trail Ridge Road
- North America’s highest continuous paved road
- Highest road in any national park, peaking at 12,183ft
- 11 miles of road above the tundra
Trail Ridge Road is one of the most breathtaking and unique scenic byways in the country. Opened in 1932, the road covers 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake, with 11 miles stretching across the tundra at an elevation close to 12,000ft. Traffic can move slowly and wildlife can be on the road, so plan for at least a three-hour trip, and drive with care.
Historic stone-wall turnouts provide ample space to stop and take in the views. Many Parks Curve offers expansive vistas of Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, Deer Mountain, Mt. Meeker, and Longs Peak, the sole 14er in Rocky.
Rock Cut has some parking and vault toilets. You can take a half-mile walk on Tundra Communities Trail for a close-up view of the many tiny alpine plants and flowers that hug the ground.
From the Alpine Visitor Center, travel west to Milner Pass and the Continental Divide. Water on the east side drains into the Platte River, which flows to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. The water on the west side flows down the Colorado River to California.
At Farview Curve, that timid stream winding across the Kawuneeche Valley is the Colorado River. From here, it starts a 1,450-mile journey through mountain canyons and three major deserts on its way to California. Moose and elk often graze along the river. Drive carefully as animals are often right next to the road.
Please Note: Stay on the trail, as footprints damage the fragile tundra that may take hundreds of years to recover.
Enjoy the View
Though well maintained, Trail Ridge Road has many curves and switchbacks and is often narrow, with few guardrails or shoulders.
Beginning in April, it typically takes snowplows up to six weeks to carve through 30ft-high drifts to clear the road, often leaving towering walls of snow next to the pavement. The road is usually open late-May through mid-October, depending on the weather. Elk, bighorn sheep, and the occasional marmot often cross the road. Stay alert.
The Alpine Visitor Center
AVC sits at 11,796ft above sea level and is the highest visitor center in the entire national park system. Its large picture windows offer spectacular views.
Trail Ridge Store next door has souvenirs, food, and restrooms. Test your legs and lungs on the Alpine Ridge Trail (Huffers Hill), a short, steep trek that starts at the Alpine Visitor Center and climbs 200ft in three-tenths of a mile. The trail tops out at more than 12,000ft and offers spectacular 360-degree views.
The Alpine Visitor Center is a popular spot, so go early or late in the day as the parking lot can fill up.
High Season
Most people visit RMNP in summer and on fall weekends, so expect congestion on roads, in parking areas, and on popular trails. Never park along the road or on the tundra as there is no shoulder. The tundra is very fragile and will damage easily. Park only in designated spots. The busiest times in Rocky are between 10am and 3pm. By mid-morning, parking areas are often full, so tour and hike early or late in the day. NPS.gov/ROMO/PlanYourVisit/Trail_Ridge_Road.htm.