Home to some of the most iconic and highest national parks in America, Rocky Mountain National Park lures adventurers both seasoned and beginner.
From an expansive set of trails, looming peaks and jaw-dropping landmarks to rare wildlife species such as the Grizzly Bear – you are simply going to be amenable on all accounts if it is outdoor exploration that you are looking for.
It is also home to the highest continuous paved road in this country, which makes it more special for visitors.
Well, then pull up your hiking boots and prepare to discover the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park for an outdoor adventure!
1. Trail Ridge Road
At last, if you do not want to hike but you still feel like enjoying the majestic views of Colorado (after everything is said and done) then look no further than Trail Ridge Road.
Why You Should Go
The highest continuous paved road in the US topping out at 12,183 feet — can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own vehicle with stretches that showcase alpine mountains and a diverse ecosystem around every turn.
What to Do
Winding your way through the park, Trail Ridge Road is a convenient tool for stopping and photographing some of the most incredible scenery you will ever see. Take advantage of all those pullouts to capture an unforgettable picture or two.
2. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is open year-round, staffed by park rangers who can provide the lowdown on trails and must see sights in Rocky Mountain National Park; it’s a must stop for visitors.
Why You Should Go
The center provides assistance on how to find the best trails for your skill level and time obligations so that when you come it is just right.
What to Do
Discover more about the national park through personal interaction with a ranger, information provided in materials or by watching an orientation film. You can even rent walking sticks or cleats to add in an extra layer of fun outdoors.
3. Downtown Estes Park
Estes Park — When you visit Estes Park in Colorado, one thing is for certain: You’ve got to get downtown with its restaurants (high five!), art museum and more than 300 shops.
Why You Should Go
There are so many things to do, see and try in downtown Estes Park; from wonderful restaurants, breweries and unique touristy shops When it comes down to lodging, you will not be short on choices.
What to Do
Spend a day shopping, dining or leisurely sipping on refreshing beverages in the heart of downtown. You can also take a very cheap ride on the tramway and their experienced staff will show you around exquisite architecture, antediluvian mountains, as well as Big Thompson River.
4. Emerald Lake Trail
Minus well hit the 3rd loop which will take you to Emerald Lake, this combo is popular among couples and friends as there are multiple beautiful viewpoints/adrenaline shots for everyone.
Why You Should Go
It is a moderately difficult hike (Trail Difficulty Guide) that rewards you with three lakes, followed by such prized view worth all the climb.
What to Do
Some of the most peaceful hiking along serene trails and beautiful surroundings are to be had early in the day, so don your favorite KT Recovery Band for comfort at any time.
5. Bear Lake
Bear Lake is the hub of Rocky Mountain National Park and a perfect jump-off point for any hike.
Why You Should Go
At the center of the national park, Bear Lake provides access to hundreds of trails that will give you an unforgettable outdoor experience.
What to Do
Why not try planning a trip this weekend to take in the serenity of the bear lake trail on a nice relaxing loop, or one of our other stunning trails throughout Grand Junction for an unmatched experience with friends and family.
6. Old Fall River Road
If you enjoy a drive that gets you common to nature as it lets out on the elevated range of mountains interior the national park, this is one roadway everyone should pass.
This dirt road carries the same route as Indian hunters some time ago, creating a raw experience with nature.
Why You Should Go
Old Fall River Road provides a slow, less-traveled and breathtakingly scenic trip up the park that is separate from other drives.
What to Do
Get ready for 11 miles of gravel/dirt driving Look for elk and deer, bighorn sheep among the crickety rocks of a wash scene out into mountain glaciers on your way up this remote road.
7. Alberta Falls
In Rocky Mountain National Park, Alberta Falls is easily amongst the top five highlights of a park loaded with stunning sights as this very serene 30-foot waterfall offers an escape from your everyday stresses.
Why You Should Go
This waterfall is a quick hike from the parking lot, suitable for visitors of all hiking abilities. The photos are quite refreshing — just look at that water from Glacier Creek is really pouring down!
What to Do
There are giant boulders dotted around the falls so you can quite easily enjoy a family picnic right at the cascading water. We can continue the hike is a much more strenuous fashion if you choose to after having fun at the falls.
8. Chapel on the Rock
This almost 100 year old church residing in Allenspark is a bucket list must-see and looks like something right out of fairy tale as it zooms to hold one of the most story book spots in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Why You Should Go
Chapel on the Rock is a Catholic shrine built by members using local materials and techniques, based on inspiration from the bible verse “upon this rock I will build my church.” The stonework chapel fits into its environment with light wooded forest surrounding it and towering mountains peaks just behind.
What to Do
Visit the church service every Wednesday from 1 pm, check out this historic landmark inside and dont forget to snap your favorite photo of Chapel on Rock.
9. Lily Lake
Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Lily Lake includes an easy 0.8-mile loop trail for families with children to enjoy a leisure walk around the lake at Lily Lake.
Why You Should Go
An easy trail for a family with small kids or strollers, Lily Lake provides views of the surrounding mountains along with great species and wildlife opportunities.
What to Do
To keep the little ones interested, give them child guided cameras and wild flower resources. Oh and keep an eye out for any animalys on the walk.
10. Alpine Visitor Center
The highest visitor center in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alpine Visitor Center sits atop Trail Ridge Road and has spectacular panoramic overlooks.
Why You Should Go
Always a must see on any park visit, the center offers views of majestic alpine tundra and always supplies visitors with cool mountain breezes. It also has concessions, toilets and a shop where you can buy gifts of the camp.
What to Do
An exterior view of gift items for sale in a National Park Service visitor center does not read as memento or keepsake.
11. Sprague Lake
Almost completely level, it is an easy walk all the way around Sprague Lake on a well-maintained gravel loop trail that’s much like walking in your neighborhood if you lived near to where there was beautiful closed mountain scenery.
Why You Should Go
The lake is, stunningly beautiful with the trees and mountain of this area being tall enough that they are reflected in the water.
What to Do
Enjoy a slow walk around the loop trail, sit on one of many benches along that way and just enjoy this peaceful place. Anglers can also drop a line in the lake, which provides them an opportunity to wrestle with native brook trout and stocked brown and rainbow.
12. Sombrero Stables
One of the most exciting things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park is horseback riding with Sombrero Stables.
Why You Should Go
Horseback riding is a unique way to explore more of Estes Park without straining on a long hike, while also helping you get further than by foot.
What to Do
Get the chance to learn horseback riding and pick out from a variety of trail durations that have you trodden on delightful pathways through the nearby woods, thereby lending to your visit an inimitable charm.
13. Deer Mountain
Deer Mountain is a more moderate, uphill hike that offers some beautiful views of the surrounding ranges and makes for an awe-inspiring first summit to newcomers.
Why You Should Go
The trek winds it’s way through a rich jungle with picturesque views of parks and peeks from the ground to another, topped by an exceptional view from start.
What to Do
Take in the amazing scenery as you hike through to the top of this tree covered mountains pride and joy. For the more daring, this one is a nice warm up of national park hikes.
14. Kawuneeche Visitor Center
This West entrance in Rocky Mountain National Park is a favorite stroll for those driving from the West, include valuable experiences with their eminent officers.
Why You Should Go
The center offers advice, info and narratives that can help you get the most out of your experience in the park while helping avoid some potential misfits.
What to Do
You can check out the huge relief map of the park to help determine which hikes and activities are possible within your alloted time. The center also features picnic tables and grills, 10 family or group hunting blinds per season available by reservation.
15. Holzwarth Historic Site
More than Just a Hike — Originally a homestead and dude ranch, Holzwarth now serves as the historic Hubbard Cabin on Colorado’s west slope inside Rocky Mountain National Park.
Why You Should Go
This site is very easy to access and gives the viewer a glimpse at rugged living of another time, including some badly dated taxidermy done by former owners.
What to Do
For those in search of something fresh, this remarkable site provides a picture of times-gone-by – step back to days past and sample the uncomplicated approach-of-life from yesteryear. While there, take the time to see a variety of wildlife like deer, moose and elk as well keep an eye out for antelope that frequent in this area.
16. Ouzel Falls
Ouzel Falls One of Rocky Mountain National Park’s more dramatic waterfalls, Ouzel Fall is a popular summer destination. This secluded sanctuary is surrounded with colossal boulders and a breathtaking cascade of water which that the family and couples will absolutely adore.
Why You Should Go
As the water crashes over large rocks into the pool below it gives respite and detachment to the tranquility of its population forest residents.
What to Do
Maybe pack a lunch and eat near the falls or if you want to add more excitement, take on some of the harder trails or go horseback riding—a camping permit is necessary but available.
17. Sky Pond
Hiking to Sky Pond is easily one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National park, and while it is a moderate trail that becomes more challenging as you go on (high altitude will have your head spinning at almost 12k feet), this beautiful alpine lake though smaller than Mills Lake just above offers great reward for those who get there.
Why You Should Go
The following attraction is Sky Pond, which offers visitors a stunning view of towering mountain peaks and colorful wildflowers surrounding Beta Lake Falls.
What to Do
Get ready for a tough trek, during which you will spot some columbines and marsh marigolds amongst the many wildflowers.
18. Camp Out Under the Stars
An overnight under the stars in Rocky Mountain National Park is a night you will never forget. Spread throughout the park are various campgrounds, some of which offer that special elk bugling sound during their rutting season in autumn.
Why You Should Go
Staycation to reconnect with the wild scenery of Rainbow Springs, and camp closer on a walking trail in paradise among native Kiwi wildlife.
What to Do
You could take a campground at Moraine Park my best amenity because of the ideal spot and wildlife sightings.
19. Hike to Odessa & Fern Lakes
From the layup, Odessa and Fern Lakes are stunning alpine lakes that can be accessed on a moderate day hike covering 7.5 miles with an elevation gain of over 1,400 feet.
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Why You Should Go
This beautiful trail is a great route in both directions with lake fishing access and some picturesque views all without the company related traffic. For those crowds haters this is the great hike for your Rocky Mountain National Park adventure.
20. Take a Leisurely Stroll by Boulder Brook
If it’s a sunny day, go for a short walk on the property of Boulder Brook which provides you solace especially during autumn when aspen leaves are changing. A Great Trail For The More Solitary Seeker
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Why You Should Go
This riverside hike leads you by the audible trickling of water and several minor cataracts. It has less traffics on the trail, not a bad idea if you like quiet walk with nature.
