How to Plan An Epic Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park: Complete Guide

Taking a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is one of my favorite things to do in Denver! I’ve visited multiple times in different seasons and enjoyed it every time. Rocky Mountain is great because it’s beautiful and easily accessible from Denver (or Boulder). The alpine weather and mountain landscapes make it incredible to see. Even though it can feel overwhelming, taking a day trip to Rocky Mountain from Denver is very doable. You’ll need to do some planning to make it happen. That’s where I come in!

This post will cover everything you need to know for an epic day in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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About Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park allows visitors to enjoy views of some of the highest mountains in the US while exploring the alpine tundra. The chance to see large elk hanging around in the meadows was a highlight of my trips.

Rocky Mountain is also a park where you can see a lot without having to hike long distances. Shorter hikes can break up the driving without hiking for hours.

Getting There

It seems like most national parks are far away from major cities.

Rocky Mountain is 90 minutes from Denver and an hour from Boulder. So, it’s perfect for a day trip from either city!

Beaver Meadows and Fall River are near Estes Park. Beaver Meadows is the closest to the city. Fall River is under some road construction as of 2023. It’s accessible but you’ll likely encounter some traffic.

The Grand Lake entrance is on the southwest side of the park. It’s not a great starting point for day-tripping from Denver/Boulder. But, if you start early enough, you can still check it out if you follow this itinerary.

The Bustang

Staying in Denver without a rental car? Check out the Bustang. This is a bus option that starts in Denver and takes passengers to Rocky Mountain National Park. There are a few stops on the way so it’s not the most efficient but it’s a good option if you don’t want to rent a car.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, the roads are mostly okay but there are some curvy bits. Check it out in your maps app before you commit to the bus ride.

You’ll also need to plan to spend the majority of the day outside since you won’t have a car to put things in.

Permits for a Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

You need two things to get into Rocky Mountain National Park: an entrance pass and an entry permit (peak season only).

An entrance pass for Rocky Mountain is $30 for the day for a car. An annual pass to all of the US National Parks is $80. It’s a great deal if you plan to visit any other park.

The entrance gates to Rocky Mountain are cashless. You can buy your day pass online before you visit. Otherwise, have a credit or debit card.

Timed Entry Permits

Like many national parks, Rocky Mountain has moved to a timed entry permit system during the peak season. You’ll need a permit to enter the park between 9 am and 2 pm for most of the park but 5 am until 6 pm for the Bear Lake area.

To make the most of your day trip you’ll want to start early and likely need a permit at some point.

Downloading the NPS.gov app for the easiest way to do this but you can also do it online. The permits are $1 but they sell out quickly.

60% of the permits are sold about a month in advance but 40% are released the day before at 5:00 pm MDT. So, even if you aren’t a planner you still have a shot. But, be logged in and ready to go.

Park Access vs. Park Access+

There are two different types of passes: Park Access and Park Access+.

Park Acess is all you need if you’re following this itinerary Park Access+ is ideal. This pass gives you access to the Bear Lake section of the park.

Bear Lake is one of the most popular areas of the park. The area offers wildlife viewing, vistas, and hiking trails. If you can get a Park Access+ Pass you’ll enjoy this part of Rocky Mountain NP for sure.

But, if you end up with a Park Acess pass you’ll still have a great visit. The Bear Lake area isn’t huge but it’s popular.

What if I don’t get a permit?

If you don’t get a permit you should plan to wake up early to be in the park before 9 am. Try to enter around 8 am to avoid any lines. Then, if you go through to Grand Lake be sure you re-enter the park after 2 pm.

So, it’s possible to visit Rocky Mountain if you don’t have a permit. You’ll just have to be aware of the time and pass on the Bear Lake area of the park.

Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Summer

Summer is the most popular time to visit Rocky Mountain. Be sure you’ve got your permits in order before you head to the park since it will be busy.

In summer Trail Ridge Road should be fully open. There’s always a chance of a late winter storm though so check road conditions just in case.

Morning- Bear Lake and Moraine Park

Try to get an entry pass that starts as early in the day as you can. Leave Denver around 7 am to get to the park by about 8:30 am (or whenever your pass is valid). If you’re able to get up early you won’t be sad to have more time in the park especially if Bear Lake is on your list. It gets busy fast!

Be sure to have your entrance pass and permit. Service is iffy so have a screenshot of your entry permit just in case.

Assuming you have a Park Access+ pass, start your day in the Bear Lake area for some wildlife viewing and hiking before the park hits its busiest.

Bear Lake Shuttle

The area is so popular that parking and traffic can be problematic. In the summer the park runs a free shuttle to try to alleviate the pressure.

The shuttle has two routes and can get you to all of the popular sites and trailheads. If you’ll be stressed by parking just take the shuttle and avoid having to deal.

The shuttle schedule is easy to follow. Look here for the Bear Lake and Moraine Park routes.

Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: Bear Lake & Moraine Park

On a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, you won’t be able to do any longer hikes without sacrificing time from another area of the park. But, there are still plenty of good options to get you out of the car and into the park.

Remember that Bear Lake is a popular area of the park so take the shuttle or be flexible based on parking availability. Trailheads can fill up quickly here.

As always, be sure to have trail information with you and plenty of snacks and water. Be prepared so you don’t get yourself in a bad situation.

You certainly don’t need to do all of the listed hikes but it’s helpful to have a list of several in case you run into parking issues.

Bear Lake Loop- From Bear Lake

.8 miles
45 ft of elevation gain
Easy

This is an extremely popular hike. Get here as early as you can to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

This is an interpretive trail. To follow the path take the loop in a counter-clockwise direction around the subalpine lake. There is a booklet you can purchase at the start of the trial that provides more information if you’re interested.

Emerald Lake

3.5 miles
650 ft of elevation gain
Easy

This trail is a bit longer than some of the other options. But, it’s an amazing way to get away from the crowds and get to see several lakes too.

The trail starts at the Bear Lake trailhead. You’ll hike up a steady incline to Nymph Lake first and then on to Emerald Lake. On the way back you can choose to go by Dream Lake as well.

If you’re interested in a longer hike this is a great option.

Sprague Lake

.9 Miles
10 ft of elevation gain
Easy

This hike starts from the Sprague Lake trailhead in the Bear Lake area of the park.

This hike takes you around another subalpine lake! It’s a flat hike on packed gravel so it’s accessible for everyone.

Get here early for a chance to take some pictures of the mountains reflected in the lake.

The Pool from Fern Lake Trailhead

3.4 miles
205 ft of elevation gain
Easy

This hike is in the Moraine Park area (near Bear Lake) and starts from the Fern Lake trailhead. This hike is longer but isn’t very steep. It takes you through moose, elk, and deer habitats so you may get lucky and see them during your hike; be careful if you do.

The pool is at the junction with the Cub Lake trail.

Alberta Falls – Glacier Gorge Junction

1.7 miles
200 ft of elevation gain
Easy

This trail starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead in the Bear Lake Area.

The hike is one of the most popular in the park. It takes you to a 30-foot waterfall with the perfect spot for a picnic.

Late Morning Through The Afternoon – Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is the main road that runs through the park. It’s the highest paved road in the US and it’s where you’ll spend the bulk of your time.

If you have an Access pass and not an Access+ pass start your day on Trail Ridge Road. You’ll be able to make more stops on the way since you’ll have more time.

Stops on Trail Ridge Road

There are several stops to consider on Trail Ridge Road. Start here and stop at the others as you’d like to. I love using the souvenir park map from the entrance when driving around; it will help you know where you are and where you’d like to stop.

Rainbow Curve

Rainbow Curve offers an incredible view of the park. The alpine and subalpine areas of the park are both visible here. With any luck you could also see a rainbow as you look down on the park.

Alpine Visitor Center

The Alpine visitor center is a perfect spot to stop and learn a bit about the park. The visitor center sits high up in the park and is the highest visitor center in any national park. You’ll find snacks and restrooms here. There is a small exhibit to learn a bit more about alpine animals and a small gift shop too.

Since the weather can change quickly on Trail Ridge Road it’s also a good idea to talk to the rangers at the visitor center and make sure the weather looks clear for the rest of the day.

Milner Pass

Milner Pass is the place to stop if you want to see the continental divide and exceptional views.

The divide runs the length of the Americas. Water that falls on one side flows to the Atlantic Ocean and water that falls on the other side flows to the Pacific Ocean.

Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: Trail Ridge Road

Alpine Ridge Trail

.6 mile
209 ft of elevation gain
Easy

This trail starts from the Alpine visitor center. It’s a short hike but it takes you to the top of a nearby mountain. In early summer you could be lucky enough to spot wildflowers as you walk.

Since this trail wanders through the alpine tundra be sure to stay on the trail to protect the fragile landscape.

Tundra Communities

1.1 miles
175 ft of elevation gain
Easy

This trail starts at the Rock Cut pull-out. You’ll likely feel the effects of the altitude as you climb the elevation at the beginning. Check out the rock formations and look for some of the small rodents that live in the alpine tundra.

Protect the fragile environment by staying on the trail.

Forest Canyon

4.8 miles
600 ft of elevation gain
Moderate

If you start the day in Bear Lake this hike may prove to be too much for you to complete on a day trip. But, if you’re a hiker and you don’t get an Access+ Pass this could be a good option for you.

This trail takes you around Poudre Lake and through the sub-alpine forest. You’ll also earn sweeping views of the mountains.

Coyote Valley

1 Mile
15 ft of elevation gain
Easy

This easy trail is on the Grand Lake side of Trail Ridge Road at the Coyote Valley trailhead.

Explore the Kawuneeche Valley and keep an eye out for wildlife. It’s a wheelchair-accessible trail that winds along the Colorado River.

Lots of short easy hikes are a great way to spend a day trip in a national park and this trail is a good one!

There are so many hikes in Rocky Mountain; this list is a great place to start but you can look into other Rocky Mountain hikes here.

Grand Lake

If you start in Estes Park, Grand Lake is the town at the other end of Trail Ridge Road. Try to make it to Grand Lake for lunch. The drive takes 90 minutes without stopping so you’ll have plenty of time.

The lake is beautiful so the beautiful views keep coming when you’re here.

The main street in Grand Lake is like walking through an old west town in the movies.

Sagebrush BBQ and Grill is the perfect place to stop for a late lunch after a morning of exploring.

Afternoon/Evening – Rocky Mountain Day Trip

After lunch start heading back toward Estes Park. Driving back through the park takes a bit longer but the scenic views are worth it. You’ll see it all from a different perspective as you drive back.

Stop along the way and maybe plan to leave a short hike or two for your drive back.

Beaver Meadows and Fall River are both good entrance points near Estes Park; plan to enter through one and exit through the other to see just a bit more of the park.

Things to See in Rocky Mountain National Park

There is one main road in the park; Trail Ridge Road runs from the Estes Park side of Rocky Mountain to the Grade Lake side of the park. Driving this road will be the majority of your day trip plan.

Bear Lake is the only area of the park not on the main road. So, that will get its own section shortly.

Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is a spectacular drive. It’s the highest paved road in the US so the views of the Rocky Mountains are spectacular. The road is fully open from Memorial Day until October. But, you should always check the road conditions before you start.

Sometimes, there can be a late snowstorm that closes the road; even in June.

The road is about 46 miles long and would take 1.5 hrs to drive if you didn’t stop (or run into traffic). So, it’s doable for a day trip; it’ll just be a fair bit of driving.

Along the way be sure to stop at Milner Pass for a view of the Continental Divide.

The Alpine Visitor Center is another good stop.

You should also stop at some of the alpine trailheads to walk around the very unique landscape. Forest Canyon and Tundra Communities Trailhead are great places to start.

Driving all the way to Grand Lake and back is one of the best ways to spend your day. Stop at viewpoints, take some hikes, and enjoy the scenery.

Bear Lake Area

Bear Lake Road is much shorter at 9.2 miles. But, this little area has a ton packed into it!

The area is full of hikes and beautiful views. Be sure to get all the way down to see Bear Lake but there are other stunning lakes to try to visit too.

Some of the best short hikes in the park can be found in Bear Lake. So, if you love to hike you can consider spending one day driving Trail Ridge Road and a second day in the Bear Lake area to make the most of the hikes.

The Morraine Park Discovery Center is open in the summer months and is another good site to check out in Bear Lake.

Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: Fall, or Spring/Winter

Summer is a great time for a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. But, you can still take a Rocky Mountain day trip in fall or spring (or even winter)!

Just remember to be flexible in these seasons since the weather can be unpredictable! Check the road conditions before you head to the park.

Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park: Fall

In the fall you could still drive all the way through to Grand Lake and follow the summer itinerary.

This is true through early October. But, snow storms could come early.

Either way, the leaves change colors in the fall and the views are breathtaking! Animals are active in the fall but it’s also elk rutting season. So, be extra careful around them.

Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park: Spring and Winter

In Spring, Trail Ridge Road will likely be closed in the alpine area. So, explore what you can but don’t plan to drive all the way through on Trail Ridge Road.

Spring blends with winter in the park since March and April are actually quite snowy.

If you’re coming to the park at this time of the year expect fewer crowds but lots of snow. Lighter crowds mean no permits are required though. So, that’s good!

This is a perfect time to visit if you’re interested in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or tubing. Plan to spend time in the Bear Lake area of the park since a fair portion of the park isn’t open until summer.

Where to Sleep for a Day Trip Rocky Mountain National Park

You can stay anywhere you’d like in Denver or Boulder for this day trip to Rocky Mountain. I’ve stayed in both and enjoy the activities available to you in Boulder. It’s a smaller town with plenty to do. So, I’d stay in Boulder if you can. But, Denver is fun too!

Boulder

The Hilton Garden Inn was a good stay in Boulder.

There are several gluten-free friendly restaurants. But, if you’re looking for apartment style in Boulder Air BnB is likely your best option.

Denver

If you have Hilton points, The Art Hotel Denver is an incredible place to stay. It’s a super unique hotel in downtown Denver.

But, the Home2 Suites are a great option with a small kitchen and they’re quite affordable too.

What to Pack for a Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

In addition to my list below, be sure to pack layers for this trip. The weather can change quickly. Plus, it’s much cooler at the Alpine Visitor Center than it will be at the lower elevations. In the picture further up you can tell I wasn’t prepared (canvas shoes and a raincoat with snow pouring down).

Bring options so you can be comfortable.

My Essentials for National Park Trips

Great Hiking Shoes. I love Chacos sandals AND my Timberland boots. I really hate hiking boots so it’s high praise for these Timberlands! Chacos pro tip- don’t be tempted by the 3-string option. They are impossible to adjust.

Thick, comfortable socks to keep my boots from rubbing my feet. As a bonus, I can wear them with my Chacos like a total dork for that weird “not quite warm enough” weather.

My Osprey Day Pack. I’ve had it for years. I have no intention of ever getting another day pack.

Binoculars are a must. Every time I forget them I regret it.

My Nikon Z5 is my go-to camera. I love the 70-200mm lens for photographing wildlife.

My Eddie Bauer Rain Foil Jacket is the best rain jacket.

Enjoy Your Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

A day in Rocky Mountain National Park is a day you’ll enjoy. It’s always a good day when you get into national parks to experience the wonder they provide. The key to a trip to Rocky Mountain is to get your entry permit and know what you have access to with it. Otherwise, enjoy the views and short hikes!

National parks like Haleakala and Mt Rainer are other great days if you happen to be in Maui or Seattle respectively.

Get out and enjoy your National Parks; let me know what your favorites are!

Other National Parks I Love

Volcanoes

Olympic

Denali

Everglades & Biscayne