Rocky Mountain National Park is full of delightful landscapes, mountain lakes with elk and moose strolling along the shores, scenic drives, and rewarding hikes. Drive Trail Ridge Road, hike around Bear Lake, and enjoy the views at Moraine Park. Hike to Alberta Falls or Dream Lake. Explore Grand Lake at the far west side of the park or enjoy the views of Estes Park on the eastern side. Here are my favorite things to see and do in RMNP. Tip – Most of these destinations need a timed entry permit, so be sure to get yours before you go.
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is unlike any other in the country. This road is 48 miles long and takes you over the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. Highlight of the Trail Ridge Road is the Alpine Visitor Center at 12,000 feet right on the Continental Divide. Here you can climb about 250 steps to a lookout point located at the highest elevation in the park. The views from here are spectacular. You can even see wildlife that lives here including the Ptarmigan birds.
It is fascinating to watch the geology change as the road climbs higher and higher. The trees disappear and all you can see are the tundra surrounding you. I’d recommend everyone to drive up to Alpine Visitor Center at a minimum, then you can either turn back towards the eastern side of the park or go over the Continental Divide and explore the western half, if you have the time.
Tip – Thunderstorms are common above the timberline in the late afternoons after 2 pm, so I’d recommend hitting the Trail Ridge Road in the earlier part of the day. Also, the road is often crowded and can get clogged at some bottleneck points such as the Many Parks Curve overlook. Also the road is open only in summer, check for closures before you go.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is one of the most iconic as well as most accessible destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. This scenic lake is surrounded by tall Rockies peaks including Hallett’s Peak, Longs Peak, and the Continental Divide. It is at an elevation of 9475 feet. An easy 0.6 miles loop trail goes around the lake and is perfect for littlest of kids. The lake is frozen in winter and perfect for snowshoeing.
The lake is located at the end of Bear lake Road, about 12 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center near Estes Park. You will need Timed Entry Permits to visit this area of the park during summer to fall. Parking at Bear lake trailhead fills up really fast and I’d recommend taking a shuttle during the busy months.
Dream Lake
With its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding peaks, Dream Lake lives up to its name. It’s also one of the most photographed spots in the park. A relatively short hike of 2.2 miles round trip that starts at the Bear lake trailhead takes you to Dream Lake. The trail has an elevation gain of 425 feet and is of moderate difficulty.
You will need timed reservations to the Bear Lake area to hike the trail. The trail takes you past lily covered Nymph Lake and through dense pine and fir forests. At the end, you will find Dream Lake flanked by Longs Peak, Flattop Mountain, and other majestic peaks. As far as stunning views go, put Dream Lake on the top of your list!
Lake Haiyaha
Lake Haiyaha is another of the breathtaking alpine lakes located in the Bear Lake corridor. It is famous for its striking turquoise color due to glacial sediments – and is especially vivid when the glaciers melt in summer. Lake Haiyaha is less famous compared to Dream lake or Emerald Lake, and hence also has fewer crowds on the trail. The trail is 4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 850 feet.
The trail takes you past Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. Take the turn past Dream lake towards Lake Haiyaha. You will quickly drop the crowds and find the trail getting more rough and rocky as it crosses a large boulder field which you need to scramble up on. The lake is just beyond this field. It looks breathtaking on a blue summer day. You can see the clouds and peaks reflected in it – the perfect reward for this moderately challenging hike.
Emerald Lake
Emerald lake is the quintessential RMNP hike for those looking for an epic hike of medium difficulty and rewarding views. The hike is around 4 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 700 feet. The reward? Gorgeous views of the aptly named Emerald Lake surrounded by snow capped mountain peaks. Even better? The trail takes you along 2 other alpine lakes – Nymph Lake and Dream lake!
Begin at the Bear Lake trailhead and continue past Dream Lake to Emerald Lake. In the warmer months it’s lined with high alpine wildflowers of every color. You also get to see a lot of wildlife like marmots, pikas, and birds on this trail. The hike is located in Bear lake Corridor and you will need the timed entry permit to get to the trailhead.
Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is famous for its thunderous cascade as it tumbles down a rocky gorge. Surrounded by pine and aspen trees, it’s one of the easiest and most popular waterfall trails in RMNP. This gorgeous waterfall is 30 feet tall and located in the Glacier Gorge area along the Bear Lake corridor. (Timed entry needed to visit). The trail is 1.6 miles round trip and easy to do even for families with kids. The path follows Glacier Creek and has an easy elevation gain of 200 feet. You can turn back on seeing the falls or continue to Sky Pond.
Sky Pond
If you want to go on a challenging hike, try Sky Pond trail. This awe-inspiring lake is surrounded by jagged granite spires of the Rockies. It is located at 10,900 feet elevation and framed by Sharkstooth – a beautiful rock formation named for its appearance and Taylor Peak. The hike is 9 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of almost 1800 feet. I did mention it was challenging, right?!
The trail begins at Glacier Gorge trailhead and takes you past several attractions such as Alberta Falls, the Loch lake, Timberline Falls waterfall which you need to climb/scramble up, Lake of Glass lake located right above the falls, and finally Sky Pond itself. I have heard of many hikers returning from Timberline Falls because the scramble proved too much for them! Be sure to start early in the morning for this hike and keep an entire day for it.
Sprague Lake
If just reading about Sky Pond makes you tired, then I have the perfect hike for you – Sprague Lake Loop! Also located in the Bear Lake corridor midway between the start of the road and Bear Lake, you will find this charming lake with a gravel loop trail. The trail is just about a mile long and good enough for strollers and kids. It is quite flat too. Several benches are located along the loop. Interpretive signs narrate the history of the area. The lake itself is beautiful and good for wildlife watching. Moose are often spotted here especially at dawn or dusk.
Old Fall River Road
Old Fall River Road is a charming gravel park road located in the eastern section of the park, not far from Estes Park. It winds through dense forests, alpine meadows, and up to the tundra. This was the park’s original road before Trail Ridge Road was built. To reach the scenic drive, enter the park via Fall River Entrance Station along Highway 34 (Fall River road). Soon you will see signs for Old Fall River Road near the Horseshoe Park area.
This narrow road has many off the beaten path attractions such as Alluvial Fan with its massive boulders, Endovalley picnic area, Chasm Falls hike, and plenty of wildlife. The road ends at Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road and is a total of 11 miles long. The drive takes an hour to 1.5 hours, depending on stops and without hiking the trails.
Alluvial Fan
Looking for something unique to do in Rocky Mountain National Park? Head to Alluvial Fan located in the Horseshoe Park area of the park along Old Fall River Road. It’s a pretty easy hike with lots of geology and history. There are two main access points: East and West Alluvial Fan Trailheads, each with short, easy paths leading to the cascading stream and waterfall created by the 1982 Lawn Lake Flood.
The focal attraction is gigantic boulders scattered across the landscape. These tell the story of the dam failure at Lawn Lake, which released millions of gallons of water down into the valley, reshaping the land and creating the fan-shaped debris field you see today. Kids love climbing the boulders and splashing in the stream. It is a fun hike for the whole family and much less crowded than Bear Lake or Trail Ridge Road.
Grand Lake
Here’s a little secret: when it comes to RMNP, the west side is the best side! Around Grand Lake you will find equally beautiful views as the eastern side of the park and much fewer people! Trail Ridge Road ends here. The town itself and the lake as well as attractions like Granite Falls and Adams Falls are all worth checking out.
Kawuneeche Valley is another great area to explore – here you will find the family friendly Coyote Valley Trail. The lake has a nice sandy beach and marina for boating. Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing are all popular here. In the town, you will find the historic boardwalk, cosy cafes, art galleries, and boutique stores.
Holzwarth Historic Site
Located on the western side of the park, Holzwarth Historic Site is a must-see site. It lies along the Trail Ridge Road in the Kawuneeche Valley area and is easily accessible. A short flat half mile walk takes you to the historic site. The walk crosses meadows – you can often see wildlife such as moose and elk here.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find a collection of preserved log cabins and ranch buildings from the original Holzwarth Trout Lodge, established in the 1920s by the Holzwarth family after World War I. You can walk among the restored cabins and read the interpretative signs that narrate the history of the Holzwarth family and the early guest ranching era in Colorado. Also you will see the Colorado River flowing as a tiny stream near the site.
Hidden Valley Sledding Hill
When snow blankets the park, Hidden Valley located off Trail Ridge Road transforms into a family winter wonderland. Once a ski area, Hidden Valley is the only place in the park where sledding is allowed. The main attraction here is the designated sledding hill with its wide gentle slope. A small warming hut has restrooms and limited seating. Bring your own tubes and sleds and enjoy some snow fun.
Elk Rut
The elk rutting season in Moraine Park happens during fall and is a great time to visit. As the leaves begin turning, the meadows come alive with sounds of bugling elk. You can watch the massive bull elk fight other bulls for a chance to mate with the cows. Seeing the sparring animals with their antlers locked in an intense fight is just unforgettable. Plan a visit from mid-September to mid-October to see this incredible wildlife spectacle.
Peak to Peak Highway
Technically outside RMNP, this scenic mountain drive is great to do while in the area. Peak to Peak Highway, also known as Colorado Highway 7, is the best way to explore the Front Range. It runs along the eastern boundary of the park and joins several historic mountain towns like Estes Park, Nederland, and Black Hawk. The drive is 55 miles long. You can enjoy views of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness throughout much of the drive. It is also famous for its fall foliage.
Lily Lake is a great stop where you can hike a short level loop trail around the pretty blue lake. Nederland, a funky mountain town with cafes and shops, is nice to explore. Eagle Plume’s Trading Post is another interesting stop along Highway 7. Here you can shop for Native American jewelry, sculptures, paintings, sand art, and curios; kids often receive a free eagle feather at the store.
Estes Park
Last but not the least! Estes Park, a pretty mountain town with an artsy vibe, is the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The town is located close to two park entrances: Beaver Meadows Entrance and Fall River Entrance. Apart from attractions in RMNP, Estes Park has its own charm and activities. It is famous for its elk herds that can be found around Lake Estes.
Downtown Estes Park offers a classic mountain-town experience with local art galleries, boutiques, gear rentals, restaurants, and public art. You will also find plenty of ice cream, taffies, and chocolate here. The riverwalk is a great place to go for a quick stroll while checking out the town. Another essential attraction is the Historic Stanley Hotel – famous as the inspiration of Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’.
RMNP is one of the most visited national parks in America – and it is easy to see why. Hike to crystal-clear lakes, marvel from the overlooks, spot a moose or a bear, and relax in the high-mountain air.