Even if you’re visiting in the summer when free shuttles are making regular loops through the national park and Estes Park, you’ll still likely need a car to reach the parking lots for the shuttles and to take the storied drive across Trail Ridge Road.
Is it worth driving through Rocky Mountain National Park?
If you are in the park during those months, this road is definitely worth the drive. It’s the original road in the park and a 9-mile, one-way road. It comes out at the Alpine Visitor Center. Driving up Fall River and then down Trail Ridge will give you a full view of the park.
Can you just drive through Rocky Mountain National Park?
The Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Loop is 164 miles of pure mountain adventure. This four-hour drive will take you from Denver to Estes Park, through Rocky Mountain National Park on the magnificent Trail Ridge Road and then through Grand Lake, Granby and Fraser to Winter Park.
Can you walk into Rocky Mountain National Park?
A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet.
Do you need SUV for Rocky Mountain National Park?
Most of the roads in Rocky Mountain National Park can be traveled by ordinary passenger cars, at least when it’s not snowy. The roads in the nearby national forests vary widely.
Do I need a 4×4 in Rocky Mountain National Park?
1. Re: Type of vehicle needed in Fall? No, a 4-wheel drive vehicle should not be necessary that time of year in RMNP. If by chance there is an early snowfall, the park plows and sands the roads if needed.
How many days do you need to see Rocky Mountain National Park?
Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. This gives you enough time to drive Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and hike a few of the trails. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Do you need a reservation to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park?
#KnowBeforeYouGo – Timed Entry Permit Reservations are needed along with a park pass/entrance fee in order to enter Rocky Mountain National Park if you’re visiting from May 27 through October 10, 2022.
What is the difference between Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park?
The easy, honest answer is: “It’s free! Estes Park is a town—you can come and go as you please.” Rocky Mountain National Park (a different type of park all on its own) does require a timed-entry permit (plus an entrance pass).
How scary is Trail Ridge Road?
If you don’t like heights be warned, there are switch backs and steep sides with very few barriers on this route through the mountains. The road is actually far less scary than many of Colorado’s famous mountain roads.
How long does it take to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park?
about 2 hours
How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Rocky Mountain National Park? You can drive from one end of Rocky Mountain National Park to the other in about 2 hours if you don’t make any stops.
Is it better to stay in Grand Lake or Estes Park?
Both Estes Park and Grand Lake are great options for where to stay when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is livelier and gives you better access to in particular the Bear Lake area. On the other hand Grand Lake is the more peaceful option that feels further away from it all.
Do you have to pay to get into Estes Park?
It’s free! The long answer is that Estes Park is the town at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park, which does charge an entry fee and requires a timed entry permit.
Can you drive through Estes Park?
Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the US, is the most famous scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park – a day trip not to miss through high alpine tundra panoramas! Even driving up to Estes Park from Colorado’s Front Range is scenic!
Can I drive my RV through Rocky Mountain National Park?
RVs are allowed on all roads in the park, with the exception of Old Fall River Road where vehicles over 25 feet and those pulling trailers are prohibited. Many roads in the park are steep and winding, some without shoulders or guardrails.
Can you drive through Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter?
Winter Driving in Rocky Mountain National Park
Out of all the areas you might choose to travel in the Rocky Mountains during the winter, RMNP is one of the safer ones in terms of having well-maintained, paved roads and accessible trailhead parking.
Do we need an SUV for Colorado?
You won’t need a SUV. I drove the mountains for years in a Toyota Camry – front wheel drive and great gas mileage. I only switched to a SUV because I do go off pavement and need a higher clearance.
Can I drive a compact car at Rocky Mountain National Park?
Unless you need the larger car I would suggest going smaller. Parking is tight at times at RMNP and it will be easier to navigate with a compact. I drive a 4 cylinder compact and have driven all over Colorado without any problems whatsoever.
Can you drive through Rocky Mountain National Park in April?
Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons in the park.
What is the best time to go to the Rocky Mountains?
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is from June to September when the snow is (mostly) melted and the hiking trails and attractions are accessible.
How crowded is Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky is busiest throughout the summer and on fall weekends. In these busy times, especially between 9 am and 3 pm, you should expect: Long lines and wait times at entrance stations. Full parking lots.
