Leave your car behind! Estes Park and RMNP provide a system of free shuttle buses. They connect at the Estes Park Visitor Center and Park & Ride lots. Buses allow visitors staying in Estes Park to easily get around town, to visit the Park, and to hike or sightsee without the hassles of parking, and traffic.
Can I drive through Rocky Mountain National Park without a reservation?
Two things will be required to enter the park during the summer season: A Timed Entry Permit or a reservation with a service, such as an in-park camping reservation, horseback riding reservation, or commercial tours (Service Reservation) Plus a Park Pass or Entrance Fee for your vehicle.
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 I walk in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. They range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. If you are new to the park consult with rangers at the visitor centers and backcountry office.
Do you need an SUV to drive in Rocky Mountain National Park?
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is it free to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The Cub Lake Trail is free to access with admission to Rocky Mountain National Park, and the trailhead sits off of Fern Lake Road, about 4.5 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Past visitors say that the trail is easy to find, even with very little light.
What time should I get to Rocky Mountain National Park?
In general from July through September: Avoid weekends and/or go early in the morning to beat the crowds. In the peak months arrive between 7 and 8 AM to get a parking spot. Usually, it starts to get busier after 9 AM. Especially popular entrances like Estes Park or trailheads like Bear Lake Trail are extremely busy.
How long would it take to hike across the Rocky Mountains?
Your adventure through the Rockies will take, at the very least, 5-6 days just to get from start to finish—with only minimal stops in between. Depending on the route and how many side trips you decide to make, this epic road trip could take anywhere from 8-12 days to get the full experience.
Is it hard to drive to Rocky Mountain National Park?
No matter which route you take to get to RMNP it is not a scary drive (there are several ways to get there). It is not scary driving in RMNP although there are two roads you might choose to avoid: Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road. Old Fall River Road is a steep, one-way unpaved road.
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).
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 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!
Is there a train from Denver to Estes Park?
The CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR is the last Train that goes to Estes Park in Denver.
How many entrances are there to Rocky Mountain National Park?
four
The park has four total entrances with three accessible from the eastern side of the park. There are two main entrances near Estes Park, another about 30 minutes south of Estes Park, and an additional entrance from the west at the town of Grand Lake.
Why is Rocky Mountain National Park closed?
Each year to protect raptor nesting sites, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in areas of the park. Due to high nesting activity in 2020 and 2021, closures will begin again this year on February 15 rather than March 1. These closures will continue through July 31, if appropriate.
Are Ubers available in Estes Park?
Uber and Lyft are both readily available at the Denver International Airport to take you to Estes Park. However, be advised, Uber and Lyft are not readily available within Estes Park to take you back to the airport.
