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 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.
Do you have to pay to drive through 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.
How long will 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.
What is the highest point you can drive to in Rocky Mountain National Park?
1. Trail Ridge Road. As one of the most popular scenic drives in Colorado, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuously paved road in the United States, at its highest point of 12,183 feet. The road spans Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Can you get into Rocky Mountain National Park right now?
Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting.
Is Bear Lake corridor worth it?
Yes! The views are amazing and the hiking is great. The Rocky Mountain National Park is absolutely beautiful and if you have the chance to go, you should! Even during the busy season the park is large enough to accommodate the large crowds as long as you take the park shuttles to the Bear Lake Trails.
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.
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 long does it take to drive the Trail Ridge Road?
2 hours
It has a total distance of 48 paved miles and would require at least 2 hours of driving to complete. It has become one of the most popular byways since its opening in 1938 due to its high elevations, hairpin turns and magnificent sceneries.
Do you need AWD for Rocky Mountain National Park?
ROAD CONDITIONS today both the east side & west side of RMNP, including US 34 and Bear Lake Road have WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS. 4WD, AWD or good snow tires are advised.
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.
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 you drive to the top of Rocky Mountains?
The actual highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park is Longs Peak, which measures in at 14,259 feet elevation above sea level. However, you can’t drive anywhere near that particular peak. Getting to Longs Peak requires a 14.8-mile roundtrip hike that includes more than 5,000 feet elevation gain.
Can you enter Estes Park without a reservation?
There are two options to get you into the park that don’t require a timed-entry reservation. You can either take the Bustang bus from Denver’s Union Station to the park or you can park for free at the Estes Park Visitor Center and take the Hiker Shuttle into the park.
What is the most scenic drive in Colorado?
The 10 Best Scenic Drives In Colorado
- Trail Ridge Road. Photo: Shutterstock.
- Pikes Peak Highway.
- San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway.
- Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway.
- Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway.
- Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway.
- West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway.
- Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
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.
Can you enter RMNP before 9am?
Timed entry is required to enter any access point to RMNP, including the East Shore Trail (Adams Falls) and the East Shore Trail. Permits are NOT required before 9am or after 3pm. Due to damage from the East Troublesome Fire, check the Rocky Mountain National Park website for temporary trail closures and updates.
Does Estes Park have a mask mandate?
COVID-19 and Travel to Estes Park
February 12, 2022, the public health order from Larimer County requiring masks in public indoor spaces will expire, due to improving COVID-19 conditions.
Why is Bear Lake Road so popular?
Bear Lake Road allows motorists and road cyclists to travel through 10.4 miles of breathtaking alpine wilderness from 7,840 ft to 9,475 ft in elevation. It’s among the best drives in RMNP for fall colors.
Can you drive to Bear Lake?
Drive up to Bear Lake on the most famous road in Rocky Mountain National Park! This 10.5 mile drive from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center starts at 7,840 ft and climbs up to Bear Lake at 9,475 ft. Continental Divide peaks tower above you.
