Travel Guide
Rocky Mountain National Park
Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
About Rocky Mountain National Park
A park of alpine lakes, high peaks and big elk herds just outside Estes Park, about 1.5 hours from Denver. Highlights include the Bear Lake corridor's lakes and trails, Moraine Park's elk meadows and Trail Ridge Road. In summer and early fall, entry during the day requires a timed-entry permit.
Colorado-rockies
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Book a timed-entry permit on recreation.gov; in recent years it has been required roughly late May to mid-October.
The Bear Lake Road corridor needs a separate permit with longer hours, so choose the right type.
Enter before the timed-entry window starts in the morning if you could not get a reservation, and check current rules.
Hike from Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes, about 3.6 miles round trip, for classic alpine views.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
In the busy season, usually yes for daytime entry; outside the timed-entry window or season, you can enter with just the entrance fee.
Opening Hours
ParkOpen 24 hours, year-round
Timed entryApprox. 9 AM - 2 PM; Bear Lake Road approx. 5 AM - 6 PM (check current rules)
Timed-entry dates and windows change each year, and a limited number of permits are released the evening before.
Ticket Prices
Private vehicle (1 day)USD 30
Private vehicle (7 days)USD 35
Timed-entry reservationApprox. USD 2 booking fee
An America the Beautiful pass covers entry but not the timed-entry booking fee; non-US residents may pay more, so check nps.gov.
AI Powered
Plan a Trip to Colorado-rockies
Lizza, our AI travel assistant, can build you a full Colorado-rockies itinerary — free, in seconds.
Looking for more? Browse travel guides & tips →
Nearby
Must See Attractions
colorado-rockiesGarden of the Gods
A free city park in Colorado Springs filled with towering red sandstone fins and balanced rocks set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Paved and dirt trails wind among the formations, and the Visitor and Nature Center explains the geology.
View Details
colorado-rockiesMaroon Bells
Two maroon-colored, 14,000-foot peaks reflected in Maroon Lake near Aspen, often called the most photographed mountains in North America. In summer and fall, access is mainly by reserved shuttle from Aspen Highlands, with limited reserved parking for private vehicles.
View Details
colorado-rockiesPikes Peak
America's Mountain, a 14,115-foot summit above Colorado Springs that inspired the song America the Beautiful. You can reach the top by the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile toll road, or by the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway from Manitou Springs.
View Details
colorado-rockiesRed Rocks Amphitheatre
A world-famous open-air concert venue set between 300-foot sandstone monoliths in the foothills near Morrison, about 30 minutes west of Denver. On non-show days the amphitheater and surrounding park are free to explore, with trails, a visitor center and views back to the city.
View Details
colorado-rockiesRocky Mountain National Park
A park of alpine lakes, high peaks and big elk herds just outside Estes Park, about 1.5 hours from Denver. Highlights include the Bear Lake corridor's lakes and trails, Moraine Park's elk meadows and Trail Ridge Road. In summer and early fall, entry during the day requires a timed-entry permit.
View Details
colorado-rockiesTrail Ridge Road
The highest continuous paved road in the US, crossing Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park to Grand Lake and peaking at 12,183 feet. About 11 miles run above treeline, with overlooks like Many Parks Curve and Forest Canyon and the Alpine Visitor Center near the top.
View Details