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Best trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

Best trails in Rocky Mountain National Park

4.6(284,298 reviews)

·

United States
#4 of 60 national parks

Rocky Mountain National Park epitomizes wilderness, freedom, and breathtaking mountain views. From elk herds grazing in misty meadows, to black bears foraging through the dense undergrowth, to eagles soaring through the sky, these mountains on Colorado's rooftop have it all. The more patient (and fortunate) hikers may even spot otters playing in the rivers, moose lumbering through the woods, or bighorn sheep near Sheep Lakes. Whether you admire the beauty and drama of the Rocky Mountains from a gentle, family-friendly trail or a rugged, challenging route, this park will capture your heart and claim lots of your phone's photo storage.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest-elevation national parks in the country. The park straddles the Continental Divide and includes more than 75 summits that are %{12000_feet} or taller. The lower atmospheric pressure at higher elevations may make you feel light-headed or short of breath, even on hikes well within your ability. If possible, it's a good idea to acclimate for a day or two before hiking in the park.

Even though the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, most people choose to avoid the rugged climate at high elevations by visiting in the summer or fall. The best time to visit is from June through September, when the weather is mild and most of the snow has melted. Keep in mind that Trail Ridge Road closes for the winter, usually sometime in October until May. If you plan to take this road through the park, be sure to check current conditions and closure status.

An entrance fee or park pass is required year-round. If you're planning a trip from May through October, you will also need to book a timed entry permit.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $15
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(970) 586-1206
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

1-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass. This pass is valid for one private motorcycle to enter RMNP for one day only. One pass is good for one motorcycle (including all riders). Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

$25
Purchase pass
Motorcycle

7-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass. This park entrance pass is valid for one motorcycle to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days (including all riders). Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

$30
Purchase pass
Per Person

1-Day Per Person Entrance Pass. This park entrance fee is for individuals, walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups to enter RMNP for 1-day only. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

$15
Purchase pass
Per Person

7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass. This park entrance fee is for individuals, walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

$20
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle

1-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This pass is valid for one private vehicle to enter RMNP for one day only. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

$30
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle

7-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This vehicle entrance pass is valid for one vehicle to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

$35
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

RMNP Park-specific Annual Pass. This park pass is valid for entry to RMNP only for 1 year. One pass is good for one passholder and may be used in any personal vehicle. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

$70
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The visitor centers, bookstores, and information desks are all accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. The visitor centers also have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Park films at the Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Village Visitor Centers include closed captioning.

An all-terrain wheelchair can be checked out at no cost. Call the main park number (970-586-1206) for more information or to make a reservation.

The park brochure is available in braille and large print. Assistive listening devices and sign language interpretation services are available but require advanced notice to guarantee availability (two weeks is suggested for assisted listening devices and a month for sign language interpreters).

Additional information about accessibility at Rocky Mountain National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Transportation

The summer shuttle buses that operate along the Bear Lake corridor are wheelchair accessible. Call Rocky Mountain Transit at (970) 577-7477 to learn about Town of Estes Park shuttle buses.

Electric Personal Assistance Mobility Devices (EPAMD), such as Segways, are allowed for people with disabilities in certain areas, including sidewalks, parking lots, roads closed to motor vehicles, and four trails.

Facilities

The visitor centers, bookstores, and information desks are all mobility equipment accessible. The visitor centers also have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Park films at the Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Village Visitor Centers include closed captioning.

There are wheelchair accessible picnic tables and restrooms at several trailheads, including Lily Lake, Sprague Lake, and Coyote Valley. Many of the overlooks along Trail Ridge Road have designated accessible parking.

Camping

There are both “front-country” and “back-country” wheelchair accessible camping sites at various locations.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Parks

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park is Emerald Lake Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 25,139 reviews. This trail is 3.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 718 ft.

What is the longest trail in Rocky Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is Grand Ditch. This trail is estimated to be 29.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Rocky Mountain National Park?

There are 231 trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 284,298 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Rocky Mountain National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Rocky Mountain National Park has you covered. Lake Nanita and Nokoni via Flattop Mountain and North Inlet Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 7,519 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Longs Peak via Storm Pass and Longs Peak Trail, which will get you 7,112 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Rocky Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 117 camping trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the most popular is Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail with an average 4.9 star rating from 17,217 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Rocky Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 95 running trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the most popular is The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 5,656 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Rocky Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 biking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the most popular is East Shore Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 1,143 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Some popular winter hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are Emerald Lake Trail, Dream Lake Trail, Gem Lake Trail, The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail, and Deer Mountain Trail.

What are the best spring hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are Emerald Lake Trail, Gem Lake Trail, Deer Mountain Trail, Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail, and Dream Lake Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 69 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail, Gem Lake Trail, The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail, Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail, and Deer Mountain Trail.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 73 trails with waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail, The Loch via Glacier Gorge Trail, Mills Lake via Glacier Gorge Trail, Chasm Lake, and Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail.

Are there any trails with lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 84 trails with lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Emerald Lake Trail, Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail, Lake Haiyaha, Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes via Nymph Lake Trail, and Gem Lake Trail.

Are there any trails with glaciers in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 14 trails with scenic viewpoints in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Adams Falls Trail, Lone Pine Lake via East Inlet Trail, Flattop Mountain Trail, Hallett Peak, and Tundra Communities Trail.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Are there any trails with ponds in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Are there any trails with cliffs in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with cliffs in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Ouzel Falls via Wild Basin Trail, Lily Mountain Trail, Calypso Cascades via Wild Basin Trail, Ouzel Lake Trail, and Bluebird Lake Trail.

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Are there any trails with dams in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Are there any trails with streams in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with streams in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Mirror Lake via Corral Creek, Mummy Pass, and Mirror Lake Trail and Mummy Pass Trail (#937).