Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by foxintheforest
Making the quick trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect way to escape into the mountains any time of year. In fact, you can easily visit Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver in just one day.
Get ready for epic mountain scenery, hiking for any ability, and plenty of options to spot incredible wildlife. Rocky Mountain National Park lets you get into the heart of the mountains without needing to venture far from Denver.
As a long-time local of over 13 years, I’ve been to Rocky Mountain National Park countless times. You won’t find better local tips for visiting the park anywhere else on the web. So if you’re looking to head from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park like a local, not a tourist, keep reading.
About this Guide to Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park
Inside this local guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver you’ll learn:
- How to get to Rocky Mountain NP from Denver
- Practical info for visiting the park
- Drive times to Rocky Mountain National Park
- A full-day itinerary that drives through Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver
- Additional things to do in the park
- More amazing local Colorado travel resources
How Do You Get to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver?
You can head north on I-25 then west on CO-7 or take US-36 to CO-7, depending on exactly where you’re coming from in Denver. This map shows the route.
Drive Time from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park
Getting from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park only takes around a 90 mins to drive, depending on traffic.
Drive Time from Denver Airport to Rocky Mountain National Park
Denver International Airport is east of the city proper, but it’s also a little farther north, so the drive time straight from Denver airport to Rocky Mountain National Park is also around 90 min. Of course, traffic can definitely make this drive longer.
Local Tip: The quickest route from the Denver airport to Rocky Mountain National Park is via CO-470 which has tolls.
Is it Worth Driving Through Rocky Mountain National Park?
Absolutely! Driving through the park is certainly a bucket-list item for any visit to Rocky Mountain NP. You’ll not only drive up and over the Continental Divide, but you’ll get to see two distinct sides of the park.
Not to mention, you can hit up two awesome Colorado mountain towns (Estes Park and Grand Lake) along the way and do some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park if you have time to see some Colorado wildflowers.
Local Tip: If you have more time, be sure to check out nearby Nederland (“Ned” by locals) and enjoy some of the best Nederland hikes.
Can You Take the Train from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park?
In short, no. There are no trains to Granby, Grand Lake, or Estes Park. However, you can take a bus from Union Station to Estes Park. Although it’s better to have your own car in the park.
This is because Trail Ridge Road isn’t serviced by any public buses, making some of the best parts of the park inaccessible unless you’ve got a ride.
Local Tip: If you don’t want to drive Trail Ridge Road, you can access Estes and use the park’s shuttle system by taking the Estes Park Shuttle.
What is the Most Scenic Drive from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park?
The most scenic drive from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park is the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway. It’s one of the most incredible drives near Estes Park since it takes you through Central City, Nederland, and Allenspark.
Here’s an Exclusive Look at What You Need to Know to Visit RMNP in Less than 3 Minutes!
I’ve been hustling over on my YouTube channel (love it? A subscribe tap would be rad!) to bring you the most up-to-date, expert, local advice about visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Of course, I do that here too, but if you want a fast look at an expert’s recommendations, then look no further!
Practical Info for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
It’s just a quick trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, but before you head to the park, make sure to pay attention to this important info for your visit so you can enjoy one of the best Colorado national parks.
Entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want to understand how to get from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park then you have to figure out where the four park entrances are located and which one is right for you based on what you want to see and where you are coming from.
Beaver Meadows Entrance
Situated near Estes Park,, the Beaver Meadows Entrance is a central gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. So if you’re traveling from the east, aka from Denver, this is probably the best way for you to enter the park.
Plus, you’ll enjoy easily access to park highlights like Moraine Park, Bear Lake, the Alpine Visitor Center – many of which can be reached via Trail Ridge Road.
Fall River Entrance
Also, conveniently located near Estes Park, this entrance is great if you want to visit Fall River Canyon, Horseshoe Park, the Holzwarth Historic Site, and more.
Grand Lake Entrance
Situated on the western end of the park, this is a great way to enter the park if you’re staying in the epic mountain town of Grand Lake.
After all, you can do tons of hiking, boating, and fishing here. You can also use Trail Ridge Road to access Estes Park on the otherwise of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Wild Basin Entrance
Use this entrance if want to visit the southeastern part of the park, which id where you’ll find the hike to Ouzel Falls. This is a great place from which to explore natural waterfalls, incredible and incredible lakes in the Wild Basin area.
Picking the Right Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance
Rocky Mountain National Park features a variety of different entrances, making it a difficult to decide which one is best for you during your drive from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park.
However, do remember that Trail Ridge Road, which connects the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the Grand Lake Entrance, is closed in the winter and only open from late spring through early fall.
During other parts of the year, traveling through the center of the park is impossible due to snow and ice at higher elevations. This means that during the winter, the entrance you choose will affect the part of the park you will be able to explore.
Nevertheless, every entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park offers access to unique areas in the park.
Different Ways to Get From Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park
1. Rent a Car in Denver
One way to get from Denver to Rocky Mountain Park is to rent a car in Denver. Do this and you have the freedom to go at your own pace and stop anywhere you like along the way.
Typically, you can rent a car in Denver for anywhere between $25.00 per day to $82.00 per day. Just note that prices vary based on the type of car you rent and the time of year.
However, if you choose this option then you can access any entrance you like during your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also get from Denver to Estes Park using US-36.
2. Take the Bus from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want to take the bus from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park then catch the Bustang bus from Union Station in downtown Denver and enjoy a 2.5 hour ride to RMNP.
Two buses depart daily from Denver in the morning and then make the return trip from Estes Park in the afternoon. The trip costs around $5.00 per person.
Once on the bus, you can get off in Estes Park or ride right into the park, using an in-park shuttle to get to Bear Lake and Moraine Park.
Local Tip: If you get off in Estes Park via the bus then you can use park shuttle services, bike rentals, private shuttle services, group tours, and taxi/ride share apps to get into the park.
3. Use a Shuttle to Get to Rocky Mountain National Park
A variety of plush private and simple public shuttles are available to escort you to Rocky Mountain National Park. This transportation method works if you don’t have a car, However, I think that renting a car/taking a Rocky Mountain National Park tour are much better options.
Two great shuttle services on offer include:
Check out these two Colorado shuttle services for more details.
- Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides – This adventure company has a fab shuttle service that escorts you from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. This service is unique because an expert guides offers insights into the park’s many attractions, making the journey truly memorable.
- Estes Park Shuttle – This shuttle takes you directly from Denver International Airport to Estes Park. So, if you don’t want to figure out how to get to from the airport to downtown Denver then this is an easy, stress-free option.
4. Book a Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park
The benefit of a tour is that it’s super quick/easy, stress-free, and includes expert guide services.
These services are great because a local expert will provide you with valuable insights into some of the park’s most iconic attractions.
Now, regardless of whether you book a private or group tour, you’re sure to get the most out of your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park with a tour.
Local Tip: If you choose to go with a private tour, check out Colorado Sightseer. They curate a custom itinerary and offer incredible private tours that include guides and comfy transportation.
Fees to Enter Rocky Mountain National Park
The fee to enter Rocky Mountain National Park is $15 per vehicle for a 1-day pass. A 7-day pass (valid for consecutive days only) is only $35 per vehicle, so that’s a great deal if you plan to spend multiple days in the park.
Local Tip: Planning to visit multiple national parks in a 12-month period? Then the America the Beautiful Parks Pass is a great deal.
You’ll also get access to National Recreation Areas, such as the nearby Brainard Lake Recreation Area and the Arapaho National Recreation Area with the pass!
Timed Entry into Rocky Mountain National Park
During peak season (May 26 through October 27, 2023), a timed entry permit reservation is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. These permits are free with a $2 reservation free, but if you don’t have one, you will be turned away at the park entrance.
There are timed entry permits available from 5 am-6 pm for Bear Lake Road (which includes access to the whole park) and from 9 am-3 pm for access to the park excluding Bear Lake Road. You must enter RMNP during the 2-hour entrance window for your permit, but then you can exit the park and return later if you wish.
You must book your timed entry permit through Recreation.gov, and reservations are made available starting the first day of the month prior (e.g, June 1st for July permits).
Local Tip: Do keep in mind that recreation.gov will say that there are no timed entry permits required during the winter months, but they are re-instating this program for 2024, dates have not been released.
Local Tip: If you want to make a spontaneous trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, a percentage of permits (25-30%) are held back from initial sales and are made available the day before at 5 pm. These go quickly though, so be ready to grab them right at 5 pm!
Crowds at Rocky Mountain National Park
No doubt about it, Rocky Mountain is one of the most popular places to visit in Colorado, and it gets crowded – like really, really crowded! Since the distance from Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver is so close, Front Range locals and visitors alike visit the park in droves.
The timed entry permits are designed to help with the crowding but to really avoid crowds, it’s better to visit in the off-season or plan to get to the park SUPER early – like before 6 am (or before 4 am for the Bear Lake Corridor).
Trail Ridge Road Seasonal Closure
Be aware that Trail Ridge Road is not maintained over the winter, so it is typically closed for the season from October through early June.
However, snow can happen at other times of the year as well, so always check the road conditions before heading to the park, especially if you plan to do a bit of snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
How Much Time Do You Need at Rocky Mountain National Park?
I’ve been to RMNP in every season, multiple times a year. I still haven’t seen everything the park has to offer!
You can easily hit the park’s highlights with one full day in Rocky Mountain NP. A weekend or 2 to 3 days will let you explore a variety of areas in the park.
If you’re an adventurous hiker, 5 days will give you lots of time to explore the far corners of the park and the surrounding areas (which are just as beautiful, if not more so in my opinion!).
Local Tip: Do you live in Colorado? Then visit the park multiple times a year to see how it changes with the seasons.
Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
There are so many things to do in RMNP that it can be overwhelming to plan your visit to the park.
Luckily, I have spent some serious time exploring RMNP, and here is my highly recommended, can’t-miss Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
If you’re making the classic Colorado road trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, the prettiest route to get there is via the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.
Head west from Denver to Golden then drive through beautiful Clear Creek Canyon, before turning north to Nederland.
Continue through Allenspark on your way to Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Lily Lake
A perfect stop on your way up the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is Lily Lake, which you’ll get to right before Estes Park.
Lily Lake is a great intro to Rocky Mountain National Park lakes with a nice easy loop trail of about a mile to circle the lake.
Estes Park
After stopping at Lily Lake, make your way to the town of Estes Park. It’s a good place to grab lunch and snacks for the day, since there is not much in the way of food inside Rocky Mountain. If you have more time, there are plenty of fun things to do in Estes Park as well.
Dream and Emerald Lake
Then make your way into Rocky Mountain National Park and head out on one of the best hikes in Colorado to Dream and Emerald Lake.
The Emerald Lake hike is 3 miles round trip and features jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery as you pass several stunning alpine lakes.
If you get to the park extra early (like before 5 am!) to beat the crowds, you can enjoy a seriously special sunrise over Dream and Emerald Lake.
Local Tip: Get to the Bear Lake Corridor before 4:30 am if you want a chance at having a parking space at any of the parking lots (yes – it actually fills up that fast virtually all year – even with a timed entry permit).
The exception to this would be mid-October through mid-December and late-April through mid-May. During this time of year, you may be able to find a spot if you’re there before 6 am.
Bear Lake Corridor
There’s much more to explore in the Bear Lake Corridor area as well. You can add on Lake Haiyaha or Bear Lake to your hike to Emerald Lake.
Or take it up a notch and explore some of the more challenging Rocky Mountain National Park hikes such as the incredible trail to The Loch and Sky Pond, which is one of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado.
Trail Ridge Road
To see more of Rocky Mountain National Park beyond the Bear Lake Corridor, take an awesome Colorado scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road.
The highest continuous paved road in North America, Trail Ridge Road takes about 2 hours to drive one way – maybe more, depending on how many overlooks you stop at along the way!
Local Tip: Pack layers! Even in the heat of the summer, the top of Trail Ridge Road can have cold weather. Don’t forget rain gear if you’re there during the summer monsoon (June through mid-August).
Longs Peak
The most iconic sight in Rocky Mountain National Park is Longs Peak. One of the prettiest Colorado 14ers, Longs Peak is visible from many areas in the park, and you will definitely catch glimpses of it as you explore.
Local Tip: If you’re planning on scrambling Longs Peak, you’ll need to be prepared. Colorado 14ers are a serious endeavor. Longs Peak is a long, grueling, technical hike that requires a helmet and using your hands. You’ll need a 2 am start to beat the storms and have a shot at a parking spot.
Grand Lake
Trail Ridge Road culminates at Grand Lake on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Grand Lake offers lots of fun water activities like boating, sailing, and fishing, and it’s a really nice weekend getaway from Denver.
Additional Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’ve made the most of your full day exploring RMNP with the itinerary above, it’s time to head back from Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver. But if you want more, check out one of these other awesome parts of the park.
Lumpy Ridge
Lumpy Ridge is a separate section of Rocky Mountain National Park with cool granite cliffs offering awesome rock climbing.
If climbing isn’t your thing, it’s still worth checking out Lumpy Ridge to hike to Gem Lake for an amazing view of the park with Longs Peak in the distance.
Wild Basin
Located on the south side of the park, the Wild Basin area of RMNP features some excellent hiking and some great secret hikes in Colorado too.
Enjoy the moderate trail to Ouzel Falls or hike a little longer out to Sandbeach Lake, one of the best lakes in Colorado. Relax in the sand or even take a quick dip in the chilly water if you’re brave!
Local Tip: For a fun backpacking trip, try to snag one of the four backcountry campsites right along the shores of Sandbeach Lake to enjoy sunset, sunrise, and solitude at the alpine lake.
Odessa Lake
If you want to spend more time in the Bear Lake Corridor, take a hike to Odessa Lake. This trail winds through a forest before reaching Odessa Gorge.
The lake is surrounded by the amazing rock formations of Little Matterhorn, Notchtop, and Flattop Mountain.
Wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park
Even though Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park is so close, the environment in the park is drastically different from the city. You’ll encounter plenty of wildlife in RMNP, from cute critters like pika to massive moose.
Throughout RMNP, you might see bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, beavers, and snowshoe hares. Elk and black bears also call Rocky Mountain National Park home. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to sneak a peek at these majestic creatures – from a safe distance.
Local Tip: September and October mark the elk rut, where the male elk become particularly aggressive as they fight to find a harem. Steer clear and give the elk their space. If you’re lucky, you may hear them bugling in the distance!
Wildlife Safety Tips
Always stay far away, at least 75 feet, from all wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rangers recommend giving black bears, moose, and mountain lions an even greater berth of 120 feet. If you want a photo, NEVER step closer – instead, use your camera’s lens to zoom in.
Also, make sure to practice LNT principles and always pack out what you pack in. Don’t discard food (including apple cores or banana peels) or wrappers that might attract wildlife.
They say “a fed bear is a dead bear” because bears who associate food with people tend to lose their fear of humans and end up getting too close, which can lead to the bears having to be put down.
Additional Local Colorado Travel Resources
Looking to explore Colorado like a local? I’ve got you covered with these amazing resources:
