Rocky Mountain National Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There are so many amazing things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park you could spend a lifetime of adventures there.
The Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
As a Colorado local of over 12 years, I’ve trapezed my way through Rocky many times. As a result, I’ve curated this list of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park that bring a real, local, Colorado flavor. In this guide you’ll find:
- Amazing local recommendations for things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Cost and time associated with each activity
- Who they are best suited for
- Quick tips for visiting the park
- Additional planning resources.
Timed Entry Requirements for Rocky Mountain National Park in 2021
In 2021 Rocky Mountain National Park is continuing their required reservation system. From May 28th to October 28th you’ll need to purchase an advanced reservation to access Rocky Mountain NP.
Permits cost the same as the entry fee and annual pass holders should check specific details.
There are two separate permits. One for the Bear Lake Road corridor which must be purchased if you’re entering that area of the park between 5 am and 6 pm. You can continue to enjoy the rest of the park at that time.
A second permit is available if you are NOT visiting the Bear Lake Road Corridor from 9 am to 3 pm. This permit allows you to enter the park, but not visit the Bear Lake Corridor unless you take the free shuttle.
Bear Lake Road Corridor includes the following trailheads:
- Bear Lake
- Sprague Lake
- Glacier Gorge
- Bierstadt Lake
- Hollowell Park
- and any other trailhead accessed from Bear Lake Road
Permits are released on the first of the month for the following month. Meaning you can obtain timed entry permits for July on June 1. Plan accordingly and remember, permits fill up fast!
Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
With over 110 hiking trails, hiking is one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. For seasoned hikers and newbies alike, there are countless scenic mountain hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you’re short on time, hit up one of the several shorter hikes or go big and tackle some of Colorado’s most challenging hiking trails.
Cost: Free (minus the entry into the park)
Time: Varies. Anywhere from a half-hour to 12 hours.
Go for a Scenic Drive
Two of the most scenic drives in Colorado are located right in Rocky Mountain. The first, Peak-to-Peak Highway, works its way past the Wild Basin and Long’s Peak area of the park right into the heart of Estes Park. Take this drive either entering or leaving the Estes Park. Next, drive the famous Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park. The road goes from Grand Lake to Estes Park and is a must-see.
Local Tip: Trail Ridge Road closes in winter, so be sure to check for the latest conditions.
Cost: Free (minus the entry into the park)
Time: Allow 45-minutes one way for the Peak-to-Peak Highway and 1.5 hours for Trail Ridge Road.
Enjoy Camping Under the Stars
Rocky Mountian National Park has 5 designated camping areas throughout the park. Reserve your spot or try your luck at one of the first-come-first-serve campsites. Rocky has some of the best camping in Colorado, so get the family together for a night under the stars!
Cost: $26 per night plus the park entry fee ($25 per day)
Time: Open May 25th through September 18th.
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Check Out Areas Outside of the Park Proper
There are lots of things to do just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Some areas see a fraction of the crowds, while others also make the Colorado Bucket List. A few favorites include:
- Exploring the Indian Peaks Wilderness
- Spend the day in Estes Park
- Go boating on Grand Lake
- Ski at Eldora in Nederland
Cost: Varies.
Time: Varies.
Watch for Wildlife
Colorado is home to some spectacular wildlife and spotting them is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Home to creatures both big and small, the park hosts an array of healthy wildlife including:
- Elk, moose, deer
- Coyotes
- Bears
- Beavers
- Ram, big horned sheep, and mountain goats
- Various birds including eagles and falcons
- Pika and marmot
- And more!
Local Tip: Don’t feed, harass, or approach wildlife. Tourists get charged every year so keep your distance. As always, obey ranger instructions.
Cost: Free (minus the entry into the park)
Time: Varies.
Take a Scenic Bike Ride
Although you can’t mountain bike in Rocky Mountain National Park, you are allowed to bike the roads. Instead of driving in your vehicle, go for a scenic bike ride across Trail Ridge Road or the Peak-to-Peak Byway. Just keep in mind that the roads are narrow, so bike with care!
Cost: Free (minus the entry into the park)
Time: Varies, but this is roughly an all-day activity.
Photograph a Sunrise
Catching a sunrise is bucket list activity in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park has no shortage of photographic scenery. In fact, there are so many Instagrammable spots in Rocky Mountain NP that it’ll take some time (and effort) to see them all. A few of my favorites that don’t require hiking are the Many Parks Overlook, the Gore Range Overlook, Sprague Lake, and Bear Lake.
Cost: Free (minus the entry into the park)
Time: Varies depending on your photography needs.
Sleep in the Wilderness
There’s no better way to explore the park than to head out on a wilderness camping adventure. There are countless loop options (pick up a topo map of the park with trails and campsites) but Boulder Brook to Granite Pass to Storm Pass is one of my favs!
As one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, backpacking and sleeping at a backcountry campsite require a little pre-planning. First, you need a permit ($30 per trip, which can be shared with multiple people). You’ll also need proper human waste disposal bags (wag bags(, and bear canisters for your food. However, it’s worth the effort.
Cost: $30 per trip plus the park fee
Time: Varies. Anywhere from one night to one week!
Learn About Native American History
Every time you head out into nature, think about who lived here first. Native American history is deeply tied to the land and the Rocky Mountains are teeming with native history. The ranger programs at Rocky Mountain National Park are a great way to learn some history and expand your knowledge of the land.
Cost: Free (minus the entry into the park)
Time: Varies. Anywhere from a half hour to an hour
Go Rock Climbing
One of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park in summer is rock climb. Loved by professionals and newbies alike, the park is home to some of the best rock climbing in Colorado and even the world.
There are a wide variety of routes for beginners to experts alike. Get your feet wet in the alpine with the Spearhead or Petit Greppon or try your luck at multi-pitch in Lumpy Ridge.
Inexperienced climbers should certainly hire a guide for Rock Mountain National Park.
I highly recommend The Mountain Guides Colorado, a division of Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. They are absolute experts hiring local guides who know the park inside and out.
Right now I’ve got a deal where you book a day of climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park and get to take a friend for free! Get this BOGO climbing deal while it’s hot!
Cost: Free (minus the entry into the park) for experienced climbers, private guides cost between $275 to $300 per day.
Time: Varies. Anywhere from a half-day to 15 hours.
Hike to the Top of a Mountain
Experienced mountain hikers will love the challenge of scaling one of the park’s, 13,000 and even 14,000-foot peaks. One of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park for seasoned hikers is to stand atop a peak. There are several peaks suitable for beginners, such as Flattop Mountain. More experienced hikers with scrambling experience can hike the famous Longs Peak, the tallest mountain in the park.
Local Tip: Hiking mountains is VERY dangerous. Learn about how to safely climb a mountain and have a lot of mountain hiking experience before attempting these peaks.
Cost: Free (minus the entry into the park)
Time: Varies. Anywhere from a half-day to a full day.
Overall, there are a lot of activities to enjoy in Rocky Mountain. This list of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park covers bucket-list activities for all abilities and interests. What did you do on your Rocky Mountain adventure?
Planning a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park? I’ve got you covered with these local planning resources:
- Tips for Visiting Colorado
- The Colorado Bucket List
- The Only Colorado Road Trip Itinerary You Need
- Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter
