Rocky Mountain National Park
Updated 2026 · National Parker
Do I Need a Reservation?
Yes. RMNP requires timed entry permits from late May through mid-October. Book at recreation.gov as early as possible. If it’s sold out, they release more times at 7pm the day before. When selecting an entry time, early morning entry is typically the best time to visit to see wildlife and avoid crowds.
Getting There
Rocky Mountain National Park sits about 1.5 hours from Denver and 2.5 hours from Colorado Springs. The main entrance is in Estes Park on the east side. Grand Lake on the west side is less crowded and worth considering if you want a quieter experience.
Where to Get Coffee First
Stop in Estes Park before you enter the park. Kind Coffee on East Elkhorn Avenue is my favorite. You can park in the visitor center or in the parking garage on the right when you come into town. You will be able to take the river walk directly to Kind Coffee. Highly recommend the avo toast and an iced coffee.
Popular Trails
Bear Lake Loop: 0.8 miles, easy. The most accessible trail in the park and genuinely beautiful. Good for wildlife spotting early morning. Crowded by 9am so get there at dawn.
Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge: 9 miles round trip, strenuous. One of the best hikes in Colorado. You pass Alberta Falls, two alpine lakes, and a waterfall you have to climb through to reach Sky Pond at the top. Worth every step.
Flattop Mountain: 8.8 miles round trip, strenuous. Gets you above treeline fast with panoramic views of the park. Less crowded than the Glacier Gorge trails.
Emerald Lake Trail: 3.6 miles round trip, moderate. Hits three lakes named Nymph, Dream, and Emerald. Great photography at any time of year, but gets crowded fast.
Best Trail to See Wildlife
Sprague Lake: early morning this is your best spot to see moose.
Horseshoe Park and Moraine Park: Both of these are meadows, not trails, but they are your best bet for wildlife. Elk are almost guaranteed at dawn and dusk, especially in September and October during elk rut. Pull over, stay quiet, and wait. Bull elk bugling in the fall is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the continental United States.
For moose specifically — head to Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park along the Colorado River Trail. Moose sightings are common here.
Best Time to Visit
I’ve been in every season so “best” depends on your goals.
Late Fall/Winter are good because you don’t need a reservation.
Summer is great for higher elevation hikes, but you are battling crowds. You will want an early time slot to avoid traffic and to have a better chance at parking. Trail Ridge road is also open.
If i had to pick one, September and October would be my recommendation. It’s popular for the elk rut, golden aspen, fewer crowds than summer, and cooler temperatures. If you're coming for wildflowers, July is your window.
One Thing Most People Get Wrong
Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the United States at 12,183 feet) isn’t a normal road to drive on. It’s above the treeline and the drops off the side might make you nervous. However, you will get excellent views. Plan to stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, get out of the car, and walk into the tundra.
Worth Knowing
Afternoon thunderstorms are serious above treeline. Start hikes early, aim to be below treeline by noon, and always check the forecast before heading up. The storms move fast and are easy to underestimate. Take them seriously.
Guide by Shawn Parker · National Parker · national-parker.com