Encompassing 265,461 acres within the Front Range, with a diverse geography filled with towering peaks, waterfalls and glacial lakes, meadows and valleys, and dense forests, Rocky Mountain National Park would take months to fully explore.
There is so much to do at this massive, renowned national park, from hiking in the summer to snowshoeing in the winter. But if you only have a day to explore Rocky Mountain National Park, you can get a good overview of the terrain and the major attractions using our one-day itinerary, from an early morning hike to an afternoon cruising along its most famous road.
If you’re visiting from nearby Fort Collins or Loveland, this is a doable day trip that requires no hotel stays, unless you want to turn your trip into a mini staycation. But if you’re visiting from elsewhere in the country, we recommend staying either in Estes Park or Grand Lake so you’re positioned closer to the park’s entrance to maximize your daylight hours. Either way, consider one of these unique getaways Near Estes Park!
Some Things to Keep in Mind
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The park is busiest in the summer months, so plan to get your day started early or visit on a weekday instead.
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You may experience altitude sickness if you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, especially if you arrive shortly before your visit to RMNP. Allow plenty of time for your body to adjust and drink lots of water!
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During the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are very common, so be sure to start any hikes earlier in the day so you are done by 1 p.m.
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Parking lots fill up fast, especially on weekends during the summer, but there is a free shuttle service provided by the park starting in late May.
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At this time, the park is operating under a Time Entry Permit System from May 28 through October 11. Click here for more information about this system and to make your reservation.
6:30 a.m. — Start With Coffee + Breakfast in Estes Park
7:30 a.m. — Park at Bear Lake Trailhead
8:00 a.m. — Hike Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes Hike
11:00 a.m. — Eat Picnic Lunch by a Lake
12:00 p.m. — Drive Along Trail Ridge Road
2:00 p.m. — Stop at Alpine Visitors Center
3:00 p.m. — Hike the Alpine Ridge Trail
From the Alpine Visitors Center, you can hike the quick but steep Alpine Ridge Trail, which reaches 12,000 feet! This hike may be just over a half mile in length, but it is sure to take your breath away — quite literally. The stairs gain more than 200 feet in just three-tenths of a mile, but in the end, the views are worth it! And during the spring and early summer, you’ll pass by a variety of wildflowers along the way. Set aside about an hour to fully take in the sights of the Alpine Ridge Trail — and to give you plenty of time to catch your breath.
5:00 p.m. — Go to Grand Lake for Dinner + Drinks
Photo Courtesy of Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
From the Alpine Visitors Center, you’ll have about a 45-minute drive to reach Grand Lake, where you can grab a bite to eat and a cold, refreshing beer or cocktail. Or you can back track along Trail Ridge Road to return to Estes Park, which is nearly an hour away.
If you opt for Grand Lake, there are plenty of places to eat and grab a drink in town. Go to The Historic Rapids Lodge & Restaurant for river views, Huntington House Tavern at Grand Lake Lodge for a good burger, and Sagebrush BBQ & Grill for mouth-watering BBQ. And top off your day of adventure with a beer from World’s End Brewpub!
Happy Exploring!
What would you add to this one-day itinerary? Let us know what stops we have to make!
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