Planning the perfect Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary can be overwhelming, especially with so much natural beauty to explore. This 3-day guide covers scenic drives, must-see trails, and breathtaking overlooks to ensure you experience the very best of this Colorado treasure.
Located in northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a wonderland of towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. Its diverse terrain ranges from lush valleys to tundra, offering outdoor adventures for every skill level and interest.
With over 350 miles of trails, scenic byways, and countless landmarks, deciding how to spend your time can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve crafted this perfect 3-day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, packed with memorable hikes, epic viewpoints, and wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore even more, this guide will help you plan the ultimate adventure. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Rockies!
Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary Guide
- Park overview
- Timed-entry permits
- Itinerary overview
- How many days
- When to go
- Where to camp
- What to pack
Whether you simply aspire to the visit the parks in your neck of the woods or want to hit them all, be sure to download our FREE national park checklist by clicking below to keep track of your progress!
Rocky Mountain National Park overview
- Open: Year-round, though access is limited in winter due to snow.
- Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle, $25/motorcycle, $15/hiking & biking, or free with your America the Beautiful Pass
- Established: January 26, 1915
- Area: 265,807 acres, approx. 415 square miles
Rocky Mountain National Park is renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems. The park’s star feature is the Continental Divide, which separates its eastern and western sides, offering unique landscapes and ecosystems.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, photography, scenic drives, and stargazing. Wildlife sightings often include elk, mule deer, marmots, and occasionally black bears or moose.
RMNP’s proximity to the charming town of Estes Park and its location near Denver makes it an accessible destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. However, to explore the park fully, especially during peak season, timed-entry reservations may be required. Plan accordingly!
A note about altitude
Rocky Mountain National Park’s stunning high-altitude landscapes are a major draw for visitors, but it’s important to be aware of the potential for altitude sickness. Even experienced hikers can feel its effects when adjusting to elevations over 7,500 feet.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve designed this 3-day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary with acclimation in mind.
Starting with a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road, AKA “Highway to the Sky,” you’ll ascend from about 5,000 feet to nearly 12,200 feet, with lots of opportunities to stop and take in the truly incredible views.
Fun fact: Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in America.
After that first day, you’ll take on several short hikes, slowly but surely adjusting to the thinner air before taking on one of the park’s more challenging trails. Easing into it this way ensures you don’t push yourself too hard, too soon, maximizing your time in the park.
America the Beautiful annual park pass
If you’re planning to visit more than one of the US National Parks, we’d highly encourage you to look into getting an annual park pass. At $30+ per vehicle upon entry, visiting the national parks in the U.S. can get expensive.
For just $80 per year, you can purchase the America the Beautiful park pass. This pass grants you free access to all of the national parks. Plus it also covers your entrance to over 2,000 natural, historical, and recreational sites across the United States.
If you still need convincing, check out our article: National Park Annual Pass: Is it Worthwhile? + How to Buy
Timed entry permits for Rocky Mountain National Park
As one of the most popular and easily accessible national parks in the U.S., Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a timed entry permit system to manage crowds during the busy season.
These permits are required for entry from the end of May through mid-October (specific dates vary each year). Outside of this timeframe, you can enter the park by simply paying the regular entrance fee—no timed entry permit needed.
Timed entry permits are affordable, costing just $2 in 2024, and can be purchased online at Recreation.gov. However, navigating the system can be tricky, so it’s essential to know which permit you need and the rules for entry.
There are two different timed entry permits available: Timed Entry and Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road (sometimes just referred to as “Timed Entry +”).
Timed Entry
- Hours required: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Access includes: Most of RMNP, such as Trail Ridge Road, Alpine Visitor Center, Old Fall River Road, Wild Basin, and all areas excluding the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
- How it works:
- Enter the park within your 2-hour designated window.
- After entering, you can stay as long as you’d like. Re-entry is allowed during the permit’s valid hours.
- Camping reservations: If you’re staying at Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, or Timber Creek Campgrounds, your camping reservation includes entry beginning at 1 p.m. on your first day for the duration of your stay.
Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road
- Hours required: 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Access includes: The entire park, including the Bear Lake Road Corridor. This area covers iconic spots like Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, Sprague Lake, Moraine Park, and Glacier Gorge.
- How it works:
- Enter within your designated 2-hour window.
- Once in the park, you can stay as long as you like, but re-entry to the Bear Lake Road area is only allowed after 2 p.m.
- Camping reservations:
- Aspenglen and Glacier Basin campers have Bear Lake Road access starting at 1 p.m. on the first day of their reservation for the duration of their stay.
- Note: If you’re staying at Timber Creek Campground, you’ll need to purchase a separate Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road permit to access this area.
For more information about the timed entry permit system and FAQs, check the NPS page.
And now with all that info out of the way, let’s get into the fun part!
Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary overview
- Day 1: Drive Trail Ridge Road, Alpine Visitors Center, stops along the way
- Day 2*: Lake Haiyaha hike, Bear Lake Corridor, Emerald Lake hike for sunset
- Day 3: Chasm Lake Hike or Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge hike*
*To get the most out of this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, you will need a Timed Entry + permit on Day 2, and optionally on Day 3.
Day 1: Explore Trail Ridge Road
Start your Rocky Mountain National Park adventure with a journey along Trail Ridge Road, one of the park’s most iconic experiences. Known as the “Highway to the Sky,” this scenic byway is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching elevations over 12,000 feet.
With breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems, and plenty of pull-offs to explore, it’s the perfect way to ease into the park’s high-altitude environment.
Pro Tip: Trail Ridge Road can be chilly, even in summer, so bring layers to stay comfortable. If visiting in early summer or fall, check the road status, as snow can cause temporary closures. And don’t forget sunscreen!! Even on an overcast day the UX index is high in the Rockies.
Kick off your day early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time. Enter the park through the Fall River Entrance or the Beaver Meadows Entrance and begin your ascent up Trail Ridge Road.
Stop 1: Many Parks Curve Overlook
Your first stop offers a sweeping view of the park’s eastern valleys and meadows, framed by the towering peaks of the Rockies. It’s a great spot for photos and to get your bearings.
Stop 2: Rainbow Curve Overlook
As you climb higher, pause at Rainbow Curve for panoramic views of Hidden Valley and the Alluvial Fan. At over 10,000 feet, this overlook marks the transition from forested areas to the alpine tundra.
Stop 4: Rock Cut Overlook and Tundra Communities Trail
Also referred to as the Toll Memorial Trail, this 1.17-mile out and back paved route offers excellent views of Longs Peak and takes you by unique mushroom-like rock formations. Posted signs along the trail teach you about the unique ecosystem and communities that inhabit the alpine tundra.
Stop 7: Alpine Visitor Center
Perched at 11,796 feet, the Alpine Visitor Center is the highest in the National Park system. Stop here for a restroom break, grab a snack, and learn more about the park’s alpine ecosystem. Don’t miss the short Alpine Ridge Trail, affectionately known as “Huffer’s Hill,” for a steep but rewarding climb to even more spectacular views.
Alpine Ridge Trail Hike
- Distance: 0.6 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 134 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- Trail notes on Alltrails
Not so much a hike as it is a staircase climb, this short, but steep trail ascends beyond the visitor center to 12,000 ft. at the top. From the summit you can see panoramic views of the Alpine Tundra in every direction.
This trail is a must-do if you are driving the Trail Ridge Road. While it is labeled moderate due to the altitude, we saw plenty of young children (who tend to acclimate to altitude with more ease than adults) make it to the top.
Stop 8: Milner Pass and Poudre Lake
Straddling the Continental Divide, Milner Pass is a serene spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the reflection of the surrounding peaks in the calm waters of Poudre Lake.
Stop 6: Kawuneeche Valley
The west side of the park is home to the peaceful Kawuneeche Valley, known for its meandering rivers and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for elk, moose, and other animals grazing in the meadows.
Stop 7: Fairview Curve
Cap off your day with a stunning sunset at Fairview Curve, where the soft evening light paints the surrounding mountains and valleys in hues of gold and purple. It’s a peaceful way to reflect on your first day in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Day 2: Bear Lake Road Corridor
Day 2 of your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary takes you to the Bear Lake Road Corridor, a hub of stunning alpine lakes, lush forests, and iconic trails.
This area offers some of the park’s most famous hikes and breathtaking vistas, but also comes with more regulations. You’ll need a Timed Entry + permit to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor for today’s itinerary.
Lake Haiyaha Trail
- Distance: 4 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 846 feet
- Difficulty rating: moderate
- Trail notes on Alltrails
Start your day with a hike to crystal-clear Lake Haiyaha, popular but significantly less busy than Emerald Lake. The trail is solidly moderate, with one steep section between Dream and Haiyaka lakes and a fun bit of bouldering toward the end.
You’ll be back on the first half of this trail tonight for sunset, so make a beeline for Lake Haiyaha—there will be more time to explore Nymph and Dream lakes later. Allow 2-2.5 hours.
Sprague Lake Trail
- Distance: 0.8-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 36 feet
- Difficulty rating: easy
- Trail notes on Alltrails
Sprague Lake offers iconic Rockies views in a short, flat trail, making it one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s ideal for families, photo ops, and days when you want to squeeze in one more quick hike, and it’s stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.
This is one of the park’s best hikes for fall leaf-peeping and wildlife spotting. The bridge you cross is also a trout spawning area, so take a few minutes and look into the water!
This is also a great spot to slow down and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Bear Lake Trail
- Distance: 0.7-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 49 feet
- Difficulty rating: easy
- Trail notes on Alltrails
We can’t promise you’ll see an actual bear, but the scenic, easygoing Bear Lake Loop Trail is a must add to your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary.
The quick loop cuts through a dense aspen forest and swings around the lake. The eastern side of the trail offers up views of 12,718-foot Hallett Peak, while Half Mountain, only slightly shorter at 11,482 feet, appears as you enter the northern portion of the trail.
Nymph Lake, Dream Lake & Emerald Lake Hike
- Distance: 5 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 1,085 feet
- Difficulty rating: moderate
- Trail notes on Alltrails
You’ll start Emerald Lake Trail at the Bear Lake Trailhead, and you’ll pass by Nymph and Dream Lakes on your way. Then ascend another mile or so through pristine alpine forest, full of rocky peaks and excellent views.
Continue on through spectacular Tyndall Gorge and pass Tyndall Creek. You’re close to Emerald Lake when you spot iconic Flattop Mountain towering above.
Check out our Emerald Lake trail guide for more details!
Day 3: Big hike day
Your final day in Rocky Mountain National Park is all about adventure and pushing your limits with one of the park’s epic hikes. By now, you’ve had some time to acclimate to the elevation, so it’s the perfect time to take on a longer, more challenging trail.
And we’ve got options for you!
Depending on whether or not you can secure another Timed Entry + permit for the day, or how difficult of a hike you’re willing to tackle, you can choose one of the below options for your final day in RMNP.
Option 1: Chasm Lake Trail (no Timed Entry +)
- Distance: 8 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation gain: 2,542 feet
- Difficulty rating: challenging
- Trail notes on Alltrails
Breathtaking almost doesn’t do Chasm Lake justice when it comes to describing the tough trek’s scenic views. The initial 3-mile stretch is by far the most crowded (and challenging!) of the entire trail, so be sure to get there very early to beat the crowds.
Once you hit Chasm Lake Trail, things get a bit easier. Enjoy views of Longs Peak and Columbine Falls as you traverse the rock trail and boulder field, following cairns to the lake.
You should budget about 4-6 hours for this hike (or more if you are not used to the altitude).
Option 2: Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge (need Timed Entry +)
- Distance: 9.4 miles, out-and-back
- Elevation gain: 1,774 feet
- Difficulty rating: challenging
- Trail notes on Alltrails
Similar to the above in distance (though a bit farther) and difficulty, the Sky Pond trail starts off at Glacier Gorge Trailhead and passes Alberta Falls on the route. At the Loch & Mills Lake junction, you’ll stay right and follow Icy Brook past The Loch and Lake of Glass before reaching Sky Pond.
This is another one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park and you should budget about 4-6 hours to complete.
Option 3: East Inlet Trail & Adams Falls (no Timed Entry +)
- Distance: 18 miles, out and back*
- Elevation gain: 2,910 feet
- Difficulty rating: challenging
- Trail notes on Alltrails
*We recommend only hiking in as far as you want and then turning around to hike back out. The first 2 miles of the trail are totally worth it!
Don’t let the distance and elevation gain scare you off! We actually added this option to this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary in case you wanted an easier, shorter hike
This hike is one of the most scenic hikes where you can get a lot of bang for your buck, even if you only hike the first 2 miles (like we did!).
You’ll start the trail at the East Inlet trailhead, which is actually located outside of the national park, near Grand Lake, Colorado. (Once you begin the trail, you’re officially in the national park and timed entry permits do apply!)
The first 2 miles in is incredibly scenic without much elevation gain. You’ll climb a bit at the very start to reach Adams Falls (just 0.4 miles in – be sure to take the Adams Falls diversion to get to the view points). After you pass the falls there is very little elevation gain as you follow the East Inlet River past gorgeous meadows with mountainous backdrops.
Turn around when you reach the second smaller waterfall, about 2 miles in on the trail, or keep going and hike all the way to Spirit Lake. If you do the full hike, you’ll likely want to spend the night on a trail and you’ll need a backcountry permit to do so.
How much time do I need in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The amount of time you need in Rocky Mountain National Park depends on your goals, but 3 days is ideal for a well-rounded experience. This allows you to explore the park’s highlights, drive the iconic Trail Ridge Road, enjoy scenic hikes in the Bear Lake Corridor, and tackle a more challenging trail on your final day.
If you only have 1-2 days, you can still enjoy some of the park’s must-see spots, but expect a faster pace. With 4 or more days, you can take on additional hikes, visit less-trafficked areas like Wild Basin or the west side, and maybe spend a night in the backcountry.
Best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park
The best time to visit if you want to tackle this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary would be summer or fall (June – mid-October) when the trails are all open, and (hopefully) snow-free!
We love visiting national parks in the fall season, just after back to school time, because the crowds are usually thinner. Plus the fall foliage in RMNP is beautiful!
It’s also pleasant to visit during the spring season while wildflowers are in bloom, though with the unpredictability of the weather in the Rockies, you may run into snow as late as May.
Psst! Did you know Rocky Mountain is one of the best national parks to visit in winter? It’s the perfect time of year for snow shoeing, though some areas of the park will be inaccessible.
Where to camp at Rocky Mountain National Park
Camping is a great way to maximize any itinerary for Rocky Mountain National Park, ensuring you’re close to trailheads and other sites.
The park has four traditional campgrounds, plus primitive, tent-only Longs Peak Campground, open only in summer for people summiting Longs Peak.
Aspenglen and Moraine campgrounds are open in the winter for primitive camping only (no running water) on a first-come, first-served basis. Otherwise, the park’s campgrounds are only open summer through early fall and require reservations.
Pro Tip: Camping at elevation means colder nights, even in summer, so pack warm sleeping gear and layers to stay comfortable.
Aspenglen Campground
A reservation here grants you access to the National Park and the Bear Lake Road Corridor without obtaining a separate Timed Entry + permit.
- Types of campsites: 52 sites, including 13 tent-only and 5 of which are walk-in (maximum RV length 30 feet)
- Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, fire rings and picnic tables at sites, amphitheater for summer ranger programs
- Google Maps location
- Book online
The smallest campground in Rocky, hidden away in a forested area at the Fall River Entrance near Estes Park. Sites here are mixed between having heavy tree cover and being in an open meadow with views of Deer Mountain.
Glacier Basin Campground
A reservation here grants you access to the National Park and the Bear Lake Road Corridor without obtaining a separate Timed Entry + permit.
- Types of campsites: 150 sites, including 73 tent-only (maximum RV length 35 feet)
- Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, dump station, fire rings and picnic tables at sites, amphitheater for summer ranger programs
- Google Maps location
- Book online
Glacier Basin is right across from the Park & Ride lot off of Bear Lake Road, one of the busiest areas of the park. It’s understandably popular, especially because you can hike Sprague Lake right from camp and skip the hassle of driving to trailheads.
Timber Creek Campground
A reservation here grants you access to the National Park, but does not include access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor (you must purchase a separate Timed Entry + permit).
- Types of campsites: 98 sites, including 30 tent-only (maximum RV length 30 feet)
- Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, dump station, fire rings and picnic tables at sites, amphitheater for summer ranger programs
- Google Maps location
- Book online
The only campground on the west side of the park, between Grand Lake and the Kawuneeche Visitor Center and right alongside the Colorado River. Because it’s well away from the Bear Lake corridor, things are much quieter here. Moose and elk frequent camp, also!
Moraine Park Campground
Temporarily closed for construction
A reservation here grants you access to the National Park and the Bear Lake Road Corridor without obtaining a separate Timed Entry + permit.
- Types of campsites: 244 sites, including 101 tent-only and 49 of which are walk-in (maximum RV length 40 feet)
- Facilities: Flush toilets, potable water, dump station, fire rings and picnic tables at sites, amphitheater for summer ranger programs
- Google Maps location
- Book online
Right off Bear Lake Road above Moraine Park with heavily wooded sites and year-round access, this is an incredibly sought-after campground. It’s also the largest in RMNP, but reservations are still hard to come by.
A long-term infrastructure construction project closed this campground for two years, but it’s expected to re-open in 2025.
What to pack for your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary
- Navigation: we recommend using Alltrails+ to download the offline trail map
- Get your first week of using Alltrails+ for FREE when you sign up using our link!
- Timed Entry permit*
- Hiking daypack
- Water bottles and/or bladder for your Camelbak
- Bug repellant
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses
- Headlamp
- Camera/tripod (this one’s our favorite for hiking)
- Hiking layers (here is a great resource if you’re wondering what to wear hiking)
- Rain jacket (Rocky Mountain National Park is prone to afternoon thunderstorms all summer long!)
- Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
- Microspikes (if there is any chance of snow and ice)
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Plenty of snacks: check out our favorite hiking snacks here!
- Camping gear – if you are staying at one of the park’s campsites
*Don’t forget to screenshot your timed entry permit(s)! There is very little cell reception in RMNP!
You may also like…
- Colorado National Parks Guide
- Maroon Bells Hike: Aspen, Colorado Trail Guide
- Hanging Lake Hike: Colorado Trail Guide
- Mount Bierstadt Trail Guide: Hiking One of Colorado’s Famous 14ers
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