At 415 square miles and over 300 miles of trails, there is plenty of ground to cover in Rocky Mountain National Park. But don’t feel overwhelmed. You can explore much of the park in just a few days if you know where to go! To help get you started, use our 3-day itinerary to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Day 1
Get your feet wet and familiarize yourself with the park by taking a scenic drive.
Bear Lake Road
This popular road offers access to trail options at Sprague Lake or Bear Lake Loop for some easy family-friendly options. Plus, it passes by Moraine Park, which is one of the most popular places for spotting elk in RMNP. From the Beaver Meadows entrance, Bear Lake Road runs 23 miles (round trip) to Bear Lake. Bear Lake Road is open year-round.
Trail Ridge Road
Or climb the scenic wonder of Trail Ridge Road. Spanning 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake, eleven of the miles sits above treeline with its highest point at 12,183 feet in elevation. Traversing through mountain peaks, tundra valleys, alpine wildflowers, and panoramic mountain views, driving Trail Ridge Road is one of the best ways to explore the park’s beauty. Trail Ridge Road is open around mid-June through the end of October, all depending on the weather.
Old Fall River Road
Another scenic drive option within the park is Old Fall River Road. Before there was Trail Ridge Road, Fall River Road was how visitors accessed the park. It is a one-way dirt road that slowly climbs via a series of switchbacks over 11 miles. It eventually intersects with Trail Ridge Road, where travelers can head back to Estes Park or cross over the Continental Divide to Grand Lake. The road is usually open by July 4th and closes in early October.
Day 2
Now that you’ve seen some of the park and are somewhat familiar with where to go, day two is perfect for a nice long hike. Discover waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildlife, wildflowers, and scenic views while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Late spring, summer, and fall are all perfect for hiking weather. Spring can still bring about cold temperatures in higher elevation, along with snowpack. During the summer, is the best time to get up to the high country. With less snow coverage, it’s easier to navigate, and temperatures are more enjoyable. Be sure to leave early and get your day started before afternoon showers put a damper on your hike. In the fall, snow can hit as early as mid-September, so always come prepared for any kind of weather.
Here are some of our favorite places to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Best Waterfall Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Where to See Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park
Or if you are planning on visiting in the winter, don’t let the weather hold you back and enjoy these snowshoeing trails in RMNP.
Day 3
Finish off your trip by checking out at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn, get your breakfast to go, at the nearby Country Market, and watch the sunrise over Sprague Lake. Sunrises over Sprague Lake are simply spectacular with the morning sun illuminating the mountain peaks and the placid waters of Sprague Lake, making the perfect reflection for a beautiful photograph.
After sunrise, enjoy the nice hike around Sprague Lake. The lake loop is just under a mile with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a nice easy morning hike.
Stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
No matter how you spend your days exploring RMNP, spend your evenings with us at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn. Just a few miles from the entrance to the park, Alpine Trail Ridge Inn is in one of the best locations for day trips to RMNP. Plus, our comfortable rooms offer a touch of the great outdoors mixed with today’s modern amenities – plus incredible mountain views. So, start planning your three-day itinerary to Rocky Mountain National Park and book your stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn.
