Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the winter and early spring, you can enter the park at any entrance without a reservation. However, starting May 23, 2025, Rocky Mountain National Park is implementing a new timed entry reservation system to protect the park's resources and reduce traffic during the busiest months.

To purchase a permit, visit the park’s timed entry reservation page to verify your permit type and then buy your permit on Recreation.gov. Timed entry permits are $2 in addition to the park’s $30 daily entrance fee and $2 processing fee ($34 total). For a day trip, we recommend the Park Access+ permit. This permit gives you access to the entire park, including beautiful Bear Lake, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

We recommend entering the park at Beaver Meadows on Colorado Highway 36. If you’re staying in the area, this is the most direct route from nearby Estes Park, Colorado. This is also the main (and busiest) entrance to the park. Depending on your arrival time, you can step into the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) If you need assistance or have questions for the park rangers during the day, the Visitor Center is a great place to check in, refill your water, or grab a map.

Before you begin exploring the park, be sure to pack extra water, snacks, and electrolytes. If you’re prone to altitude sickness or traveled from a significantly lower elevation, allow yourself to acclimate to the altitude slowly. 

We also recommend wearing layers, even in the warm summer months. There are often afternoon thunderstorms, and Rocky Mountain National Park is snowy year-round at high altitudes.

Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, 9,000 feet above sea level, Bear Lake is encompassed by towering peaks and lush evergreen forests. This pristine alpine lake is one of the most popular destinations in the park and is stunning at first light. 

Bear Lake Loop is an easy 0.7-mile trail around the lake and the perfect way to acclimate yourself to the terrain and rising elevation. You’ll get stunning views of Hallett Peak, the Continental Divide, and Long’s Peak reflected in the water. 

To get to Bear Lake, follow Bear Lake Road from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center for 10.5 miles until you reach the Bear Lake Parking Area. Bear Lake isn’t visible from the parking area but will come into view as you walk uphill past the Ranger Station.

Bear Lake is an access point to multiple trailheads and hikes. If you’re up for an additional hour of hiking, we recommend continuing to Alberta Falls. This easy 1.6-mile out-and-back hike winds through aspen groves before reaching a 30-foot waterfall. It’s a beautiful spot for a morning picnic before exploring the rest of the park.

Open Memorial Day through mid-October, this high alpine road is the highest paved road at any national park. The views are nothing short of spectacular. 

The 48-mile scenic drive can take one to three hours, depending on the number of stops. It’s an incredible way to see many of the park’s famous landmarks. We recommend stopping at the Forest Canyon Overlook parking area at the 14.3-mile mark. At this point, you’ll be in the alpine tundra, high above the treeline. Below you is Forest Canyon, and behind you is Longs Peak, the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Be aware that 11 miles of the road are located above treeline with steep drop-offs and no guard rails. Take the drive slowly and take breaks when possible if it becomes tedious.

As you near the end of Trail Ridge Road on the park's west side, you’ll pass through Kawuneeche Valley. This is a must-stop on your drive and the perfect way to close out your day in the Rocky Mountains. 

Kawuneeche Valley is nestled between the Continental Divide to the east and the Never Summer Mountains to the west. The lush wildflower meadows and Colorado River draw herds of elk and moose.

Since this valley is on the far side of the park nearest to Grand Lake, there are fewer crowds, which makes for peaceful hikes along the river. We love the  Coyote Valley Trail, which follows the Colorado River. It’s just shy of two miles and takes thirty minutes to complete. 

As you walk, keep an eye out for moose drinking from the river and elk grazing with their calves. Seeing these incredible creatures this close up is truly unforgettable.