Here’s everything it’s crucial that you know before visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
Claire Molle is the communications manager of Visit Estes Park.
No matter when you visit, youll need to purchase a park pass.
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A single-day vehicle pass is $30, while a seven-day vehicle pass is $35.
Both can be reserved onRecreation.govstarting May 1, 2024 and cost only the $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.
For more, visit the parkstimed-entry information page.
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There are four visitor centers in the park: Beaver Meadows, Fall River, Kawuneeche, and Alpine.
They remain open year-round.
Weather seems to also be terrific in September and early October.
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you’re free to find terrific trails to snowshoe in RMNP starting around late November through early May!
Trail Ridge Road is normally open from Memorial Day to mid-October, weather permitting.
According to the Rocky Mountain National Park website, the beautiful meadow is a great place to view wildlife.
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The area is named for the bighorn sheep that come down from the mountainside to lick mud for nutrients.
Sheep Lakes also sees coyotes, ground squirrels, and elk.
The adjacent Sheep Lakes Information Station is closed in the winter and spring.
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Holzwarth Historic Site
For a glimpse into the parks human history, visit the Holzwarth Historic Site.
The route goes around the lake in a view-packed, half-mile journey.
Its worth noting that the trail can be very busy in the summer and that parking is limited.
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To be safe, park at the Park & Ride lot and hop onthe free summer shuttleto the trailhead.
(That said, the parking and shuttle advice above still applies.)
The hike isone mile, roundtripand is wheelchair accessible.
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The route runs along the Colorado River, which draws local wildlife, including elk and moose.
There is also a small population of moose and black bears.
They tend to frequent the willow thickets set along the river.
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The sightings, while rare, take place in the summer once the bears have come out of hibernation.
Patterson notes that They are very popular, and demand normally exceeds supply.
It will reopen for summer 2024, but the timing is unknown.
All the campgrounds but Longs Peak Campground must be reserved in advance with a rolling six-month window.
There is no water and no RV dump station.
This is the only campground open year-round.
It is only open from late May through mid-September, weather dependent.
Moraine Park Campground:This is the largest campground in the park with 244 campsites.
The Moraine Park Campground also has potable water, an RV dump station, and staff on site.
Longs Peak Campground:This is a tent-only campground (no RVs allowed).
It typically opens in July and closes in early September.
It is also the only first-come, first-served campground in the park.
Timber Creek Campground:Timber Creek is the only campground on the quieter, western side of the park.
This campground has 98 RV and tent sites, including 30 that are reserved for tents only.
There is potable water, an RV dump station, and staff on site.
Timber Creek is only open in the summer season.
The Trailborn stands out as a modern and well-equipped motel-style lodging, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, said Molle.
It is also much more than a restaurant its a community hub with near-constant live music and delicious food.
Poppy’s Pizza & Grill
This eateryis one of Molles favorites.
