If you have five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park (lucky you! 9.8 miles, strenuous, 4.5 to 6.5 hours. 2. Old Fall River Road | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of our nation's most spectacular national parks with 415sq. Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a lot to do for those who arent big fans of hiking. This gives you enough time to acclimate to the higher elevation (very important if you live at a low elevation) before tackling some of the higher, tougher hikes (such as Mount Ida, Hallett Peak, or Longs Peak). See what else made the list! By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. Follow the Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. Simply follow highway 36 through downtown Estes Park. After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. USA TRAVEL INSPIRATION:For more great ideas on where to go in the United States, check out our article Best USA Road Trips, which has 18 sample itineraries for your next big adventure. Take the shuttle to avoid parking hassles. Because the Wild Basin Entrance is about a 30-minute drive south of Estes Park on the parks east side, most of the parks visitors never even see the Wild Basin area. It does get tiring, but these trails are so much fun and offer such a wide variety of views and experiences that it never gets monotonous or boring. This hike starts just under 12,000 feet of elevation and it is a stair climb to the top. Gorgeous alpine views can certainly be seen from this center located at 11,796' elevation! Serving visitors to the Wild Basin area of the park, approximately 19 miles to the south of Estes Park on highway 7, is the Wild Basin Entrance station. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. The various view points along trail ridge road were worth the stop overs as well (especially Forest canyon overlook and the small hike behind Alpine visitor center) Thanks again !! Lily Lake offers an easy and flat 0.8-mile loop trail around the lake, making it one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Drive one of the highest roads in the USA, spot wildlife, walk the easier trails around scenic lakes and waterfalls, and be amazed at the beauty here. To the north of the Beaver Meadows area, located on highway 34 approximately four miles west of Estes Park, is the Fall River Entrance Station. You can help to move the line move more quickly by having your park pass, permit, and ID ready when you reach the entrance station. How long does it take to drive Trail Ridge Road? The map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. You have a choice today: take a break from hiking and explore Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, or hike another trail. Colorado has also designated Trail Ridge Road as a scenic and historic byway. Hopefully in your case they will be quick! If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will be a busy day. 7.6 Good 275 reviews. So August is a safer bet if you want to hike snow-free. View from Mount Ida | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Hi Julie! Cheers, Julie. If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. 9 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado, drawing 4.5 million annual visitors to its 415 square miles of mountain beauty. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. One week was perfect for us. For a longer list, read our post about Estes Park. It is located at 9,500 feet in a pine forest. Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. These two are the most popular entrances to the park. Answer (1 of 2): All of them them! Restaurants. Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed permit entry system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a $30 vehicle entrance pass. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. Most of this hike is over 11,000 feet, in the alpine tundra, so its best to save this hike for when you are acclimated to the altitude. That means you will not be able to visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, drive Old Fall River Road, or visit some of the best overlooks in the park. BTW I reach Denver around 12.30pm on a Tuesday in mid August, that puts me in Estes Park area at about 3:30pm (waiting for rental/lunch/traffic). If you are looking for a relatively uncrowded trail with the chance to visit multiple alpine lakes, this is a nice hike to consider. 3.1 miles (5 km). I recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes or boots (not running or walking shoes) so that you have good traction. 1. Cheers, Julie, Thanks Julie, Also seems like the bear lake corridor timed entry begins at 5a. Rocky Mountain National Park Neighborhood Guide. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations are in effect for most areas of RMNP. They are also happy to answer quick questions, but you have to keep them very short as there will almost certainly be others waiting behind you. When Trail Ridge Road closes, there will be no access to the west side of the park, if you are staying in Estes Park. Have a great time in RMNP! Visiting RMNP in the spring (April or May), Rocky Mountain National Park Bed and Breakfast, Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation Rentals, Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation Packages, Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide, Browse all 3,365 Rocky Mountain National Park topics , 2 days in Rocky Mountain National Park--afraid of heights, Multi-day horse riding trail or pack trip, See All Rocky Mountain National Park Conversations. So if i leave Estes at 4.30a I think i should be past that entrance by 4.45a or so and can avoid having to buy the time entry correct? This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. You can visit Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) all year, but sections of the park close once the snow begins to fall. Location: north-central Colorado. This "rest of park" Timed Entry Permit Reservation period will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. Sky Pond. You will have to find your own way to the park from Estes Park because the shuttle only runs to the town. Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, and has a total area of 265,795 acres (415 square miles, or 1,076 square kilometers). This entrance gives you access to Sandbeach Lake, Finch & Pear Lake, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls, Thunder Lake, and Bluebird Lake. Finch Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stop at Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US national parks. Parking lot sizes vary. Moraine Park Museum has interactive geology exhibits. 9. I am there all day Wed,Thur and Fri (in mid August), On that Tuesday afternoon, you might be able to go hiking, depending on the thunderstorm situation. 970 586-1206 All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Note: Its a slightly shorter hike (1.7 miles) if you park at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. From here, hike the Alpine Ridge Trail. Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. Ideally, you want a day with crystal clear skies and no chance of rain. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. The last stretch to Wild Basin is a narrow, gravel road that becomes one lane in places, so it is not appropriate to bring your RV. Bodies of Water. And for FREE checklist of the US National Parks, take a look at our article US National Parks List. Map courtesy of the National Park Service. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Dont miss Forest Canyon Overlook, one of the best on the drive. Park Hours:Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. I am not the hiker I used to be [did Kili in 04] so a moderate/ mildly strenuous 8 miler more my speed now. Approaching Moraine Park, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk love to congregate. Snow can linger on the trails as late as July, especially for the trails at higher elevations. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. But its only worth it if skies are clear. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Yellowstone National Park; Wind River . The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Good job on this article (that popped up in my newsfeed). I hope you have an awesome time in RMNP and happy hiking! You can get to the Fall River Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes on US 34 west from Estes Park. Loch Lake. Forest Canyon Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Rainbow Curve Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Park Details. For full details on how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, read our post One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ranking of the top 16 things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. An hours drive from Boulder and two hours from Denver, the lively Estes Park is the closest town to the park on the east side of the park. Whats the Best Season to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Altitude sickness is rare in RMNP, unless you are hiking to peaks over 12,000 feet and are not acclimated. But it looks like you have some free time on Thursday and Friday afternoon in case an afternoon gets rained out earlier in the week. #3 Granby - Best Place to Stay near Rocky Mountain National Park for Families. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. This hike is much different than many other hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. With one day, I recommend going on a hike, starting at Bear Lake, and driving Trail Ridge Road (its awesome!). That is correct. Just wrapped up my RMNP trip, ty so much for your help with the itinerary. From Glacier Gorge parking lot (get there super earlypeople are rolling into the park before 5 am if they dont have a timed entry ticket so parking lots are filling up earlier this year), hike to Mills Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. The Bear Lake Corridor is one of the most popular areas in Rocky Mountain National Park for first-time visitors. This property is located west of Estes Park on Fall River Road, so you will have a longer drive to get into the heart of the park. Autumn ushers in cooler days, smaller crowds, golden aspen and elk bugling. If you are not acclimated to the higher elevation, it is normal to get out of breath easily. You have included all of our favorite hikes in RMNP so I think your list looks good! I am travelling solo. Illustrated t The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Enter the number of passes you would like to purchase from the available choices below: Site passes table. Morning: Hike Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Bear Lakes from the Bear Lake Trailhead Afternoon: Trail Ridge Road (if the weather is clear), Timed Entry Ticket: Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access. Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place so we hope you have a wonderful time here. Lake of Glass, seen on the hike to Sky Pond. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. For reference, my family will be traveling to all the Colorado national parks in late July for around two weeks. This year's system has loosened to 75% to 85% of parking capacity. We also really liked the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. At this time, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the main things to do in the park. 9.5 miles, strenuous, 4 to 6 hours. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Summer (generally Memorial Day to Labor Day) is peak visitor season for good reason trails are snow-free, the park's wildlife is active, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. I love all of the information you provide and find your advice extremely helpful. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Phone. Suggestions for this weekend Nov 03, 2022. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. The best entrance for Rocky Mountain National Park is Beaver Meadows Entrance or Fall River Entrance. If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. For reference, I was able to do Highline trail from the loop all the way to Grinnell viewpoint, Ptarmigan tunnel and Grinnell Glacier including Grinnell lake, hidden lake overlook, virginia waterfalls over 3 full days at my recently concluded Glacier NP trip. or maybe 4? There are many things to do here. In July, we hiked through a snowstorm on the way back from Sky Pond. You could plan your visit for the end of September and keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. What do you think about Deer Mtn, Mills Lake and Loch Vale [sp?]. In our experience, they typically just last an hour or two. 10 miles, moderate, 5 to 7 hours. 11. Finch Lake is a 4.5 mile hike through pines, aspen glades, and wildflower laden meadows to a sub-alpine lake where the forest surrounds its shores. Do 4 days if you canthere are a LOT of hikes to choose from here. The Wild Basin entrance is located 13.5 miles south of Estes Park just off of scenic highway 7. The Loch. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. Is it worth going to RMNP if I only have 4 hours? Text in English. (Old Maps, 20th Century Maps, Americana, Travel, Tourism, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby Reservoir, Granby).Grand Lake West Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.Published c. 1940's, United States.Folding cartoon pictorial travel map, printed on both sides of the sheet. Or visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. More about Trail Ridge Road's Season. Mills Lake and Loch Vale are very nice and might be perfect for you. Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park? [The vibe of Estes Park is very wild west mountain-like] [We passed at least 4 Saltwater Taffy shops on our way up the main street] [The Historic Park Theater] Estes Park is definitely worth checking out if you go through the Beaver Meadows entrance like we did. This station is .25 miles north of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near the beautiful Kawuneeche Valley. 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. I dont know if it is too late, but you could always try to get a permit so you dont have to start super early. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Alpine Ridge Road reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. During the summer and autumn, you can expect the entrance stations to be busy for most of the day, and extra busy in the morning from 7:00am-9:30am and in the afternoon from 2:30-4:00pm. 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. Funds from RMNP passes insure the preservation of the Lily Lake area and help to maintain the parking lot, vault. Spend the rest of the day in Estes Park. 4. On the east side of the park lies the Beaver Meadows Entrance, the most direct entrance from Estes Park, Colo.,which lies right outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park to the Alpine Visitor Centre distance. In fact, it is such a popular place to visit that you now need a timed entry permit to enter. But one afternoon, they went until dinner, off and on. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. It is located further north than the Beaver Meadows Entrance. If you think you can go farther, and if skies are clear, consider going all of the way to Sky Pond. This station is .25 miles from our newest visitor center, the Fall River Visitor Center. What is a good itinerary for a day trip to RMNP in the winter? Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. Never been to park at all. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. If you plan to go hiking during July and August, you will have to assume that there will be a 2 pm thunderstorm. The Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 34 approximately 5 miles east of Estes Park. Thanks for writing in!! Do we have others using the trails even in the mornings? This hiker shuttle take visitors to some of the most popular trails along Bear Lake Road. A Park Access (Excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) timed entry ticket is sufficient for this day. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. Up above 10,000 feet the air is thin, the temps are much cooler, and the wind is usually . Moraine Park Campground. On our first attempt it was cloudy and we could barely see the lake and we couldnt see the spires of rock around the lake at all. Cheers, Julie. If you did not do it yet, you have the option to hike the short but sweet Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. Travel to Aspen and Rock Mountain During thanksgiving Nov 08, 2022. Kawuneeche Entrance. Price. Ive lived down the hill and explored RMNP a lot for 44 years. This helps control crowd levels on the roads and hiking trails. The only first-come, first-served Rocky Mountain National Park campgrounds in the park, Longs Peak Campground, has 26 sites and charges $26 per night. Cheers, Julie. Sky Pond | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Are current Colorado fires affecting or near RMNP? Our website uses cookies. Thank you! Do you think I can do Nymph, dream and emerald lakes (or at least 2 out of those 3?). Thunderstorms dont happen every single day, but it is something that you need to plan for. During the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are very common. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. Most people will be acclimated by this point, which means that you can hike almost any trail in the park. Afternoon/Evening spending it around the visitor center, or back at Estes Park 4) Fri Morning: Chasm lake. Would that help mitigate some of the altitude sickness? If you want to stay in the park, you will be limited to campgrounds. Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. Best nearby. Trailhead Location. WorldMark Estes Park. For hikers, its the ultimate adventure. (Learn about the different park pass options available.) The Aspire rooms are higher-end, modernly decorated rooms but many people state that they are overpriced for what you get. If the skies stay clear, you can stay in the park and do more exploring. If you wish detailed information to help enjoy your time in the park, stop by one of the park's visitor centers. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. To stay safe, start your hike early in the day so that you are finished, or at least below the tree line, by 1 pm. Alberta Falls Trail. On the way you'll pass the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on your right. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. This entrance station has two booths and is generally one of the quieter entrances of the park; however, on busy days you may have a short wait. When does Trail Ridge Road close in the fall? So on Tuesday, do you think I can salvage some hiking? Moraine Park Campground is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. Mt Ida, Sky pond and Chasm lake(timed this to catch sunrise there) were epic hikes with great views. On the west side of the park is the Kawuneeche entrance, located just north of the town of Grand Lake. Sky Pond. more, Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Experts. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . The Stanley Hotel. Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. Emerald and Dream Lakes are great but crowded. For those with an interest in historical sites, make sure you visit the Holzwarth Historical Site and learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. You will hike past Alberta Falls, wind around lovely Mills Lake, and end at Black Lake. Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! . Plenty of room, good WiFi, nice furnishings, and beautiful views from our balcony. See five lakes in one hike. You can get to this entrance without going through the middle of town by following highway 34 up East Wonderview Avenue. Yes. Best beginner hike in Rocky Mountain National Park: Emerald Lake. Odessa and Fern Lakes. The main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Denver International Airport straight to Estes Park. This is a hike that we did on our first trip to Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago, and we retraced our steps on our latest trip en route to Sky Pond (more on that in a second). With its large collection of hotels and restaurants, this is a great place to stay when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. , Tombstone Ridge | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 3.4 miles, moderate, 2 to 3 hours. 5. Accessible trails include favorites like Bear Lake and Sprague Lake, and you can also reserve an all-terrain wheelchair from Estes Park Mountain Shop (970-586-6548). Good to know: Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Black Lake, Sky Pond, Flattop Mountain, and Fern Lake are some of the trails that start at or near Bear Lake. If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. Mills and Black Lake. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. However, Old Fall River Road is only open during the summer months. And if you hike fast, you should have no problem getting to all 3 lakes on Tuesday afternoon. You will really feel the effects of the altitude. A Quick Geography Lesson. If so, you need one for each day that you plan to visit RMNP. Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. Cascade Cottages & Colorado Cottages. If you do not have a reservation, you will not be allowed to enter the park. Yes, August is a great month to hike in RMNP. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Wondering if there are differences between entering park through entrances by Estes park or better to enter park through grand lake? It's like a tour of amazing mountain lakes. Driving distance from Denver: 1-2 hours. To reach the Wild Basin Entrance from Estes Park, head south on CO 7. This is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. Black Lake and Mills Lake are often labeled as two of the prettiest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. I think your itinerary looks great. I want to avoid crowds and yet have good weather ( no snow). ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: For a full list of our Rocky Mountain National Park articles, plus important planning tips, check out our Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? There are a million different ways to put together a Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, and how you choose to do so really depends on your interests, the time of year you plan to visit the park, and the weather. Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year. The park is much less crowded at this time, but Trail Ridge Road is not open and many, if not all, of the hiking trails can be snow covered. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo by Buddy Smith/The Points Guy) Rocky Mountain National Park basics. At an elevation of over 14,000 feet, guests will be in awe of the breathtaking craggy peaks and lush valleys. And bring a camera , its a beautiful park! Pass Type. Its a very short hike (just over a half-mile round trip), but it will literally take your breath away. Lily Lake. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. However, I only recommend doing this if you are acclimated to the altitude, since these are strenuous hikes with big ascents. The Fall River entrance is 4 miles from Estes Park a wonderful little mountain town. Is there any need for an SUV or non-standard vehicle to access any of the trailheads for your recommended hikes? Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the United States, cuts through the park from the east to the west. Colorado Springs. Note: You do not need a 44 for this drive. CO Follow the three day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary. You'll pass the popular Wild Basin Lodge just before the entrance. The Finch Lake trail is a great choice for those who prefer solitude as it's one of the lesser traveled trails in the Wild Basin region of RMNP. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. From here, you can park at the trailheads and hike some of the best trails in RMNP, like Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Mills Lake, and Hallett Peak. When to Visit. Required fields are marked *. The Beaver Meadows and the Kawuneeche Visitor Centers both show free park films. This is another one of our favorite hikes. Crowds will begin to quiet down in October, but snow on the trails becomes a lot more likely. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. In the summer months, the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park are hiking, driving Trail Ridge Road, taking a stroll around Bear Lake, driving Old Fall River Road, and mountaineering. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. What you will find is an old-fashioned charm combined with recreational opportunities like relaxing at the beach, paddle boarding, paddle boating and kayaking on Grand Lake and visiting the park. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our, Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service, Learn more about the national parks in our. This is a great warm-up for those who plan to hike Longs Peak. Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. , 4. The Mummy Mountain Range, Lumpy Ridge, and several hiking trails sit to the north of Trail Ridge Road. It is close to my Rocky Mtn NP trip (going there next week tue-sat), I wanted your opinion for this following itinerary and if it is doable 1) Tuesday afternoon: I will be at RMNP around 4pm. But it is a great entrance for those traveling the Peak-to-Peak from Nederland who dont want to join the crowds entering in Estes Park.