Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado's most well known parks. Established on January 26, 1915, the park attracts over 3 million visitors each year. Covering 265,828 acres, the park's elevation reaches up to 14,259 feet at the football field size summit of Long's Peak. Estes Park and Grand Lake are located on opposite sides of the park.
A unique aspect of Rocky Mountain National Park is its wilderness areas. In 1964, the Congress of the United States passed a law known as the Wilderness Act, intended to provide an "enduring resource of wilderness" for future generations. Rocky Mountain National Park has 2,917 acres that are designated as wilderness areas. However, an additional 248,464 acres were recommended as wilderness in 1974 and have been treated as such.
Trail Ridge Road is another unique aspect of RMNP. This road is the highest continuous paved road in the world, climbing past the tree line and traveling past Colorado tundra. The road travels 48 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake, and is generally open from late May through mid-October. The road reaches up to 12,183 feet at its highest elevation. With 60 peaks over 12,000 feet in the park, following this road can bring you to eye level with some of the highest peaks in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park offers many hiking trails. The 359 miles of trails always offers new ground to explore. Most of the trails are in the 248,464 acres of area recommended as Wilderness Area. Ranger activities include guided hiking in the summer, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country ski tours in the winter. Visit http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/hikes.htm to see suggested hikes at various levels. Mountaineering, climbing, backcountry camping, and biking are also popular activities in the park.
Another popular activity in the area is wildlife viewing. Inhabiting the park are nearly 60 species of mammals, more than 280 recorded bird species, 6 amphibians, including the federally endangered boreal toad, and 11 species of fish. The most well known inhabitants of the park are the elk. During autumn, the bull elk (male) produce vocalizations including piercing bugling, mewing, squealing and barking to attract cow elk (female). Elk generally gather where the meadows and tree lines meet.
The free shuttle bus is a good way to travel around the park. The bus runs between trailheads and is based at the Park and Ride across from the Glacier Basin Campground. The bus runs daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and runs on weekends until the second Monday in October.
East Entrances (Estes Park) | West Entrance (Grand Lake)![]()
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do - East
Open all year. Ideal for couples. 5 fully furnished cabins overlook river, each has private hot tub, a great way to relax after a day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of extras included. 3 miles to Estes Park.
Cozy log cabin nestled in the foothills on acreage bordering the North St. Vrain River one mile from Lyons. The home of Planet Bluegrass, & Festivals - Bluegrass, Folk & Celtic. Sorry no pets or smoking.
Special Occasion & Snowshoe Packages near Rocky Mountain National Park, in Estes Park. Suites (1 and 2 bedrooms), some spas, fireplaces, and private balcony or deck overlooking Fall River. Free WI-FI.
Twice Named Colorado's "Company of the Year." Offering 1/2 to 10 day whitewater rafting trips on 5 Colorado rivers. Featuring Inn-to-Inn rafting, horseback riding, jeeping and downhill mountain biking.
Cottages & lodges at foot of BoulderŐs Flatirons, adjoins Boulder Mountain Parks with hiking & children's park. A living Historic District. 2 cottages are certified by EPA with energy star status. 1898 dining hall.
Step back in time. Restored cottages with modern amenities. Pets OK. Romance Packages. NEW hot tub & deck. Non-smoking. Open all year. 5 minutes to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park. WI-FI.
Small, friendly and affordable rooms and suites. One mile east of downtown Estes Park, within walking distance of Lake Estes Marina & walkway, golf, horseback riding, restaurants & shopping. Smoke Free.
Adults only non-smoking property. Perfect year-round mountain getaway for discriminating travelers of affordable quality lodging. Beautiful riverfront, mountain setting in Estes Park. Snowshoe packages.
Affordable year-round lodging, meals and activities for everyone in your family or group! Horseback ride, hike, climb, skateboard, fish, swim, mini-golf, disc golf, snowshoe and ski. Off-season discounts.
LUXURY RIVERFRONT CABINS & VACATION HOMES in Estes Park. Intimate 1 & 2 bedroom cabins on Fall River. Romance & special occasion packages. Gift certificates. Near Rocky Mountain National Park.
Open all year. Adjoins the Roosevelt National Forest so "make your own trails and tales." Overlooks Big Thompson River, 5 miles east of Estes Park. FREE WI-FI. Pet Friendly!
Inside Rocky Mountain National Park, a secluded and beautiful location! Machin's near Estes Park offers deluxe, immaculately clean cottages surrounded by scenic views, wildlife & clean mountain air.
Rustic ambiance, contemporary comforts. Borders Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy wildlife watching & cozy log fireplaces for your romantic getaway or family vacation. 4 miles west of Estes Park.
Cozy log cabin is nestled next to the secluded town of Raymond, population 60, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and 30 minutes to Boulder and Estes Park.
Our guests frequently comment: It's so beautiful here -- surrounded by trees, the river, spectacular mountain backdrop, and it feels like you're really out in nature. But -- Estes Park is RIGHT HERE.
In Estes Park, near Rocky Mountain National Park. Warm hospitality in a charming family environment. Enjoy fabulous mountain views from your room's porch. Ideal for weddings and family reunions.
At the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, accommodating all tastes and budgets from cozy rustic cabins hidden in the pines to luxurious mountain homes with all the amenities. Some are pet friendly.
Combine the beauty and grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park with first-class resort comfort and convenience. Fully landscaped lawns, plush & comfortable. Playground, BBQ grills & picnic tables. WI-FI.
Enjoy an upscale vacation home, condo or cabin that best meets your wishes for a special vacation in & around Estes Park. Sit back, relax, give us the pleasure of helping you enjoy where nature abounds.
Nestled on the Big Thompson River with a magnificent view of Long's Peak. Cozy cabins near Rocky Mountain National Park and YMCA. Private spas. Come stay where the river meets the mountains!
On the banks of the Big Thompson River only one mile to the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Families of all sizes will love our heated pool, playground, our stocked fishing lake and free mini-golf.
15 tree-studded acres adjacent Rocky Mountain National Park. Comfortable, well-furnished cabins and vacation homes. LoveScapes®: flowers, champagne and more surprises. Snowshoeing Packages!
Luxurious, spacious and upscale with a full service spa in the Estes Park. Enjoy Tempur-Pedic beds & private deck hot tubs with spectacular views and wildlife. Central fireside hot tub for private-time use.
East Entrances (Estes Park) | West Entrance (Grand Lake)
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do - West
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In Hot Sulphur Springs, near Grand Lake & Winter Park. Rooms with comforts of home, kitchens, pets OK. Walk to hot springs (discount guest passes to 24 pools) & Colorado River. Romance packages.
Open all year at the quiet west end of Grand Lake. Cozy cabins with kitchens offer mountain getaways. Walk to town and lakes. Hot tub. Pet friendly. BBQ Grills. Firepit. Group facilities. Grassy picnic areas.
A Family place located near Grand Lake and the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Open Spring, Summer, and Fall. Stocked trout pond. WI-FI. Horseshoe pit. Big Rigs & Pets Welcome!
Open all year -- A stone's throw from the lake! 12 cottages in historic Grand Lake Village, at the end of the Boardwalk. Condos on the river! Rural vacation homes away from town. Snowmobile from your door.
A charming village, an endless range of mountains, and Colorado's largest natural lake. Grand Lake is a mountain resort popular for its sunny days, low-key tempo, family-owned shops and fine restaurants.
Every Saturday in July & August. In Fraser at County Road 73. EVENTS: Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Saddle Bronco Riding, Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, and Bull Riding.
Open all year! In the heart of the mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado; minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. Walk to the lake. Rent your snowmobile here & sled from your door to 150 miles of trails.
4 lakefront homes on the shores of Sun Valley Lake; 1 is 200 feet from the lake in the woods. All feature spectacular mountain views. 1/4-mile to Rocky Mountain National Park. Snowmobile from your doorstep!
Grand Lake Cabins for your family! New Playground with log cabin playhouse. ALL DOGS WELCOME. Experience the splendor of Lake Granby & Rocky Mountain National Park: fish, hike & snowmobile.
Affordable year-round lodging, meals & activities for your family or group! Horseback ride, hike, bike, climb, fish, swim, mini-golf, snowshoe, sled, tube, ice skate, downhill & XC ski. Off-season discounts.
Surrounded by lakes & mountains. Oldest snowmobile rental outlet in Grand Lake. Snowmobile from your door. At Rocky Mountain National Park on the quiet side. Hot tub. Swim, fish or boat at Grand Lake.
160 acres near Grand Lake, borders Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapahoe National Forest. Vacation with your horse at horse/camp sites with 12'x32' pen, lodge rooms, cabins, barn available.
For More Activities & Information
Local Area Maps
Estes Park Area
Grand Lake Area
Rocky Mountain National Park Map (Full View - Estes Park & Grand Lake)
Rocky Mountain National Park Map (Grand Lake - West Entrance)
Rocky Mountain National Park Map (Estes Park - East Entrance)
Hiking & Snowshoeing Trail Maps
Estes Park Hiking Trails Map
Estes Park Snowshoeing Trails Map
Grand Lake Hiking Trails Map
Scenic Byway Maps
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway
Downloads:
Download an area map of Rocky Mountain National Park
(Map provided by the U.S. National Park Service)
Directions:
Take Highway 34 West to enter at Grand Lake or Highway 36 North to enter in Estes Park
East Entrances (Estes Park) | West Entrance (Grand Lake)
Maps | Directions




