Rocky Mountain National Park offers something for every adventurer, from epic hikes to rock climbing, whitewater rafting and more. With so much to choose from, it can be tough to decide what to do once you get there.
Planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? Kampground of America has you covered. Here are sample itineraries for spending three, four or five days in one of America’s most beautiful national parks.
3-Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
Three days in Rocky Mountain National Park gives you just enough time to hit all the major sights without needing to rush. Here is how you can spend your stay.
Day 1: Hike Around Bear Lake
The Bear Lake area offers trails for hikers of all ages and experience levels, making it the ideal place to begin your adventure.
Start your day by walking the half-mile loop around the lake. This trail has an elevation gain of about 20 feet, making it accessible for wheelchair users and perfect for families with small children. Plus, if you plan to spend more time on the trails, Bear Lake makes a fantastic warmup.
Some other trails include:
- Beginner: Emerald Lake is just above 4 miles round-trip with a 744-foot elevation gain.
- Moderate: Jewel Lake is about 3 miles from Bear Lake and has a nearly 740-foot elevation gain. You can also start your hike from Glacier Gorge and experience an 818-foot elevation gain.
- Advanced: Sky Pond sits just over 4 miles from Glacier Gorge and offers breathtaking views of the Sky Pond Cirque Basin at its peak. This hike involves climbing some waterfalls, so appropriate footwear is necessary.
- Expert: Hallett Peak offers beautiful views of the mountains. Chaos Canyon closed for a while due to a landslide event in 2022 on one slope of Hallett Peak but has since reopened. If you are not acclimated to the elevation, you may want to wait to attempt this trail for another day or two.
Note that parking could be difficult to find around Bear Lake Road since it is such a popular destination. To save time, you can use the park’s free shuttle to get to the trails.
Here is another quick heads-up — if you plan on visiting from late spring to fall, you will need to reserve a Park Access+ timed entry permit. Unlike the standard Park Access ticket, this option includes the Bear Lake area.
Day 2: Indulge Your Adventurous Side
These Rocky Mountain National Park activities are great for families or individuals who want to do as much as possible while in the area:
- Rock climbing: This high-thrill activity is incredibly popular among locals and tourists alike. New to rock climbing? You can hire a guide or find a class to teach you the ropes on some easy paths before you attempt it yourself.
- Whitewater rafting: Thrill-seekers and families with older kids will love rafting through Colorado’s legendary rapids. You can find several whitewater rafting outfitters throughout the area, so plenty of options are available to get your group on the water in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Horseback riding: Guided horseback rides are available from the park’s two stables — Glacier Creek and National Park Gateway. Be sure to book your ride in advance!
- Zip lining: Want to see the Rockies from a whole new angle? Try flying high above the treeline on a zip lining tour. This activity is ideal for older kids, adrenaline junkies and nature lovers.
Day 3: Take a Scenic Drive
A long drive through the park is the perfect way to see everything you might not have had time to explore during those first few days.
Unlike most regular roads, the park’s road system was designed specifically to highlight the natural environment. Plus, there are plenty of beautiful overlooks you can stop at to take in the view and snap a couple of photos.
Some routes you can take include:
- Trail Ridge Road: As the principal road in the park, Trail Ridge stretches the whole 48 miles from the eastern town of Lake Estes to the western town of Grand Lake. You will spend about 11 miles above the treeline on this drive, giving you an intimate look at the alpine ecosystem there.
- Old Fall River Road: This one-way gravel road takes you roughly 11 miles from Horseshoe Park to Fall River Pass. At the peak, you will reach an outlook about 11,796 feet above sea level, then turn around and head back down the mountain.
- Devil’s Gulch Road: This shorter drive will take you from Estes Park to Glen Haven. This small-town community makes an excellent stop to wind down on your third day.
Regardless of the route you take, make sure you have a camera ready — you will not want to forget these views!
4-Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
Staying for another day? You can follow the above three-day itinerary — with a few changes. Instead of taking the scenic drive on day three, move it to day four and add the following on day three.
Day 4: Take an Epic Hike Around Longs Peak
Longs Peak, the highest summit in the park, draws thousands of avid hikers every year. It offers an excellent challenge, with winter-like conditions year-round due to the elevation.
One of the most popular routes up the mountain is the Keyhole Route, which is a challenging climb up sheer vertical rock faces that often requires expert scrambling skills. For that reason, park officials recommend only those with extensive mountain experience should attempt to scale Longs Peak.
Longs Peak is an incredibly challenging climb that reaches an elevation gain of more than 14,000 feet, which is why it is best to give your body at least two to three days to acclimate before you attempt it.
After this adventure, a long drive will be just what you need to recover and see the areas you still have left to explore.
Alternate Day 4: Take a Moderate Hike
If you would rather take it easy, the park has more than enough easy and moderate trails to explore. Here is a guide to some Rocky Mountain National Park trails:
- Lily Lake Loop: This easy walk by Longs Peak is just under a mile, with only about 10 feet of elevation gain and stunning views of the wildflowers in the summer.
- Holzwarth Historic Site: Also known as the Summer Ranch, this historic site lies at the end of an easy hike from the Grand Lake entrance. Walk through the site’s rustic log cabins to see the park’s history of tourism.
- Ouzel Falls: This 5.4-mile trail leads you through the deep forests of Wild Basin to a final climb up the stunning Ouzel Falls. You will begin your hike at the Wild Basin trailhead, gaining approximately 950 feet of elevation.
- Lulu City: From the Colorado River Trailhead, you can hike 3.7 miles to Lulu City. This hike rewards you with the opportunity to explore an abandoned gold mining village.
- Deer Mountain: At 3 miles one-way and with a nearly 1,200-foot elevation gain, Deer Mountain is an exhilarating moderate hike. It is one of the most popular trails in the park, so plan your hike accordingly.
Whatever paths you end up taking, you will want to bring plenty of water and some snacks for your journey. Sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing are also essential for keeping you and your crew safe and healthy on the trail.
5-Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
A five-day itinerary for Rocky Mountain National Park leaves plenty of time to get acclimated to the elevation and really enjoy some serious hiking. Try leaving more time for exploring trails on days two, three and four. Give yourself time to rest and recharge on your final day.
Day 5: Relax at Grand Lake
After several days’ worth of hiking, unwinding in the town of Grand Lake is the perfect way to wrap up your trip.
Grand Lake offers the following activities for campers of all ages:
- Natural hot springs
- A beach
- Jeep tours
- Fishing
- Kayaking and rafting
- Hot air ballooning
- Horseback riding
There are also plenty of cultural activities and events to keep you busy on a rainy day, including the Kauffman House Museum and the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre.
You will also find a wide variety of shops for souvenirs, outdoor gear and more.
Alternate Day 5: Unwind at Estes Park
If you are headed east and looking to explore some local culture after several days in the great outdoors, Estes Park is the perfect place to spend your final day. Here are some suggestions for everyone in your crew:
- History and culture: Check out the Estes Park Museum for a glimpse into the town’s unique history, or visit the Stanley Hotel to see the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
- Events: Something is always happening in Estes Park, from rodeos to races.
- Scenic views: Take a leisurely stroll along Estes Park’s Riverwalk to relax and take in more of the natural environment.
Guide to Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park
Every good vacation starts with a clear plan. Here is a quick Rocky Mountain National Park travel guide to help you make the most of your time in the park.
Plan Ahead
If you plan on visiting the park during peak season, you will want to reserve a permit well in advance of your trip — you will not be able to get in without one. Passes are either $30 per vehicle per day or $35 per vehicle for the whole week.
The park is also launching a timed-entry ticket system in May 2024 that will require visitors to reserve their spot at specific hours of the day. There are two types of timed-entry tickets you can choose from:
- Park Access+: You have access to everything in the park, including the Bear Lake hikes, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Park Access: You have access to everything in the park, except the Bear Lake areas, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You can enter the park at any time within two hours of your reservation, and you may leave at any time.
Learn more about passes and make your reservations online.
Reserve Your Campsite
If you want to rough it outdoors, you will need a wilderness permit. The online reservation window for the summer opens every year on March 1 — once you have arrived, you can pick up your permit in person at one of the park entrances. In the winter, the park requires visitors to apply for a permit in person.
You can learn more about the wilderness permit rules on the National Park Service website.
If you would prefer to stay outside the park, Kampgrounds of America has plenty of nearby options:
- Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Holiday: This campsite sits just 5 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park and makes an excellent home base for your trip. You can camp in a tent or RV or reside in a cabin if you prefer a more modern camping experience without losing out on the great outdoors.
- Grand Lake / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Journey: Located conveniently at the park’s west entrance, Grand Lake / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Journey is the perfect place to wind down after exploring the park. With plenty of space to pitch your tent or hook up your RV, KOA has various options to meet your travel needs.
Prepare for Park Conditions
The Rockies experience different weather conditions than many other areas of the country, so planning your trip accordingly is essential. Account for:
- Elevation: Many of the park’s hiking trails reach altitudes of more than 9,000 feet. If you are coming from a low-elevation region, it is best to stay in the park a little longer to allow yourself time to acclimate to the elevation.
- Thunderstorms: Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in the summer months. Plan your hikes so you are below the tree line by noon, and bring rain gear to stay dry.
- Snow: Snow is a year-round occurrence in the Rocky Mountains, so waterproof hiking shoes are a must for safety and stability. Depending on when you come, you may also want to bring snowshoes.
Respect the Wildlife
While Rocky Mountain National Park is home to hundreds of amazing creatures, it is best to avoid getting too close. Follow the rules regarding wildlife viewing, and stay at least 25 yards away, for your safety and theirs.
Come by Car
While the park does offer a free shuttle service to get to the Bear Lake Corridor, you will need your own vehicle to get anywhere else. Many visitors from out of state will rent a car for the duration of their stay. Although any standard car will work, an electric vehicle can help minimize noise and emissions. You can charge it up in Estes Park or Grand Lake before entering the park.
Savor the End
Even after your time in the park comes to a close, there are a few things you can do to squeeze a little extra fun out of your trip.
Heading east? Stop by Estes Park for some delicious old-fashioned ice cream at one of the shops in town. Going west? You can find plenty of delectable options in Grand Lake, too!
Book Your Rocky Mountain National Park Road Trip With KOA
We hope these ideas have inspired you to start planning your vacation to Rocky Mountain National Park — but remember, this is your trip! Rocky Mountain National Park is full of exciting things to do, and you can plan your activities however you see fit.
Make your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park special. With on-site laundry and bathroom facilities, dog parks, Wi-Fi and more, KOA has the amenities you need to truly enjoy your stay.
Explore Grand Lake / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Journey or Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Holiday, or find another KOA that fits your itinerary to get started.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
