Rocky Mountain National Park, founded in 1915, protects 415 square miles of Colorado’s high country straddling the Continental Divide. From glacier-carved cirques to wind-bent krummholz and wildflower meadows, it’s a pocket atlas of alpine ecosystems. The park’s spine is the famed Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the United States at 12,183 feet.

Expect elk bugling in autumn, moose browsing willows on the west side, and bighorn sheep along rocky ledges. Summer brings emerald lakes and easy-access hikes; shoulder seasons offer solitude and dramatic weather. At altitude, hydrate often, layer up, and watch for afternoon thunderstorms from June to August.

Between late May and mid-October, RMNP typically uses a timed-entry reservation for the Bear Lake Corridor and the rest of the park. Book early, especially for sunrise starts. A 7-day vehicle pass is about $35; a 1-day vehicle pass is about $30. Always check road status—Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road can close for weather, even in summer.

Getting There

Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), then drive 1.5–2 hours to Estes Park. Search competitive fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com (typical US domestic roundtrips $150–450; 2–4 hours nonstop from many hubs). A rental car is the most practical way to explore trailheads and scenic drives.

Estes Park

On the park’s east side, Estes Park is your base for the Bear Lake Corridor, Lumpy Ridge, and jaw-dropping sunrise hikes. The downtown Riverwalk winds past galleries and taffy shops, while elk often wander the golf course and open lawns in fall. The vibe is classic Colorado mountain town—boots-off casual with serious scenery out the window.

Top nearby highlights include Bear, Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes; Alberta Falls; Lake Haiyaha’s milky turquoise waters; and the high alpine overlooks along Trail Ridge Road. Off-trail time is rewarding too: sip local pours at Lumpy Ridge Brewing, or listen to live music at The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (seasonal).

Stay close to the action via VRBO in Estes Park or compare hotels on Hotels.com. Look for places on the shuttle line to Bear Lake (summer) or with views of Longs Peak.

Day 1: Arrival and Estes Riverwalk

Morning: Fly into Denver. If possible, book a midday arrival via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Pick up your car and head for the mountains.

Afternoon: Arrive Estes Park (1.5–2 hours). Check in, then stretch your legs along the Estes Riverwalk and Elkhorn Avenue. If you’re here in September–October, keep an eye out for elk in Bond Park and around town.

Evening: Dinner at Bird & Jim for Colorado-forward cuisine (try the bison ribeye or seasonal trout). Alternative: Ed’s Cantina for hearty green-chile-smothered enchiladas. Nightcap at Lumpy Ridge Brewing—order a split flight and snag a patio table with views of the crags.

Day 2: Bear, Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes

Morning: Coffee at Kind Coffee on the river; grab pastries from Cinnamon’s Bakery if you’re early. Enter the Bear Lake Corridor for a classic hike: Bear → Nymph → Dream → Emerald Lakes (3.6 miles round trip, ~650 ft gain). Use the Park & Ride shuttle in summer to avoid parking headaches.

Afternoon: Extend to Lake Haiyaha (+1.8 miles) for stunning aqua hues and boulder fields. For an accessible option, loop Sprague Lake (0.8 miles) and watch for beavers and waterfowl. Picnic lunch with sandwiches from Notchtop Bakery & Cafe or The Country Market & Deli near Lake Estes.

Evening: Dinner at Twin Owls Steakhouse (now inside Taharaa Mountain Lodge; reservations recommended). Casual alternative: The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern for burgers, mac-and-cheese, and live music. Treat yourself to small-batch ice cream at The Munchin House downtown.

Day 3: Trail Ridge Road and Tundra Walks

Morning: Get an early start up Trail Ridge Road. Stop at Many Parks Curve, Rainbow Curve, and Forest Canyon Overlook for wide-open vistas. Walk the Tundra Communities Trail (1 mile round trip) among alpine wildflowers and ancient, wind-sculpted trees.

Afternoon: Continue to Alpine Visitor Center for lunch (simple café fare; elevation 11,796 ft). If the weather is clear, hike a short segment of the Ute Trail for big skies and rolling tundra. Return to Estes Park by mid-afternoon.

Evening: Head to Moraine Park Meadow for golden-hour elk viewing (keep 25+ yards distance). Dinner at Himalayan Curry & Kebob for momos and rich curries; or pizza and garlic knots at Antonio’s Real New York Pizza.

Day 4: Wild Basin Waterfalls and Lake Estes

Morning: Espresso at Inkwell & Brew, then drive to the quieter Wild Basin trailhead. Hike to Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls (5.4 miles round trip) through fragrant forest and rushing creeks.

Afternoon: Return to town for a relaxing paddle at the Lake Estes Marina (SUPs, kayaks, and pedal boats available in season). Alternatively, take a self-guided history stroll through the Stanley Hotel’s public areas and surrounding trails.

Evening: Feast at Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew (burnt ends, mac, and collards are local favorites). For something lighter, share small plates at Bird & Jim’s bar and catch the alpenglow on the peaks.

Grand Lake

On the park’s west side, Grand Lake is a throwback mountain village with a wooden boardwalk, lake views, and quick access to the wildlife-rich Kawuneeche Valley. It’s the best base for moose spotting, quiet meadows, and waterfall hikes like Adams Falls and the East Inlet.

Expect a slower pace: stroll the marina, grab an ice cream at Miyauchi’s (summer only), and watch sunset paint the lake. In the park, trails wind through lodgepole and willow flats to Big Meadows and up-valley toward Lone Pine Lake and Cascade Falls.

Find lakeside cabins and cozy inns via VRBO in Grand Lake or compare stays on Hotels.com. Choose lodgings within walking distance of the boardwalk for easy dining and sunset strolls.

Day 5: Scenic Cross-Park Transfer and Adams Falls

Morning: Check out of Estes Park and drive to Grand Lake. In summer/fall, take Trail Ridge Road across the Continental Divide (48 miles; 1.5–2 hours without stops). If it’s closed, detour via US-36/US-34/US-40 through Granby (3–3.5 hours).

Afternoon: Check in, then walk from town to Adams Falls (0.9-mile loop; quick payoff with thundering water and canyon views). Coffee and lunch at Blue Water Bakery—great sandwiches and cinnamon rolls.

Evening: Dinner at Rapids Restaurant, perched over the Tonahutu Creek—book a table on the deck in warm months. For a casual night, Squeaky B’s serves excellent burgers and frozen custard. Cap it with a pint at Grand Lake Brewing Taphouse.

Day 6: Moose Morning and Big Meadows

Morning: Sunrise coffee at Blue Water Bakery, then head to Coyote Valley Trail for prime moose viewing along the Colorado River (1 mile round trip; flat and family-friendly). Bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.

Afternoon: Hike the Green Mountain Trail to Big Meadows (7.4 miles round trip; ~1,000 ft gain) for wildflowers in summer and broad, photogenic wetlands. Picnic on the edge of the meadow and listen for sandhill cranes.

Evening: Relax by the marina with an easy lakeside stroll. Dinner at Sagebrush BBQ & Grill—bison and elk are on the menu, or go for slow-smoked ribs. On clear nights, enjoy stargazing on the Grand Lake beach; the west side’s darker skies are a treat.

Day 7: East Inlet Trail and Departure

Morning: Fuel up with coffee and a breakfast burrito from Blue Water Bakery. Hike the East Inlet Trail to Lone Pine Lake (5.4 miles round trip) or Cascade Falls (6.8 miles round trip). Early starts beat crowds and midday storms.

Afternoon: Grab a quick lunch at Grand Pizza (local staple), then drive to DEN for your afternoon flight (2.5–3 hours via US-34 → US-40 → I-70; add extra time for weekend traffic). Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If roads look stormy, depart Grand Lake earlier—mountain weather changes quickly.

Evening: If you’re overnighting near the airport, toast the trip with Colorado craft beer and review your favorite wildlife sightings before tomorrow’s journey home.

Where to Eat and Drink (Quick Picks)

• Estes Park Coffee/Breakfast: Kind Coffee; Notchtop Bakery & Cafe; Cinnamon’s Bakery (arrive early—sells out).
• Estes Park Lunch/Dinner: Bird & Jim; Himalayan Curry & Kebob; Antonio’s Real New York Pizza; The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern (seasonal live music).
• Estes Park Drinks: Lumpy Ridge Brewing; Estes Park Brewery (river views); Avant Garde Aleworks (rotating taps).
• Grand Lake Coffee/Breakfast: Blue Water Bakery (all-day staple); Fat Cat Cafe (hearty breakfasts, seasonal hours).
• Grand Lake Lunch/Dinner: Rapids Restaurant; Sagebrush BBQ & Grill; Squeaky B’s (burgers & custard); Miyauchi’s Snack Bar (summer only).

Essential Tips

• Timed Entry: From late spring to mid-fall, reserve entry windows for the Bear Lake Corridor and the rest of the park. Book early, especially for sunrise starts.
• Altitude: Many hikes exceed 9,000 ft. Hydrate, pace yourself, and consider a lighter first day.
• Weather: Expect fast shifts. Mornings are best for summits; storms often roll in after 1 pm in summer.
• Safety: Give wildlife space (25+ yards for elk/deer, 100+ yards for moose/bears). Pack microspikes in shoulder seasons for icy trails.
• Shuttles: In summer, use the Bear Lake shuttle to ease parking. Arrive before 7 am for on-site parking at popular trailheads.

Optional Add-On Inspiration (Utah)

If you’re pairing Colorado with Utah on the same trip or a future getaway, here are two excellent, mountain-focused experiences near Park City. These are not in Rocky Mountain National Park but make great add-ons before or after your Colorado adventure.

• Privately Guided Scenic Mountain Hike (Park City) — work with expert local guides to match trail difficulty and scenery to your preferences.

  

• Park City Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride — float over the Wasatch at dawn for sweeping mountain views (seasonal; weather dependent).

  

From emerald lakes to tundra horizons, this 7-day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary captures the best of both Estes Park and Grand Lake. You’ll hike signature trails, watch for elk and moose, and savor Colorado’s high-country evenings—then head home with camera roll and spirit equally full.