Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park – Summer & Fall

Summer | Fall

Summer | Fall

Summer | Fall

Summer } Fall


-Download a Map of Rocky Mountain National Park-


Take a Drive

Built in the 1930s to connect the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park, the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is the main thoroughfare and also the highest continuous paved road in America, winding through pine forests and crossing over the Continental Divide before topping out at about 12,000 feet in elevation. Eleven miles of this “highway to the sky” carves through delicate Alpine Tundra habitat above treeline, where the temperature is often at least 20 degrees lower than in town and unpredictable weather patterns can change in an instant. Portions of Trail Ridge Road are closed in the winter, so be sure to check current conditions when planning a drive.

Go Hiking

With more than 350 miles of trails, Rocky Mountain National Park hikes are one of the most popular ways to explore the area. Numerous trailheads are located along Trail Ridge Road offering easy access to trails for all abilities, from families with small children looking for a quick nature walk to seasoned trekkers who plan to tackle a multi-day Continental Divide Trail hike.

Look for Wildlife

Home to more than 60 species of mammals and 280 species of birds, Rocky Mountain National Park is a fantastic place to observe wildlife in a natural habitat. Elk, antelope and moose can often be found grazing in the meadows near the Kawuneeche Valley Visitor Center, while marmots and bighorn sheep are more likely to be seen at higher elevations along the top of Trail Ridge Road.

Hikers by Trail Ridge Road Estes Park Grand Lake

Go Camping

The main road through Rocky Mountain National Park is Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the country. This scenic 48-mile stretch connects the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park by winding through meadows, evergreen forests and delicate alpine tundra, crossing the Continental Divide just before cresting at more than 12,000 feet in elevation near the Alpine Visitors Center.