Her Adventure Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, look no further. This article will equip you with everything you need to know to pull off the most epic trip to the Rockies; from what to pack, what to wear, where to hike, and how to maximize your time in the park.
Let’s start with the basics. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of four National Parks located in the state of Colorado, but certainly the most popular. And for good reason! Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, the mountain views, alpine lakes and wildlife make this park one of the most sought after parks in the US. Whether you’re an avid hiker, or prefer to sight-see from a shuttle bus/paved walkways, this park has something for everyone. We recommend planning to spend at least 2 days exploring the park to really get the most out of your trip.
Where to Stay:
Camping
There are five campgrounds located within the National Park. This means if you do hope to camp while visiting, you’ll want to make reservations several months in advance. Be warned, they do fill up fast! You can check out the campsites below:
-Aspenglen Campground
-Glacier Basin Campground
-Long’s Peak Campground
-Moraine Park Campground
-Timber Creek Campground
Camping OUTSIDE of the park -
If you do find yourself in a bind and all campgrounds within the National Park are already booked, here are a few alternatives in the towns of Estes Park or Grand Lake, which border different entrances to the park:
-Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake
-Estes Park Campground at East Portal
-Paradise on the River
-Elk Creek Campground and RV Park
-Green Ridge Campground
-Winding River Resort
Hotels
If you’re looking for a more conventional and comfortable stay close to the park, the following hotels will be suited well for you.
-Grand View Mountain Lodge
-Della Terra Mountain Chateau
-The Estes Park Resort
-Coyote Mountain Lodge
What to Pack:
Packing depends on seasonality and weather patterns. Before you go, check the NPS site for average temperatures and forecasts. Below is a guide for Spring / Summer / Fall. We suggest avoiding Winter, as that increases risk on trails and of roadclosures and is only suitable for very experienced hikers.Spring Packing List- What to pack
Low of 23 degrees, high of 51 degrees
Clothing
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Snow pants in case of snowy trails
- Long sleeve technical base layer
- Beanie hat
- Socks: Specifically warm hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Winter coat in case of low temperatures
- Sports Bras
- Mid layer thermal button up
- Waterproof snow boots
- Spikes to go over boots
- Gloves
Fall Packing List
Clothing
Low of 20 degrees, high of 59 degrees- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Spikes for boots in case of early ice
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Hat: Either baseball cap or beanie depending on temperatures
- Socks: Specifically warm hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Sports Bras
- Base layer for warmth
- Mid layer thermal button up
- Gloves
Summer Packing List
Low of 45 degrees, high of 69 degrees
Clothing
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Shorts: Stretchy, durable with secured pockets - such as this pair.
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Sun Shirt: sun shirt to keep skin protected in the summer months - we recommend a shirt like this one.
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Hat: Either baseball cap or hiking hat with strap
- Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Swimsuit (summer months)
- Sports Bras
- Water shoes if you have them for the Narrows
For all Seasons:
For Hiking
- Snacks
- Phone Protector Case: durable phone case to prevent breakage if it falls
- Backpack with water storage
- Map of the park or other navigation device
- Wind breaker jacket + Gloves
Miscellaneous
- Camping supplies if you plan to camp
- A picnic blanket
- Chargers + cables
- Phone and/or camera
- Sunglasses
- Compact first aid kit
Toiletries
- Cleanser, moisturizer, and any other regular skincare products
- Travel-sized shampoo, body wash and conditioner
- Deodorant
- SPF
- Dry Shampoo
- Any makeup products you plan to wear
- Hair dryer and/or curling/straightening tools
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Ponytail holders/scrunchies
- Body/facial wipes
- Feminine products if needed
- Brush
- Chapstick
Where to Hike:
Emerald Lake Trail-- Rating: Moderate
- Shuttle stop: Bear Lake
- Distance: 3.5 miles out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 2 hours
Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge-
- Rating: Strenuous
- Shuttle stop: Glacier Gorge
- Distance: 9.5 miles out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 5-6 hours
Bear Lake to Alberta Falls to Mills Lake-
- Rating: Moderate
- Shuttle stop: Bear Lake
- Distance: 6.8 out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 4-5 hours
Nymph, Dream, Haiyaha and Loch Vale Lakes Loop-
- Rating: Moderate
- Shuttle stop: Start at Bear Lake, finish at Glacier Gorge
- Distance: 8.3 mile loop
- Estimated time to hike: 5-6 hours
- Rating: Moderate
- Shuttle stop: no shuttle service to Trail Ridge Road
- Distance: 6 mile out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 3 hours
Getting Around
Shuttle Info + Shuttle Map
Many popular site-seeing areas and trailheads require taking the shuttle, because the areas are closed off to cars due to the crowds/lack of parking. Be sure to plan ahead and arrive at your respective parking lots based on desired activities as early as possible to avoid frustrations.
See shuttle schedule here for exact shuttle hours to and from each stop.
Where to Eat/Drink:
Coffee/Breakfast-Lunch-
Dinner-
- Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
- Bird + Jim
- Twin Owls Steakhouse
- Smokin’ Daves BBQ
- Historic Rapids Lodge + Restaurant
- Grand View Mountain Lodge + Restaurant
Drinks-
FAQs:
What will the total cost be?: This is very dependent on lodging. If you book campsites, you can expect a fairly cheap trip. The main expense will be transportation to and from the park. If you plan to stay at a lodge/hotel, expect a 3-day trip to cost around $800 (depending on how expensive your lodging is and the size of your party) not including transportation to and from the park. Food in a touristy mountain town tends to be high cost so also build in a budget for that!
Do I need permits?: Between May 28 and October 11, a day pass reservation is required as well as a park pass.
Do I need to book the shuttle in advance?: No shuttle tickets are necessary,
Are there easy to find restrooms?: Yes, you will find bathroom facilities at each shuttle stop and main trailhead in the park.
When is the best time of year to go?: For optimal weather, plan to visit in the summer and early fall when snow has melted and temperatures are nicest.
Will I be affected by the high altitudes?: If you are coming from sea level and have not spent time acclimating to the high altitudes, there is a chance you will experience mild altitude sickness. This often looks like headaches, nausea or dizziness. If possible, allow yourself a day to acclimate in a place like Denver or Boulder which isn’t quite as high as Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hopefully you feel completely prepared to plan and execute a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park confidently! Enjoy exploring one of the most grand and majestic National Parks in the country! Happy Trails.