An Incredible Rocky Mountain National Park One Day Itinerary
Looking to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park? This RMNP one day itinerary covers all the highlights you’ll need!
Located north of Denver, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in America, with its soaring peaks, alpine meadows, and sparkling lakes.
On any given day here, you could find yourself surrounded by snow-capped mountains while taking in stunning views of waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffsides or admiring wildflowers blooming across lush green valleys.
Since growing up in Colorado and having the Rocky Mountains as my backyard playground, I’ve seen enough of the park to give you recommendations on the best Rocky Mountain National Park one day itinerary.
Let’s jump in!
Rocky Mountain National Park One Day Itinerary
Head to Region 4, also known as the heart of the park of Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll enter from the east side by Estes Park through the Beaver Meadows Entrance.
You can park in the parking lot right before the entrance or at the Park&Ride lot and take the Bear Lake Shuttle to Bear Lake Trailhead, which is the last stop on the shuttle.
🚙 When booking your rental car online, I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars as they have the best prices for Colorado!
1. Walk Bear Lake Loop
Start off your one day itinerary with an easy walk on the Bear Lake Loop. This is one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and it’s a great way to get acclimated to the altitude. The trail circles around Bear Lake, providing stunning views at every turn.
This trail will take about 30 minutes, depending on how many times you pause to take in the views. Be sure to walk the loop counterclockwise early in the morning to get the most out of your walk!
2. Hike Alberta Falls Trail
After Bear Lake Trail, head over to Alberta Falls Trail for a short 45-minute heart-pumping hike. The Alberta Falls trailhead is accessible right at the entrance of the Bear Lake Loop Trailhead and is about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) roundtrip.
Alberta Falls is about 30 feet tall and rushes down a narrow gorge in Glacier Creek. Once you reach the falls, you’ll start to feel the mist on your face. This is the perfect location to stop for a quick snack.
Be careful of your food as little critters like chipmunks are sure to want a taste of your snack!
3. Continue Hiking to One of the Lakes
From Alberta Falls, you can keep hiking toward one of the lakes in the area: Lake Haiyaha, Dream Lake, Nymph Lake, and Emerald Lake. These lakes offer stunning views and an opportunity to explore more of Rocky Mountain National Park!
Lake Haiyaha
Lake Haiyaha offers visitors a chance to explore a lake in the shadow of several towering granite monoliths. This lake is perfect for an afternoon stroll as you meander along its edges, taking in all the unique geological features that make this place so special.
The trail to Lake Haiyaha from Alberta Falls is packed with dirt and can get pretty crowded. From Alberta Falls, the trail will be about 3.5 miles through the Lock Vale Trail and Glacier Creek.
Dream Lake
After Lake Haiyaha, you’ll come upon Dream Lake, one of the most popular destinations in the park. With a short hike from Lake Haiyaha, you’ll arrive at this glacial-fed lake surrounded by pines and mountain peaks.
Sit for a while and enjoy the serene atmosphere or dig out your camera to capture some stunning shots!
Emerald Lake
The name says it all for Emerald Lake – this lake is extremely photogenic with vivid blue-green hues and glittering sunlight dancing across the water’s surface.
Emerald Lake is just half a mile past Dream Lake and the trail ends abruptly here. After taking in the views, you’ll turn back to where you came from.
Nymph Lake
Just past Dream Lake and 0.3 miles lies Nymph Lake, which is known for its beautiful views and its abundance of wildlife. Here, you might spot moose or diverse bird populations. You’ll also see some wildflowers along the lake’s edge or lilies in the water!
After enjoying your time at Nymph Lake, you’ll head back towards Bear Lake Trailhead, which is just an additional half-mile.
Mills Lake
Instead of doing the Four Lakes Loop Trail and then getting back to the Bear Lake Trail Head, you can choose to continue on to Mills Lake from Alberta Falls for a more moderate and less crowded trail. This is about a 5.6-mile hike from Alberta Falls and can take up to 3 hours to hike out and back.
Both the Four Lakes Loop Trail and the hike to Mills Lake from Alberta Falls will take the same amount of time.
4. Drive the Trail Ridge Road
When you take a drive along the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road, you will be treated to some of the most stunning views in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Trail Ridge Road is one of the most scenic drives in all of Colorado and is considered a must-do while visiting the park.
Plan to drive about 2 hours on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The road climbs to an elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level and takes you through meadows filled with wildflowers and towering peaks. Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass.
Note: The Continental Divide is a mountain range that separates the Pacific Ocean from the Atlantic Ocean and is located in North America.
Along the way, be sure to stop at one of the overlooks: Many Parks Curve Overlook, Rainbow Curve Overlook, Forest Canyon Overlook, Gore Range Overlook, or Continental Divide for some of the best views!
You’ll also come across the Alpine Visitor Center, which is the highest visitor center in the United States. From here, you can hike the half-mile Alpine Ridge Trail for stunning views and possibly some wildlife spotting!
At the end of the drive, you’ll end up in Kawuneeche Valley, home to herds of elk and bighorn sheep. Make sure to stay in your car while viewing wildlife, as they can be unpredictable and dangerous.
You can continue another 10 minutes to the town of Grand Lake to see the views, walk along the boardwalk, or grab snacks for the drive back.
Take in the sights and sounds of Rocky Mountain National Park as you drive back Trail Ridge Road – it’s a memory you won’t soon forget!
🚙 When booking your rental car online, I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars as they have the best prices for Colorado!
5. Eat & Shop in Estes Park
After your day of exploring, treat yourself to a relaxing evening in Estes Park, the town right before entering RMNP. Get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in town or take a stroll down Elkhorn Avenue and check out the unique shops.
One of my favorite shops is Trendz at the Park. The shop is filled with beautiful and trendy home goods. There are also specialized Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Colorado souvenirs.
Other shops to check out are The Old-Fashioned Candy Store, Funky Moose, For Bare Feet, and Wear Me Out T’s.
For dinner, check out Mama Rose’s for home-style Italian food. You can’t go wrong with a tasty plate of pasta and garlic bread!
Another option is to head to Smokin’ Dave’s for some local American food. Their appetizers are delicious as well as the steaks and sandwiches.
6. Stargaze in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24/7, so you can certainly get back into the park and do some stargazing.
You can head back to Bear Lake and stargaze there or get back on Trail Ridge Road and see the night sky from Forest Canyon Overlook.
Either way, the stars are spectacular in Rocky Mountain National Park and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Just remember to be respectful of nature – no flashlights, loud noises, or campfires. All of these can distract wildlife and cause them distress.
Get ready for a night under the stars in one of nature’s most majestic places!
🚙 When booking your rental car online, I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars as they have the best prices for Colorado!
More time? Options to Extend Your Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
Drive the Peak to Peak Highway
The Peak to Peak Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado. Starting from Estes Park, you’ll drive anywhere between 1.5-3 hours and end up in Central City or Black Hawk – two former gold-mining towns.
During your journey, marvel at the mountain peaks, aspen trees, abundant wildlife, ghost towns (like Caribou), and old mining sites.
The drive will take you through the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Arapaho National Forest, and Roosevelt National Forest.
You don’t want to miss this beautiful Colorado experience!
Wanderful Tip: You can also drive the Peak to Peak Highway from Denver to Estes Park to start your Rocky Mountain National Park one day itinerary.
Stanley Hotel Tour
The Stanley Hotel is a must-do in Estes Park. The hotel offers tours for those interested in learning more about its history and the horror movie classic, The Shining.
You can take a guided tour that takes you through the Stephen King Suite and other iconic locations from the movie, as well as the hotel’s North and South Wing.
If the Shining isn’t something you want to hear about, you can also take part in a spirited night tour of the Stanley Hotel. It is said to be one of Colorado’s most haunted locations! Hear the enthusiastic storyteller talk and ask questions about the hotel’s paranormal past!
Hike the Only 14er in Rocky Mountain National Park: Long’s Peak
A 14er is a mountain peak that reaches an elevation of at least 14,000 ft. The only 14er in Rocky Mountain National Park is Long’s Peak.
The hike to the summit requires advanced preparation and a high degree of physical fitness due to its elevation gain (5,000 ft) and length (14 miles round trip). The trailhead can be accessed on the Peak to Peak Highway at the Ranger Station turnoff just 10 miles north of CO 7 and CO 72 junction.
Hiking Long’s peak takes anywhere from 10-16 hours to complete and most people start the hike around 2-3 AM. The trail itself involves a lot of scrambling, windy conditions, and slippery ledges.
The best time to hike this trail is from mid-July to September. You’ll also want to be acclimated to the higher altitude before attempting this hike!
If you’re up for an adventure, then add Long’s Peak via the Keyhole Route to your list of things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park!
🚙 When booking your rental car online, I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars as they have the best prices for Colorado!
How to Get to Rocky Mountain National Park
The closest airport to Rocky Mountain National Park is Denver International Airport (DIA). You’ll have a few options to get to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver and to the Beaver Meadows Entrance in Estes Park.
The first, and most straightforward, way is to take highway I-25 North to Lyons, then take highway CO 7 up to Estes Park. This will take you just under 2 hours to drive.
The second way to reach Rocky Mountain National Park is through Boulder via US-36. It’s a bit longer, but it’s scenic and offers some great views of the area.
Finally, you can also drive the Peak to Peak Highway. You can start the drive on this highway all the way from Blackhawk or anywhere from Boulder on CO-7, CO-72, and CO-119. This is the longest way to RMNP, but you’ll have beautiful views on your way up!
If you aren’t looking to rent a car, then you can book transportation from Denver to Estes Park with the Estes Park Shuttle either from the airport or Denver Union Station. The cost is $115 round-trip. You’ll need to make a reservation 1 week in advance and be mindful of the hours (7 AM-7 PM).
Note: You won’t be able to drive the Trail Ridge Road if you decide to reserve transportation to Rocky Mountain National Park.
My personal recommendation is to rent a car to drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. You can park your car in the park and take the park shuttles to get around.
🚙 When booking your rental car online, I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars as they have the best prices for Colorado!
The Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is typically late May-early October, depending on the type of activity you’re planning.
If your goal is to do some hiking, then September and October are great months! The trail conditions will be better and the temperatures will be mild.
The summer is usually the busiest time for Rocky Mountain National Park, so if you’re looking for more solitude, I recommend planning your trip in late May or early June before the busy season starts. It’s also during the summer months that frequently have afternoon storms.
It can snow or rain any time of year in Rocky Mountain National Park, so make sure to come prepared with warm clothing and rain gear!
Things to Know Before You Go to Rocky Mountain National Park
Start Your Trip Early
It’s best to start your day early when heading to Rocky Mountain National Park. The traffic can be quite heavy during peak season and you won’t want to waste time stuck in it! You’ll also want prime parking spots when you arrive!
Plus, the mornings are lighter and there are usually fewer people on the trails.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee for one day in Rocky Mountain National Park is $30 per vehicle or $35 for a 7-day pass.
The America the Beautiful National Park Pass also allows you to enter the park for free.
Pack a Lunch and Snacks
One of the only places to eat in Rocky Mountain National Park is at the Alpine Visitor Center on Trail Ridge Road.
Because of this, it’s best to pack your lunch and snacks ahead of time to enjoy in the middle of your one day in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you missed packing a lunch ahead of time, you can stop at the Safeway in Estes Park just before entering the park!
I recommend eating a snack at Alberta Falls and then sitting down for lunch at one of the lakes! You’ll have stunning views as you fuel up for the hike back!
🚙 When booking your rental car online, I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars as they have the best prices for Colorado!
Safety Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park One Day Itinerary
Stay Hydrated
The higher elevations of RMNP can take their toll on you if you aren’t prepared. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you and stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water will also help to prevent altitude sickness!
Altitude
Colorado is known for its high altitude, and Rocky Mountain National Park is no exception. Most of the park sits above 8,000 feet – and Long’s Peak goes up to 14,255 ft!
Be sure to acclimate properly before visiting the park and drink plenty of water while you’re there to prevent mountain sickness. You’ll want to spend at least 2 days in Colorado before visiting the park and starting your hiking adventures!
Changing Weather & Afternoon Storms
The weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can change quickly, so be sure to come prepared with warm clothing and rain gear.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer months in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s typically recommended to be back below the treeline by 1 PM or earlier. This is why it’s important to start your day early in RMNP!
Leave No Trace
Rocky Mountain National Park is a remote area full of fragile ecosystems. Make sure to always practice Leave No Trace ethics when visiting the park.
That means packing out what you pack in, leaving no trace on the trails, and never disturbing wildlife or damaging plants. You also don’t want to be feeding the wildlife in the park, especially those adorable little chipmunks!
Stay On the Trails
It’s important to stay on designated trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for your safety, to preserve the fragile ecosystem, and to prevent erosion.
Do not try to venture off-trail, even if it looks like a shortcut!
Also, keep in mind that on some of the higher trails, like when heading to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, you’ll still see snow on the trails. It could get wet and muddy so watch your step!
🚙 When booking your rental car online, I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars as they have the best prices for Colorado!
What to Pack for a Rocky Mountain National Park One Day Itinerary
For one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are a few essential items that you should pack!
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking boots for the trails at Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s called “rocky mountains” for a reason–it can be rocky! Make sure that you have some shoes to protect your toes and ankles while hiking in this stunning national park!
🎒 A day bag to keep all your personal belongings, layers of clothing you’ll most likely take off, and snacks you’ll be packing.
👚 Layer up your clothing to prepare for the weather. You’ll want at least 3 layers early in the morning, including an athletic sweater like this. As the day goes on, the sun and hiking will warm you up but you’ll want to be prepared for any kind of weather.
🚰 Bring plenty of water and snacks. It’s important to stay hydrated and refuel along the trails!
☀️ Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. You are closer to the sun being higher up, so it’s much easier to get a sunburn, even though the sun might be hiding behind rain clouds.
🗺️ You’ll get a map when you enter the park at the ranger station. Be sure to read the map to get around on the shuttles and the hikes.
💡 Headlamp or flashlight for stargazing after the sun goes down.
With these items in tow, you’re ready to explore one day in Rocky Mountain National Park! Enjoy your unforgettable experience!
Where to Eat in Rocky Mountain National Park
The only restaurant within Rocky Mountain National Park is the Cafe at Trail Ridge in the Alpine Ridge Visitor Center. They’re open from 8 AM-4:30 PM starting in June and offer sandwiches.
For lunch, I recommend packing your own meal to enjoy in the middle of your day hike. If you missed packing your lunch, you can also leave the park and get something to eat in Estes Park, then return to RMNP.
Here are few restaurant options in Estes Park:
- Mama Rose’s Restaurant
- Smokin’ Daves
- Ed’s Cantina & Grill
- Bird & Jim
- Claire’s Restaurant and Bar
- Bighorn Restaurant
- The Post Chicken & Beer
- The Wild Rose Restaurant
🚙 When booking your rental car online, I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars as they have the best prices for Colorado!
Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park
If there is a chance that you’ll be staying the night in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll need to book a hotel in Estes Park which is the closest town to the Beaver Meadows Entrance.
Here are some of the best accommodation options in Estes Park.
Blue Door Inn (Budget Stay)
Staying at the Blue Door Inn in Estes Park is a great way to experience all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. Located near the Beaver Meadows Entrance, it’s the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure and a chance to see some of nature’s most majestic landscapes.
The rooms at Blue Door Inn are clean and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The price is also very reasonable, and breakfast is included!
>> Check Best Prices for the Blue Door Inn! <<
Hotel Estes (Mid-Range Stay)
Hotel Estes is a mid-range accommodation option for travelers visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Located near the Beaver Meadows Entrance, it’s conveniently situated close to all the outdoor activities RMNP has to offer.
The rooms are set up similarly to condos. They are spacious, clean, and comfortable with amenities like free Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, a microwave, and a fridge. Breakfast is also included in your stay at Hotel Estes!
>> Check Best Prices for Hotel Estes! <<
FAQs: Rocky Mountain National Park One Day Itinerary
Is one day enough for Rocky Mountain National Park?
One day in Rocky Mountain National Park is enough time to see all the highlights even though you can spend several days exploring the trails, meadows, and wildlife.
What should you not miss at Rocky Mountain National Park?
Some of the must-see areas in RMNP are Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, and Alberta Falls. These areas offer stunning views of the park’s mountains and forests.
Personally, I think you shouldn’t miss out on visiting Dream Lake or Nymph Lake.
Can you just drive through Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes, you can just drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. The drive from Estes Park to Grand Lake will take you anywhere from 1.5 – 3 hours, depending on how long you stop on the way.
Keep in mind that you’ll still need to pay the entrance fee to enter Rocky Mountain National Park.
Should I rent a car from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes, renting a car from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park is a great option. It’ll give you the freedom and flexibility to explore RMNP at your own pace, without having to stick to a schedule.
🚙 When booking your rental car online, I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars as they have the best prices for Colorado!
Which is better Grand Lake or Estes Park?
It really depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. Estes Park is a great base if you’re looking to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and its trails. This is also a hotspot for visitors coming to Colorado as well, so you’ll find higher crowds in Estes Park vs Grand Lake.
Grand Lake is the perfect spot for those looking for a bit of adventure, with activities like whitewater rafting and kayaking. It’s also quieter than Estes Park because there are fewer travelers to Grand Lake.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. Both towns are beautiful and offer their own unique experiences.
Final Thoughts: Rocky Mountain National Park One Day Itinerary
Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park in one day is absolutely doable. While you won’t be able to explore the whole park, it’s still possible to see all the highlights of the park and get an overall sense of what RMNP has to offer!
🚙 I highly recommend going through Discover Rental Cars to book your rental car as they have the best prices for Colorado!
Ready to head out to Colorado? Check out my list of essential must-haves for outdoor adventures!
Read more related content:
- 17 Amazing Day Hikes in Denver
- 27 Adventurous to do Near Denver
- 11 Easy Hikes Near Asheville, North Carolina
- International Balloon Fiesta Guide in Albuquerque
- Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary: Plan the Perfect Road Trip
Liked what you read? Share it on Pinterest!
My Favorite Travel Tips + Resources
Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! For more information, check out my travel resources page.
- Booking flights: I use Google Flights to check all routes and find the best flights. Then I compare Skyscanner (for the lowest prices) before I book.
- Accommodations: I love budget-friendly rentals or booking at a hotel where I can earn points.
- For hotels, I go through Booking.com or book directly with Marriott (for points + rewards).
- When I travel internationally, I’ll book through Hostelworld for very budget-friendly stays.
- For vacation rentals, use Vrbo or Marriott Homes & Villas.
- Expedia also has some great bundles for hotels, flights, and car rentals altogether.
- Transportation: Transportation covers car rentals, trains, and buses. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Car Rentals: I love renting cars through Discover Cars. They have been consistent and provide the best customer service.
- Trains in Asia: Trip.com has the best options!
- Trains in Europe: Trainline or Omio.
- Visa Application: For a hassle-free process, apply for your visa from iVisa.
- Travel Credit Card: I book all my travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) through Chase Sapphire.
- Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC website for updates on necessary vaccines to enter a country, including updates on Covid-19 and recommended places to visit. I recommend getting all the vaccines you need before you go!
- Tours + Experiences: I absolutely love my tours! Everything from eerie walking ghost tours to food tours, I’ll usually book something every trip either through Viator or GetYourGuide.
- Entertainment: Looking for entertainment like sporting events, theater shows, or concerts? Book with Ticket Squeeze!
- Tech: Keep your internet browsing safe, secure, and fast with ExpressVPN
- Language Learning: The best place to learn a new language is through Babbel as you travel to countries you don’t know the language.
- What to Pack: I almost always travel by backpack. For products I like, check out my packing guide page for all the things I take with me on different trips.
