Are you itching to ditch the 9 to 5 and escape to the mountains?
We don’t blame you. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park at least once should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.
Whether you enjoy hiking, biking or snowshoeing, the most popular national park in the country has it all. But with so many popular attractions, it can be hard to decide what to see in Rocky Mountain National Park.
That’s why planning your visit is the best way to make sure you get the most out of your trip. Here’s how to plan your next national park itinerary.
Pick When You Want to Go
The peak season in Rocky Mountain National Park is summer. Trail Ridge Road typically opens for the season Memorial Day Weekend and closes sometime in October/November. Visitors will have the best time hiking and spotting wildlife.
And of course, there’s winter. If you’re a keen skier or snowshoer, this is the season for you.
Decide How Long You Want to Go
This might already be pre-set for you (thanks a lot, job). If not, deciding how long you want to go depends on what you want to experience.
If you’re an avid hiker, you may want to go for a week. With so many trails, you’re bound to want to try them all. And for epic panoramic views, hike up Mt. Ida.
If hiking isn’t your thing, but you love a scenic drive, one to two days is all you need. Check out Trail Ridge Road for one of the most scenic drives in Colorado.
Choose Your Activities
No Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is without a visit to Bear Lake. But there are also so many other things to do. Ultimately, it depends on your interests and how long you plan to spend there.
If you’re after some inspiration, try these top picks:
- Driving Trail Ridge Road
- Visiting the Kawuneeche & Beaver Meadows Visitor Centers
- Hiking Emerald Lake Trail
- Checking out Moraine Park Museum
- Wildlife-spotting
Find Accommodations
Unlike most national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park does not provide in-park lodging accommodations. With that said, there are two entrances to the park, and where you stay depends on your itinerary.
If you’re after pristine lakeside views, majestic wildlife, and year-round accessibility, Grand Lake is the place to be. Located on the west side of the park, Grand Lake offers incredible trails for hikers of all levels right at its doorstep. Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging is on the Grand Lake side, and we offer lodging with lakeside views of both Grand Lake and the mountains surrounding it.
Plan Your National Park Itinerary Today
Maximize your vacation time with a national park itinerary.
Whether you’re there for winter activities or summer hiking, Rocky Mountain National Park has something for everyone.
And if you’re looking for the best place to stay, look no further than Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging. We’re near the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and are proud to be the only lodging right on the lake!
Book now to secure a hotel room, cabin room or condo with us in Grand Lake today. Visiting a national park has never been easier!