Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip: A Non-Hiker’s Guide

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a popular place in Colorado and one of the highest national parks in the USA. It is home to over fifty majestic peaks with elevations of over 12,000 feet and the Continental Divide celebrating a climatic division. And the best part is that it is just an hour and a half drive from Denver, making it a great day trip destination.

Nestled in the heart of Colorado, this National Park offers a spellbinding experience for nature enthusiasts, even if you’re not an avid hiker. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an exciting adventure, Rocky Mountain National Park has something to offer everyone. 

In this blog post, I will share complete details about the entry process, various viewpoints you can visit, along with food and stay recommendations. If you’re looking for more things to do in and around Denver, here’s a guide to making the most of your time. 

About the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain systems in North America, stretching over northwestern Canada to New Mexico. The national park was established in 1915 to protect its natural habitat and spans over 415 square miles. The park has over 60 towering peaks exceeding 12,000 feet, lush forests, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife and ecosystems.

How to Reach?

By Public Transit

You can easily reach Rocky Mountain National Park using Bustang. This bus service is available only during the weekend and costs $15 for a round trip from Denver Union Station. It is one of the cheapest ways to reach the park if you don’t want to drive. 

You can use the Park Shuttle to explore the park and reach the hiking trails. However, a car is a must if you wish to do the Trail Ridge Road scenic drive.

By Car

As mentioned earlier, RMNP is a 1.5-hour drive from Denver Airport. If you are traveling from another city, you can rent a car directly from the airport. It will cost much less, and you also get a free shuttle to the rental office. Moreover, the journey is a visual treat, as you’ll gradually ascend into the mountains, witnessing the landscape change from rolling hills to rugged terrain.

How Timed Entry Works?

RMNP has a unique entry policy. Unlike other national parks in the US, you need to get a timed permit to enter the park along with the Day or Annual national park pass. It was introduced during the Covid-19 Pandemic to prevent large crowds from forming at the park entrances.

All you need to do is head to the Recreation.gov website and pay a minimal fee of $2 per person to reserve a slot best suited for your itinerary. Please note that you can only book 24 hours before your travel date, and they fill out fast. 

The slots show up at 5 PM (Denver time). To ensure you secure a timed-entry ticket, I recommend creating an account beforehand and entering all necessary information, including the details of any accompanying travelers. Set a specific time as your target and keep the website open. Once the clock strikes 5, act promptly to book your ticket as quickly as possible.

You get a two-hour window to enter the national park, and it is essential to enter the RMNP within your booked time slot.

Can I enter the park without a timed entry ticket?

Yes, you can! In case you missed your timed entry window or didn’t get a permit, you can still enter the national park.

• You can enter via Bear Lake entrance without a permit anytime before 5 AM or after 6 PM.
• For all other park entrances, like Beaver Meadows, Fall River, etc., you can enter without a permit before 9 AM or after 2 PM.
• You don’t need a permit if you use the Park and Ride shuttle.

Best stay recommendation

RMNP offers a variety of options when it comes to choosing your stay, from riverside lodges to hostels to resorts. We booked a private room at the YMCA of the Rockies that cost us $185 for a night. 

If you’re traveling with a big group, you’ll love this place. The room can hold up to six people and has one twin bed and four bunk beds. It is only a short distance from the park entrance and has a Park and Ride shuttle stop inside the campus. You will also have plenty to do with various recreational activities, such as mini golf and stargazing.

Other budget properties

• The Historic Crag’s Lodge – No frills historic property with great view.
• Streamside on Fall River – Riverside property with amazing view and great opportunity for hiking and fishing.
• Coyote Mountain Lodge – A cozy log-cabin style cabins located at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park offering great view and amenities.

Top Locations to Visit

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive

Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive is a must-do, especially if you’re a non-hiker. It is one of the highest paved roads in the United States and provides unparalleled views of the park’s terrains. Here is a list of a few captivating viewpoints you can stop at along Trail Ridge Road:

1. Beaver Pond – If you enter via Beaver Meadows, this is the first stop you will come across. It is a brief 0.5-mile hike through a lush forest that leads to an alpine wetland created by beavers building dams and is thus named the Beaver Pond.
2. Many Parks Overlook – Gets you a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountain Parks like Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, and Estes Park. Moreover, you can also observe several prominent peaks, such as Long’s Peak, McHenry’s Peak, and Mount Meeker.
3. Rainbow Curve Overlook – This viewpoint was named after vibrant rainbows seen (sometimes) arcing across the landscape. Rainbow Curve Overlook offers a spectacular vantage point to capture the beauty of the Rockies in all their glory.
4. Forest Canyon Overlook – From this point, you can take in the breathtaking view of Forest Canyon’s rugged and dramatic landscape, shaped by glaciers and time. The elevation is so high that trees cannot grow in this Tundra region. If you are prone to altitude sickness, be prepared to feel slightly nauseous.
5. Lava Cliffs Overlook – Treats you to a view of dramatic rock formations created due to volcanic activity in the Never Summer Range.
6. Gore Range Overlook – Named after the majestic Gore Range, this viewpoint offers a glimpse of the mountain ranges beyond the park. It’s a great spot to catch a breathtaking sunset, with layers of mountains creating a mesmerizing sight.
7. Poudre Lake and Continental Divide – The Poudre Lake area is where you cross the Continental Divide, marking a significant geographic milestone. The pristine lake is a great spot to pause and reflect on the park’s natural wonders.
8. Holzwarth Historical Site – As the name suggests, this historic ranch showcases the history of early settlers in the area, adding a cultural dimension to your journey along Trail Ridge Road.

Grand Lake

Grand Lake is the western gateway to the RMNP or the exit if you start your scenic drive from Bear Meadows Visitor Center. This pleasant mountain town is next to a park, filled with charming shops and restaurants. However, the main highlight is Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest and deepest natural body of water. There are several fun things you can do in and around Grand Lake:

1. Kayaking or Boating – Experience the enchanting splendor of Grand Lake while sailing on a boat or kayaking. The view becomes more stunning during dusk as the sky and the snow-covered peaks are painted in shades of red.
2. Adams Falls Hike – Adams Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the East inlet of Grand Lake. A short 0.6-mile roundtrip hike takes you to the fall. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of wildflowers and alpine trees, and on reaching the falls, the stunning view of the cascading water will be a treat for your eyes. You can continue hiking past the falls to a glaciated valley surrounded by wildflowers, rivers, and wildlife like moose.
3. Fishing – Fishing on Grand Lake is a great way to spend your time, but a permit is required for this activity.
4. DIY Food tasting tour – There are a plethora of bakeries, confectioneries, and restaurants in Grand Lake that you can try on your visit. We recommend trying a little of everything, from homemade chocolates to freshly baked bread to delicious cocktails and coffee. 

Estes Park

Estes Park is the first stop when traveling from Denver to RMNP. This lively town offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Take a leisurely walk through the charming downtown, and explore the unique shops, galleries, and boutiques. You can purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs, artwork, and handmade crafts that embody the local culture and spirit. There are so many things you can do here:

1. Lake Estes: Rent a paddleboat or kayak and explore the serene waters of Lake Estes, surrounded by picturesque mountains. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely walk or picnic on the lake’s shores.
2. Stanley Hotel: If you’re a fan of classic horror literature or love exploring historic landmarks, a visit to the Stanley Hotel is a must. This historic hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining,” offers guided tours that delve into its intriguing history.
3. Cultural Enrichment: Explore local museums and galleries in Estes Park and get insights into the town’s past and current-day art scenes.
4. Big Thompson River: Stroll along the Estes Park Riverwalk, a picturesque path that follows the Big Thompson River. There are several shops next to this trail that you can explore. There is one in particular that I highly recommend checking out. 
5. Horseback Riding: Experience the beauty of the Rockies on horseback. Take one of the Guided horseback rides and explore the scenic trails at a relaxed pace.

Lastly, don’t forget to check the event calendar before your trip to see if any festivals or special events coincide with your visit. Estes Park hosts several cultural and recreational events, from live concerts to art shows.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a highly sought-after destination throughout the year, situated at an elevation of 9,449 feet. This renowned spot boasts breathtaking views accessible via a brief, paved trail, ideal for non-hikers. The pristine lake reflects the majestic surrounding mountains, resulting in a truly picturesque view.

The best way to reach this lake is by Park and Ride shuttles, especially if you don’t have a timed entry. It’s also a great spot for camping during summer.

Moraine Park

Moraine Park is an expansive meadow prime for wildlife viewing. Elk and deer often graze here, providing an opportunity to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley, a former ski area, is now a popular picnic spot and snow play zone during winter. It’s an excellent spot to relax and enjoy the view while sipping your favorite drink.

A day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is an excellent choice, especially for non-hikers. The park is huge, but connected well via road, allowing you to immerse in the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness. Plus, with its accessible locations and shuttle bus system, you can experience the park’s wonders without venturing on strenuous hikes. So, plan your trip to the Rockies and enjoy everything this incredible place has to offer.