Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park Sign on a sunny day with clear sky overhead
Rocky Mountain National Park Sign
Scenic views of Horseshoe Park
Enjoy scenic views
Hike on a trail with snow and ice
Enjoy a hike and be prepared for snow and ice on all high elevation trails
A ranger-led program is happening at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
Rocky has many ranger-led programs and activities available
Photos: National Park Service

About Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing.

Quick Facts

State Colorado
Designation National Park
State Code CO
Weather Weather can change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park due to the mountains and elevation. Elevation in the park ranges from 7,800 feet above sea level to over 14,000 feet…

Location & Map

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $30.00

1-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This pass is valid for one private vehicle to enter RMNP for one day only. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

Entrance - Private Vehicle $35.00

7-Day Vehicle Entrance Pass. This vehicle entrance pass is valid for one vehicle to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days. All passengers inside the vehicle are covered. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

Entrance - Per Person $15.00

1-Day Per Person Entrance Pass. This park entrance fee is for individuals, walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups to enter RMNP for 1-day only. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

Entrance - Motorcycle $25.00

Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

Entrance - Motorcycle $30.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

Entrance - Per Person $20.00

7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass. This park entrance fee is for individuals, walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

Nonresident $100.00

Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Rocky Mountain National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

Operating Hours

While certain roads and facilities may be closed for the winter season, Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Arts and Culture Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Astronomy Stargazing Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Group Camping RV Camping Climbing Fishing Hiking Junior Ranger Program Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snow Play Snowshoeing Wildlife Watching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in northern Colorado. To visit the east side (near Estes Park, CO), follow U.S. I-25 to U.S. Hwy 34 or 36 west to Estes Park. To visit the west side of the park, follow I-70 to U.S Hwy 40 towards Granby, take US Hwy 34 east to Grand Lake, CO.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO, 80517
Phone 9705861206

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park $70.00

RMNP Park-specific Annual Pass. This park pass is valid for entry to RMNP only for 1 year. One pass is good for one passholder and may be used in any personal vehicle. Park entrance passes may be purchased in person at the any of the park's entrance stations or in advance online at www.recreation.gov.

Topics & Themes

Transportation Roads, Routes and Highways Animals Birds Cats (wild) Elk Fish Climate Change Fire Forests and Woodlands Geology Glaciers Lakes Night Sky Astronomy Scenic Views Trails Waterfalls Wilderness

Things To Do

Hike to Cub Lake

Hike to Cub Lake

The Cub Lake Trail is a great hike year-round and offers scenic views of Moraine Park and nearby mountains. It…

Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park

Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a fun activity that all ages can enjoy! Just strap on a set of snowshoes over your waterproof…

Wildlife Viewing in RMNP

Wildlife Viewing in RMNP

Wildlife Viewing Tips

Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities to enjoy in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildlife are found throughout…

Fishing in RMNP

Fishing in RMNP

Fishing

Fishing is an activity that is fun for all age! Before going on your next fishing trip in Rocky Mountain National…

Hiking with Traction Devices

Hiking with Traction Devices

Enjoy the winter wonderland that Rocky has to offer from late October to early June. When there is hard-packed snow…

Enjoy the winter wonderland that Rocky has to offer from late October to early June. When there is hard-packed snow…

Bierstadt Lake

Bierstadt Lake

This lake is a hidden gem in the Bear Lake Corridor of the park! This lake sits atop a forested moraine,…

Visitor Centers

Alpine Visitor Center

Alpine Visitor Center is a seasonal visitor center open only during the summer. This facility is closed for winter. Located at the top of Fall…

Hours: Alpine Visitor Center is closed for the winter season. This visitor center historically opens in late May, weather and conditions permitting.

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is open year-round. This visitor center is located on the east side of RMNP near the town of Estes Park, along…

Hours: Open year-round. During the winter season, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Fall River Visitor Center

The Fall River Visitor Center is located west of Estes Park on U.S. Highway 34, just before the Fall River Entrance to RMNP. Find park…

Hours: Fall River Visitor Center is located along U.S. Hwy 34 in Estes Park, Colorado and near the Fall River Entrance to the park. Fall River Visitor Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Holzwarth Historic Site

Explore the Holzwarth Historic Site, the spot where the Never Summer Ranch, Holzwarth Trout Lodge, and homestead was operated by the Holzwarth family through multiple…

Hours: Welcome to the Holzwarth Historic Site. The grounds of the historic site are open year-round, 24 hours a day. The historic buildings are closed during the winter season. Historically, the buildings are open during specific hours of the day beginning in late May, weather and conditions permitting.

Information Office

Have questions about Rocky Mountain National Park? Call the Information Office! NPS staff and volunteers are available to help your plan your trips, learn about…

Hours: Have questions about Rocky Mountain National Park? Call us at 970-586-1206 or email us at romo_information@nps.gov

Junior Ranger Headquarters at Hidden Valley

Open annually from late May-late August, Junior Ranger Headquarters is a place just for kids! Located on the east side of RMNP at Hidden Valley,…

Hours: Open annually from late May to late August, Junior Ranger Headquarters is a place just for kids! Participate in fun discovery activities, meet with a park ranger, and more! Junior Rangers of all ages can learn about ecology, animal track identification, and plant identification and much more.

Kawuneeche Visitor Center

During the winter season, Kawuneeche Visitor Center is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The visitor center is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.…

Hours: The Kawuneeche Visitor Center is located on U.S. Highway 34, north of the town of Grand Lake. Stop at the visitor center for RMNP information, enjoy exhibits, and there is a Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Store. Kawuneeche Visitor Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Moraine Park Discovery Center

Moraine Park Discovery Center is currently closed for the winter season. Located along Bear Lake Road, the Moraine Park Discovery Center is a seasonal visitor…

Hours: Moraine Park Discovery Center is currently closed for the winter season. Located along Bear Lake Road, the Moraine Park Discovery Center is a seasonal visitor center open during the summer season. This is a great place for families and Junior Rangers to explore the wonders of the Moraine Park area.

Sheep Lakes Information Station

Sheep Lakes, located in Horseshoe Park, is a great place to view wildlife. This parking area and viewpoint are open year-round daily 24 hours a…

Hours: Sheep Lakes, located in Horseshoe Park, is a great place to view wildlife. This parking area and viewpoint are open year-round daily 24 hours a day. The Sheep Lakes Information Station is open daily from mid-May to mid-August from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wilderness Office

Have questions about planning for an overnight backpacking camping trip? Ready to pick up your backpacking permits? Visit the park's Wilderness Office or call 970-586-1242.…

Hours: Open 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily for both the east side & west sides of Rocky Mountain National Park. On the west side of RMNP, the Wilderness Office is located inside the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. The Wilderness Office is closed on the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day / Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To pick up your permit on these federal holidays, please call ahead to make arrangements.

Campgrounds

Aspenglen Campground

Aspenglen Campground is closed for the 2025/2026 winter camping season. Planning for trips in summer 2026? Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov, search for Rocky…

52 Sites

Glacier Basin Campground

Glacier Basin Campground is closed for the 2025/2026 winter camping season. Planning for trips in summer 2026? Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov, search for…

150 Sites

Longs Peak Campground

Longs Peak Campground is now closed for the 2025/2026 winter camping season.

26 Sites

Moraine Park Campground

Moraine Park Campground is open for winter camping on a first come, first-served basis through May 18, 2026. During the winter camping season, Moraine Park…

244 Sites

Timber Creek Campground

Timber Creek Campground is closed for the 2025/2026 winter camping season. Planning for trips in summer 2026? Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov, search for…

98 Sites

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