Rocky Mountain National Park in One Day

Only have one day to spend in Rocky Mountain National Park? Make the most of your time with this suggested itinerary.

Morning in the Park

7:00 AM
Enter Rocky at the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station and drive on Bear Lake Road to the Bear Lake Trailhead. Just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot, arrive at the banks of Bear Lake. Then, from the Emerald Lake Trailhead (accessed from the same parking lot), take a 3.6-mile (5.8-km) round-trip hike to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes to see some of the best scenery in the park. Yes, this trail is popular, and yes, you should hike it, too.

10:30 AM
Heading back down Bear Lake Road, pop over to Sprague Lake, then continue north. From your car window, check out the gushing Big Thompson River on the left-hand side of the road; then take in spectacular meadow views as you round the bend to Moraine Park. Take Highway 36 to Highway 34, continuing north to the turnoff for Old Fall River Road, and stop at the Alluvial Fan. Then drive the scenic, one-way dirt portion of Old Fall River Road in about an hour.

Afternoon in the Park

12:30 PM
Park in the Alpine Visitor Center parking lot, eat lunch at Café at Trail Ridge, shop for a souvenir at the Trail Ridge Store, and check out tundra exhibits at the visitor center.

2:00 PM
Head east on Trail Ridge Road and get out at Rock Cut for a 0.6-mi round-trip hike on the Tundra Communities Trail. Next, pull over at the Forest Canyon Overlook. Toward the end of your drive, take in the views from Rainbow Curve and Many Parks Curve.

5:00 PM
Eat an early alfresco dinner at a solitary picnic table on the south side of the road leading to the Moraine Park Campground, and enjoy some quiet time. A good number of people leave the park by 4pm, so the park should look and feel less busy. Keep your eyes out for elk and other animals.

Evening in the Park

7:30 PM
Head to the Moraine Park Amphitheater to enjoy a ranger-led program.

9:00 PM
As you leave the park, step out of your car and cast your gaze upward at Rocky’s darkening sky. Wish upon a shooting star that you will find yourself back in the park soon.

Erin English

About the Author

Erin English lives for the next hike or backpacking adventure. After living in Colorado for many years, she has hiked and camped extensively throughout the state and in nearby Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana. Shortly after moving to Boulder, Colorado, she visited Rocky Mountain National Park on the recommendation of a friend, who proclaimed it "the best national park ever." Erin wasn't one to disagree. So began a long love affair with Rocky's lakes, waterfalls, trails, wildlife, and secluded backcountry campsites. The park is her go-to place for relaxation and solitude.

During her 23-year career as a journalist, Erin has produced content for print, web, and television. Additionally, she has worked for numerous environmental nonprofits. She holds a particular passion for working outdoors with individuals with disabilities, and has served as a volunteer Nordic skiing instructor for the Eldora Special Recreation Program in Boulder, as well as the marketing director for the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte.

As a freelance writer, Erin specializes in topics relating to travel, the outdoors, and mountain town life. She currently lives in Bozeman, MT where she enjoys hiking, skiing, and camping with her family.

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Moon Rocky Mountain National Park

by Erin English

Hike to stunning glaciers and waterfalls, savor the solitude of the mountains, and sleep under the stars: an unforgettable adventure awaits with Moon Rocky Mountain National Park.

Price

$21.99

Price

$27.99 CAD

Format

Trade Paperback (Revised)

1. ebook (Revised)

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