How to Spend One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Rocky Mountain National Park, with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. With over 4.5 million visitors to the park each year, making it one of the most visited National Parks in the entire National Parks Service, it’s safe to say that it is worth the visit. 

Despite its popularity, it’s entirely possible to experience the essence of this magnificent park, even in just one day. We’re here to provide you with a perfect itinerary to make the most of your visit.

Getting There:
Rocky Mountain National Park is just under 2 hours from Denver International Airport, so if you’re flying in, it’s recommended to rent a car for the trip up to Estes Park. We recommend entering into Rocky Mountain near the Beaver Meadows Entrance as it gives the easiest and quickest access to Bear Lake Road and Trail Ridge Road.

Things to Know

First, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass for $80, this pass grants you access to all U.S. National Parks for a year. Since most National Parks charge a $30-40 entrance fee, purchase the America the Beautiful Pass could pay for itself when you visit just two to three parks!

You can purchase the America the Beautiful pass below from REI!

Additionally, if you’re visiting between May and October, you’ll need a timed entry permit. There are two types: Park Access Timed Entry Permit ($2) and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit ($2). The latter is recommended as it grants access to the Bear Lake Corridor, home to some of the park’s most iconic hikes. These permits go on sale the night before you plan to visit starting at 5 p.m. and you will want to get on there to purchase as soon as you can because these can go very fast especially if you want to get one of the earlier times. If you miss out on an early time slot but still want to get a jump on the day to see it all, you could consider entering the park before the 5 a.m. timed entry starts. This is what we did and it put us in the park around 4:45 and we had no problem finding a parking spot that early 😂

Note: if you do get a later time to the Bear Lake Corridor, you will likely have to park in the overflow parking lot. It’s about a mile away from the trailhead and there is a complimentary shuttle that runs about every 10-15 minutes taking you between the parking lot and trailhead!

Now, for the perfect one-day itinerary in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Start Early and Dress Accordingly

To make the most of your day, like we mentioned previously, start by getting into the Bear Lake Corridor EARLY, ideally before 5 a.m. or with an early Access+ Permit. Proper clothing and footwear are essential, as mountain weather can change rapidly. Layers, comfortable hiking boots, and a sturdy backpack are a must. Don’t forget your park map, either! You can purchase our recommendations below 😊

Hiking Adventure

The highlight of your day will be (in our opinion) the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park that takes you to several picturesque lakes and is just the right amount of challenging. The Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes hike via the Nymph Lake Trail offers a moderate 5-mile round trip, an elevation gain of 1,085 feet, and a 2-hour and 34-minute average completion time (though we recommend budgeting nearly 4 or 5 hours to fully enjoy the views, have lunch at Lake Haiyaha, and even swim if you’d like).

This trail begins at Bear Lake, just 300 feet from the trailhead and you can find it on AllTrails. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this trail, so an early morning start ensures cooler temperatures for your furry friends left behind in a safe and comfortable location, such as the overflow lot. 

NOTE: We DO NOT recommend bringing your pet to Rocky Mountain if you don’t have a well insulated van/camper/rv with proper ventilation and/or air conditioning as leaving animals in a vehicle is dangerous, especially in the summer when temperatures are hottest in the middle of the day. We felt that the overflow lot was very safe. There is also a ranger station in this parking lot along with many other people traveling with their pets so this put our minds at ease about leaving Chloe in the van here, but again our van is well insulated and we do have proper ventilation and air conditioning.

While the trail is slightly challenging due to elevation gain and uphill sections, it rewards hikers with breathtaking scenery. The most remarkable lakes on this route are Emerald and Haiyaha. We suggest visiting Emerald first and saving Haiyaha for the last. Haiyaha involves some light to moderate rock scrambling, with more intense options for those seeking solitude and adventure. But it is SO worth it. We HIGHLY recommend taking a dip in the water even though it is FREEZING. We were here in August 2023 and the water was probably around 40-50 degrees fahrenheit, but we still got in just to say we did it (Hannah was in for a grand total of 12 seconds 😂)!

Remember to pack ample snacks, lunch, and water to stay energized and hydrated throughout your hike.

If you’re looking for a dog friendly adventure in Colorado – check out our post on Colorado Springs!

Scenic Drive and Sunset

After your morning hiking adventure, return to your vehicle and exit the Bear Lake Corridor. Head to the Alpine Visitor Center, enjoying the scenic drive along the way. Take advantage of various viewpoints to soak in the mesmerizing vistas and keep an eye out for elk, especially at higher elevations.

Some of our favorite viewpoints along the way are: 

• Many Parks Curve
• Rainbow Curve
• Forest Canyon
• Rock Cut
• Lava Cliffs

The Alpine Visitor Center serves as an excellent midway point. Beyond this, there’s not much to explore, so if you choose to stop here, you’re not far from the perfect spot for sunset: Rock Cut. Arrive a bit early to secure a parking spot, preferably in one of the parallel spaces, ensuring an unobstructed view of the sunset.

Your one-day journey through Rocky Mountain National Park is designed to maximize your experience in this awe-inspiring natural wonder. From early morning hikes to mesmerizing sunsets, this itinerary ensures you see the park’s most remarkable sights in a single day. Keep in mind, this itinerary is just scratching the surface so take a look at the other hikes in the park if you’d like to add more to your day! Remember to plan ahead, get the necessary permits, and dress appropriately for varying weather conditions. With careful preparation and a sense of adventure, you can create unforgettable memories in one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Rocky Mountain National Park awaits!

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