Ideally, you plan to spend at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. This gives you plenty of time to drive down Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road and walk some of the trails. If you're an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Most people spend two or three days in Rocky Mountain National Park.
However, there are plenty of options for hiking, hiking, mountaineering and other excursions near the park, so if you want to get deeper into nature or take more difficult trails, you'll want more time. This retreat offers panoramic views of Colorado's most famous parks and, arguably, the best sunsets in Rocky Mountain National Park. These itineraries suggested by Rocky Mountain NP assume that you are in Estes Park, accessing the park from the east side. Originally built in 1936 (and with several renovations over the years), the Alpine Visitor Center (open seasonally) is worth a visit as part of your Rocky Mountain National Park experience. Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a scheduled entry permit system in the high season (between late May and mid-October).
Most Rocky Mountain National Park hiking trails start at around 7,800 feet (2,377 m) high, a bit of elevation for someone who isn't properly acclimated. Your last day in the Rocky Mountains will take you through the park and stop to see some of the best sites in the park. However, I suggest that a three-day itinerary through Rocky Mountain National Park include a few other activities, not just hiking. If you're short on time, you can see the main highlights of Rocky Mountain NP and make easy hikes in just a day or two.
You will need to enter Rocky Mountain through the Beaver Meadows entrance, which will follow US Route 36 west from Estes Park through the Beaver Point area to the park. If you feel like it, camping is the best way to see Rocky Mountain National Park, as it's the only way to stay inside the park. It's a popular spot in summer, with visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park and people who visit summer festivals. Rocky Mountain National Park is an incredible combination of alpine lakes, rugged rocky peaks (mountains, so to speak), and an abundance of wildlife that you won't find in many other parts of the country.
