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Rocky Mountain National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: Colorado

Visit Official Park Website

šŸ“˜ Park Overview

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.

🌤 Weather Information

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 at the top of the tallest mountain peaks. Weather conditions can change quickly throughout the day. For detailed weather information, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/all-about-weather.htm For the most up-to-date weather forecasts, visit the National Weather Service webpage for Rocky at https://www.weather.gov/bou/rmnp

šŸš— Directions

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.

Images

Boardwalk with observation benches on the Lily Lake Trail in June

Boardwalk on the Lily Lake Trail in June

Credit: NPS Photo

People are walking on the Tundra Communities Trail

Tundra Communities Trail

Credit: NPS Photo

Two Junior Rangers are looking out at Bear Lake

Bear Lake

Credit: NPS Photo

Snow on the North Face of Longs Peak in June

North Face of Longs Peak

Credit: NPS Photo

Enjoy a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road

Enjoy a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road

Credit: NPS Photo

Park visitors are reading a wayside exhibit overlooking the Colorado River

Trail to the Holzwarth Historic Site

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

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

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
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.
$30.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
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.
$35.00
Entrance - Per Person
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.
$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
1-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass. This pass is valid for one private motorcycle to enter RMNP for one day only. One pass is good for one motorcycle (including all riders). 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.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
7-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass. This park entrance pass is valid for one motorcycle to enter RMNP for 7 consecutive days (including all riders). 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.
$30.00
Entrance - Per Person
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.
$20.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
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.
$70.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Monday, Jul 27

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 79°F | Low: 54.6°F

Humidity: 57%

Wind: 9.6 mph

Rain Chance: 62%

UV Index: 5.7

Sunrise: 05:55 AM

Sunset: 08:22 PM

Moon: Full Moon (99%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 55.8°F

Cloud Cover: 62%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Jul 28

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 77.5°F | Low: 52.8°F

Humidity: 62%

Wind: 6.9 mph

Rain Chance: 59%

UV Index: 8.9

Sunrise: 05:56 AM

Sunset: 08:21 PM

Moon: Full Moon (100%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 55°F

Cloud Cover: 59%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Jul 29

Sunny

Sunny

High: 80.3°F | Low: 52.5°F

Humidity: 60%

Wind: 9.2 mph

Rain Chance: 57%

UV Index: 10.5

Sunrise: 05:57 AM

Sunset: 08:20 PM

Moon: Full Moon (99%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 55.2°F

Cloud Cover: 57%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in effect within Rocky Mountain National Park Park Closure
Due to extremely high winds, fire danger, and the extended weather forecast, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are now in effect within Rocky Mountain National Park. When Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect, all campfires, including charcoal briquette fires, are not permitted anywhere within Rocky Mountain National Park. This fire ban is effective beginning March 12, 2026 and will remain in effect until further notice. Petroleum-fueled stoves & grills may be used. Stoves must be able to be turned on and off.

More Info

Update - Temporary Trail Closure in Place Above Nymph Lake on May 13 & 14 Park Closure
A temporary closure will be in place above Nymph Lake on May 13 and May 14 for a critical bridge replacement project. This closure will be lifted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The trail will close again on Monday, May 18 through Thursday, May 21. While this closure is in place, trail access will be closed above Nymph Lake to the Dream Lake/Lake Haiyaha junction. The trail between Lake Haiyaha and Dream Lake junction is covered with snow & ice. Visit the Trail Conditions webpage for details.

More Info

Status of Trail Ridge Road Information
Trail Ridge Road (U.S. Hwy 34 inside Rocky Mountain National Park) is open to through travel. Timed Entry Reservations are required for Trail Ridge Road from 9 am to 2 pm. Updates are available on the recorded Trail Ridge Road Status Line at 970-586-1222. Updates are also available on the RMNP webpage and the official RMNP social media pages.
Be Weather Aware - A Winter Storm Warning is in effect beginning tonight Park Closure
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for all areas of RMNP beginning at midnight tonight on May 4 through the afternoon of Wednesday, May 6. Temporary road closures may go into effect at any time, based on conditions. 12-18 inches of new snow is possible on both the east and west sides of RMNP. Over 20 inches of snow is possible at Bear Lake. Check the National Weather Service page specific to RMNP frequently for the most up to date weather information.

More Info

A Fire Ban (Stage 2 Fire Restrictions) Are In Effect Park Closure
Due to very high fire danger, the extended weather forecast, and current fire activity in the State of Colorado, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are now in effect within Rocky Mountain National Park. When Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect, this means that all campfires, including charcoal briquette fires are not permitted anywhere within Rocky Mountain National Park. This ban is effective beginning today, June 29, and will remain in effect until further notice.

More Info

Endovalley Road will be temporarily closed the morning of Wed, Feb 11, 2026 Park Closure
This closure will be in place for hazard tree work just west of Lawn Lake Stock Parking Area. Areas closed include East and West Alluvial Fan Parking and access to the Alluvial Fan Trail, as well as access to Old Fall River Road. Parking for the Lawn Lake Trailhead and Lawn Lake Stock Parking will remain open. While hazard tree work is underway, Endovalley Road will be closed to pedestrians and all vehicles. This closure is expected to last at least three hours. Ā 
WildĀ BasinĀ RoadĀ Will Be Closed forĀ RoadĀ Maintenance July 21 - July 23 Park Closure
Beginning Tuesday, July 21, through Thursday, July 23, Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for road maintenance. This closure will occur at the Wild Basin Entrance Station and will include the entire two-mile section of the road to the Wild Basin Trailhead. Trailhead access and parking area for the Sandbeach Lake Trail will not be impacted by this closure.
Update on Transponders Information
Due to some unexpected technical issues that are impacting recent transponder sales and renewals, Rocky Mountain National Park is temporarily pausing the sale and renewal of transponder devices. Updates will be posted on the park webpage.

More Info

Park Events

Kid-Friendly Snowshoe Walk

Join a park ranger for an easy, kid-friendly snowshoe walk to learn the basics of snowshoeing! These beginner snowshoe walks are fun for the whole family.Ā 

On Fridays at 1:30 p.m. This program is for participants ages 5 and up

  • Reservations are requiredĀ and can be made up to one week in advance of the program.Ā To make a reservation, call 970-627-3471
  • The location of program is provided once reservations are made.
  • Snowshoes are provided
  • Appropriate winter clothing is required including waterproof shoes; no gym shoes/tennis shoes are allowed
  • There is a limit of 6 people signing up per group, per program

Ā 

Ā 

Location: This program takes place on the west side of RMNP, the specific location of the program is provided once reservations are made.

Date: Jan 16, 2026 12:00am to Jan 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ski with a Ranger

Grab your Cross-country Nordic skis and join a Ranger to explore snow-covered meadows and forests on the west side of the park. Ski programs are considered moderate and are not recommended for brand-new skiers.

  • Skis are not provided
  • Participants must bring their own equipment
  • No reservations are required
  • Program may be canceled due to poor weather

Call the Kawuneeche Visitor Center for more information at 970-627-3471

Location: Meet at the Bowen/Baker Trailhead

Date: Jan 16, 2026 12:00am to Jan 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Snowshoe Hike

Join a park ranger for an afternoon adventure! Snowshoe hikes are considered moderate and travel through hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows or forests on the west side of the park.Ā 

On Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. This program is for participants ages 8 and up.

  • Reservations are requiredĀ and can be made up to one week in advance of the program.Ā To make a reservation, call 970-627-3471
  • The location of program is provided once reservations are made
  • Snowshoes are provided
  • Appropriate winter clothing is required including waterproof shoes; no gym shoes/tennis shoes are allowed
  • There is a limit of 6 people signing up per group, per program

Location: This program takes place on the west side of RMNP, specific program location will be shared once reservations are made

Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ski with a Ranger

Grab your Cross-country Nordic skis and join a Ranger to explore snow-covered meadows and forests on the west side of the park. Ski programs are considered moderate and are not recommended for brand-new skiers.

  • Skis are not provided
  • Participants must bring their own equipment
  • No reservations are required
  • Program may be canceled due to poor weather

Call the Kawuneeche Visitor Center for more information at 970-627-3471

Location: Meet at the Colorado River Trailhead

Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Winter Speaker Series: Cryptids of the Park - What Lurks in Our Wilderness
Rocky Mountain National Park, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, is excited to announce that the Winter Speaker Series is returning in 2026. Ā  This year's series will begin with a family-friendly presentation on Rocky Mountain cryptids on Sunday, January 18 at 2 p.m. at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Ā  Park ranger Nick Morris will share the program "Cryptids of the Park: What Lurks in Our Wilderness." This program will explore the amazing and elusive world of cryptids - stories of creatures known only in folklore. This presentation is great for families and appropriate for ages 8 and up. Ā  All programs are free and open to the public. Each presentation will last approximately 1 hour, with time for questions at the end. To learn more, visit https://rmconservancy.org/ and search under "Upcoming Events." Ā  To see recordings from past presentations, visit https://go.nps.gov/romo/speakerseries

Date: Jan 18, 2026 12:00am to Jan 18, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

RockyLAB

Pop into RockyLAB and dive into hands-on fun! Drop-in anytime between 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. to explore various short science and nature activities. Perfect for the whole family. Children must be accompanied by an adult. What will you discover?

Location: Fall River Visitor Center

Date: Jan 23, 2026 12:00am to Jan 23, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Architectural Tour

Uncover the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center! Explore the close connections with a park ranger as your guide.

Location: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center

Date: Jan 28, 2026 12:00am to Jan 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ice Fishing

Sprague Lake may be frozen, but the fish are still biting! Bundle up and give ice fishing a try. Traction devices recommended.Ā 

All winter programs are dependent on appropriate conditions. Winter programs and activities can be canceled last minute due to weather or lack of adequate snow or ice. Check at a visitor center for program updates.

Location: Sprague Lake

Date: Jan 30, 2026 12:00am to Jan 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Track Scene Investigation

Discover the hidden signs of wildlife! Join a park ranger for a guided walk searching for signs of wildlife: tracks, beds, tree rubs... and yes, even scat. What clues will you find? This program is great for families!

Ā 

All winter programs are dependent on appropriate conditions. Winter programs and activities can be canceled last minute due to weather or lack of adequate snow or ice. Check at any RMNP visitor center for program updates.

Location: Meet at West Alluvial Fan Parking Area

Date: Jan 31, 2026 12:00am to Jan 31, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ice Fishing

Sprague Lake may be frozen, but the fish are still biting! Bundle up and give ice fishing a try. Traction devices recommended.Ā 

All winter programs are dependent on appropriate conditions. Winter programs and activities can be canceled last minute due to weather or lack of adequate snow or ice. Check at a visitor center for program updates.

Location: Sprague Lake

Date: Feb 1, 2026 12:00am to Feb 1, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

šŸ“ Physical Address:
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

šŸ¤ Mailing Address:
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

šŸ“ž Voice Phone: 9705861206

šŸ“ž TTY Phone: 9705861319

āœ‰ļø Email: romo_information@nps.gov

Park Location


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