Epic
Rocky Mountain National Park
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Trip length
- 4–7 days
- Budget
- $250–$900
- per person · excl. airfare
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
HikingBackpacking
Park entrance: $30 (Entrance - Private Vehicle) · source: NPS
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.
Highlights
- Trail Ridge Road above treeline
- Alpine lakes & tundra
- Elk in Moraine Park
Photos
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licences.
Map
Trails (9)· Easy–Moderate
- View →Tonahutu Creek TrailRepresentative5.8 mi0 ft gainModerate~1.9 h
- View →Black Canyon TrailRepresentative4.7 mi0 ft gainEasy~1.6 h
- View →Mount Ida TrailRepresentative4.1 mi0 ft gainModerate~1.4 h
- View →Flattop Mountain TrailRepresentative3.8 mi0 ft gainEasy~1.3 h
- View →North Inlet TrailRepresentative3.3 mi0 ft gainModerate~1.1 h
- View →Storm Pass TrailRepresentative3.8 mi0 ft gainEasy~1.3 h
- View →Cub Lake TrailRepresentative3.1 mi0 ft gainModerate~1 h
- View →Ute TrailRepresentative2.9 mi0 ft gainModerate~1 h
- View →Ypsilon Lake TrailRepresentative2.9 mi0 ft gainModerate~1 h
Getting there
- DEN Denver Intl · 64 mi
- COS Colorado Springs · 120 mi
- GJT Grand Junction Regional · 173 mi
Straight-line distances to nearby airports. Airfare and drive times are not included.
Permits & access
Reservation required
Wilderness permit for overnight; timed-entry reservation for day-use in peak season — confirm current rules on the official site.
Official permit & conditions ↗Last verified 7/24/2026