Square State Colorado

A Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park From Denver

One of my favorite things to do throughout the year is to spend time in nature. There’s nothing better than hiking through the woods, seeing the wildflowers and just being able to hear your thoughts as you put one foot in front of the other as you make your way to your final destination. There are so many places to explore in Colorado that it can feel a bit overwhelming to think about where to start. Every needs to have the experience of “A Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park” especially if you’re new to town, live in Colorado and would like to visit the park again.

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My past visits to the park are an inspiration for this itinerary. I’ve visited Rocky Mountain National Park on my own, with my mom and with adult international students experiencing Colorado for the first time. There’s no right or wrong way to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, but there are some important details to be aware of.

Cowtown Denver

How to Get to the Park

There are different modes of transit you can use to visit and access the park.

• Available During the Fall Only-Take the Bustang from downtown Denver direct to the park OR depart in Estes Park and then take a shuttle into RMNP. Do note that if you take the Hikers’ Shuttle you need to RESERVE YOUR SPOT ahead of time (I find this very annoying).

• Book a Tour-Of Rocky Mountain National Park and leave all of the driving and planning to someone else. The great thing about booking a tour is that they are available all year long, typically you would meet your tour guide in front of Union Station in downtown Denver and then they would drop you off at the same location. If you’re visiting Denver and are unfamiliar with mountain driving, hate traffic and don’t want to deal with the responsibility of getting everyone to the park-BOOK A TOUR. Bring some snacks for the ride to the park.

• Reserve a car and drive to the park-There are a few things to be aware of-you will pay an entrance fee to get into the park. You also need to check and see if the park is still using its timed entry system (I’m pretty sure that it is) The summer is the high tourist season and incredibly busy both in the park and Estes Park, the town that is adjacent to the park.
  • Or, you could park your car in Estes Park and then take a shuttle into the park.

What To Do

It’s absolutely possible to spend multiple days wander, camping and enjoying the park. But, if you have one day available to you-I wanted to share some activities that you should add to your list of things to do.

• Explore Estes Park-I’ll share some tips below

• Spend some time on Lake Estes

• Look for wildlife such as elk, deer, moose and chipmunks-Don’t get too close to the wildlife.

• Take an epic hike-The Sky Pond hike is my favorite hike of all time in the park. That hike is a high intermediate/low-advanced hike

• Stop at the Visitors Center and hike up Huffers Hill

• Enjoy the different stopping points along Trail Ridge Road

If you’re camping in the park make sure to do your research regarding types of vehicles that can go into the park, best practices and more. And bring your best camera so that you can take photos of the stars. There’s no light pollution in the park so you can see the stars, Starlink and the Space Station if you’re lucky.

What to Avoid

There are a few things that I would avoid while visiting the park. This is a short-list of the most important things to consider.

• Altitude Sickness–Rocky Mountain National Park is double the altitude of Denver. You definitely should pay attention to how you’re feeling at this altitude.

• Getting stressed out-Estes Park and RMNP are very popular summer destinations. Keep your itinerary open and flexible so that you avoid getting frustrated as you make your way through the park.

• Don’t get close to the wildlife-Every year we hear of people getting mauled by wildlife in the park. You should be hundreds of feet away from the animals that you may encounter in the park. They move quickly, you might piss them off and you don’t want to end up in the news because you got too close to a moose and they kicked you in the head.

• Stay on the trails-Especially if you’re above the tree line (in the areas without trees at the highest altitudes in the park) If you’re going off trail in those areas you’re damaging the area and it will take a long time for Mother Nature to repair that damage

• Don’t litter and Carry It Out-If you’re a hiker, you already know this. But, if you’re driving through the park and new to experiencing nature. Do not litter. Carry it out with you and throw it away at the trash cans that are always located where any hiking trail begins.

Most importantly don’t forget tell people where you are and if you’re going hiking/exploring in the park. This is a basic safety tip and important in case you have an emergency situation and people need to find you.

Spend Some Time in Estes Park

Estes Park is one of my favorite mountain towns in Colorado. Not only is it beautiful, the people are nice and I find it welcoming to in-state and out-of-state visitors. And I’ve had consistently good experiences visiting Estes Park as a Black Coloradan (just in case you needed to know this)

What to Do in Estes Park

There are so many fun things to do when you’re in town. I think it’s helpful to have an idea of what those things would be before you arrive because many of these activities are in high demand and may sell out if you don’t book them in advance.

• Wander up and down the Estes Park River Walk-Make sure to interact with the different art that lines the River Walk. I recommend parking at the Visitors Center and then making your way into town via the path.

• Check and see if the River Walk Cafe is open-Some of the businesses in town are seasonal and I believe the River Walk Cafe may shut down for a couple of weeks during the winter. I love this place. They make delicious lavender lattes and their food is so yummy.

• Grab a freshly made donut at Squatchy Donuts-Is Big Foot real? Who’s to say? But, I know that these donuts are real. Go grab one and indulge your interest in Big Foot lore.

• Relax in Mrs. Walsh’s Garden-Sometimes I head to the mountains for solitude and quiet but Estes Park during the summer is the opposite of that. Because of how busy it is I like to decompress in Mrs. Walsh’s Garden whenever I’m in town.

• Spend some time on Lake Estes-There are so many fun activities to enjoy on the lake. I’ve included a few of my favorites below. You’ll head over to the Lake Estes Marina Office and pick up your equipment from there.
  • SUP-Stand Up Paddle Board (that lake water is mountain run off=super cold water)
  • Canoe
  • Kayak
  • Bike
  • Pedal Cart

• Enjoy one of the many festivals and events hosted in town-The biggest ones are:
  • Frozen Dead Guy Days
  • Estes Park Marathon and Half Marathon
  • Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
  • The Scottish Irish Highland Festival

• Head over to The Stanley Hotel –Made infamous because of the movie The Shining. I’ve attending a wedding there and it’s a beautiful place. It’s also a little creepy LOL!
  • Frozen Dead Guy Days
  • Devotchka on Halloween

• Horseback Riding-One of my favorite activities that I’ve enjoyed doing in Estes Park is going on a Steak Dinner Trail Ride. I used to go to Sombrero Stables before COVID and I’m looking forward to my next horseback riding excursion sometime this year.

There are a number of other activities and events to enjoy throughout the year.

Addition Tips and Things to Consider

There are a few other things that I wanted to bring up before you begin planning your visit to Denver and spending a day in Estes Park.

• Best Month to Visit-In my opinion, September is the best month to visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. The summer crowds are dying down, the Elk rut is happening (Elk mating season) and the weather is so nice. You’ll also see the Aspen tree leaves turning to gold. You can also take the Bustang to Estes Park at this time of year. I love leaving the driving to someone else.

• Trail Ridge Road Closes-For a significant part of the year due to snow and winter conditions. If you’re visiting the park during that time you won’t be able to drive direct to Grand Lake.

• Reserve your campground-If you’re planning on camping, the earlier you reserve your camping spot the better. They sell out fast.

• You can exit the park going west to Grand Lake-If you’re looking to continue exploring the western part of the state, this is a beautiful route and experience of Colorado. Grand Lake is also close to Hot Sulphur Springs if you’re looking for a local hot springs to enjoy (it’s not bougie) and it does smell like sulphur.

• Estes Park has A LOT of construction happening right now. Be patient.

• Bring Extra Money-Estes Park has a number of local shops selling items ranging from art, jewelry, salt water taffy and more. You’ll also enjoy participating in one of the many experiences specific to Estes Park.

One thing I would say is that it’s important to understand that mountain towns have a slower pace to them. Lean into wandering through town, eating a meal on outside on one of the many patios in town and soak in the scenery.

A Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park From Denver

I’ve often said that if you’re visiting Denver for 3 days or more-you have to plan a quick visit to the mountains. The longer you’re in town, the longer your mountain visit should be. Similar to people who live near the beach, Coloradans visit and enjoy the mountains.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of my favorite places to visit throughout the year and each time I experience it differently. I’m convinced that you’ll enjoy it too. But, if you’re afraid of heights and are afraid of driving in the mountains-leave the driving to someone else. Let me know how it goes.