10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Wondering what the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park are?

After visiting Rocky Mountain National Park a few times, finding which activities are the best ones and how you want to spend your time there has been a challenge. There are so many great things to see and do here, and just one visit won’t cover everything!

However, in my opinion, there are a few standout hikes and activities you’re going to want to add to your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, and you would be missing out if you didn’t see them. You’ll also want to know that Rocky Mountain is a very seasonal park, which means that certain activities might not be able to enjoy during the winter and spring months.

I’ve included my favorite activities below, as well as some information on how to make the most of your time exploring this wonderful park. I guarantee you that you will be back again to see more after only one visit.

In summary: This article will cover some of my recommendations for can’t-miss things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Quick tip: If you want to beat the crowds, you’ll want to go during September and October–the fall foliage is beautiful and the park doesn’t have as many visitors during this time.

1. Trail Ridge Road

Every time I drive Trail Ridge Road, I’m still amazed by the views–and I’ve done this drive quite a few times! This scenic byway climbs to over 12,000 feet and offers some of the most spectacular alpine views in Colorado.

Daniel and I always make a point to stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, Rock Cut overlook, and Forest Canyon viewpoint. The road is typically open from late May through mid-October, depending on snow conditions.

My tip? Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and catch the best light for photos. Don’t forget to pack plenty of layers–even in summer, temperatures at this elevation can be surprisingly chilly!

2. Hiking

With over 355 miles of trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s paradise! From easy walks around Bear Lake to challenging summit hikes like Longs Peak, there’s truly something for every skill level. Some of my favorite moderate hikes include Sky Pond, Emerald Lake, and the Deer Mountain Trail.

During peak season (June-September), I highly recommend starting your hike early in the morning to avoid both crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. Many of the park’s most popular trailheads require a timed entry permit, so be sure to plan ahead.

3. Chase some waterfalls

The park’s waterfalls are especially impressive during late spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak. Alberta Falls is one of my favorites–it’s an easy 1.7-mile round trip hike that’s perfect for families.

For something more challenging, check out Ouzel Falls in the Wild Basin area or Timberline Falls on the way to Sky Pond. Just remember that waterfall trails can be slippery, especially in spring when there’s still snow and ice around. I always pack microspikes if I’m hiking to waterfalls before July.

4. Old Fall River Road

This historic one-way dirt road offers a completely different experience from Trail Ridge Road. It’s slower, more rugged, and gives you a taste of what early park visitors experienced. The 11-mile road switchbacks up to the Alpine Visitor Center, passing through forests and waterfalls along the way.

While pretty much any car can handle it in good conditions, I recommend taking it slow and enjoying the journey–and watch for potholes since it’s not as well maintained. Watch for bighorn sheep near the top–I’ve often spotted them in the early morning hours. The road is typically open from July through September.

5. Check out the visitor centers

The park’s visitor centers are more than just places to grab maps–they’re fantastic resources for learning about the park’s ecology and history.

The Alpine Visitor Center offers incredible views and exhibits about the alpine tundra ecosystem. Beaver Meadows is great for getting oriented and learning about park history. Stop by early in your trip to talk to rangers about current conditions and get recommendations based on your interests.

6. Wildlife spotting

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places I know for wildlife watching! Elk are everywhere, especially during the fall rut when their bugling echoes through the valleys. The best spots I’ve found are Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Bighorn sheep often hang out near Sheep Lakes in spring and early summer, while moose are commonly seen in the Kawuneeche Valley on the park’s west side. Remember to keep a safe distance–I like to carry binoculars to get good views without disturbing wildlife.

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7. Visit Bear Lake

Bear Lake is probably the most popular destination in the park, and for good reason! The easy 0.6-mile loop trail around the lake offers stunning views of Hallett Peak and Longs Peak reflected in the water. It’s also the starting point for some of my favorite hikes within the Bear Lake Road Corridor, including the trails to Emerald Lake and Sky Pond.

Since parking here fills up incredibly early (often by 6 am in summer), I recommend either arriving super early or using the park shuttle system. Keep in mind that you will need to have a timed entry reservation during the months of May through October in order to visit.

8. Go rock climbing

With everything from easy bouldering to challenging multi-pitch routes, Rocky Mountain National Park is a climber’s dream. Lumpy Ridge and Glacier Gorge offer some classic routes, though you’ll need proper skills and equipment.

The park also has several guided climbing services if you’re just getting started. The climbing community here is fantastic–I’ve met some great people while climbing at Hidden Valley.

9. Check out Beaver Meadows

Beaver Meadows is one of my favorite spots for early morning or late evening wildlife viewing. The wide-open meadow surrounded by mountains creates perfect photo opportunities, especially when elk are grazing at sunrise.

The visitor center here is also excellent–it’s where I always recommend first-time visitors go to get oriented. In winter, this area is great for snowshoeing, and you can often spot coyotes hunting in the snow.

10. Visit the Wild Basin area

The Wild Basin area is my go-to spot when I want to escape the crowds. Located in the southeast corner of the park, it offers fantastic hiking trails to waterfalls like Ouzel Falls and Calypso Cascades.

The Thunder Lake trail is challenging but worth every step. What I love most about Wild Basin is how peaceful it feels–even during peak season, you can find solitude here. Just remember that the dirt road to the trailhead can be rough, so take it slow.

Conclusion

After visiting Rocky Mountain National Park several times, I’ve found a few favorite things to do that I would recommend you make sure to see. Even after a few visits, there are still hikes and activities on my bucket list that I would like to go back and experience–this is the park that keeps on giving and one visit certainly isn’t enough. However, I hope this has helped you narrow down what you would like to see when you are there–at least for your first visit!

Have any questions about what to do in Rocky Mountain National Park? Let me know in the comments!