The Cub Lake Trail is free to access with admission to Rocky Mountain National Park
, and the trailhead sits off of Fern Lake Road, about 4.5 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Past visitors say that the trail is easy to find, even with very little light.
Do you have to pay to hike in Estes Park?
It’s free
! The long answer is that Estes Park is the town at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park, which does charge an entry fee and requires a timed entry permit.
How much does it cost to hike in the Rocky Mountains?
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Daily Pass Seven-Day Vehicle Pass | Current $20 $30 | June 1, 2018 $25 $35 |
|---|
Can I just drive into Rocky Mountain National Park?
Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road. During the winter season, motorists cannot drive over the top of Trail Ridge Road.
Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round on both the east and west side of the park
.
What do I need to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
- Map of the area and compass.
- Extra food and water.
- Extra clothing, including rain gear.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat.
- Pocketknife.
- Matches in a waterproof container and candle or other fire starter.
- Whistle.
- Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb.
What do I need to hike Rocky Mountain National Park?
- Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes Hike.
- Bear Lake Hike.
- Alberta Falls Hike.
- Odessa Lake & Fern Lake.
- Boulder Brook Hike.
- Alpine Ridge Hike.
- Mills Lake Hike.
- The Loch Hike.
Does Trail Ridge Road cost money?
The road, which is
free to access with park admission
, is open from roughly late May to mid-November; the rest of the year, it is buried under snow. For the most up-to-date information on the road’s conditions, call the Trail Ridge Road Status Line.
Is the Rocky Mountain National Park open?
Rocky Mountain National Park is
open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting
. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons in the park.
Do you need a reservation to enter Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes.
A Timed Entry Permit Reservation is required to enter ALL areas of Rocky Mountain National Park during the times when timed entry is in effect
—including driving over Trail Ridge Road (US Hwy 34)—when arriving by vehicle whether a visitor parks within the park or outside the park boundary.
Is Rocky Mountain National Park the same as Estes Park?
The easy, honest answer is: “It’s free! Estes Park is a town—you can come and go as you please.” Rocky Mountain National Park (
a different type of park all on its own
) does require a timed-entry permit (plus an entrance pass).
Is Trail Ridge Road inside Rocky Mountain National Park?
Trail Ridge Road is the name for the 48-mile (77 km) stretch of U.S. Highway 34 that
traverses Rocky Mountain National Park
from Estes Park, Colorado in the east to Grand Lake, Colorado in the west.
How many days do you need to see Rocky Mountain National Park?
Ideally, plan on spending
at least three days
in Rocky Mountain National Park. This gives you enough time to drive Alpine Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and hike a few of the trails. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Is Trail Ridge Road scary to drive?
If you don’t like heights be warned, there are switch backs and steep sides with very few barriers on this route through the mountains. The road is actually
far less scary than many of Colorado’s famous mountain roads
.
Do I need a 4×4 in Rocky Mountain National Park?
1. Re: Type of vehicle needed in Fall?
No, a 4-wheel drive vehicle should not be necessary that time of year in RMNP
. If by chance there is an early snowfall, the park plows and sands the roads if needed.
How long will it take to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park?
Continue driving north into Rocky Mountain National Park via Trial Ridge Road, and keep an eye out for some magnificent view points along the way. If you choose to drive the full length of this scenic pass through to Estes Park, the drive will take approximately
1.5 to 2 hours
.
Do you need bear spray in Rocky Mountain National Park?
People hiking in RMNP don’t generally carry bear spray because
it is not considered necessary
.
How should I dress for a mountain hike?
The key here is layers:
a base layer with insulating properties such as wool or budget-friendly synthetic materials; an insulating, removable middle layer; and a waterproof/windproof outer layer
. Hiking boots, warm wicking socks, a wool or synthetic beanie hat and warm gloves are also key to a comfortable winter hike.
How cold is it at the top of the Rocky Mountains?
| Temperature Jan Sep | Average Max Temp 39 70 | Average Min Temp 16 38 |
|---|
What is the best trail to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The Ute Trail
is the perfect choice. This relatively flat hike along Tombstone Ridge offers hikers the chance to explore the alpine tundra zone, while soaking in the outstanding views of Forest Canyon, Longs Peak, Moraine Park and Estes Park.
What is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
If you want a short, easy hike, we recommend
Tombstone Ridge
(this makes a great add-on to your scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road) or Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. If you want to leave the crowds behind, Twin Sisters, Mt. Ida, and Tombstone Ridge are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for your list.
What is the hardest trail in Rocky Mountain National Park?
1.
Hallett Peak
–Generally rated as strenuous, hikers gain stunning mountain views that make it well worth it. Reaching a height of 12,713 feet, the trail begins at Bear Lake, which starts at 9,475 feet.
Do you need a timed entry to drive on Trail Ridge Road?
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. — Trail Ridge Road fully opened for the season Friday, but
a temporary timed entry permit reservation system is in place to enter the park
.
Can I drive Trail Ridge Road without a pass?
A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet.
Can you turn around on Trail Ridge Road?
We officially called the end of Trail Ridge Road for us here, although you can stop at any point that works best for you.
You can turn around and go back the way you came or make a big loop through Idaho Springs and Denver
, just be aware it will take much longer this way.
What trails in Rocky Mountain National Park are open?
If you are driving Trail Ridge Road, the Alpine Ridge Trail, Tundra Communities Trail, Alpine View Trail, and Hidden Valley Accessible Trail
are open. All other trails on the EAST side of the park are currently closed. For Rocky Mountain National Park information, call the Information Office at 970-586-1206.
Is Rocky Mountain National Park temporarily closed?
All of Rocky Mountain National Park remains temporarily closed
. It is unknown when the park will reopen. Once it does reopen, only some areas of the park will be accessible based upon safety and fire behavior.
Why is Rocky Mountain National Park temporarily closed?
Each year
to protect raptor nesting sites
, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in areas of the park.
