Rocky Mountain National Park: A Road Trip to Remember

This post was written by Megan MacGregor, BMTM’s national parks expert.

Imagine standing at the top of the world, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon. A herd of elk graze in a lush meadow across a glacial river, and nearby a waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff. You take a deep breath of crisp mountain air, your shoulders open, and a sense of peace swells in your heart.

Welcome to Rocky Mountain National Park.

If you travel just 60 miles west of Denver, Colorado, mountain peaks replace high rises, and the bustle of the city fades into the whisper of nature in one of America’s largest parks. Rocky Mountain spans 415 square miles and has over 60 peaks reaching over 12,000 feet. It is known for its glacial lakes, tundra ecosystems, and lush forests of aspen and evergreen trees.

Early explorers considered building a railway system to the area, a common trend to increase tourism to remote regions. However, not only did the rugged terrain make this costly and challenging, but the park’s original advocates believed trains would negatively affect its natural beauty. As an alternative, they advocated for the construction of roads, minimizing the impact on the environment while still making the park accessible.

Now, over one hundred years later, Rocky Mountain National Park has the highest paved road in the United States, making it one of the best options for your next adventurous Colorado road trip.

Where to Start Your Road Trip

There are two main entrances: one to the east, through the town of Estes Park, and to the west, through Grand Lake. Denver International Airport, the closest, is an hour and a half from Estes Park and three hours from Grand Lake.

While it’s possible to loop through the entire park and reach both towns, keep in mind this isn’t necessary to experience its full beauty, so make sure you time it out and plan your route accordingly. Either route will take you onto Trail Ridge Road (see below).

Check the park’s website for road closures and construction updates before you start your trip.

Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, weaves through Rocky Mountain National Park and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. An iconic symbol built during the Great Depression, the roadat its peak reaches an elevation of 12,183 feet. Multiple overlooks…