Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park as a family offers an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse activities and stunning landscapes. This park has quickly become one of our favorites, with its perfect summer weather for hiking and abundant wildlife. From easy, family-friendly hikes to breathtaking scenic drives such as Trail Ridge Road, there’s something for everyone. We encountered a variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, marmots, and foxes—species we had never seen in the wild before. Families can also enjoy wildlife viewing, picnicking by alpine lakes, and stargazing under the clear mountain skies. With its natural beauty and endless outdoor activities, Rocky Mountain National Park is ideal for creating lasting memories together. Here are some of the things we learned during our trip and our favorite experiences that we would highly recommend.
Where To Stay During Your Trip
When heading to Colorado, we came from Kansas to the East. Our first stop in Colorado was Denver, an incredible city with so much to do and see. Once we realized how close Rocky Mountain National Park was, we started planning our trip. Now in order to get the best experience at any National Park, especially the big ones, it’s important to plan ahead. We hardly did so. We looked at some of the campgrounds in the Park to see if we could finally say we had camped in a National Park, but we only did so a few weeks in advance, and every spot was booked with the exception of a day here or there. So if you are looking to camp in the Park for just one night while passing through, you could probably get away with a last-minute booking. However, if you want a couple of days in a row at the same campground, you should definitely try to book as early as possible. You can find all of their campgrounds’ information at NPS.gov.
Free Dispersed Camping near Rocky Mountain National Park
When we discovered that camping within Rocky Mountain National Park wasn’t an option for us, we turned to our handy dandy Campendium app to find free dispersed camping locations in the surrounding mountains. While there are numerous campgrounds outside the park with prices ranging from $20 to over $100 per night, we prefer dispersed camping for its beautiful, secluded spots and the fact that it’s free. A map of the area shows Denver just southeast of the park, but there are no free dispersed camping options on the eastern side. The only available spots are on the western side, with the closest being Stillwater Pass Dispersed Camping in Grand Lake, Colorado. Just 15 minutes from the park on the west entrance side, Stillwater Pass is stunning and quickly became one of our favorite dispersed camping areas. From our site, we climbed a steep hill for an incredible view of three nearby lakes and the surrounding mountains. We visited at the end of June, surrounded by the most beautiful wildflowers we had ever seen, and enjoyed clear nights perfect for stargazing the Milky Way. This boondocking spot is about two hours from the park’s other entrance and the bustling city of Estes Park!
Getting Into Rocky Mountain National Park
As with all National Parks, it costs to enter and Rocky Mountain National Park offers various passes, including day passes and annual passes, with discounts available for students, seniors, and military personnel. Current prices can be found on NPS.gov.
The park is primarily accessed via Trail Ridge Road, with the busiest entrance located near the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on the east side, close to the campgrounds and the City of Estes Park. This entrance can experience long wait times, sometimes up to an hour. For a quicker and quieter entrance, consider using the Kawuneeche Visitor Center Entrance on the west side of the park which is the entrance that we were closest to at our dispersed camping spot.
To manage traffic and congestion, Rocky Mountain National Park uses a Timed Entry Program. If you plan to enter the park between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., you must obtain a Timed Entry Pass, which can be reserved online for $2. This pass allows entry within a two-hour window. Additionally, a separate Timed Entry Pass is required for Bear Lake Road between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m., due to its popularity for hiking trails. These timed entry pass reservations become available on Recreation.gov at 7 PM the evening before the day you’re planning to hike. Be sure to plan ahead, as these passes sell out quickly!
What To Do In The Park with Kids
We first entered the Park because we needed to get to our dispersed camping spot on the other side! We towed our camper from the east side all the way to the west side on Trail Ridge Road, gaining and losing an elevation of 4,000 feet! The Beaver Meadows Entrance was pretty quick to get through as it was after the Timed Entry Program requirements when we entered. As soon as we were in the park, we were driving past mule deer, elk, moose, and marmots. We stopped at the Beaver Meadows Visitors Center so the boys could get their Junior Ranger Books. At this Park, the Rangers give the badges to the parents, and trust that the children will do the workbooks. We then drove for about an hour to the Alpine Visitors Center, the National Park Services highest Visitor Center at almost 12,000 feet! Be sure to bring your winter hats and jackets as it is cold and windy up there even in June!
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is the main road in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a breathtaking and iconic route that spans 48 miles, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. As the highest continuous paved road in the United States, it reaches an elevation of over 12,000 feet, offering panoramic views of the park’s mountains, expansive valleys, and alpine tundra. Trail Ridge Road allows visitors to see diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to alpine tundra, in just a matter of hours. Along the way, numerous pullouts and viewpoints provide ample opportunities to observe wildlife, enjoy scenic vistas, and appreciate the natural beauty of this remarkable high-altitude highway. It’s definitely worth it to drive the whole road if you have enough time during your visit.
Family Friendly Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Calypso Cascades Hike
Our first hike in Rocky Mountain National Park was Calypso Cascades. This family-friendly hike is a moderate 3.6-mile round trip hike starting from the Wild Basin Trailhead, with an elevation gain of about 780 feet. The trail took us about 3 hours and it passed through lush forests and alongside creeks, featuring scenic spots like Copeland Falls before reaching the picturesque Calypso Cascades. The best thing about this hike is that it doesn’t require any special permits like some of the other hikes in the park. Also, restrooms are available at the trailhead!
Lake Haiyaha Hike
Our favorite hike was to Lake Haiyaha! Hiking to this lake offers both natural beauty and a satisfying physical challenge. The trail begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead, which requires a timed entry pass. This hike covers a round-trip distance of approximately 4.4 miles, with an elevation gain of around 800 feet. As you ascend, the trail varies in difficulty from moderate to occasionally rocky and uneven, making it accessible yet engaging for most hikers. Frequent breaks might be necessary due to the elevation, but the journey rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and lush subalpine forests. Upon reaching Lake Haiyaha, you’ll be captivated by its stunning turquoise-blue water. This serene alpine lake, situated at an elevation of about 10,220 feet, is a must-see if you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
Deer Mountain Trail Hike
Our last adventure in the park was our most challenging. Hiking the Deer Mountain Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park proved to be both demanding and rewarding, offering breathtaking views that make it a great choice for families, even with kids. This 6.6-mile round-trip trail begins at the Deer Mountain Trailhead and features an elevation gain of approximately 1,394 feet, marking the boys’ biggest hike yet. With the summit reaching over 10,000 feet, the views are spectacular. This hike also doesn’t require a permit which is a big plus! The trail winds through forests and open meadows, providing panoramic vistas of surrounding peaks and valleys. As you near the summit, the trail reveals a stunning 360-degree view of the park’s rugged landscape, including Longs Peak and even see Estes Park. While the climb can be strenuous, the gradual ascent and captivating scenery help keep kids engaged. The trail also offers ample opportunities for breaks, making it easier for younger hikers to enjoy the journey and the magnificent views at the top.
Our adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park was unforgettable. We saw an abundance of wildlife and enjoyed stunning landscapes throughout the park. We tackled challenging hikes, found serenity at Stillwater Pass, and marveled at the breathtaking views along Trail Ridge Road. With its natural beauty and diverse activities, Rocky Mountain National Park is perfect for creating lasting family memories. Definitely add it to your list, and plan accordingly!
More from Happy Trails Family:
Junior Ranger Program in National Parks for Kids
