Estes Park, CO is often referred to as the Gateway to the Rockies, and there’s no question why. Our convenient location right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park makes this town the ideal place to stay on your next trip to the area. Of course, this famed national park is easily one of the main attractions drawing visitors to our Estes Park cabin rentals. But how can you make the most of your time here? Here’s everything you’ll need to know when planning your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.
How to Get There
You’ll want to start by knowing how to get to Rocky Mountain National Park in the first place! While the park covers more than 400 square miles of northern Colorado, there’s a convenient access point just 10 minutes away from downtown Estes Park.
First, head south on Park Lane toward Virginia Avenue. Then, make a right turn onto East Elkhorn Avenue. After 0.1 miles, turn left onto US-26 W/Moraine Avenue. After 3.6 miles, you’ll find yourself at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park!
To get into the park, you’ll need to purchase an entrance pass. These passes can be purchased online or at all staffed park entrance stations. A one-day pass is $25 per automobile or motorcycle or $15 per person (if you’re walking or biking in). US Armed Service Veterans and Gold Star families are admitted into the park for free.
What You Should Bring
What should you bring to make the most of your time at Rocky Mountain National Park? Start with the basics. You’re going to want to protect yourself from the bugs and the sun, so you may consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug spray. You’ll also want to bring plenty of water and some snacks, too! If you plan to fish, make sure you bring your Colorado fishing license. Of course, if you want to fish or bike while you’re here, you can bring the necessary equipment. And always wear comfortable and sturdy shoes!
There are also some things that you’re going to want to leave behind. Rocky Mountain National Park does not allow pets, so leave your four-legged friend at home for this trip. The park also does not allow drones, though you can certainly bring your standard camera or take pictures with your cell phone. Hunting is also prohibited at the park, so don’t bring your hunting equipment.
What You Can Do There
When it comes to what you can do on your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, the possibilities are seemingly endless! You can truly spend the entire day (or even more than one day!) exploring everything that this vast wonderland has to offer.
Many people are attracted to this park for the hiking opportunities since there are more than 350 miles of trail to explore. You can find everything from easy hikes for the family to challenging trails for the avid hiker. If you’ve never hiked here before, we recommend heading to the Wilderness Office before you hit the trails. The staff will tell you a bit about the area and recommend the best trails for your group.
Wildlife watching is another popular pastime here. There are more than 60 mammal species, 280 bird species, nearly a dozen fish species, and more within the park. Bigger wild animals that live in the park are truly breathtaking, including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and others. While you’re welcome to observe from a distance, make sure, you don’t get too close to the animals in their natural habitats.
Speaking of wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to go fishing. You’ll have more than 50 lakes and streams to choose from, all full of trout and suckers. You can fish from the pier, the shoreline, or a boat, providing an opportunity for every angler. Just be sure you obtain a Colorado fishing license before casting your line.
Finally, be sure to take some time to check out at least one of the Visitors’ Centers. There are seven of these facilities spread throughout the park, and they all have incredible exhibits and amenities for guests to benefit from. You can talk with the park rangers to learn all about the best things to see and do in the park, pick up a fun souvenir or a fascinating guidebook, or take a rest in the air-conditioned facilities.
When it comes to the best things to do in Estes Park, CO, you can’t make a list without mentioning the Rocky Mountain National Park. Come back to our cabin rentals to relax and unwind at the end of a long day enjoying the most beautiful nature Colorado has to offer. Rocky Mountain Property Services is your premier resource for Estes Park cabin rentals in and around Estes Park, CO. Contact us today to plan your trip!