{"id":1789,"date":"2019-04-23T15:13:05","date_gmt":"2019-04-23T15:13:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitgrandcoun.wpengine.com\/beginners-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-01-02T12:38:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T19:38:21","slug":"beginners-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/places-to-go\/natural-attractions\/parks-national-forests\/rocky-mountain-national-park\/beginners-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Rocky Mountain National Park Beginners Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rocky Mountain National Park Beginners Guide<\/h1>\n\n
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Check Rocky Mountain National Park\u2019s current reservation requirements and\u00a0make your reservation at Recreation.gov<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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THE WEST SIDE OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have never been to Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>, you\u2019re in for an extraordinary experience. This national park hasn’t changed much over the years. With its rolling tundra, stoic mountain peaks, glacier-carved valleys and abundant wildlife, the same things that made this place special in 1915 when it was declared a national park continue to make it special today. But with the park’s staggering 416 square miles, it can seem a little daunting to know where to start. Get a beginner\u2019s guide to Rocky Mountain National Park below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lay of the Land<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rocky Mountain National Park has two distinct halves, which are connected by the highest continuously paved road in North America: Trail Ridge Road<\/a>. No trip to the park is complete without driving the 48-mile road in its entirety. However, it is important to note that the road is closed in winter due to snowpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eastern slope of the park includes notable attractions like Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Bear Lake, Wild Basin and Sprague Lake, and as a result, it is the more heavily trafficked side of the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The western slope of the park features an expansive valley abundant with moose and elk (Kawuneeche Valley), the headwaters of the Colorado River<\/a>, and more than a dozen backcountry valleys perfect for horseback riding<\/a> and hiking excursions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Know Before You Go<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Public lands are the heart and soul of Colorado, providing a stunning natural backdrop for outdoor recreation and a haven for wildlife. They are measured in more than just acres \u2014 they are the memories we make, the moments we cherish and the natural wonders we protect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So as you explore Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to follow Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles<\/a> to ensure its beauty remains unspoiled for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you’re interested in more ways to protect public lands and roam responsibly<\/a> in Grand County, join the #StandGrand<\/a> campaign to plan for the future of recreation as a steward of our invaluable lands, water and wildlife. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Stay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The park’s two main gateway towns \u2014 Grand Lake<\/a> and Estes Park \u2014 are not short on hotels, motels, inns, bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals. As a result, either works as a great basecamp for your first adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grand Lake’s accommodations<\/a> offer the added bonus of access to such outside-the-park attractions as Shadow Mountain Lake<\/a>, Lake Granby<\/a>, the Indian Peaks Wilderness<\/a>, Winter Park<\/a>, Fraser<\/a> and Hot Sulphur Springs<\/a>. Nearby, Granby<\/a> and Kremmling<\/a> also offer a variety of authentic Colorado lodging options<\/a>, and they are only a short drive from the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking to camp, the park offers five campgrounds<\/a> of various sizes, with all but the Longs Peak Campground accommodating RVs. The Timber Creek Campground on the west side of the park lies in the heart of the Kawuneeche Valley, and its spacious 98 camp sites are peaceful and scenic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See all the campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty of contrast from one season to the next. Summer (generally Memorial Day to Labor Day) is peak visitor season for good reason \u2014 trails are snow-free, the park’s wildlife is active, and the wildflowers are in full bloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n