See the best of Rocky Mountain NP in one day

1 day itinerary

While one of the most stunning national parks of the nation deserves more than just one day to explore it, sometimes that might be all you have! Or, if you're from the Denver area, an itinerary for a day trip of many might be just what you're looking for!

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Start your day in the east of the park, where the majority of hikes are. Arrive early to maximise your time, but also to beat some of the crowds at your first stop, Bear Lake! This short loop trail around the lake is just under a mile long, and is a nice warm up for the day. Sometimes in the calmness of the early mornings, the water can be extremely still, catching reflections of some of the stunning scenery that surrounds you!

Grab some breakfast in Estes Park before heading up the centrepiece of Rocky Mountain National Park - Trail Ridge Road! Enjoy the varied forests as you ascend 4000 ft in a matter of minutes, before breaking out above the treeline into the much colder, harsh alpine tundra.

One of the first stops on your ascent from Estes Park can be Beaver Ponds, shortly followed by a great view out east from Many Parks Curve. Rainbow Curve offers another fantastic opportunity for a panoramic photo. At this point you'll be above the tree line, with vast views of the incredible Rockies.

As you gain altitude, you may feel a few changes to your body such as dizziness or a little shortness of breath depending on your level of fitness. Make sure to be aware of any signs that you might be struggling a bit high up in the mountains, and can pace yourself and plan your day accordingly.

The road weaves along the top of this section of the mountain range, reaching the highest point of 12,183 ft just before the Alpine Visitor Centre. Have a walk around the centre, and if you come early in summer, take a minute to appreciate the massive ice walls that line thew road. Formed by the snowploughs which enabled the road to be opened, they give you a rough idea of the almost incomprehensible amount of snow which falls across winter!

A relatively steep descent starts with mesmerising Medicine Bow Curve as your car swings across a horizon like few others. Cross over the Continental Divide (it's signposted, so you won't miss it!) before you drive through Kawunechee Valley. This is a good opportunity for a flatter hike and to stretch the legs again after the driving. Holzwarth Historic Site & Harbison Meadows have some short out-and-back options.

At Grand Lake, grab an ice cream at Cearia's Sweet Shop as a reward for your adventure! Grand Lake Marina is located on the lakeshore. Here, visitors can rent paddle boats, leisure boats, small fishing boats and kayaks. When you've finished exploring, head back the same way you came and see the amazing road from the opposite direction! If you can get the timings right, find one of the overlooks to watch the sunset out west!

If you want to really feel like you've completed one of America's finest parks, check out our 5 day complete itinerary! Or if you're looking to visit Colorado as part of a longer adventure, have a look at our Continental Divide Road Trip featuring four of the best parks in the entire USA!