Rocky Mountain National Park
National park · Larimer County ·
Alpine lakes, jagged peaks, summer wildflowers, fall foliage
Information
Colorado Get directions
Alpine lakes, jagged peaks, summer wildflowers, fall foliage
Colorado Get directions
"I observed that Rocky Mountain National Park may be kept open with minimal NPS staff and some closed visitor facilities, and Colorado legislators have indicated they might use state funds if necessary to keep major parks like this staffed and to minimize impacts on local economies." - Emily Pennington
"Because it’s so close to the Denver airport, we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park first on our loop — an easy first stop that made logistical sense for our family trip." - Jordi Lippe-McGraw
"To manage heavy visitation, the park uses timed-entry reservations for peak periods, so planning ahead is important—slots may be released well in advance and can affect impromptu park-hopping. With reduced ranger and seasonal staff across parks, expect constrained visitor services and programing; research current hours and shuttle schedules, bring essentials, and aim for off-peak hours to avoid the worst congestion." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"On a sunny spring day in Colorado, I walked down the Park Entrance Road with a protest sign as car horns honked and drivers cheered, and, despite the headlines about budget cuts and staffing shortages, the park’s trails and visitor center felt normal." - Emily Pennington
"A timed-entry reservation is required for vehicle access during the high season from May 23 to Oct. 13, so visitors should secure timed-entry permits in advance." - Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines