National park · Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

A Colorado high-country park designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1976, threaded by Trail Ridge Road — the highest continuous paved road in the United States, cresting above 12,000 feet.

Entrance
$30 private vehicle
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Rocky Mountain National Park
Established
January 26, 1915
Region
Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park
Photo: Daniel Mayer (Mav) · CC BY-SA 3.0
The Rocky Mountain National Park patch

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History

Rocky Mountain National Park was established to protect the unique ecosystems and stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountains for future generations. It was one of the first national parks to be designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1976.

Key events

  1. January 26, 1915Rocky Mountain National Park established by Congress as the country's 10th national park.
  2. 1909Naturalist Enos Mills began campaigning for the park's creation.
  3. 1932Trail Ridge Road completed; at 12,183 feet it remains the highest continuous paved road in the United States.

Trails

  • Emerald Lake Trail 3.6 mi · Moderate
  • Sky Pond 9 mi · Hard
  • Bear Lake Loop 0.8 mi · Easy
  • Alberta Falls 1.6 mi · Easy
  • Chasm Lake 8.4 mi · Hard

Plan your visit

Hours · Rocky Mountain National Park

Open 24 hours, every day

While certain roads and facilities may be closed for the winter season, Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Entrance fees

  • Private Vehicle $30
  • Per Person $15
  • Motorcycle $25
  • Nonresident $100

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Summer. All trails open, Trail Ridge Road accessible, wildflowers
  • Fall. Elk rut September-October, fall colors, bugling
  • Spring. Waterfalls at peak, baby wildlife, some snow
  • Winter. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, solitude

Wildlife

ElkBighorn sheepMooseMule deerBlack bearsMarmotsPikaPtarmigan

Nearby patches

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