United States / Denver & the Rockies / Rocky Mountain National ParkRocky Mountain National Park
Trail Ridge Road and Alpine Lakes
High peaks, alpine tundra and elk two hours north-west of Denver, with Estes Park as the gateway town. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US (3,713 m), crosses the park from about late May to mid-October; Bear Lake's short trails lead to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes. From late May to mid-October 2026 entry needs a timed-entry reservation, and non-US residents pay the US$100 surcharge. September and October bring the elk rut and golden aspens. The altitude leaves many visitors breathless: go slowly.
Highlights
- Drive Trail Ridge Road (summer)
- Bear Lake to Emerald Lake trail
- Alberta Falls
- Elk in Moraine Park
- Alpine Visitor Center
- Estes Park town
Things to do
- Bear Lake to Emerald Lake trailMorning · 3h
- Trail Ridge Road driveJun–OctAfternoon · 4h
- Alberta Falls walkMorning · 2h
- Elk watching in Moraine ParkEvening · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: June – October
Heads up
Fire Season in the West
Wildfires in the West peak in late summer; smoke can hide the views for days and fires can close roads and trails. Check the park's alerts page and the local fire restrictions (campfire bans are common).
Worth knowing
Trail Ridge Road Closed
Trail Ridge Road, the park's high road across the Continental Divide, is closed by snow from about mid-October to late May. Bear Lake Road and the lower valleys stay open in winter for snowshoeing.
Worth knowing
Timed-Entry Reservation Needed
From late May to mid-October 2026 entering Rocky Mountain needs a timed-entry reservation on recreation.gov (a separate one for the Bear Lake corridor), released a month ahead and the evening before. Non-US residents also pay the US$100 surcharge.