10 Free Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park That You Shouldn't Miss

December 14, 2021 Franklyn Hardiman

One of America's premier national parks, it boasts 355 miles of hiking trails.
Restaurants in Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

1. East Inlet Trail

3045 W Portal Rd Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80447
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

East Inlet Trail

Reviewed By Rummynomad787 - Dorr, United States

Being novice hikers from Michigan, not use to the altitude, this was definitely a tough hike. It was 100% worth it though! From the streams, to the peaks the views are absolutely gorgeous, especially when you turn around and can still see Grand Lake. Saw lots of wildlife. Can't wait to come back and hike again!

2. Chasm Falls Trail

Old Fall River Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Chasm Falls Trail

Reviewed By 715pawelw

Chasm Falls has very nice trail for every body, nice view, the fall are beautiful, from Old Fall River Road is short distance to walk, worth to stop there and see

3. Kawuneeche Visitor Center

16018 US Highway 34, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80447-9620 +1 970-627-3471 http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
Excellent
48%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

Kawuneeche Visitor Center

The visitors center offers educational programs, hikes and videos.

Reviewed By T6553NUlynnp - Pensacola, United States

Very nice visitor center with lots of souvenirs. Abby that checked us out was very helpful and super sweet. My son loved our shading the Junior Ranger gear.

4. Alpine Visitor Center

Trail Ridge Rd., Rocky Mountain National Park, CO +1 970-586-1206 https://www.nps.gov/romo/alpine_visitor_center.htm
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 565 reviews

Alpine Visitor Center

Reviewed By kalyan_peri - Bridgewater, United States

While driving along the Trail Ridge Road you reach the Alpine Visitor Center at about halfway point (exact distance depends on on which direction you are driving from). We drove from Estes Park to Grand Lake and this made a great pit-stop for grabbing lunch, strolling around the visitor center and hiking up to the top! Yes, it will be very crowded during the peak summer months specifically because there are no other spots to grab food along the road. But, it is a great stop over during your day-long drive along the Trail Ridge Road After grabbing a quick lunch, there is a nice little hiking trail to the summit - called "Hike to the Top". It is a paved path with an approx elevation gain for additional 300+ feet. Please be prepared for unpredictable weather (it could suddenly very windy or it could suddenly rain) Once you get to the top, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the entire area

5. Farview Curve Overlook

Trail Ridge Rd. about 18 mi west of Alpine visitor center, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Farview Curve Overlook

Reviewed By rachellK1474MP - Newark, United States

If you come into the park from the Grand Lake entrance, it's really cool to stop at this overlook and see the valley you just drove through. There's plenty of parking and great views of the Never Summer Mountains.

6. Eagle Plume Trading Post

9853 State Highway 7, Allenspark, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80510-9612 +1 303-747-2861 [email protected] http://www.eagle-plumes.com
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Eagle Plume Trading Post

This is a place unlike any other... Just ask anyone who has stopped by. A hundred-year-old building with walls that whisper, and floors that creak underfoot; A place with a rich and rare history; A locally cherished patina of our town, left by time and an endless parade of characters... Off the beaten path, along the scenic Peak to Peak highway, Nestled at the base of Long's Peak, you're sure to discover one of the Rocky Mountains’ best kept secrets, enveloped in the cultural traditions and arts of the Native Americans. Eagle Plume's is a historic trading post established 1917 that is located in beautiful Allenspark, Colorado. Be sure to make a stop at our little friend and family run historical museum/Native jewelry shop the next time you’re in Estes Park, Allenspark, or even just driving along the lovely Peak to Peak Highway.

Reviewed By 979pato

We stopped at the store 4 years ago while visiting Estes Park. My first stop at the store was in 1976, when Charles was running things and telling his stories about artifacts. Anyway, I bought something that caught my wife`s eye, and went to check out. Charlie looked at my item and told me, "I don`t like to make change, buy something else." I still laugh to this day at his suggestion. I did share this story with the owners and they said it was just like Charlie. So much history contained in the store. Will be back next year.

7. Fall River Visitor Center

3450 Fall River Rd, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517-9219 https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Fall River Visitor Center

Reviewed By Steve5863 - Avon, United States

Located just outside RMNP’s eastern entrance gate on US-34, the Fall River Visitor Center is the park’s best visitor center with the most displays, activities and interactive exhibits for children, the best souvenir shop, adjacent restaurant in addition to the ranger desk, theater showing the park film and restrooms. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has temporarily closed access to the building but the rangers continue to assist visitors outside.

8. Tundra Communities Trail

Trail Ridge Road, Highway 34, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/tundra-communities-trail.htm
Excellent
71%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Tundra Communities Trail

Reviewed By SDCooks - Spearfish, United States

This was our turn around point on the Trail Ridge Road. Very nice to be able to get out and walk on the path to view the area. Lots of information on the flora and fauna on the placards along the way. Marmots scurrying around (if you are lucky)...we counted 6. July is a good time to see wildflowers at all altitudes and there lots blooming even at this elevation. Vault toilets available. Limited parking spaces. Unlimited views.

9. Lily Lake Trailhead

State Highway 7 From Estes Park, Drive 6.3 Miles South From the Intersection of U.S. 36 and Colorado Highway 7, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517 http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/lily-lake-loop.htm
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Lily Lake Trailhead

Reviewed By BeachSeekers123 - Louisville, United States

Lily Lake is a beautiful little mountain lake with an easy trail around the base and a little more difficult ridge trail that requires some climbing. My wife and I explored both trails and absolutely loved this area. This is a perfect stop for older couples or families with kids. We saw several families with strollers on the base trail. It is also great if you are all "hiked out" like we were, but still wanted to experience a beautiful scenic area.

10. Glen Haven General Store

7499 Co. Rd. 43 Devils Gulch Road, Glen Haven, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80532 +1 970-586-2560 [email protected] http://www.glenhavengeneralstore.com
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Glen Haven General Store

Reviewed By williammauro1 - New Port Richey, United States

While taking a drive outsidebof estes park, we stumbled through the mountain town of Gelb Haven and saw this old general store. By far THE BEST HOME BAKED CINNAMON ROLLS I have ever tasted in my life. If you find yourself in Glen haven, stop by this place and get one

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