Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest in the US, covering over 400 square miles. The park is abundant in alpine meadows and lakes, forest, and rivers, as well as soaring mountains and rugged rock faces. Rocky Mountain offers you various amazing experiences that will change depending on the time you visit the park.
If you are planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and trying to decide when to go, this guide is for you.
I’m James and I’m a national park expert. In this article, I’ll give you a quick summary of the best times for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
While this is my choice for the best time to go to Rocky Mountain National Park, the park is great throughout the year. I have provided a detailed breakdown by season and every month so you can easily see what to expect and then make your own choice.
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“The Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park”
The Best Time For Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in a Nutshell
If you can, heading to Rocky Mountain National Park in late spring or early fall gives you a good chance of mild weather, wildlife spotting, and avoiding the crowds.
In spring you may also see wildflowers, while in fall there is colorful foliage.
Summer brings warm weather to the park, but also a much higher number of visitors. Winter, on the other hand, means winter activities, but access is also strictly limited at this time of the year. Early spring and late fall are slightly warmer than winter.
May and September are the best months to visit if you want to see as much as possible while avoiding the crowds, followed by late April or early October.
When is the best time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park (for different interests)?
The best temperatures
The warmest and most pleasant months in Rocky Mountain National Park are June, July and August. These are also the most popular months to visit, though, so do expect crowds. May and September are a little cooler, but also much quieter.
The best time to see wildlife
You can see wildlife all year round, with dawn and dusk being the best times of day. Elk rutting season in fall is a popular time to head to Rocky Mountain National Park for wildlife.
The best time to avoid the crowds
Avoid the summer season at Rocky Mountain National Park if you want to avoid the crowds, especially around July 4th. Spring, fall and winter are much more peaceful.
The best time to travel in summer
June is the driest month at Rocky Mountain National Park.
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for fall colors
The best time for fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park is between late September and mid-October.
The best time to travel on a budget
The shoulder seasons of April, May and October are less popular, and therefore cheaper, times to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
The best time to have a winter adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park
Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park runs between November and March. January and February in midwinter are the best months for snow sports.
Read my guide to 20 Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park In Winter for ideas on what to do.
The worst time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park
In my opinion, the worst time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park weather-wise is winter, as it’s very cold and access is restricted between November and March. For crowds, though, the worst time to head to Rocky Mountain National Park is during the summer months of June, July and August.
Check my detailed breakdown of what to expect every month in the year for much more detailed information
Travel Insurance for Rocky Mountain National Park
No matter when is the best time to go to Rocky Mountain National Park, you should definitely get travel insurance. This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park!
You might also like:
- Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park: Month by Month Breakdown of What to Expect
- Rocky Mountain National Park Guide
- Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry
- 20 Best Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park In Winter
- Best airport near Rocky Mountain National Park
- How To Get To Rocky Mountain National Park
Subscribe to daily national parks planning tips, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this guide:
“The Best Time to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park”
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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