When exploring over 400 square miles of mountainous terrain appeals, Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado is the perfect destination. With other natural attractions including Bear Lake, alpine tundra and dense forest, it’s no wonder many people want to know how to go to Rocky Mountain National Park!
One issue with exploring the magnificent national parks here in the US is the question of how to get there. If you’re thinking about how to see Rocky Mountain National Park, then this guide has been written to point you in the right direction.
Whether you want to find a city near Rocky Mountain National Park; discover which is the nearest airport to Rocky Mountain NP; look into the option of a Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle bus; or find out how to get from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park by car or train, this guide outlines all the options so you can make an informed choice.
Keep reading to find all the practical advice and directions to Rocky Mountain National Park that you’ll need to plan your visit!
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How to Get to Rocky Mountain National Park
Where is Rocky Mountain National Park located?
The first thing you need to know when working out how to get there is the location of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Where is Rocky Mountain National Park located?
Rocky Mountain National Park can be found in the central part of northern Colorado. It’s situated around 70 miles to the northwest of Denver. The park spans the Continental Divide in this largely mountainous state, which runs approximately northwest to southeast through its center.
To the east of the park is the town of Estes Park, while Grand Lake lies beyond the western edge.
The park also adjoins Arapaho National Recreation Area. It’s been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1976, and a US national park since 1915.
Rocky Mountain Park Entrances
There are four entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park, as follows.
Eastern (Estes Park) side:
- Beaver Meadows Entrance Station on Highway 36
- Wild Basin Entrance station on Highway 7
- Fall River Entrance Station on Highway 34
Western side:
- Grand Lake Entrance Station
What city is closest to Rocky Mountain National Park?
The title of closest city to Rocky Mountain National Park is Denver, Colorado. This lies around 70 miles to the southeast of the park. There are smaller places closer to the Rocky Mountains, however.
The closest town to Rocky Mountain National Park on the eastern side is Estes Park. This is just a few miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station, which is the park’s most popular entrance.
In the west, Grand Lake is also only a few miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. The Grand Lake Entrance Station is the only entry point on this side.
Other Towns and Cities Near Rocky Mountains National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is well served when it comes to local towns you can stay or stop in for gas, food or other services. Other options near the park include Lyons,
- Lyons is only about 29 miles from the park. This fashionable Boulder County town offers places to stay and eat, a thriving arts scene, live music and outdoor pursuits.
- Boulder is around 45 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. This college town offers plenty of amenities, accommodation, dining options and cultural attractions.
You might also like to read:
- 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
Taking a Tour to Rocky Mountain National Park
Taking an organized Rocky Mountain National Park tour can be the easiest way to see the area. Especially if you want to make the most of your time in Colorado. You won’t have to stress about car rental, navigation or buying gas.
Here are some of the best Rocky Mountain National Park trips to consider.
Denver or Boulder to Rocky Mountain day trip
This eight-hour tour can be booked from Boulder or Denver. During the day you’ll pass through small mountain towns, enjoy panoramic views of Alpine passes and look out for local wildlife including deer, elk, moose, eagles or even black bears. Lunch and bottled water is included, and you’ll visit Lily Lake for Longs Peak views plus the highest point possible during the summer or winter season.
BOOK A ONE DAY TRIP FROM BOULDER OR DENVER TO ROCKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Summer Rocky Mountain tour from Denver
During summer, this ten-hour day trip from Denver lets you stay inside the national park for longer. It may include time in Estes Park, a picnic with views of Alpine meadows and lush forest, crossing the Continental Divide and seeing the Stanley Hotel (which inspired The Shining). A maximum group size of 12 applies with this tour.
BOOK A SUMMER TRIP FROM DENVER TO ROCKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Sunrise Rocky Mountain tour from Estes Park
Lasting for three hours, this sunrise trip from Estes Park is led by an expert guide who can introduce you to the park’s natural history. Entry fees and private transport are included, and your guide can show you all the best places for hiking, wildlife spotting and photography. Setting out early also means beating the crowds.
BOOK A SUNRISE TOUR FROM ESTES PARK TO ROCKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Hike the Rockies from Denver half day tour
This five-hour hiking tour of the Rockies will show you the very best of the national park as you take to the trails. The four-mile hike is taken at a relaxed pace so you can enjoy the peace. Mountain, valley, meadow, woodland and lake views all await. Seasonal changes mean you can expect to see snow-capped peaks, wildflowers or fall colors.
BOOK A HALF DAY HIKING TRIP FROM DENVER TO ROCKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Full day Rockies hiking tour from Denver
If you’d rather hit the national park trails for eight hours, this full day hiking adventure from Denver gives you more time. During which you can enjoy the picnic lunch provided, spot local wildlife and even don a pair of snowshoes in winter. This hike is recommended for guests who can cope with moderately challenging conditions.
BOOK A FULL DAY HIKING TRIP FROM DENVER TO ROCKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Half day professional photography Rockies tour from Estes Park
This tour including professional photography departs from Estes Park. In this case your guide joins you in your own or rented car to capture the best of the Rocky Mountains National Park on camera. Some of the highlights can include views from Trail Ridge Road and at the Continental Divide, and spotting local species such as elk, deer and moose.
BOOK A HALF DAY PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR OF ROCKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Full day wildlife tour of the Rockies from Estes Park
If you want to visit Rocky Mountains National Park in the hope of spotting the resident wildlife, then a tour aimed at helping you do just that is surely ideal. Your experienced guide can help you track down the likes of moose, bighorn sheep, elk and mule deer. Snacks, bottled water, all fees and the use of spotting scopes and binoculars is included.
BOOK A FULL DAY WILDLIFE TOUR OF ROCKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Guided tour of the Rockies from Grand Lake
When setting out from the west, you can book this tour led by a Grand Lake resident who is a local historian and the county’s only Certified Tour Guide. He is an expert on the park’s history, animal population and people, and lives only half a mile from the park. Exclusive photos and stories will also be shared with you.
BOOK A HALF DAY LOCAL HISTORIAN TOUR OF THE ROCKIES FROM GRAND LAKE
Flying to Rocky Mountain National Park
A key step in planning your visit is knowing which airports near Rocky Mountain National Park you can fly into.
So which is the closest airport to Rocky Mountain National Park, and what any other options?
The nearest major hub is Denver, and most visitors arrive in Colorado here.
This is a really busy airport, and a major national and international hub. The Beaver Meadows Entrance Station is around 80 miles from the airport, which is in turn 25 miles from downtown Denver. It takes around an hour and 40 minutes to reach the park from Denver airport.
Lots of airlines and car rental companies serve the airport, and you can also take the Estes Park Shuttle from here. See Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park by Bus section below for more details.
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport
This is the nearest to Rocky Mountain National Park, though it only offers charter flights to to Burbank and Dallas.
You can rent a car here, and the drive to the park entrances takes about an hour and 20 minutes plus.
Another option for flights to Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado Springs Airport. Airlines like American Airlines, Southwest, Delta and United fly to nine US cities from here.
It takes just over three hours to reach the park entrances, and you can rent a car.
It’s also possible to use a combination of Groome Transportation and the Estes Park Shuttle but this goes via Denver International Airport, so it makes more sense to fly into there if you want to take a bus from the airport to Estes Park. See Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park by Bus section below for more details.
Cheyenne is the nearest regional airport to Rocky Mountains National Park. It’s quieter than Denver, with connections to national and international US airports. The airport is also convenient for other parks like Bighorn Canyon, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks plus Devils Tower National Monument and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
You’ll need to rent a car from Avis or National to drive to the park from here.
Between them, American Airlines, Delta, and United operate daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver from Eagle County airport. In winter, more US cities are served.
This airport is convenient for the Grand Lake Entrance Station, which is about two hours and 10 minutes away. There are half a dozen car hire companies to choose from here.
Yampa Valley is also convenient for the Grand Lake Entrance Station, which is two hours and 20 minutes away. It’s also handy for Steamboat Springs.
You can rent a car here, and there are flights to Denver and Washington Dulles. Seasonal flights also operate between Yampa Valley and further destinations.
For winter visits and the Grand Lake Entrance Station, Aspen airport can be a good choice. The free RFTA bus service can take you to Snowmass or Aspen, and you can fly via AA or United to Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Forth Worth, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and more.
There’s a good choice of car rental desks here too.
For more information about flying to the Rocky Mountains, read my guide to the best airports for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Check prices on flights to Rocky Mountain here
Rent a car at these airports here
Taking the Train to Rocky Mountain National Park
Taking Amtrak to the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want to take the train to Rocky Mountain National Park, then Denver is the best option for the east side of the park. The Amtrak routes served by Denver Union Station are the California Zephyr which goes between Chicago and San Francisco and the seasonal Winter Park Express between between Denver and the base of the slopes at Winter Park Resort.
You then need to get from Union Station to Estes Park in the east. To do this, the easiest option is to rent a car in Denver. Rent a car here
However, you can also catch the Bustang bus from Denver Union Station or book the Estes Shuttle service. See Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park by Bus section below for more details.
Taking Amtrak to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park
For Amtrak train rides near Rocky Mountain National Park that access the west side of the park, the California Zephyr route to Granby.
From Granby to Grand Lake is only 15 miles, you’ll need to rent a car or grab a taxi. Rent a car here
Taking a Bus to Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re wondering about a Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park bus, then it’s a similar story to Amtrak trains. You can take a Greyhound bus from destinations all around the country to Denver, Union Station and then catch a local service.
The Bustang bus from the station is the cheapest and most convenient. This Rocky Mountain National Park bus travels from Denver Union Station (Amtrak and Greyhound) to Boulder, Lyons, Estes Park and the transit park and ride hub at the national park. This is a seasonal service only from late May to late September/ early October and only runs on Saturdays, Sundays and select holiday Mondays.
The other option is to take the Estes Park Shuttle. This runs year round between Denver International Airport and Estes Park, with more frequent service in the summer. They do also pickup from the Amtrak and Greyhound Denver Union Station, but these pickups are more limited. Check with the company before confirming all your travel arrangements.
If you’re coming from other points like Colorado Springs Airport or Northern Colorado regional Airport, you can take the Groome Transportation bus to Denver International Airport and connect there with
Rocky Mountain Shuttle Services
Once you get to Estes Park, you still need to get into the national park. Fortunately, there is a way.
Between late May and late October, you can take a shuttle to Rocky Mountain National Park. Several routes are available. There’s the Bear Lake Shuttle, the Moraine Park Shuttle and the Hiker Shuttle.
Rides on the Moraine Park or Bear Lake Shuttle are free of charge. Services operates between 7:00 AM or earlier and 6.30 PM or later. They call at the Park and Ride, plus trailheads, parks, the lake and campgrounds.
Hiker Shuttle tickets must be booked in advance. This only departs from the the Estes Park Visitor Center. From late May to early September, a seven day Hiker Shuttle operates. From then to late October, the service only operates on Saturdays and Sundays.
Driving to Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want to drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, then how long this will take depends on where you’re coming from. The Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park drive is one of the most popular due to the large international airport there, but there are other options too.
Note that in summer, you need get a timed entry permit to enter the park. Read my Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry for more details.
Rocky Mountain National Park directions from major departure points
Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park
The drive from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park takes around one hour and 40 minutes. You’ll cover a distance of around 75 miles, and travel via I-25 N and US-36 W. There are plenty of car hire options at the airport and in the city.
Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park
Driving from Denver, CO to Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t the only option. Boulder, Colorado to Rocky Mountain National Park is another, and this can take as little as an hour (or slightly longer). You’ll travel via CO-72 W. The distance from Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park is about 40 miles.
Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park
Driving to Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park in the east is another option. As the gateway town to the park, this takes only around 10 minutes. You’ll travel the four miles or so via Moraine Avenue, aka US-36 W.
Breckenridge to Rocky Mountain National Park
Breckenridge, CO to Rocky Mountain National Park is another popular route to take. This drive takes about two hours via CO-9 N and US-40 E. The distance is around two hours.
Aspen to Rocky Mountain National Park
Though it’s a little further, Aspen, CO to Rocky Mountain National Park can be a popular route, particularly in winter. The drive typically takes three-and-a-half hours or more, and the distance is from 165 miles or so depending on the route. Via I-70 E is the fastest.
Loveland to Rocky Mountain National Park
Located to the east of the park, Loveland CO to Rocky Mountain National Park is a route that takes only around an hour to complete. The trip of around 35 miles is via W US-34 and US-34 W.
Fraser to Rocky Mountain National Park
From Fraser CO to Rocky Mountain National Park is another popular route to take. Fraser is south of the park, and you’ll drive via US-40 W and US-34 E. It’s just over 30 miles, and takes about 40 minutes.
Phoenix to Rocky Mountain National Park
Phoenix in Arizona is a long way from Rocky Mountain National Park. You’d be looking at around 13 to 14 hours’ driving time. The route is almost 800 miles long, and is via I-70 E.
How do I get from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park without a car?
If you don’t want to take or rent a car, then the best option is to get to Denver via a flight, Amtrak train or Greyhound bus.
You can then get to the park in several ways.
The easiest option is to take a tour. See Rocky Mountain Tours section above for options.
Union Station offers the Bustang bus. This can take you to accommodations in Estes Park, or the park and ride hub at the national park.
The best option from Denver International Airport is the Estes Park Shuttle service. Once you reach the the park and ride hub, there are summer shuttles to transport you between points within the national park.
As long as it fits with your schedule, the best way to get to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver is to take the Bustang bus, as it’s the cheapest and a very convenient service.
From Estes Park, it’s easy to take the national park shuttle into the park itself.
FAQs about Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park
What airport do you fly into for Rocky Mountain National Park?
Denver is the most commonly used airport by passengers bound for Rocky Mountain National Park. This is around an hour and 40 minutes by car from the park. The Beaver Meadows Entrance Station is about 80 miles from Denver International Airport.
If you don’t want to drive, you can take the Estes Park Shuttle or Bustang bus services to the Estes Park area. This is only about four miles from the park.
Is there public transportation to Rocky Mountain National Park?
If you don’t want to worry about directions from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, then you can use public transport.
Taking a plane, bus or train to Denver is the most popular option.
From the airport or bus and train station you can then use the Bustang bus or Estes Park Shuttle to reach Estes Park.
Estes Park is only about four miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. There are summer shuttle services from Estes Park into the national park.
Can you just drive into Rocky Mountain National Park?
If you want to drive into Rocky Mountain National Park, the National Park Service recommends using the Beaver Meadows Entrance. The Fall River Entrance is best avoided if possible. Both entrances are busy, so expect to wait. One lane is usually open to drivers.
Note that in summer, you need get a timed entry permit to enter the park. Read my Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry for more details.
Do you need a 4 x 4 in Rocky Mountain National Park?
When there’s no snow, the majority of the roads in Rocky Mountain National Park can be accessed via a standard car. A more rugged vehicle will give you access to more areas, though. It will also make it easier to drive around on icy or snowy ground.
In winter, the road between both sides of the park is closed, so even with a 4WD you cannot drive from one side of the park to the other.
Travel Insurance for Rocky Mountain National Park
You should definitely have travel insurance when you travel to Rocky Mountain. Good travel insurance will cover you for trip cancellation, theft or damage of your property when traveling, medical help if you have an accident in or while getting to Rocky Mountain National Park, or medical repatriation if you need to get medi-vaced out.
A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park!
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How to Get to 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 all of the main 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 Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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