Escape the Crowds: Expert Tips for a Quiet Visit to Rocky Mountain National Park

[@BonnieRavesloot]

I agree with all your trips and try to follow all of them. Being early is probably the best of all. One morning we enjoyed a sunrise in a location we had all to ourselves! It's also the best time to see wildlife!

[@ErikStensland]

Totally agree!

[@brenttritschler864]

We are visiting during the first week of October. We will definitely use your tips and we have visited your gallery frequently. We love all your videos. We usually drink our morning coffee watching your videos and wishing we were there. Thanks again !!!

[@ErikStensland]

That’s so wonderful to hear. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed these videos.

[@toryevanss4512]

"How many people know about this hike?" me me me! Because I got your book and have been devouring it! I'm grateful for these tips. I'm a little bummed that we are coming during peak season, but I have to for the same reason everyone else does (kids school schedules). I'm glad to know there are still ways I can enjoy some peace and quiet.

[@ErikStensland]

Glad you are enjoying my hiking guide. You can certainly have a great time during peak season using these tips. Hope you have an amazing trip with your family.

[@evelynwiegel1838]

Thank's Erik for this valuable information. I'm 73 and remember waking my husband at 4 AM so i wouldn't miss a minute of those mountains. The birds and animals have a special chorus in the morning.

[@ErikStensland]

I completely understand that! 😀

[@sherryb4918]

Once again thanks for a wonderful video. Hope you, your family and Estes Park stay safe from the fires. Praying.

[@ErikStensland]

Thank you Sherry!

[@skypondphotographyvideopro3579]

Great video! Love what you've been doing with your videos over the summer!

[@ErikStensland]

Yay! Thank you Alex.

[@robertwombles1380]

I’m glad you have a Kindle Version of your book. I arrive later this week to the park! Bought:) thanks for the tips

[@ErikStensland]

Hope you have a great trip!

[@TalesFromAbroad-SJ]

Great tips! Escaping the crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park sounds perfect. Your advice on tweaking our vacation approach is super helpful. Thanks for sharing all these awesome resources. Can't wait to enjoy the park without the hustle and bustle. Cheers, Simon - Tales From Abroad

[@ErikStensland]

Glad it was helpful. Have a great vacation!

[@doctormorgan5353]

I was just there a couple weeks ago, and without even knowing it, we managed to avoid the worst of the crowd simply by entering on Falls River (where our hotel was located). The line was about 3 cars deep, that's it, and we arrived at noon. We drove pretty much straight over to the west side and hiked on that side - so that would be the tip I'd pass on to others. We got to see a moose on the way, though not a lot of other large wildlife. The only really busy spot was (as you say in the video) Alpine. Actually, no, the other tip I'd give is that there are bathrooms at other places than Alpine, so you needn't wait in line there!

[@ErikStensland]

Great tip! Thank you.

[@nancycronin601]

Great video. Will be there last week of September. Plan on visiting your gallery. Thanks. 😊

[@ErikStensland]

Great to hear! We look forward to your visit to the gallery.

[@jphuang8658]

Love your videos and website. I took notes. Thank you!! I’m preparing for my trip in August.

[@ErikStensland]

Wonderful! I hope you have an amazing trip!

[@TexasSheepdog]

Stopped by a couple of days ago. We appreciate your book and the videos. Keep up the fine work!

[@ErikStensland]

Thank you! Will do!

[@robiness6019]

Thank you for the tips! We normally visit in the off season, but are coming in late August this year so we can be there when the park is fully open. Definitely appreciate any help avoiding the crowds!

[@ErikStensland]

Enjoy your trip. Hopefully the tips will be helpful, also late August is often quieter than the rest of the summer.

[@andrewfuller7942]

Great tips Erik! Thanks. I will be there in late September or early October.

[@ErikStensland]

Sounds good. Just keep in mind that this is the busiest time of the entire year, but it is certainly gorgeous then!

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Great set of tips!

[@ErikStensland]

Glad you like them!

[@teacherbytes]

I bought your book on RMNP to learn about hiking trails not involving Bear Lake Road. Did a hike to Dream Lake starting at 4:30 AM to catch golden hour at the lakes.

[@ErikStensland]

Sounds wonderful.

[@SaeculaSaeculorum]

I haven’t bought a pass the last 4 years. And I go to the RMNP all the time. I just get my rear end to the glacier gorge trailhead by 3:30 am and peace out into the dark. It’s awesome to finish a hike by noon and get back to the TH and watch all the tourist zombies getting on and off the shuttle. Plus, who wants to hike in the afternoon sun anyway. Back to Foco by 2 pm, mow the lawn, call it a day. This fire tho is going hurt the hiking season.

[@ErikStensland]

That's the best way to enjoy the park, if you are comfortable hiking in the dark, though I think that is beyond the comfort of most people. I certainly understand the appeal and do that myself very often.

[@BIGTIMBERFILMS]

Great video. I've been fortunate to visit RMNP since i was a kid. Over the years i've had to adopt a similar approach.

[@ErikStensland]

Glad you have figured out some of these tips yourself. It really does make a difference.

[@rolanddavid6458]

Tysm for your tips @Erik Stensland! We are planning on visiting the park this Fri...would trying Old Fall River Rd around 10a be dangerous? Ive heard storms roll in around 11, so getting up to Alpine visitor around then seems against common recommendations. Thanks again in advance!!

[@ErikStensland]

It would not be dangerous to drive the road at any time of day, but when storms move in don’t spend much time outside above tree line.

[@dash_kelly89]

If I arrive midweek on a Tuesday or Wednesday around 5am along the Bear Lake Corridor, what will the parking situation be like?

[@ErikStensland]

Generally you should find parking till around 6am up at Bear Lake. Other places will have some cars, but generally won't be filled other than Glacier Gorge.

[@ankitachatterjee9346]

Great informative video. Could you please share entry point address

[@ErikStensland]

It’s the Fall River Entrance on highway 34. It’s currently under construction but should fully open soon.

[@kimjohnson8471]

Erik, what is the brand of your coat/jacket?

[@ErikStensland]

I think it’s a Marmot. It’s actually a hand-me-down from a friend who is a mountain guide.

[@johng5710]

There is one good reason to gravitate to the crowds, and that is because of a wildlife sighting. If the crowd wasn’t there all looking at it, you might just pass on by and miss it. This happened to me at RMNP a couple weeks ago. There was a moose bathing in a lake and a huge crowd was gathered looking at it, and I’m glad I got to see it too. Other than that I agree!

[@ErikStensland]

Sometimes the crowd is watching a squirrel or wildlife far away and often you can see more wildlife just by getting on a quiet trail.