Rocky Mountain National Park Tips | 5 Things to Know Before You Go!

Check out these Rocky Mountain National Park tips before you head out on your vacation! Here are 5 things you need to know before you go! You’ll learn about the crowds, trails, lodging, when to go, and what makes this park so incredible.
0:52 Rocky Mountain National Park is high
5:13 Rocky Mountain is very crowded
8:43 Rocky Mountain has no in-park lodging; you’ll need to camp
11:06 Rocky Mountain is very complex
14:42 Rocky Mountain National Park is all about the mountains
These tips will get you started with your Rocky Mountain trip plans, but you can get a fully planned out, hour-by-hour trip itinerary here: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/rocky-m...
My goal is to make national park trip planning easy!
⭐️ Rocky Mountain Can’t-Miss List: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/12-thin...
⭐️ Rocky Mountain Ultimate Trip Planning Guide: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/rocky-m...
⭐️ Rocky Mountain Itinerary: www.dirtinmyshoes.com/rocky-m...
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[@cookwithsaamia]

I am from Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan and reside in the Himalayan Mountains region at an altitude above 15000 feet. Our region commonly utilizes Apricots to alleviate high altitude sickness experienced by visitors. Therefore, anyone intending to visit altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet should consider consuming 5 to 10 Apricots during their stay. Witness the amazing natural wonders at such heights and benefit from the healing properties of natural medicine that nature has bestowed upon us.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Very cool -- thank you for sharing!

[@beaubows239]

Thanks, very informative!

[@barrymeyer2805]

Thank you I subscribed to your channel a lot of great information.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Thanks Barry!

[@JT-nm6kv]

I grew up in the RMNP region in the 50s & 60s and wouldn’t even consider going back now. It might spoil my wonderful memories of skiing Hidden Valley during Christmas vacations and hiking in summer all day without seeing anyone other than my hiking companions. Many times the entry ranger stations were left unattended on weekdays because of low traffic!!😊

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Ahhh the good ol' days....it's definitely much different now!

[@juliedavenport3611]

Moraine campground is closing for renovations in May for the rest of the year FYI.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes, I saw that :)

[@loganoehring3150]

@juliedavenport3611 @DirtInMyShoes Are there any other good campsites on the Estes Park side. I’ll be going at the end of June. We would really like to camp outside if that’s possible. Any tips and tricks for that? Thanks :)

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@loganoehring3150 Yes, lots of great options on the Estes side. Aspenglen and Glacier Basin are in the park, but you'll also find a bunch just outside. I like to use www.campendium.com for finding sites near the parks.

[@juliedavenport3611]

@@loganoehring3150 Take a look at Hermit Park (Larimer County) or Carter Lake campground (40 min drive up canyon...) Maybe some backcountry permits still avail if you're into that... :)

[@jesserdo9963]

@@loganoehring3150Granby

[@juliedavenport3611]

Thank you for the great tips 👍👍

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're welcome!

[@user-yy6hp8ty1y]

Excellent

[@essentialtravelitems]

Wow, your video about Rocky Mountain National Park is truly amazing! As someone who loves exploring national parks, I found these tips incredibly helpful and informative. You are so knowledgeable and passionate about the park, and it really shines through your presentation. I've always wanted to visit Rocky Mountain, but I was a bit hesitant because of the high elevations and potential challenges in planning a trip. However, after watching this video, I feel much more confident and excited to embark on this adventure. I can't wait to use these tips to create a well-organized itinerary and make the most of my visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. Thank you for sharing your expertise and helping us have an incredible experience in this beautiful park!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Of course! Enjoy Rocky!

[@Dguitargirl1]

Excellent tips, thanks

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're welcome!

[@MaximRedin]

So nice! Very picturesque views. Btw I am watching you from Russia! Would like to visit these unbelievably fascinating places.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I hope you're able to visit sometime!

[@mrk1122]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You're welcome!

[@packersfanforlife7903]

The Rockies is definitely on the bucket list. Nice to know you can drive through it.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

The Trail Ridge Road is amazing!

[@simonc4234]

Will an average city driver be able to enjoy the road without guardrail and hairpin roads on steep curves?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@simonc4234 yes, but you'll definitely need to be on your A-game :)

[@johnw2026]

This is helpful. I'm planning a trip there in July 2024.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It's amazing! You're going to love it!

[@johnw2026]

@@DirtInMyShoes My Dad was gonna take us when we were kids, but never could. Now, I'm gonna try and take him while I still have the chance.

[@juliedavenport3611]

Ash, I would love to hike with you when you’re back to Rocky! 😃

[@DirtInMyShoes]

That would be fun!

[@agyasar1]

we re going first week of July hope we are on right time to explore all these and have fun! do you have any recommendation on this campground - Aspenglen,Timber Creek and Glacier Basin Campground ?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll find a full article about Where to Stay in Rocky on dirtinmyshoes.com

[@shoshanavlogs1015]

Hi,thank you so much for the informative video. how many hours to hike in the Rocky mountain national park? Is november is the best month to hike?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll want to read through the Best Time to Visit Rocky article on Dirt In My Shoes. The main road through the park isn't fully open in November, so I would pick a different month to visit.

[@GingerAnderson-ku5xj]

Hi! Great info. Which entrance is best coming from Moab?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It's faster to go through the Grand Lake entrance if coming from Moab, but you'll eventually want to make your way over to the Estes side if you're hoping to be close to the main can't-miss sights.

[@kireniamorales1457]

I be staying in Winter Park from June 9-16. I have reservations to enter the park everyday. I’m planing to make it to Estes at least once. When you say “can’t-miss sights” do you refer to Estes town or to that side of the park? I wouldn’t want to miss a beautiful trail for example.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@kireniamorales1457 you'll find a full video on my channel about the sights in Rocky that I think are can't-miss for first time visitors!

[@poojaandpawan6282]

Is Trail Ridge Road going to be open from Estes Park to Grand Lake for Memorial Day long weekend in May 2023?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Unknown -- they typically do try to get it open on Memorial Day weekend, but we got lots of extra snow this year and so it's taking many parks a longer time to plow than normal.

[@buildfinancialwealth]

Thank you so much for the trips! I recently planned a trip for mid June of this year and we are staying in winter park. However I had no idea about the times reserved entry until yesterday! The early spots are already filled up. We wanted to do at least two days in rocky national park one day the shorter hikes of the lakes and the second chasm lake hike. What do you suggest we do? Should we leave in the middle of the night and drive for hours to get there before 6 am to be able to do it? My orb wet question is, the trail ridge road which would be quicker for us since we’re in winter park won’t be open at night time right? I would appreciate any tips you can give this is my first time visiting and I want to be able to go to rocky. Thank you!! ✨🤍

[@DirtInMyShoes]

First, try for the last-minute reservations that they'll open up the day before. But then yes, you'll need to enter before or after the reservation period if you're not able to get one!

[@kireniamorales1457]

Hi, I will be staying in Winter Park as well with my family. From June 9-16. I did get reservations for everyday. I hope you can get last minute reservation.

[@tomko3227]

Is it suitable to go in early Nov? Thanks

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Many of the main roads will probably be closed by then. You'll find a very detailed article about the best time to visit Rocky on dirtinmyshoes.com

[@shavyb.7232]

Is bear lake concert paved or gravel road. I have personal on a wheelchair with me. Trying to find fee wheelchair accessible trails, so we all can enjoy together. TIA

[@DirtInMyShoes]

The trail around Bear Lake is partially paved. You'll find a full list of wheelchair-friendly trails on dirtinmyshoes.com Just look for the best easy hikes article for Rocky!

[@dancergirl182]

We’re planning a trip with some friends in April (not the ideal time, I know). What lakes and hikes will we be able to do weather permitting?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

You'll find a full article about the Best Time to Visit Rocky on dirtinmyshoes.com. That will walk you through what to expect in April!

[@deannaladd1216]

My husband & I will only have an afternoon to visit RMNP, is there anything that you advise for us to see in such a short amount of time? Also, would we be able to enter the park after 2 PM?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes, you can enter most of the park after 2 p.m., but not Bear Lake until after 6. You'll find tons of ideas/resources on dirtinmyshoes.com!

[@skullandbones1832]

👍

[@user-kn3ql9fd9s]

Can you be a little more specific on when the thunderstorms usually hit - early afternoon, late afternoon? I would not like to sit out from noon until 6:00 because of the possibility of thunderstorms. Thanks!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

There's not really a specific time. You don't have to sit out, but you'll want to watch the skies and be prepared with the right gear! Get your longer hikes done earlier in the morning if you can.

[@unbiasedadvocator]

@@DirtInMyShoes Hi, I'm hiking some longer hikes next week with a group of friends. While we'll start early in the morning, I think it's a non-zero probability that we get caught in a storm. I was wondering what kind of gear you suggest?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@unbiasedadvocator I just always have a good rain jacket with me when I hike in Rocky. And you'll want to try to be away from the high points if a storm rolls through. Have fun!

[@user-wu8il4jx1r]

the way you said it, it's like it's the worst NP

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I love Rocky, but it's one of the top 5 busiest national parks in America! It's common to wait in an entrance line for over an hour or to not be able to find parking, and I want people to know that so that they can have a better experience than most people have when they go :)

[@paulwolf3302]

One more tip. Please don't stop your car in the middle of Trail Ridge Road to take pictures of Elk. The traffic jam is bad enough already.

[@semsemeini7905]

I went in 1977. It's gorgeous. I was not prepared by the height and had a splitting headache. I had no idea I needed to drink water and take aspirin. There were not all that many people. I had no idea they had bears. It's dangerous to be alone with bears. Had I known I would not have wondered off in such lonely areas with no one in sight.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It's an awesome park!

[@Mike-cj3nw]

Are there b b b bears? LOL I prefer national Forest wilderness areas to National Parks. I'll go for a day hike but look for less used NF wilderness areas.Some wilderness areas in Arizona are void of humans . i visited Rocky MTN National park yrs ago when I was 9. I don't hike much during our monsoon season, worse thunder storms. You said bears ahhhhh!

[@saleha529]

Do you recommend this national park for toddlers

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes!

[@superdutyohv3401]

To your knowledge, what is the fine if a group of backpackers does illegal dispersed camping at RMNP?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

It will vary depending on the situation. Please don't camp illegally in the park!

[@superdutyohv3401]

@@DirtInMyShoes too late 🤣

[@DirtInMyShoes]

that's too bad :( Responsible recreation is so important for these beautiful but busy places. I hope that you will help take better care of the parks by following the guidelines next time@@superdutyohv3401

[@superdutyohv3401]

@@DirtInMyShoes well you should’ve told me sooner…but I’m just messing with ya haha. We were able to snag Andrew’s creek last minute and was amazing for our second night⛰️

[@DirtInMyShoes]

@@superdutyohv3401 great choice, that area is beautiful!!

[@stephenchurch1784]

The elevation is serious. I always make friends hike royal arch first when they want to head up into the mountains the day they land. Usually takes about half way up before they realize how much less oxygen they're getting even in the foothills

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Yes, that's an awesome idea!

[@willienillie6337]

Why did you stop being a Park Ranger?

[@DirtInMyShoes]

I wanted to stay at home with my kids :)

[@ddphotoadventure2657]

Its fun to watch a potato chip bag double in size before you open it in this park.

[@DirtInMyShoes]

Haha yes!

[@PavewayJDAM]

If you have younger kids, bring vomit bags! Altitude barf all over your back seat is NOT FUN!

[@DirtInMyShoes]

No fun :(