Are you visiting Colorado and considering a stop at Rocky Mountain National Park with kids? I would highly recommend that you don’t skip it! The park is full of wonderful family friendly activities, from easy hikes around scenic alpine lakes, to waterfalls, historic sites, and lots of wildlife.
During our road trip in the Western US we made it a point to stop in Rocky Mountain National Park and we were not disappointed. I have made a list of some of our favorite things to do in the park to help make your trip planning easier and stress-free!
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About Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountains, often times called the Rockies, make up the largest mountain range in North America. The mountain range extends from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, down through the US states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and down into New Mexico.
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of the best spots along the mountain range to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the mountains. Located in Northern Colorado, about 70 miles northwest of Denver, the park spans 265,807 acres. It was established as a national park in 1915 and sees about 4.5 million visitors a year.
The park contains a wide range of eco-systems, from meadows, alpine lakes, mountain peaks, waterfalls, to mountain valleys. Alpine and subalpine climates are found in the park. The park features over 100 peaks, many of which reach an elevation of 11,000 feet, making it a great destination for hiking!
Things to Know When Visiting RMNP
- If you are visiting between mid-May and mid-October, a timed entry pass may be required between 9am and 2pm. There are two options available-timed entry and timed entry with access to Bear Lake Road. Re-entry is allowed (only after 2pm for Bear Lake Road).
- Like most national parks, cell service in the park is spotty. Be sure to prepare ahead of time, download maps, and have a plan for your day.
- Make sure you bring layers. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures at the higher elevations can be cold even in the summer months. It is not uncommon to see snow throughout the year.
- The park only accepts debit/credit for camping reservations and entrance fees.
- Always be sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles while in the park. Respect the environment and wildlife.
Entrance Stations
RMNP has four main entrance stations:
- Beaver Meadows Entrance: the main entrance and the largest entrance station into the park. Located on Highway 36, about 3.5 miles West of Estes Park.
- Fall River Entrance: Located on Highway 34 about 4 miles West of Estes Park. This entrance often has shorter lines than the Beaver Meadows Entrance.
- Wild Basic Entrance: Located on Highway 7, about 19 miles South of Estes Park.
- Grand Lake: Located on the Western side of the park, about 2 miles North of Grand Lake.
Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park With Kids
Visit One of the Park’s Visitor Centers
Before heading out to explore the park, stop at one of the visitor centers to get up to date park information and help with planning your visit. You will also want to pick up a junior ranger booklet, an interactive program that teaches kids about the park, environment, and outdoor skills while giving them the opportunity to earn a special badge.
- Beaver Meadows Visitor Center: Best if entering from the Estes Park side. The visitor center is located about a mile east of the Beaver Meadows Entrance. It is open year-round. At the visitor center you can visit Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Store for souvenirs and watch a film on the park’s history.
- Fall River Visitor Center: Located West of Estes Park on US Highway 34. The visitor enter offers maps/information for planning your visit to the park and a Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s Nature Store for gifts and souvenirs.
- Kawuneeche Visitor Center: The Kawuneeche Visitor Center is located on highway 34 on the west side of the park. It is north of Grand Lake. It is open year round, with reduced hours during the winter months (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). The center offers exhibits on the park, maps and park information, and a gift shop.
- Alpine Visitor Center: The Alpine Visitor is a seasonal visitor center only open in the summer months. It is the highest elevation visitor center in the country, at 11,796 feet. It is located at the top of Fall River Pass. To reach the center you have to take a portion of Trail Ridge Road. The center offers park information and has some scenic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Go For a Hike
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. With plenty of options of varying difficulty, there is something for everyone. Choose from a wide range of easy, family friendly hikes in the park, or if you are up for more of a challenge, choose one of the longer, more difficult trails in the park.
Some of the best hikes in the park for families include the 0.8 mile Lily Lake trail, the 0.8 mile Bear Lake trail, the half mile Sprague Lake trail, the 1 mile Coyote Valley Trail, the 1.6 mile Alberta Falls Trail, and the 1 mile Tundra Communities Trail.
If you are looking for more of a challenge, consider the 3.6 mile Calypso Cascades Trail, the 4.6 mile Cub Lake Trail, or the 2.8 mile Bierstadt Lake Trail.
Visit the Moraine Park Discovery Center
The Moraine Park Discovery Center is a museum highlighting the history of Rocky Mountain National Park and fun Junior Ranger activities. From the Discovery Center you will also get great views of Moraine Park and Longs Peak.
You can also find a book store onsite, and 1 half mile nature trail accessible from the center. There are restrooms and a water bottle filling station. The Discovery Center is closed in the winter months.
Rocky Mountain National Park With Kids: Visit Bear Lake
Bear Lake is one of the most popular spots to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park and gives you access to a number of easy, family friendly hikes in the park. Bear Lake is a subalpine lake that sits at 9,475 feet elevation.
The Bear Lake Loop is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. The 0.6 mile loop trail is a mostly flat, easy walk around Bear Lake with views of the surrounding mountains. There is less than 50 ft. of elevation gain, and the trail is wide.
If visiting during the peak season, a timed entry pass will be needed to gain access to the Bear Lake area.
Go Stargazing
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best spots to go stargazing in the country because of the park’s high elevation and minimal light pollution. Stargazing in the park gives you views of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and stars/planets.
The park offers nightsky programs on certain Friday nights throughout the summer. Check their schedule for the latest up to date information. The program starts with a ranger led talk about the night sky, followed by telescope viewing opportunities after dark.
You can also enjoy views of the night sky on your own. Some of the best spots for stargazing in the park include pull offs on Trail Ridge Road (Rock Cut and Rainbow Curve), Bear and Sprague Lake, and the wide open meadows of Moraine Park and Kawuneeche Valley.
Remember, the park is at a high elevation and temperatures can drop quickly at night. Be prepared and bring extra layers/blankets to stay warm. It is also recommended to bring a red light flashlight to help you get around safely while minimizing the effect of light.
Visit Sprague Lake
Located along Bear Lake Road on the park’s east side, Sprague Lake is known for its calm water, easy walking trail, and mountain reflection views, making it one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Mountains along the Continental Divide are visible from the Sprague Lake trail.
The Sprague Lake Trail is a half mile loop around the lake that is easy and flat. It is also stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it one of the best things to do when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Sunrise/sunset are good times to visit, when the changing colors reflect off the mountains/lake.
The lake is also a good place to slow down and relax while taking in the mountain views. There are benches and picnic tables around the lake, making it a good spot to stop for lunch and take to a break from hiking.
Visit Chasm Falls
Viewing Chasm Falls is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Chasm Falls is a 25 foot waterfall flowing through a narrow granite gorge in the park. You can easily view the falls from a viewing platform.
The trail to Chasm Falls is located on Old Fall River Road. The trail to the falls is short at only 0.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 640 feet.The road to reach the trailhead is unpaved, or you can park at the Endovalley Picnic Area and hike in. This would make the hike 1.4 miles one way.
If you do choose to drive the one-way, gravel Old Fall River Road (only open during the summer months), you will have to drive the entire length of the road up to the Alpine Visitor Center.
Rocky Mountain National Park With Kids: Go Camping
Camping is one of the best ways to experience Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Camping in the park will put you right in the center of the action, with easy access to hiking trails, scenic drives, stargazing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
During the summer season, reservations are required for campsites. During the spring/winter seasons, campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Campground options in the park include:
- Moraine Park Campground: Largest in the park with 244 campsites (49 with electrical hookups). This is also the open campsite open year round, offering winter camping.
- Glacier Basin Campground: 150 campsites. Open seasonally
- Aspenglen Campground: Open seasonally. It is a small campground with 52 sites.
- Longs Peak Campground: Another smaller campground, with only 26 sites. Open seasonally. It is operated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Timber Creek Campground: Open seasonally. 98 campsites, no electric hook ups.
Wildlife Watching
Like any US National Park, wildlife watching and observing animals in their natural habitat is a great activity. Some of the best places to spot wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park include Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, Kawuneeche Valley, and on Trail Ridge Road.
Elk are one of the most commonly sighted species in the park. While these animals are not usually aggressive, they can react when surprised or frightened, so it is important to follow all safety guidelines when observing them.
Other species commonly seen in the park include bighorn sheep near Sheep Lakes and Horseshoe Park, mule deer, marmots, pikas, a wide variety of bird species, and a variety of fish species. Moose can also be seen occasionally in the park.
Be sure to follow all park guidelines when observing wildlife. Keep your distance, do not try to approach them, and never feed wildlife. Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot wildlife.
Visit the Holzwarth Historic Site
For those interested in learning about the history of the park, visit the Holzwarth Historic Site. The site was where the Never Summer Ranch, Holzwarth Trout Lodge, and homestead sat, operated by the Holzwarth family from the 1910’s to 1970’s.
The Holzwarth Historic site is located on the western side of the park, about 8 miles from the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. A 1.3 mile trail at the site takes you by the historic buildings, along the Colorado River, and past scenic Rocky Mountain views.
Drive Trail Ridge Road
Driving Trail Ridge Road is a must when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. It is the highest paved road in the US National Park system, and the views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks are stunning! It spans 48 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake.
During the drive you will pass through three mountain eco-systems, including montane forests, subalpine, and alpine zones. Make sure you stop at the Forest Canyon Overlook for some great views! The Trail Ridge Road is closed from mid-October to Memorial Day due to snow and winter conditions.
Rocky Mountain National Park With Kids: Drive Old Fall River Road
Old Fall River Road is another scenic, but shorter drive (11 miles) in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is found off of Trail Ridge Road. It is a one-way gravel road that brings you to the top of the Fall River Pass (and also gives you access to Chasm Falls). It includes a series of switchbacks, so use caution when driving. At the top of Fall River Pass is the Alpine Visitor Center.
Participate in the Junior Ranger Program
When visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with kids, stop at the visitor center and grab a junior ranger booklet. Complete the activities in the book while exploring the park, which features activities centered about the park’s eco-systems, plant life, and environmental conservation. After completing the activity booklet, return it to a visitor center to earn a special junior ranger badge.
Join a Ranger Led Program
Rocky Mountain National Park offers ranger-led tours at different times during the year. Ranger programs include nature walks with a ranger, twilight walks, talks about the park’s wildlife, historic talks, and junior ranger activities.
In addition to these programs, rangers are available most days outside of the visitor centers to answer questions and help you plan your visit. All ranger-led programs in the park are free and open to the public. Be sure to check what programs are currently offered before your visit to the park.
Take A Guided Tour of the Park
If you have limited time and want to see the highlights of the park, or if you are just looking to avoid the traffic, consider taking a guided tour of the park. There are plenty of options for wildlife tours, photography tours, and hiking tours in the park.
Yellow Wood Guiding offers private wildlife tours, photography tours, the best of the park tours, and snow shoeing tours in the winter. RMNP Photographer offers guided photography tours in the park. Creeks and Critters Nature Tours offer guided wildlife, scenic, sunrise/sunset, and night sky tours. Tours are generally half-day to full day, and allow you to see many of the highlights of the park.
Visit Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is a 30 foot waterfall inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Alberta Falls is reachable on a 1.7 mile out and back mostly flat trail. The trail is accessed at the Glacier Gorge junction trail head near the end of Bear Lake Road.
The trail begins by following alongside the creek before opening up to a ledge overlooking Glacial Gorge. After this viewpoint, the trail continues along the creek to Alberta Falls.
If you are up for some more hiking, following the trail past the falls will take you to some of the park’s lakes, including The Loch, Mills Lake, Lake Haiyaha, and Black Lake. Parking at the Glacier Gorge junction trail is very limited. An alternative is to park at the Bear Lake parking area and hike down or use the shuttle.
Explore the Alluvial Fan
The Alluvial Fan area of Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most unique areas in the park. It is a 40 acre boulder field with cascading waterfalls. The Alluvial Fan was created after a dam broke at Lawn Lake in 1982.
The dam breaking resulted in large boulders being moved and left in the fan shaped seen today. The Alluvial Fan Trail is an easy, short family friendly hike that is about a half mile round trip. Along the trail you will pass over a footbridge that goes over the Roaring River.
There are two parking areas for the Alluvial Fan Trail. The West Parking area is the larger one and has restrooms and picnic tables. The East parking area is smaller with no restrooms.
Spend the Day at the YMCA of the Rockies
The YMCA of the Rockies is a fun-filled destination for a day trip and/or overnight accommodations when visiting the Rockies with kids. If you are staying offsite, you can still enjoy the activities at the YMCA with a day pass.
Activities include roller skating, mini golf, basketball courts, hiking trails, biking trails, disc golf, and an indoor pool. Other activities, that require registration and additional fees, include archery, axe throwing, arts & crafts, escape rooms, skiing, and sledding. Advance registration is not available for day pass users but may be made the day of if there is availability.
The YMCA also offers day camps for kids from kindergarten to 8th grade, so if you are looking to explore the Rockies for a day without the kiddos, this may be a great option! Camps are from 8am to 3pm and focus on different outdoor activities.
Rocky Mountain National Park With Kids: Cycling
Cycling is another way to explore the park. Trail Ridge Road is a popular road in the park for bicycling up, although it will be difficult for younger children. You can also bicycle on the other roads in the park (except Grand Ditch Road), but bicycles are not permitted on any trails. Some roads will be closed during the off seasons, so it is always important to know which roads you can access before going.
Enjoy Some Winter Activities
If you are visiting the park in the winter months, I am going to assume you are a fan of winter activities! Rocky Mountain National Park offers plenty, including Back country skiing and snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing tours are offered in the winter months. The Bear Lake area is one of the most popular areas for snow shoeing, including Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Bierstadt Lake. Cross country skiing is a popular activity on the Western side of the park.
Sledding is another popular activity when visiting Rocky Mountains National Park with kids in the winter. There is a sledding hill located at Hidden Valley. The hill has a gentle slope, making it great for kids of all ages. So, if you don’t mind being out in the cold, you will find plenty to do in Rocky Mountains National Park in the winter.
Walk Around Lily Lake
Lily Lake offers another family friendly, easy trail to enjoy in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. The trail is just under a mile round trip and has very little elevation gain. As you walk along the trail you will be treated to views of Longs Peak, the lake, and surrounding mountains.
Lily Lake is also a good place to look for wildlife, including small mammals and a variety of bird species. Along the trail you can also find benches and places to sit, relax, and simply take in the views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
Summer and early fall are popular for family trips because many roads, trails, and visitor facilities are accessible. Fall is especially beautiful when the aspens change color and elk are active during the rut.
Do you need reservations to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes, during the peak summer months timed reservations are required.
How can families prepare for the high elevation?
Families should drink plenty of water, take breaks, avoid overexertion the first day, and watch for signs of altitude sickness such as headaches or fatigue. Weather can also change quickly, so layers are important.
Are there stroller-friendly areas in the park?
Yes! Trails around Bear Lake and Sprague Lake are popular stroller-friendly options. Some visitor centers and picnic areas are also accessible for families with younger children.
Is Trail Ridge Road safe for families with kids?
Yes, Trail Ridge Road is safe for families. However, it reaches elevations above 12,000 feet, so families should be prepared for cold temperatures, strong winds, changing weather, and the effects of high altitude.
Are there bathrooms available throughout Rocky Mountain National Park?
Restrooms are available at visitor centers, trailheads, campgrounds, and some other developed areas.
Is there cell service in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Cell service can be limited or unavailable in parts of the park. Download maps and important information before entering the park rather than relying entirely on your phone.
What is the best scenic drive when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with kids?
Trail Ridge Road is the park’s signature scenic drive. The road crosses the Continental Divide and reaches 12,183 feet, offering spectacular views of the mountains and alpine tundra.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
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