Itinerary · 2 days · Colorado
2 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Rocky Mountain National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jul–Sep. Closest major airport: Denver (DEN), about 1.5–2 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Drive Trail Ridge Road over the Continental Divide. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Hike to Emerald Lake from Bear Lake.
- Evening: Watch the elk rut in Moraine Park (Sept–Oct).
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Hike Sky Pond.
- Afternoon: Find moose on the quieter west side.
Start alpine hikes at dawn. Afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline are dangerous almost every summer day.
When to go
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is July–September.
Best time to visit Rocky Mountain, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: drive trail ridge road over the continental divide and hike to emerald lake from bear lake on day one, then hike sky pond on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Rocky Mountain itinerary?
Go in Jul–Sep, when the park is rated at its best. July through September offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Rocky Mountain in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss hike sky pond. Two days is the sweet spot.