Day Trips to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver

The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado's main attractions and, more specifically, one of Denver's, which, due to its proximity, is the ideal destination from which to explore this natural wonder. Located about 100 kilometres from the city centre, this park contains glaciers, lakes, peaks reaching 3,700 metres in height and steep valleys that mark the landscape of the region.

Taking an organised trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best things you can do during your trip to Denver to discover the surrounding landscapes at any time of year.

The best option

Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip from Denver

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park with this excursion from Denver.

Explore spectacular landscapes and breathe fresh air on this guided tour of one of Colorado's natural gems.

From S$237 at Hellotickets

With this trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, you will enjoy a full day surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush forests, crystal-clear lakes and wildlife. For about 8 hours, a professional guide—who will also be your driver—will accompany you along unforgettable trails and viewpoints.

You'll travel along Trail Ridge Road, the highest road in North America, and take in spectacular views of over 100 peaks, including the iconic Long's Peak. You'll also visit the iconic Stanley Hotel, inspiration for The Shining, and walk along high mountain trails accessible to all levels.

The tour is conducted in small groups (maximum 14 people) and includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance to the national park, and a sandwich lunch (vegetarian option available upon request).

Recommended if... you are looking for an all-inclusive nature getaway from Denver, ideal for lovers of mountains, photography, and breathtaking landscapes.

If you want to discover the Rocky Mountains in a comfortable and comprehensive way, one of the best options is to take part in an organised tour. These experiences will allow you to explore what is considered one of the most popular destinations in the United States, located just 100 kilometres from downtown Denver.

These experiences, which are among the best excursions from Denver, last approximately 8 hours and, during the tour, you will be able to contemplate the variety of landscapes in this park, which contains glaciers, lakes, peaks reaching 3,700 metres above sea level and valleys that you can explore via marked trails. These excursions usually include a snack, round-trip transportation with hotel pick-up, and park admission.

During the tour, you can also visit Long's Peak, the highest point in the park, and admire the varied local wildlife, which includes native birds, moose, deer, antelope, goats and bison. From here, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the region, which changes depending on the time of year. For example, if you plan to visit Denver in winter, you will see snow-capped peaks from this location.

At the end of these experiences, you can also visit the Stanley Hotel, a famous accommodation located on top of a mountain in Estes Park and known for being the inspiration for Stephen King's novel The Shining, which was later made into a successful film.

Interesting details

• Duration: 8 hours
• Price: S$237
• Advantages of these options: this is one of the most convenient options.
• Disadvantages of these options: they do not include stops in nearby towns.

The tour of this park, considered one of the most beautiful in the United States, includes panoramic views of more than 100 peaks over 3,300 metres high. From the famous Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in North America, you'll have unparalleled views of the glacial valley and alpine tundra.

One of the highlights is the view of Long's Peak, the park's highest mountain at over 4,300 metres. You'll also visit the Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King's novel The Shining, located in the charming town of Estes Park. Nature, history, cinema and adventure combine on this essential excursion from Denver.

By car

If you prefer an independent option that allows you to set your own pace, visiting the Rocky Mountains by car from Denver is the ideal alternative. In approximately 1.5 hours, you can reach the park from the city centre via the I-70 W motorway, one of Colorado's main interstate highways.

Useful information:

• Price: car rental costs approximately £68 per day.
• Duration: approximately 1.5 hours.
• Advantages of these options: you can organise your own itinerary.
• Disadvantages of these options: in winter it can be an uncomfortable alternative.

By bus

One of the best options for visiting the Rocky Mountains without breaking the bank is to use the shuttle bus service from Denver International Airport. This option, which costs around £10 per person, is ideal for those who want to explore this area in the most economical way possible, and is very popular with visitors who fly to Denver exclusively for this activity.

The shuttle bus journey, which takes approximately 2 hours, will take you on a scenic route to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. During the journey, you can enjoy the panoramic views, although once you arrive at your destination, you will need to continue the journey into the park on your own.

Useful information:

• Price: approximately £10.
• Duration: around 2 hours.
• Advantages of these options: this is the most economical alternative.
• Disadvantages of these options: you will have to continue the tour inside the park on your own.

By train and taxi

The train journey from Union Station is also an option for reaching the Rocky Mountains, although it is not very popular as it only goes as far as Fraser, from where you will need to continue by taxi or car to the park entrance. In total, this route can take more than 3 hours, making the train a less popular choice.

However, the train journey is a good option if you are looking for an alternative route and want to enjoy the panoramic views. Unlike the other options, which travel along inter-state highways, the railway tracks pass through Thorodin Mountain, Dakota Hill and Winter Park, where you can find some of the best scenery in the region, especially if you plan to visit Denver in winter.

Useful information:

• Price: approximately £11.
• Duration: around 2 hours.
• Advantages of these options: you can see some of the best panoramic landscapes around Denver.
• Disadvantages of these options: they do not go all the way to the park, so you will need to book a car or taxi from Fraser.

By bus

and taxi

From Denver, you can also reach Rocky Mountain National Park by long-distance bus, although you will have to change in Boulder and continue the journey by taxi or other means of transport, so this is not a very popular option and is usually only used for last-minute trips.

The advantage of bus travel is that it starts at Union Station, a central location in Denver that can be easily combined with the best city tours or other nearby attractions, allowing you to enjoy several experiences in one day. This is ideal if you are planning a 3-day stay in the capital of Colorado or even less time.

Useful information:

• Price: approximately £4.50
• Duration: the journey to Boulder takes around 30 minutes.
• Advantages of these options: they start in downtown Denver and are ideal alternatives for last-minute bookings.
• Disadvantages of these options: you will have to change buses in Boulder.

There is no best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park; it depends largely on your preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. However, many people consider summer, specifically June to August, to be the most popular season to explore the park and other nearby natural attractions, such as the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

During the hottest months of the year, temperatures in the park are generally pleasant, ranging from 15° to 25°, which is ideal for outdoor activities and hiking trails in the mountains. It is also during this time of year that all the park's trails are open, allowing you to explore the site in depth.

On the other hand, if you plan to visit Denver in October or during the autumn months, you will also find good weather in the park. During this season, the foliage of the trees changes to warm, golden tones, creating an unmissable landscape in the Rocky Mountains. Also, at this time of year, the crowds tend to decrease, providing a more peaceful and serene experience.

If you love winter activities, the season from December to March will offer you the opportunity to enjoy the park covered in snow. Although some areas may be closed, you can participate in activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, as well as enjoy the scenery of the snow-capped peaks, which will allow you to take some of the best photographs of your trip.

The answer will depend on many factors, but if budget is not a limitation on your trip, I recommend choosing one of the best tours available to visit the park. This will allow you to relax on an organised tour and leave the logistics and transportation to someone else, so you can focus solely on the tour itself. These experiences usually include an expert local guide who will assist you throughout the itinerary.

On the other hand, if you value independence and flexibility and plan to visit several of the towns near Rocky Mountain National Park, then the best alternative is to opt for a tour in a rented car. This option is very popular with travellers who come to Denver just to visit the park, although if you plan to visit the city during the winter, bear in mind that the roads may be difficult due to ice and snow.

If, on the other hand, you are travelling on a budget, you can find cheaper alternatives in train and bus tours, although the most cost-effective option is the shuttle bus, which runs frequently from Denver International Airport to Estes Park, a picturesque village that marks one of the entrances to the park.