5 of The Best Drives in Rocky Mountain National Park for 2025

Are you searching for the best drives in Rocky Mountain National Park?

You’ve come to the right place! Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of the most beautiful parks in the United States and is full of scenic driving, endless hiking, gorgeous views, and so much to do. 

We’ve compiled a list of the best scenic drives in Rocky Mountain National Park so that you can see all of Colorado’s natural beauty and enjoy a road trip or two, as Abby from Trekking Price’s shares some favorites!

Whether you’re looking for an easy paved route over the mountains or a winding dirt road that starts to feel like an off-road adventure, we’d agree that these are the drives you have to do when visiting Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Best Drives in Rocky Mountain National Park

While the roads traveling through Rocky Mountain National Park are somewhat limited, the epic views and wildlife viewing opportunities are not. These Rocky Mountain National Park drives give you the best opportunity to see everything.

This route connects Grand Lake to Estes Park and climbs to over 12,000 feet above sea level. 

This road is considered to be the highest continually paved road in the United States and provides some truly epic views of the state of Colorado. 

Throughout your drive, you will have tremendous views of the Rocky Mountains, be able to stop at countless pull-offs and scenic overlooks along the way, and may even encounter a wildlife sighting or two. We were thrilled to see the elk herd grazing in the meadows near the Alpine Visitor Center.

Be sure to stop at the Alpine Visitor Center, too, and enjoy more of the stunning views!

Bear Lake Road also provides access to many epic hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park(and some of our favorites!), including Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Mills Lake, and Sprague Lake.

This one-way road is dirt and climbs up to over 11,700 feet above sea level. This drive does require a bit more caution and slower speeds due to the terrain, but you will have some seriously incredible views of the Colorado Rockies throughout. 

Make sure you’re on the lookout for Colorado wildlife in the area! It is not uncommon to see elk, deer, or moose roaming around the areas surrounding Old Fall River Road.

You can also access beautiful waterfalls like Alluvial Fan and Chasm Falls via short trail walks.

The Best Scenic Drives Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park are a handful of scenic drives that will give you some seriously incredible views of Colorado and its natural beauty. Check out our two favorite recommendations below!

This drive is just under 60 miles in length and takes you from Estes Park to Black Hawk. As you drive down this scenic byway, you will be surrounded by views of the Colorado wilderness and the Rocky Mountains.

This is an excellent scenic drive in Colorado for those looking to gain incredible views of the surrounding Colorado wilderness, as well as the Colorado River! 

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife encounters such as moose, deer, elk, or bears in the area! The wildlife loves to come out and spend time by the Colorado River, so this is the perfect drive for those looking to take in the Colorado wilderness scenes and hopefully see some of Colorado’s wildlife too!

Things to Know Before Going On The Best Drives in Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Pack Snacks – You can expect to spend at least a few hours in Rocky Mountain National Park when visiting and going on one (or multiple) scenic drives throughout the park. Make sure to pack snacks in advance so that you stay full and happy while taking in the gorgeous scenery. There isn’t really anywhere to restock once in the park.
• Stay Hydrated – It’s easy to get dehydrated when exploring in Colorado. Due to the increased elevation and countless things to do and see, proper hydration is often forgotten. Be sure to drink plenty of water and add electrolytes as you take in the scenic views of the Colorado landscape! 
• Fill Up On Gas – You will be spending several hours in Rocky Mountain National Park, and many of these roads take you to remote areas with little to no cell phone service. Make sure to fill up with gas in advance so that you don’t have to worry about running out while in the Colorado wilderness!
• Consider the Time of Year – Colorado is known for their epic winters and fabulous snow. Make sure you take this into consideration when planning a drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. Most of these drives are best done between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so that you have the best and safest conditions for driving through the Colorado Rockies. Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road both close completely to vehicle traffic during the winter months.
• Bring Layers – No matter what time of year, bring layers with you when exploring the Colorado mountains. With the increased elevation, the temperature can vary greatly between the entrance towns and mountain peaks. It is easy to get cold when exploring as you explore thousands of feet above sea level. 
• Go On A Hike – Hiking is one of the best activities to plan when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. We highly recommend that you take some time to jump out of the car, stretch your legs, and go on one of the fantastic hikes in the park (or outside, too)! There are plenty of hikes to choose from, from easy hikes around Rocky Mountain lakes to ascending to Sky Pond. Be sure to bring along your favorite energy bars for hiking or your favorite energy foods for hiking so that you stay energized while out on the trails.
• Consider a Tour – For those looking to experience the park in a unique light, consider booking a Sunset and Night Photography Tour on Trail Ridge Road.  This is a unique tour that will teach you about night photography, take you along the famous Trail Ridge Road, and allow you to see and capture Rocky Mountain National Park from a new perspective. 

The Best Hotels Near Rocky Mountain National Park 

There are countless hotels to choose from near Rocky Mountain National Park. These are our top places to stay to help make your decision a bit easier!

• Budget-friendly: Grand Lake Lodge – For those looking for one of the best budget-friendly accommodation options near Rocky Mountain National Park, this is it! This hotel is in a great location right near Grand Lake and within a short drive of the park.
• Mid-range: The Landing at Estes Park – A fabulous mid-range option in the area is The Landing. This hotel has a beautiful rustic aesthetic, and the location is great, right near Estes Park.
• Luxury: The Estes Park Resort – For those searching for a luxurious resort in the area, The Estes Park Resort is a fantastic option! This hotel has some truly incredible views, is right on Lake Estes, and has some tremendous amenities, including a spa and the Dunraven Restaurant.

FAQs: The Best Drives in Rocky Mountain National Park

Final Thoughts On The Best Drives in Rocky Mountain National Park

The best drives in Rocky Mountain National Park all provide you with some incredible views and photo opportunities! 

We recommend driving Trail Ridge Road for a truly memorable road trip. For those looking to take in some seriously jaw-dropping views and hike to Colorado’s famous alpine lakes, be sure to check out Bear Lake Road. Both of these drives are remarkable and make for great scenic road trips around Rocky Mountain National Park.