Rocky Mountain National Park is a natural playground that is perfect for visitors of all ages. If you only have one day to explore this beautiful park with your kids, don’t worry! 1 day is plenty of time to take in the sights and see the highlights. In this post I will give an Itinerary on how to spend one day at Rocky Mountain Park including popular lakes, hikes, and scenic drives.
Enter the Park the Beaver Meadows Entrance
Beaver Meadows is the main entrance to the park putting you in the center of some of the most beloved sights. I suggest starting your day early prior to 8am to avoid crowds and increase your chances of wildlife sightings.
Morning (Explore Some Mountain Lakes)
Rocky Mountain National Parks has no shortage of lakes from Bear lakes to explore. When you enter from Beaver Meadows Entrance you will be close by to some of the most popular lakes in the park including Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, and Moraine Lake.
First Stop Bear Lake: On your lake adventures, I suggest making Bear Lake your first stop as it’s the most crowded and difficult spot to find parking. Here you can take the 0.6-mile loop trail around the lake. This flat trail is perfect for all ages and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way you can find plenty of rocks to sit and take in the views. This is also a great area to explore some trails as there are lots of options including the popular Alberta falls (0.8 miles one way) and Lake Haiyaha (2.1 miles one way).
2nd Stop Sprague Lake: After spending a little time at Bear Lake either drive or take the shuttle over to Sprague Lake (approximately 10 minutes away). Walk the easy 0.5-mile loop around the lake which offers plenty of beautiful views and photo opportunities. This is also a great spot to enjoy a picnic lunch as there are plenty of picnic tables to choose from.
Afternoon Scenic Drive
Trail Ridge Road
After a morning of beautiful lakes and hiking adventures, its time to get in the car and go for a drive. Referred to as the “Highway to the Sky,” Trail Ridge Road is a picturesque 48-mile route that passes through the center of the park. It provides unmatched panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and is the highest continuous paved road in the United States.
Along the way Don’t Miss:
- Alpine Visitor Center (highest visitor center in the National Park System).
- Forest Canyon Overlook
- Lava Cliffs
- Gore Range Overlook
Mid Afternoon: Escape the Crowds for some shade and a waterfall Hike at Wild Basin
After your scenic drive head over to Wild Basin Area of the park (about a 30 minute drive). While Wild Basin is not the most popular spot of the park, it is the perfect place to explore during the mid-afternoon when the crowds are at their peak. Here you will find plenty of trails and lesser known spots that are just as exciting to explore. One kid friendly hike is the Copeland Falls. The trail is about 1 mile total and offers some great views of waterfalls.If you are looking for something more difficult, consider continuing your adventure to Ozul Falls trail (5 miles total).
Evening: Head Back To Beaver Meadows Entrance
Before leaving be sure to stop by the visitor center where kids can pick up a junior ranger booklet and complete some activities to earn their junior ranger badge. From here you can head over to Moraine Park. The wide open meadows make it a great spot to enjoy a sunset and possibly see some wildlife from a safe distance
Final Thoughts
Although a day in Rocky Mountain National Park may not seem like much, with this schedule, your family can see the park’s main attractions while keeping everyone content and involved. Remember, on your day to slow down and enjoy the little moments. In the end, the goal isn’t to see everything, but to get outside and enjoy nature with the family.