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3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park
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items A family-friendly Rocky Mountain National Park 3 day itinerary. Check into a recommended hotel, then get ready for lakes, waterfalls, and gorgeous views following in order below!
Sections
5
Where to Stay at Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 1 at Rocky Mountain
Day 2 at Rocky Mountain
Day 3 at Rocky Mountain- The West Side
Tips for visiting Rocky Mountain
Where to Stay at Rocky Mountain National Park
Some Estes Park (east) and Grand Lake (west) entrance lodging options for Rocky Mountain National Park. I recommend staying in Estes Park the first two nights and Grand Lake the last night.
Our favorite resort in Estes Park sits right on the lake with a walking trail. #affiliatelink
The Estes Park Resort
YMCA is SO FUN for families. Affordable and full of included activities. And it's just outside the park in Estes Park.
YMCA of the Rockies
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Fit up to 6 people in one room, option for a kitchen! Playground, seasonal pool, breakfast included. #affiliatelink
Hotel Estes, Estes Park
This comfortably fit our family of 6! Full kitchen, bedrooms, pool, game room. 25 minutes from the Grand Lake (west) Entrance #affiliatelink
WorldMark Granby - Rocky Mountain Preserve
Standard room or apartment style for larger groups, Gateway Inn has a rustic mountain charm. Located near Grand Lake (west) Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park #affiliatelink
The Gateway Inn, Grand Lake
Day 1 at Rocky Mountain
The first day in Rocky Mountain will be an easy, low key one. These easy walks make it great to adjust to altitude if you're visiting.
A quick drive to the south of Estes Park is Lily Lake in the park. It's an easy, short lake great for spotting wildlife.
1. Lily Lake Trail
Sprague Lake is known for its moose sightings! Another easy lake loop under 1 mile long. Find it on Bear Lake Rd. #affiliatelink
2. Sprague Lake Loop
An easy 1.6 miles r/t trail for your first waterfall of Rocky Mountain! Park at the park and ride and take the shuttle to Glacier Gorge to access. #affiliatelink
3. Alberta Falls
Day 2 at Rocky Mountain
How to spend the second day at Rocky Mountain. The first four are all part of the same trail!
Start day 2 with a stop at Bear Lake. Park at the Park and Ride in the park and take the FREE shuttle up to Bear Lake
1. Bear Lake
Take the trail right next to Bear Lake up to Nymph Lake, just ½ mile. This lake is covered in lily pads! #affiliatelink
2. Nymph Lake Trail
Continue another ½ mile to the beautiful Dream Lake! #affiliatelink
3. Dream Lake Trail
½ mile more gets you to the final lake, Emerald Lake. Enjoy, Then turn around and head back! #affiliatelink
3. Emerald Lake Trail
A very short, easy walk from the car. Great with kids!
4. Alluvial Fan
If you have more time, check out these other great hikes on the east side of the park
9 Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids
Day 3 at Rocky Mountain- The West Side
How to spend the 3rd day in Rocky Mountain National Park. This will include a scenic drive over to the west side for some easy hikes. *This day 3 itinerary works in summer months, as Trail Ridge Road closes in winter.
This scenic road goes from one end of the park to the other. Take it this morning for great views and to get to the west side for some more hiking. *closes in winter
Trail Ridge Road - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. ...
Take the stairs up the side of this mountain to a tundra spot! Harder for adults than kids ;) Note: Very windy! Bundle up!
Hike the Alpine Ridge Trail
Lake Irene is a far less popular spot, but worthy of a visit. It's an easy trail for kids and not long!
Lake Irene Trail
Visit this historic homestead from the 1900's
Holzwarth Historic Site
A beautiful, EASY trail for families. This is a less popular/less crowded area of the park
Hike Coyote Valley Trail
This short, easy hike will land you a viewpoint right in front of the falls. Though it's part of the park, it's located right in Grand Lake
Hike to Adams Falls
Check out 6 easy places to see on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park
6 Fun Hikes on the Rocky Mountain National Park West Side
Tips for visiting Rocky Mountain
Some extra info and recommendations to make your visit to Rocky Mountain extra awesome
Timed-entry, year round activities, and everything else to know about Rocky Mountain National Park
Full Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park with 10+ Tips
Tested and Researched child carriers to help you hike through the park when little legs get tired
9 Best Child Carriers for Hiking the Trails
Our favorite hiking backpack to carry snacks, water, and extras. Comfy padded shoulders! #affiliatelink
FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Hiking Backpack
Rugged stroller for trails like Lily Lake, Sprague Lake, and even to Nymph Lake. Sturdy and convenient! #affiliatelink
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller