Planning a trip from Mead to Rocky Mountain National Park? This guide provides detailed directions, hiking trails, accommodations, and scenic drives. The journey from Mead to Rocky Mountain National Park spans approximately 76 miles, taking about 1.5 hours. You’ll travel through Longmont and Estes Park before reaching the park’s Beaver Meadows Entrance. The park offers diverse hiking trails, accommodation options, and breathtaking scenic drives.
What is the Best Route from Mead to Rocky Mountain National Park?
The most efficient route from Mead to Rocky Mountain National Park involves:
- Take CO-66 East from Mead towards Longmont (approximately 10 miles)
- Join US-36 West towards Estes Park (about 56 miles)
- Continue to the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park (around 9.9 miles from Estes Park)
Total distance: Approximately 76 miles
Estimated travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (depending on traffic and road conditions)
Key waypoints:
– Longmont: Intersection of CO-66 and US-36
– Lyons: A town along US-36 West
– Estes Park: Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park
– Beaver Meadows Entrance: Main entrance to the park from Estes Park
What are the Must-Visit Hiking Trails in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels:
- Bear Lake Trail
- Length: 0.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: Access to other trails, scenic views of Bear Lake
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Season: Open year-round (may be icy in winter)
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Dream Lake Trail
- Length: 2.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: Views of Dream Lake and Hallett Peak
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Season: Open year-round (snowshoes/crampons needed in winter)
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Longs Peak Trail
- Length: 14.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Features: Summit of Longs Peak (highest in the park)
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Season: Late June to early October (weather dependent)
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Moraine Park Loop
- Length: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Features: Views of Moraine Park and surrounding mountains
- Season: Open year-round (possible closure during elk rutting season)
Where Can You Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park?
Accommodation options near Rocky Mountain National Park include:
Hotels
- The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park)
- Historic and luxurious
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Price range: $200-$500 per night
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Estes Park Resort
- Comfortable rooms and suites
- Amenities: Pool, restaurant
- Price range: $150-$300 per night
Cabins
- Aspen Glen RV Park & Campground
- Offers cabin rentals, RV and tent sites
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Price range: $100-$250 per night
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Estes Park Cabins
- Various cabin options with full kitchens
- Price range: $120-$300 per night
Campgrounds
- Aspenglen Campground
- Located within the park
- Open: Late May to early October
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Price: $27 per night
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Moraine Park Campground
- Located within the park
- Open year-round
- Price: $27 per night
What are the Most Scenic Drives in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park offers two particularly scenic drives:
- Trail Ridge Road
- Route: East-west through the park (Beaver Meadows Entrance to Grand Lake Entrance)
- Length: 48 miles
- Estimated drive time: 2 hours (without stops)
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Highlights:
- Alpine Visitor Center
- Many Parks Curve
- Forest Canyon Overlook
- Highest paved road in the U.S. (12,183 feet)
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Old Fall River Road
- Route: One-way road from Endovalley Picnic Area to Alpine Visitor Center
- Length: 9.4 miles
- Estimated drive time: 1 hour (without stops)
- Highlights:
- Chasm Falls
- Willow Park
- Scenic mountain and valley views
How Can You Make the Most of Your Trip from Mead to Rocky Mountain National Park?
To maximize your journey from Mead to Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Start early to avoid traffic and maximize daylight hours in the park
- Pack essentials: water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing
- Check weather conditions and park alerts before departure
- Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful pass for multiple visits
- Plan your hikes and activities based on your fitness level and time constraints
- Respect wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles
| Activity | Time Allocation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Mead | 1.5 hours | Start early to avoid traffic |
| Scenic drive | 2-3 hours | Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road |
| Hiking | 2-6 hours | Choose trails based on difficulty and time |
| Wildlife viewing | 1-2 hours | Dawn and dusk are best times |
| Picnic/Lunch | 1 hour | Pack a lunch or stop in Estes Park |
Remember to adjust your plans based on weather conditions and park advisories. Always prioritize safety and follow park regulations during your visit from Mead to Rocky Mountain National Park.