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The Green Adventures

Things to do in Rocky Mountain

Every hike and activity the park service lists for Rocky Mountain National Park, with how long it takes, when to go and whether dogs can come.

A pika has harvested a tundra thistle
Pika preparing for winter Photo: NPS/A.Schonlau

Hikes and walks (2)

Hike What it is Time, season, pets
Hiking with Traction Devices Enjoy the winter wonderland that Rocky has to offer from late October to early June. When there is hard-packed snow and ice on the trails, don't forget to use traction devices! No pets
Visit the Holzwarth Historic Site Take a step back in time at the Holzwarth Historic Site, the spot where the Never Summer Ranch, Holzwarth Trout Lodge, and family homestead was operated by the Holzwarth family for multiple generations from the 1910s to the 1970's. The Holzwarth Historic Site is located on the West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park No pets · Reservation needed

Other things to do (10)

Activity What it is Time, season, pets
Hidden Valley is a Place for Junior Rangers Junior Ranger Headquarters at Hidden Valley is closed for the winter season. Open from late May to mid-August, Junior Ranger Headquarters at Hidden Valley is a great place for Junior Rangers of all ages and their families to explore the wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park. No pets · Reservation needed · Fee
Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Old Fall River Road Built between 1913 and 1920, a drive up Old Fall River Road is an incredible 9.4-mile scenic drive. This unpaved road begins next to Endovalley Picnic Area and ends at the summit of Fall River Pass and in the parking area for Alpine Visitor Center. At Alpine Visitor Center, use Trail Ridge Road to return to the east si Summer, Fall · Pets with limits · Reservation needed
Enjoy a Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road Enjoy a scenic drive across Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road is 48-miles one-way and connects the towns of Grand Lake and Estes Park during the summer season. 2 to 2 Hours · Summer, Fall · Pets with limits · Reservation needed
Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoeing Winter · No pets
Fishing in RMNP Fishing No pets · Reservation needed
Wildlife Viewing in Rocky Mountain National Park Wildlife Viewing Tips Pets with limits · Fee
Cross-Country Skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park Cross-country skiing can be an enjoyable way to experience the winter season at Rocky. There is typically enough snow for skiing beginning in December through late March. Visit the west side of the park and enjoy a variety of cross-country skiing terrain. No pets · Fee
Winter Driving in RMNP Learn About Winter Driving in Rocky Mountain National Park Winter · Pets OK · Fee
Watching Elk During the months of September and October, elk herds are gathering in lower elevation areas for fall mating season. This time is also known as the elk rut! Bull elk can be very aggressive as they protect the cows and young in their herd. No pets · Reservation needed
Picnicing in RMNP Rocky Mountain National Park has many wonderful picnic areas to choose from on both the east and west sides of the park. Pets with limits · Reservation needed

Before you set out

Trail conditions change with snow, fire and storms. Check the park’s current alerts, carry the ten essentials and read know before you go.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain?
Popular hikes the park service lists include Hiking with Traction Devices, Visit the Holzwarth Historic Site.
Can I bring my dog on trails in Rocky Mountain?
Pets: of the 2 hikes the park service lists here, 0 allow pets. Where pets are allowed they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.