Last Updated: May 24, 2026
From Colorado Springs we headed to the Denver area to visit family and get some work done on our Freightliner chassis. While there, we made time for Rocky Mountain National Park to get up close to the snow-covered peaks, springtime-swollen rivers, and wildlife.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Wow — the sheer magnitude of the Rocky Mountains is stunning. These are big mountains, still snow-covered in June, rising into the famous Colorado-blue sky.
There were elk and deer everywhere, shedding their winter coats. Elk are more than twice as heavy as mule deer, and the bulls’ new spring antlers were still covered in soft velvet. In the wild, elk typically live 10 to 13 years.
Even though there were plenty of roads and areas to explore, Trail Ridge Road — the highest continuous paved road in the United States — was still closed for the season because of lingering snow.
Elizabeth, Colorado
Elizabeth is a rural community that is now being encroached upon by Denver’s growth, but it still has a small-town feel. We enjoyed visiting with Mark, Samantha, Sarah, Henry, and Grant.
We loved their homes, their community, and the time spent catching up.
Casey’s RV Hideaway
We stayed at the town of Elizabeth’s RV park, set next to the baseball fields and rodeo fairground. It was a spacious, beautiful spot tucked among ponderosa pines, with 50-amp service, water, and a dump station — no internet, but a great Verizon signal.
Brighton, Colorado
Jim, Maggie, and Jimmy live in Brighton, and we enjoyed catching up with family there. Jon, Christy, Alexis, Christine, Rebecca, Matthew, and Aiden all came to visit.
St. Vrain State Park
What a beautiful location. The campground sits near Interstate 25 between Frederick and Longmont, yet we hardly heard the highway. We were close to a couple of lakes, and the site had 50-amp service, good water pressure, and sewer — no internet, but a good Verizon signal.
Transwest Truck and Trailer RV of Frederick
We needed warranty work done on our Freightliner chassis. The steering would lock up at slow speeds when making 90-degree turns, and we were also losing air rapidly while driving. They fixed the air leak by removing the fuel tank and welding it back in. We lived in their parking lot next to I-25 for days, and when they couldn’t back the coach out of the shop one night, we stayed at a Best Western and enjoyed a full-sized shower and bathtub. Jake was in heaven, able to run down a hallway and roll on the carpet. He also enjoyed watching the prairie dogs at Transwest.
The steering problem took eight days to fix. They finally ordered a new steering gear box, and — unbelievably — that solved it. Unfortunately, the delay cost us a week of our Rocky Mountain National Park and Black Hills, South Dakota travels.
The best barbecue we had in Colorado was at Georgia Boys Smokehouse in Longmont.
I went to high school in Golden, college in Boulder, and medical school in Denver — that was over 30 years ago. Wow, the population has grown. I love Colorado. It still feels like home: beautiful, and like nothing else.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Getting there. Rocky Mountain National Park is about a 1.5- to 2-hour drive northwest of Denver. The main gateway is Estes Park on the east side, while the quieter Grand Lake serves the west side. Both towns offer lodging, dining, and supplies.
Timed-entry reservations. Since 2021, the park has used a timed-entry permit system during the busy season. For 2026, reservations are required daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. between May 22 and October 12, with a separate permit for the popular Bear Lake Road corridor covering 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Book on Recreation.gov for a small processing fee, and remember you still pay the standard park entrance fee on arrival. Entering before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. avoids the reservation requirement entirely.
Trail Ridge Road. This is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, topping out at 12,183 feet and connecting Estes Park with Grand Lake. It usually opens in late May and closes by mid-October, but heavy snow years can delay the opening — as we discovered on our June visit. Always check the park’s road status before you go.
Wildlife. Elk and mule deer are common, especially in the meadows at dawn and dusk, and you may also spot bighorn sheep, moose, and marmots. Keep at least 75 feet away from elk and deer, never feed wildlife, and bring a telephoto lens for photos.
When to visit. Summer offers full road access but the largest crowds. Fall is famous for elk bugling during the rut and golden aspens, while winter and spring are quiet, with limited access to the high country. Dress in layers any time of year — mountain weather changes fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a reservation to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes, during the busy season. For 2026, a timed-entry permit is required to enter between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. from May 22 through October 12, with a separate permit for the Bear Lake Road corridor. Reservations are booked through Recreation.gov.
How much does it cost to enter the park?
Visitors pay the standard park entrance fee — a vehicle pass good for several days — plus a small processing fee for the timed-entry reservation. The America the Beautiful interagency pass is also accepted for the entrance fee.
When does Trail Ridge Road open?
Trail Ridge Road typically opens in late May and closes by mid-October, though exact dates depend entirely on snow and weather. In years with heavy snowpack the opening can be delayed into June.
What wildlife can you see in the park?
Elk and mule deer are the most commonly seen animals, along with bighorn sheep, moose, marmots, pikas, and a wide variety of birds. Dawn and dusk in the meadows are the best times for wildlife viewing.
Are dogs allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Only in limited areas. Leashed pets are allowed in parking lots, campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roadsides, but they are not permitted on any trails or in the backcountry. Travelers with dogs should plan accordingly.
How far is Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver?
The park is roughly 70 miles northwest of Denver, about a 1.5- to 2-hour drive depending on traffic and which entrance you use. Estes Park is the most popular gateway from the Denver area.
thanks for sharing great pics!
Thank you! We finally put one of the inside of the RV for you.