You nailed the problem with Rocky. I have been going for 35 plus years and the crowds have exploded. Anymore, we tend to stay on the Grand Lake side. As you stated, the east side has quite a bit more to do, but the west side is still pretty cool. I love seeing the moose along the Colorado River. I also get into the park very early or stay late because the star gazing on the west side is very good. As a photographer, I can get some decent shots of the Milky Way.
We do the same thing! We visit Rocky almost every year, so we spend a lot more time in Grand Lake nowadays to avoid the crowds on the other side haha. But we do still usually stay in Estes for a night or two to get some really good hiking in!
Completely agree, but would like to make the caveat that IMO the best way to avoid the lines is to stay in the park. We try to arrive at our campsite later in the afternoon/evening after the lines have died down a bit and hit the trails early from inside the park. Great video as usual. Keep exploring.
We were just there June 10 and 11. We didn’t have a reservation so we could not enter til after 2pm. The line was long at Beaver Meadows but it actually went fast!!! We probably waited about 15 minutes. 😊
@@DirtInMyShoes by the way i am taking some family and friends that are not huge hikers to GTNP in late July and i am using your one video on easy hikes to do. Just wanted you to know. 👍
Love your videos. I have a question on Rocky Mt. Nat Park. If I come through Estes Park Beaver Meadows early, can I get to Bear Lake if I enter before a certain time, or do I still need a reservation? Thanks in advance.
You can go through Beaver Meadows before 9 without a reservation, but you have to be past the Bear Lake checkpoint before 5 a.m. to get into Bear Lake. I have a full video about the Rocky reservations if you need additional help understanding how it all works!
You nailed the problem with Rocky. I have been going for 35 plus years and the crowds have exploded. Anymore, we tend to stay on the Grand Lake side. As you stated, the east side has quite a bit more to do, but the west side is still pretty cool. I love seeing the moose along the Colorado River. I also get into the park very early or stay late because the star gazing on the west side is very good. As a photographer, I can get some decent shots of the Milky Way.
We do the same thing! We visit Rocky almost every year, so we spend a lot more time in Grand Lake nowadays to avoid the crowds on the other side haha. But we do still usually stay in Estes for a night or two to get some really good hiking in!
Very good information as always. Going to try to get there on the way back from my western trip.
Have fun!
Very helpful info, thank you!
You're welcome!
Was there 6/16-17, had the 5-7am reservations and got in right at start. Plan ahead and get in early and no lines and open parking!
Also getting in at 530 or so the sunrise over Sprague lake is beautiful
Nice! Glad you were able to get those reservations!
Completely agree, but would like to make the caveat that IMO the best way to avoid the lines is to stay in the park. We try to arrive at our campsite later in the afternoon/evening after the lines have died down a bit and hit the trails early from inside the park. Great video as usual. Keep exploring.
Totally agree! We love camping in the park!
We were just there June 10 and 11. We didn’t have a reservation so we could not enter til after 2pm. The line was long at Beaver Meadows but it actually went fast!!! We probably waited about 15 minutes. 😊
Wow, you got lucky haha! Some people end up waiting 45+ minutes to get through that entrance!
Thanks for the Video. You`re a great Host.
Thanks!
100% concur. I live 1 hour from RMNP and as usual you are right on in your analysis.
Thanks Richard :)
@@DirtInMyShoes by the way i am taking some family and friends that are not huge hikers to GTNP in late July and i am using your one video on easy hikes to do. Just wanted you to know. 👍
Love your videos. I have a question on Rocky Mt. Nat Park. If I come through Estes Park Beaver Meadows early, can I get to Bear Lake if I enter before a certain time, or do I still need a reservation? Thanks in advance.
You can go through Beaver Meadows before 9 without a reservation, but you have to be past the Bear Lake checkpoint before 5 a.m. to get into Bear Lake. I have a full video about the Rocky reservations if you need additional help understanding how it all works!
Does Old Fall River Road always close on Oct 1st?
Yeah, pretty much!
You got to be an early person. Get to Bear Lake before 5 and Longs Peak Trailhead before 3 sometimes. It sucks, but that's what it takes.
It's so true!
If you are an avid hiker with an agenda, you would be in way before 5am and none of these entrance times matter.
That's true, though most people aren't haha
I prefer the West side of RMNP- quiet and lots of moose!
So true!