HERE'S A FEW LOCAL TIPS: 1. Wear & bring sunscreen & a hat, every 1000 ' in altitude the sun is 10-12% UV stronger. 2. Bring a zippered jacket, even in the dead heat of summer, temps can drop 30° to 40° in less than an hour up at alpine level. 3. Bring plenty of water to drink & NO, one little plastic bottle is NOT enough. 4. Don't forget your sunglasses or you'll regret it after an hour. 5. Above 8,500 feet, you can experience altitude sickness, the is thin up here. Our supermarkets & pharmacies sell mini, personal, light-weight oxygen tanks to help hickers & respiratory-impaired people. Our average humidity is 20% to 50%, we have 300 days of mostly sunshine. But it can be 70° in Estes Park & at the top of Trail Ridge Road, the wind & snow can kick your butt. When hiking, please stay on the trails. At the alpine level, it's an absolute must, you can step on very small flora & it may never grow again. And please, please don't take anything out of the park, especially stones, rocks or flowers... Oh, a small favor (all the locals do it), if you see someone else's thoughtless trash, pick it up & dispose of it properly, we're proud of our park. Other than that, we sincerely hope you enjoy this beautiful place, there is so much to see & do😊
@@kimjohnson8471 Hi, I'm the local that wrote the long comment. Traveling alone is always a little more concerning than traveling in a group or with someone else. I personally don't know of any tours, but we have traveled Trail Ridge Road in August and it was really beautiful, albiet, a little interestng. When we were in Estes that day, it was around 82°F, by the time we got to the top of Trail Ridge Road, it was 57°F, with a 30 mph wind, but it was still sunny & quite beautiful. I would travel that area more in early-mid August, than late August, unless we are having a heat wave (not too common) and September is too sketchy weather-wise. They actually close Trail Ridge Road off to traffic in the end of October (snow)!... So don't be afraid, as much as you should be aware and be prepared. The going joke in Colorado is: "If you don't like the weather, wait 10minutes, it'll change"... Sometimes that's very accurate... But most of all, have fun, enjoy & be safe... Oh, also follow the tips I listed, they'll help.🇺🇸
@@mdimp1468 Hi, no, it's not too late at all, however, just be ready for a change in the weather! Is it too early to snow? NO, but the odds are very low that it would, however, it could drop 25° to 30 ° degrees within an hour if a rain storm comes in & you're on top of the ridge. My wife & I went up on June 10th, 78° in Fort Collins, by the time we got to the top, a storm had come in & it was sleeting. But if your just passing thru (driving), I wouldn't be too concerned at all... It's worth it, it's absolutely beautiful up there... and please enjoy it!!
Regarding the reservations, one thing to be careful about is that you have to arrive during your reservation window. If you arrive later in the day, they may not let you in! Also, don't underestimate how long it takes to drive to the park if you're coming in from Denver or somewhere else that isn't immediately near the park.
Great video ! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Very helpful information about when the video was taken - this small detail is so crucial when preparing a roadtrip and park visit.
We went to Rocky Mountain National Park 5 years ago and loved it because of all the great hiking trails. This was before they implemented the timed entry reservation system. We were hoping to go back again this year, but things didn't work out because all the timed entries were booked. We instead ended up going up Mt Blue Sky, Loveland Pass, and did some hikes around the Keystone / Breckenridge area. Mt Blue Sky was one of the best scenic roads we've ever been on and very underrated. The timed entry systems are making it difficult to visit some of the National Parks, but plenty of other hidden gems if you look around.
Love your videos. I’m from St. Louis, never been west of Missouri until this past June, we stayed in Estes Park, visited RMNP several times over the week. I climbed up the Alluvial Fan, and Lily Mountain, which was fun to see you guys posted up at Lily Lake
Interesting about the bears information. I would think they would have more there. Knowing my luck, I would run into the 40 plus bears there. So, bear spray it is. 😅
Great video!. We are planning to go in July, but lodging in Estes Park is a little expensive. Where do you recommend to stay out of Estes Park?. Is there a lot of traffic to get to Estes Park during summer mornings?. Thank you!
You could try Lyons but there might not be many options. You could also try Longmont and Boulder, they're a little further away (50-55 min) but they are bigger cities, thus more to choose from.
Paying the price to stay in Estes Park is absolutely worth it IF you’re going to spend your time in Rocky Mountain National Park. I consider the time driving to and from the park as time you could’ve spend IN the park. Most of the time, we are worn out from hiking and the thin air and so glad our lodging is so close. Plus, sneaking in the park early in the morning and having breakfast at a beautiful spot is incredible. Then, we run back to our lodging and repack for a day of hiking. You’re paying that price for location!
Try Murphy’s Resort. We are staying there in September so cannot say if it is great, but they have been incredibly helpful with information and have this year’s (and last year’s) travel awards. We booked a two room that includes breakfast. Not sure what rates will be in July so check them out. PS not in any way affiliated with the place, just sharing where I decided to stay after looking at all the options for September.
You really can’t take your dogs on any of the hiking trails? That’s so crazy why can they not enjoy nature also? This is going to make me cancel my trip 🫣
Most national parks in the Rockies don’t allow it due to the wildlife. There are some dog-friendly trails in the area, however. We actually cover these in our Rocky Mountain travel guide
Definitely cancel your trip to RMNP if you don’t want to follow the dog rules. You won’t be welcome. Nothing worse than enjoying some ptarmigan on the trail when a dog - off leash no less - comes bounding up to scatter them. (And have some clueless lady claim she didn’t know - when there are signs posted everywhere.)
Summer and Fall are definitely the best times to visit RMNP. The beginning of June may be early if you want to drive the Trail Ridge Road (last year, it didn't open until the beginning of July).
![Epic 10-Day Road Trip Through the Canadian Rockies! [Banff, Jasper, Waterton, Calgary, Edmonton]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wvr1tdZjSzM/mqdefault.jpg)
HERE'S A FEW LOCAL TIPS: 1. Wear & bring sunscreen & a hat, every 1000 ' in altitude the sun is 10-12% UV stronger. 2. Bring a zippered jacket, even in the dead heat of summer, temps can drop 30° to 40° in less than an hour up at alpine level. 3. Bring plenty of water to drink & NO, one little plastic bottle is NOT enough. 4. Don't forget your sunglasses or you'll regret it after an hour. 5. Above 8,500 feet, you can experience altitude sickness, the is thin up here. Our supermarkets & pharmacies sell mini, personal, light-weight oxygen tanks to help hickers & respiratory-impaired people. Our average humidity is 20% to 50%, we have 300 days of mostly sunshine. But it can be 70° in Estes Park & at the top of Trail Ridge Road, the wind & snow can kick your butt. When hiking, please stay on the trails. At the alpine level, it's an absolute must, you can step on very small flora & it may never grow again. And please, please don't take anything out of the park, especially stones, rocks or flowers... Oh, a small favor (all the locals do it), if you see someone else's thoughtless trash, pick it up & dispose of it properly, we're proud of our park. Other than that, we sincerely hope you enjoy this beautiful place, there is so much to see & do😊
Thanks for sharing!
I'll be traveling alone in mid-August 2024. I am deathly afraid to drive Trail Ridge Road by myself. Do you have any suggestions for travel tours?
@@kimjohnson8471 Hi, I'm the local that wrote the long comment. Traveling alone is always a little more concerning than traveling in a group or with someone else. I personally don't know of any tours, but we have traveled Trail Ridge Road in August and it was really beautiful, albiet, a little interestng. When we were in Estes that day, it was around 82°F, by the time we got to the top of Trail Ridge Road, it was 57°F, with a 30 mph wind, but it was still sunny & quite beautiful. I would travel that area more in early-mid August, than late August, unless we are having a heat wave (not too common) and September is too sketchy weather-wise. They actually close Trail Ridge Road off to traffic in the end of October (snow)!... So don't be afraid, as much as you should be aware and be prepared. The going joke in Colorado is: "If you don't like the weather, wait 10minutes, it'll change"... Sometimes that's very accurate... But most of all, have fun, enjoy & be safe... Oh, also follow the tips I listed, they'll help.🇺🇸
@@NickatLateNiteyou think early September is too late to travel Trail Ridge Rd? Not hiking just driving and stopping along the way. Thanks.
@@mdimp1468 Hi, no, it's not too late at all, however, just be ready for a change in the weather! Is it too early to snow? NO, but the odds are very low that it would, however, it could drop 25° to 30 ° degrees within an hour if a rain storm comes in & you're on top of the ridge. My wife & I went up on June 10th, 78° in Fort Collins, by the time we got to the top, a storm had come in & it was sleeting. But if your just passing thru (driving), I wouldn't be too concerned at all... It's worth it, it's absolutely beautiful up there... and please enjoy it!!
Regarding the reservations, one thing to be careful about is that you have to arrive during your reservation window. If you arrive later in the day, they may not let you in! Also, don't underestimate how long it takes to drive to the park if you're coming in from Denver or somewhere else that isn't immediately near the park.
Great suggestions!
Great video !
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Very helpful information about when the video was taken - this small detail is so crucial when preparing a roadtrip and park visit.
This was beginning of July 2023.
Thanks for your videos. I’m heading to Yellowstone in January and you’re videos were very helpful. Great content! Keep it up 👍🏻
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Be there on Friday. Was a sea level yesterday in Newport RI, at the mansions!
Enjoy!
We went to Rocky Mountain National Park 5 years ago and loved it because of all the great hiking trails. This was before they implemented the timed entry reservation system. We were hoping to go back again this year, but things didn't work out because all the timed entries were booked. We instead ended up going up Mt Blue Sky, Loveland Pass, and did some hikes around the Keystone / Breckenridge area. Mt Blue Sky was one of the best scenic roads we've ever been on and very underrated. The timed entry systems are making it difficult to visit some of the National Parks, but plenty of other hidden gems if you look around.
We agree! If you can get a timed entry permit, great! If not, look around, there's so much more to see and do.
Haha I love JD , husband noted so much 😂
Love John Denver, but - visiting this summer, at the top of Trail Ridge, my son put on the opening song from The Sound of Music and it was perfect.
Love that!
Love your videos. I’m from St. Louis, never been west of Missouri until this past June, we stayed in Estes Park, visited RMNP several times over the week. I climbed up the Alluvial Fan, and Lily Mountain, which was fun to see you guys posted up at Lily Lake
Awesome! we hope you loved it!
checking your video before i go to the park next weekend. very informative. you guys are a cool couple.😍
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you for your great information,, I am planning my trip, I didn’t know that to do with my dog 🐕.
Nice job, good information.
Wonderful video full of great tips
Many many thanks
thanks!
Interesting about the bears information. I would think they would have more there. Knowing my luck, I would run into the 40 plus bears there. So, bear spray it is. 😅
Haha!
Thank you for the tips!
No problem!
At 08:31 in the video, could you guys share with me the locations (the place Cheryl was standing to film), please? Thank in advance. ❤
I believe it is Lily Lake.
Cooool❤
Great video!. We are planning to go in July, but lodging in Estes Park is a little expensive. Where do you recommend to stay out of Estes Park?. Is there a lot of traffic to get to Estes Park during summer mornings?. Thank you!
You could try Lyons but there might not be many options. You could also try Longmont and Boulder, they're a little further away (50-55 min) but they are bigger cities, thus more to choose from.
@@WereintheRockies what about traffic coming from those places?
Paying the price to stay in Estes Park is absolutely worth it IF you’re going to spend your time in Rocky Mountain National Park. I consider the time driving to and from the park as time you could’ve spend IN the park. Most of the time, we are worn out from hiking and the thin air and so glad our lodging is so close. Plus, sneaking in the park early in the morning and having breakfast at a beautiful spot is incredible. Then, we run back to our lodging and repack for a day of hiking. You’re paying that price for location!
Try Murphy’s Resort. We are staying there in September so cannot say if it is great, but they have been incredibly helpful with information and have this year’s (and last year’s) travel awards.
We booked a two room that includes breakfast. Not sure what rates will be in July so check them out.
PS not in any way affiliated with the place, just sharing where I decided to stay after looking at all the options for September.
What’s with the day pass and park pass bs? When I was stationed there you paid to get in and that’s it… god bless
It is kind of annoying but it does make it so the parks aren't overrun with cars and tourists.
You really can’t take your dogs on any of the hiking trails? That’s so crazy why can they not enjoy nature also? This is going to make me cancel my trip 🫣
Most national parks in the Rockies don’t allow it due to the wildlife. There are some dog-friendly trails in the area, however. We actually cover these in our Rocky Mountain travel guide
Don’t listen these nim rods I’m from Estes park there so many trails in the park and outside the park that you can bring ur furry little critters
Definitely cancel your trip to RMNP if you don’t want to follow the dog rules. You won’t be welcome. Nothing worse than enjoying some ptarmigan on the trail when a dog - off leash no less - comes bounding up to scatter them. (And have some clueless lady claim she didn’t know - when there are signs posted everywhere.)
Planning on going june 3rd. Is this a good time?
Summer and Fall are definitely the best times to visit RMNP. The beginning of June may be early if you want to drive the Trail Ridge Road (last year, it didn't open until the beginning of July).
Thanks!
When is the best month to go
July through mid-October.