Rocky Mountain National Park
Discover One of America's Most Spectacular National Parks
Explore the Wild Basin Area
Wild Basin is known for rushing waterfalls, lush forests, alpine lakes, and incredible wildlife viewing.
Popular Trails
Ouzel Falls
5.4-mile round trip
Moderate
One of Colorado's most beautiful waterfalls
Great for families with older children
Calypso Cascades
3.6-mile round trip
Easy to moderate
Perfect if you're looking for waterfalls without a long hike
Copeland Falls
0.6-mile round trip
Easy
Excellent for young families and first-time visitors
Bluebird Lake
12.6-mile round trip
Challenging
Stunning alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks
Thunder Lake
12.4-mile round trip
Challenging
A favorite among experienced hikers seeking solitude
Copeland Falls
Bluebird Lake
Thunder Lake
Just minutes from Allenspark, Rocky Mountain National Park offers more than 415 square miles of soaring peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, and abundant wildlife. Home to over 300 miles of hiking trails and elevations reaching more than 14,000 feet, it's a destination that inspires adventure in every season.
Whether you're looking for a scenic drive, a family-friendly hike, or a challenging summit, the park offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Why Visit from Allenspark?
One of Allenspark's greatest advantages is its proximity to the Wild Basin entrance—the park's quieter, less-traveled gateway. Unlike the bustling Beaver Meadows entrance near Estes Park, Wild Basin offers a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds and immediate access to some of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful trails.
Many visitors choose Allenspark because it allows them to enjoy the beauty of the park while escaping the congestion of larger tourist towns.
Ouzel Falls
Calypso Cascades
Scenic Drives
🚗 Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
Colorado's oldest scenic byway winds through charming mountain towns, dense forests, and sweeping alpine vistas. The stretch between Allenspark, Estes Park, and Nederland is especially beautiful during the fall when the aspens turn brilliant shades of gold.
Highlights
Aspen viewing (September–October)
Mountain overlooks
Historic towns
Photography stops
Easy day trip
🏔️ Trail Ridge Road (Seasonal)
One of the highest continuously paved roads in North America, Trail Ridge Road climbs above 12,000 feet and offers breathtaking views across the Continental Divide.
Highlights
Alpine Visitor Center
Tundra landscapes
Wildlife viewing
Scenic overlooks
Sunset photography
🌲 Highway 7 Scenic Corridor
The drive between Lyons, Allenspark, and Estes Park is one of Colorado's hidden gems. Follow the St. Vrain River through towering granite cliffs, evergreen forests, and open mountain meadows.
Highlights
Chapel on the Rock
St. Vrain Creek
Moose viewing
Picnic areas
Fall colors
Trail Ridge Road
Wildlife in the Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife.
You may encounter:
Moose
Elk
Mule deer
Bighorn sheep
Black bears
Marmots
Pikas
Coyotes
Golden eagles
Peregrine falcons
Over 280 species of birds
The best wildlife viewing is typically at sunrise and during the evening hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring
Waterfalls surge with snowmelt, wildlife becomes more active, and wildflowers begin to bloom.
Summer
Ideal for hiking, fishing, camping, photography, and ranger programs.
Fall
Golden aspens, crisp mountain air, and the unforgettable sound of bugling elk make autumn one of the park's most popular seasons.
Winter
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, peaceful trails, frozen waterfalls, and dramatic snowy landscapes await adventurous visitors.
Tips for Your Visit
Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer—plan high-elevation hikes for the morning.
Bring layers, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Stay hydrated. Much of the park sits above 8,000 feet.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water.
Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed animals.
Leave No Trace by packing out everything you bring in.
Know Before You Go: Check the official Rocky Mountain National Park website for the latest timed-entry reservations, road conditions, trail closures, weather, and seasonal alerts before your visit.