The Great American Road Trip Challenge~4.5 years · 48 states · one loop
The Colorado Rockies

Stop 2 · Days 557–560

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

A high-country wonderland of alpine tundra, glacier-carved lakes, and elk — crossed by the highest continuous paved road in the country.

Where to stay

  • An Estes Park lodge (or the Stanley Hotel)

    At the park gate; the Stanley inspired 'The Shining.'

    Open in Maps

You gotta eat this

  • Elk chili & a mountain ale

    Hearty food at altitude.

The days here

Each day opens its own hour-by-hour page

  1. 557Day 557 — Trail Ridge RoadFull day · 5h planned
  2. 558Day 558 — Bear LakeFull day · 5h planned
  3. 559Day 559 — Free DayFree day
  4. 560Day 560 — South to BoulderDrive day · 1h drive

What this stop is made of

  • National Parks & Forests
  • Landmarks & Monuments