Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park
Red rocks, a concert venue in the cliffs and the highest paved through-road in the country.
- Distance
- 274 km (170 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 02 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- States
- CO
- Updated
- August 16, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 274 km (170 mi) with 7 stops, from Colorado Springs to Moraine Park Campground. About 3 h 02 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Colorado
Route description
Start in Colorado Springs at Garden of the Gods, a free city park where red sandstone fins stand upright in front of Pikes Peak and paved loops make for easy walks. Then drive north on I-25 to Denver.
West of Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Morrison is a concert venue set between 300-foot sandstone monoliths. Visit during the day to climb the stairs and see the performers’ hall of fame. From there, head north through Boulder and take US-36 up into the foothills to Estes Park.
Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where Trail Ridge Road climbs to 12,183 feet, the highest continuous paved road in the US, usually open from Memorial Day to mid-October. Moraine Park Campground is open all year, and in fall elk bugle across the meadow. The park often requires timed-entry reservations in summer, and thunderstorms build on most afternoons at altitude, so drive the high road in the morning.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Colorado Springs
CO - 28 km
Garden of the Gods
NatureColorado Springs, COA free city park where red sandstone fins stand upright in front of Pikes Peak. The paved loops are easy.
- 3116 km
Denver
CO - 424 km
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
HistoryMorrison, COA concert venue carved between 300-foot sandstone monoliths. Visit during the day to climb the stairs and see the performers' hall of fame.
- 5100 km
Estes Park
CO - 617 km
Trail Ridge Road
ViewsEstes Park, COThe highest continuous paved road in the US, topping out at 12,183 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park. Usually open from Memorial Day to mid-October.
- 79 km
Moraine Park Campground
CampingEstes Park, COElk bugle across the meadow here in fall. It is open all year, with limited services in winter.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Colorado Springs → Denver · 77 mi · 1 h 22 minOn the way: Garden of the Gods.Overnight nearby, for example: Flying Saucer RV Park (6 mi); Wikiup (9 mi).
- Day 2: Denver → Red Rocks Amphitheatre · 15 mi · 0 h 16 minOvernight nearby, for example: Sourdough Springs Campground (12 mi); Dakota Ridge RV Park (4 mi).
- Day 3: Red Rocks Amphitheatre → Moraine Park Campground · 79 mi · 1 h 24 minOn the way: Estes Park, Trail Ridge Road.Overnight at the campsite itself.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Trail Ridge Road (3,713 m). Usually open June–September; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: There is no road across the park when it is closed; go round via I-70 or US-40.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park?
3-day road trip of about 274 km (170 mi) with 7 stops, from Colorado Springs to Moraine Park Campground. About 3 h 02 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 02 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park start and end?
It starts in Colorado Springs and ends in Moraine Park Campground.
Which states does Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park pass through?
Colorado.
Where can you camp along Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park?
OpenStreetMap lists 210 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Moraine Park Campground, Flatiron Reservoir Campground and Glacier Basin Campground.
When is the best time for Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park?
The most pleasant months are usually June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
