High Colorado park around Trail Ridge Road, about two hours northwest of Denver, with Estes Park at its east entrance.
The park's own directions give three drives from Denver to Estes Park. Via Boulder on US 36 it is 66 miles and 1.5 to 2 hours. Via Highway 66 it is 71 miles and 1.5 to 2 hours. Via the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway it is 108 miles and 2.5 to 3 hours. NPS says no public transportation runs from Denver's airport to the park.
In 2026 the park required a timed entry reservation from 22 May to 12 October, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The reservation costs $2 on Recreation.gov, on top of the entrance fee. A private vehicle pays $30 for 1 day. Visitors who live outside the US pay an extra $100 each at age 16 and over. Bustang to Estes runs on weekends from Denver Union Station for $7.50 one way.
From the Bear Lake trailhead, Nymph Lake is 0.5 miles one way, Dream Lake 1.1 miles and Emerald Lake 1.7 miles. Sky Pond is 4.2 miles one way from the Glacier Gorge trailhead. NPS says the Bear Lake lot is often full by 9 a.m. and suggests the Park & Ride and the free shuttle.
