Locals and frequent visitors to RMNP’s busy east side rarely drive into the park between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the summer and early fall; there’s too much traffic then and too little parking at popular trailheads. So follow their example and either get behind your wheel only during early or late hours—or take the bus. The park’s free shuttle service is an easygoing way to see the sites and avoid parking hassles, and it’s the only way to get directly to some trailheads when parking lots fill. Service runs daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day through mid-September, with limited service through early October (all dates are snow dependent); stops vary by route.
Hiker Shuttle (6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Leaves every 30-60 minutes from June 25 to September 5 from the Estes Park Visitor Center and stops at Beaver Meadows and Glacier Basin. Park pass required.
Bear Lake Bus Route
Runs every 15 minutes between Beaver Meadows and this popular, limited-parking trailhead, with campground stops on the way.
Moraine Park Bus Route
Runs every 30 minutes between the Glacier Basin and Fern Lake trailheads.
The town of Estes Park also provides free visitor shuttles from its downtown visitor center to the Beaver Meadows entrance station (where you can connect with the park shuttle) and various stops in town. The shuttles run throughout July and August from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Get more details at estesparkcvb.com.
