One of the backpacking trips started at Bear Lake and looped through Grand Lake before returning to Bear Lake. Weather was an issue while hiking over the tundra at the continental divide. Lightning is a threat nearly every afternoon--so you strive to be off the tundra before the afternoon. 
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I've done plenty of day hiking in RMNP, but never backpacking. If looking for a hike with nice color and not very busy, try Ouzel Lake in the Wild Basin area. The falls are pretty, but that's where most people stop. Thing we saw one other group after we continued on to the lake, while the aspens were vibrant.
Haven't camped in the park for over 20 years, so not sure how that works with Timed Entry either. It makes sense that if you are staying in the Moraine Park campground that you have Bear Lake access since one would have to pass through the Bear Lake checkpoint in order to reach the Moraine Park road.
Moraine Park campground just reopened after being closed for renovations for what seemed like a few years. That's also a great area to be for sunrise and sunset for wildlife watching.
Hopefully you'll be good driving Trail Ridge Road (and old Fall River Road). They were both open our entire trip October 5-9, 2024. They were open most of our trip September 20-23, 2025. On the 22nd we drove over to Grand Lake to hike and rangers told us they were closing TRR at 6 PM because of an impending snowstorm. We had to be one of the last vehicles over, and when we came down on the east side the rangers were not letting vehicles over at 5:45 PM. There were blizzard conditions and our windshield was icing up at the top. Crazy. I think the road re-opened a couple of days later after we had left to go home. Previous Message
the years (mostly backpacking), but that was years ago prior to timed entry. I've never visited quite this late in the year either.
I'm in the Moraine Park campground for three nights. My reservation confirmation indicates that the campground includes the timed entry to the park (given that I am in the park), but also to Bear Lake. I was surprised the Bear Lake pass was included.
I'm hoping to drive Trail Ridge Road...hoping it isn't snowed over by then. Previous Message
We've recently visited 2nd to last week in September (2025) and the 1st week of October (2024). Fall foliage was strong both trips, but that last week of September would probably have been ideal for all elevations of the park.
That said, while the elk were in rut for both trips, in September more of the bulls still have both antlers. By the time October rolled around, many had broken at least a portion of one off.
If you are photographing at sunrise, try one morning at Sprague Lake and another in Upper Beaver Meadows.
Make sure you get your timed entry passes. For September they'll be available August 1st 9 AM CDT. Edit: Last week of September I'll be in Yellowstone for 4 days. I should really get a good camera & glass. Previous Message
I recently returned from a 14 day road trip from Chicago to western Nebraska and South Dakota. Stops along the way included Omaha, the Nebraska sandhills, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Fort Robinson, and Sioux Falls. I also photographed a rodeo for the first time as well as a collegiate baseball game in Pierre, South Dakota.
Here's a link to my favorites from this trip:
https://www.nagelphotography.com/p973848333
The next road trip I have planned isn't until September. It's another 14 day road trip--this time through Kansas and with some time in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Thanks for looking...
Glenn
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High Plains Road Trip Pics - ThanksForLooking June 22, 2026, 10:34:23
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