Scenic Drives
Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park: Fall River Road Scenic Drive
Start near the Stanley Hotel and watch for elk around Centennial Open Space at Knoll-Willows, then follow Fall River Road toward Rocky Mountain National Park. This easy Estes Park drive delivers mountain views, classic roadside motels, Sheep Lakes and plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities.
Estes Park, Colorado
4.9 Fred Footprints 
At A Glance
Fred Says
“We took US 36 to Estes Park, and our first stop was Centennial Open Space at Knoll-Willows, right across from the legendary Stanley Hotel.
All the elk around Knoll-Willows caught my eye. A bull was feeding near the Centennial Open Space sign, so I got out and watched quietly from behind my truck. He appeared to be missing part of his right antler—maybe from a fight.
We followed US 34 from W. Wonderview Avenue to Fall River Road, headed toward Old Fall River Road. It had closed for the season the day before, but the drive still delivered plenty of cool scenes—from the Fall River Gateway Visitor Center and classic motels to beautiful mountain views.
At Sheep Lakes, we stopped for grand views. With binoculars, I watched elk across the meadow in a thicket beside Fall River.
The grand finale was a bull elk bugling in a church parking lot in downtown Estes. I don’t think he was too fond of Bigfoot sitting nearby in his truck watching him! Keep your distance, enjoy the show and let wildlife have the room they need.”
Why You’ll Love This Scenic Drive
This Estes Park drive brings together the things that make a Front Range adventure memorable: a mountain-town start, big Rocky Mountain views and the real possibility of seeing elk. Beginning near Centennial Open Space at Knoll-Willows, across from the Stanley Hotel, the route gives you a chance to slow down and watch the meadows and open spaces that wildlife use around town.
Following US 34 and Fall River Road toward Old Fall River Road feels like a scenic progression from Estes Park into the Rocky Mountain National Park gateway area. Along the way, you’ll pass the Fall River Gateway Visitor Center, classic roadside motels and changing mountain scenery that makes even a simple drive feel like an outing.
Sheep Lakes is a worthwhile stop for wide-open views and wildlife watching. Bring binoculars, scan the meadow and the vegetation along Fall River, and give yourself time to look closely. Elk may be out of sight from the road but still visible across the meadow or tucked into cover nearby.
The drive also shows why Estes Park is such a special wildlife destination: a bull elk feeding near an open-space sign, another bugling downtown, and mountain views all in one day. Old Fall River Road is seasonal, so check its status before you go—but even when the road is closed, this route is a rewarding Estes Park scenic drive. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, never approach for a photo and enjoy the moments from where you are.
Scenic drive information—including road access, closures, conditions, fees, business hours and visitor rules—is subject to change. Always confirm current details with the responsible road agency and individual destinations before your visit.
Stops Along the Way
Centennial Open Space at Knoll-Willows
Start your Estes Park adventure at this open space across from the Stanley Hotel. The meadows and trees around Knoll-Willows make it a great first place to slow down, scan for elk and enjoy mountain-town scenery.
Fall River Road Gateway Visitor Center
This is a useful stop as you move from Estes Park toward Rocky Mountain National Park. Get oriented, check for current park and road information, and prepare for the scenic Fall River corridor ahead.
Sheep Lakes
Pull over for wide meadow views, mountain scenery and wildlife watching. Bring binoculars and scan the meadow, tree line and vegetation along Fall River—elk can be visible from a respectful distance.
East Alluvial Fan Trailhead
Near the Fall River area, this trailhead is a good place to park, stretch your legs and explore the landscape shaped by the 1982 Lawn Lake Flood. Check current trail conditions before heading out.
Lawn Lake Trailhead
This trailhead provides access to a longer backcountry route and is also a convenient place to pause along Fall River Road. It has a vault toilet and is near the route toward Old Fall River Road.
General Information
Road access, weather conditions, entrance fees, reservation requirements and visitor facilities may change. Confirm current details with the National Park Service before visiting.
Before You Go
Plan your route before heading out, and review the roads your navigation app selects. Our outing followed US 36 to Estes Park, then US 34 from W. Wonderview Avenue to Fall River Road toward Old Fall River Road. Download your maps before leaving so you can access them if cell service is limited.
Check Rocky Mountain National Park’s road updates before departure. Old Fall River Road is a seasonal, one-way uphill road that normally opens to vehicles in early July and closes in early October, depending on conditions. Do not drive around a closed gate. For recorded road-status updates, call 970-586-1222.
Review the park’s timed-entry requirements and bring your entrance pass or payment card. For 2026, standard Timed Entry is required for Old Fall River Road and other areas outside the Bear Lake Road corridor between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., May 22–October 13. A pass covers the entrance fee but does not replace a required timed-entry reservation.
Build in time for your stops at Centennial Open Space at Knoll-Willows, the Fall River Road Gateway Visitor Center, Sheep Lakes, East Alluvial Fan Trailhead and Lawn Lake Trailhead. Sheep Lakes is popular and parking can be limited, so use only designated spaces and keep travel lanes clear.
Bring water, snacks, layers, sun protection and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore beyond the vehicle. Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Check current trail conditions before hiking from East Alluvial Fan or Lawn Lake, and be prepared to adjust your plans.
Elk are common around Estes Park, Knoll-Willows and Sheep Lakes. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens so you can watch from a safe distance. Never approach, feed or try to reposition wildlife for a photo. Stay in or near your vehicle when appropriate, give animals room to move away and be especially cautious during the fall rut.
Bringing your four-legged explorer? Review RMNP’s pet rules before planning your stops. Pets are allowed on established roads, in parking areas and in established picnic areas and campgrounds on a leash no longer than six feet. They are prohibited on all park trails, tundra and meadows, and inside visitor centers. Pack water and waste bags, and never leave your pet in an unsafe vehicle.
Take your trash with you, respect private property and leave every stop ready for the next explorer.
Road conditions and business schedules can change. Confirm current details before visiting.
Check pet rules at individual stops.
Fred’s Photo Gallery
Double-tap a photo for a slideshow with a description. Mouse over the photo for a description
CENTENNIAL OPEN SPACE AT KNOLL-WILLOWS
FALL RIVER ROAD
FALL RIVER ROAD VISITOR CENTER
SHEEP LAKES
Fred’s Scenic Drive Gear Picks
Your Explorin’ Journal
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