How to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park Using Points and Miles

Here’s the thing: if Colorado has zero fans, then I’m dead. I don’t live there (yet), but it’s by far my favorite state in all of America (so much so that I got married there!). ❤️ And because I love you all so much, I want you to experience the joy of spending time in the Colorado mountains.

Despite what you might think, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park doesn’t have to break the bank. You can easily turn this into a miles-and-points-powered trip, from your flight and hotel to your park pass and gas.

I’ll walk you through where to stay, what to do, and how to make your points work for you in one of the most beautiful corners of the country. You’ll probably start looking up mountain cabin listings before you leave, and you’ll get only support from this end.

Why Colorado is a Great Points Destination

Between Denver, Boulder, and Estes Park (along with several other charming towns), this corner of Colorado is surprisingly easy to book with points.

Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major hub, and if you have transferable points from any of the major banks, you’re already halfway there.

Once you’re up in Estes Park, things feel a little bit more “small-town,” and you won’t find a ton of big chain hotels, but that’s part of the charm. Travel credits and “pay with points” features from cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card will come in handy here.

The best part? Everyone’s trip can look completely different. Maybe you’re looking for a cozy cabin in the middle of nowhere? Or maybe you want to spend a few spooky nights at the world-famous Stanley Hotel? No matter your preference, using points and perks should help you cut costs along the way.

When Should You Visit the Rockies?

Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round, but summer and fall are the sweet spots. In April and May, you’re still going to get some light snow (and lots of waterfalls from the melting winter snow), summer is glorious but more crowded, and September to October is peak aspen season.

Again, summer has the best trail access but also the most crowds, and winter is magical if you’re into snowshoeing — just pack layers and check for road closures!

Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park With Points

Estes Park is your best home base, but other nearby towns like Boulder, Loveland, or Longmont sometimes have cheaper rates and more chain options. Here’s how to get the most out of your points at top hotel chains:

Marriott Bonvoy

The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection — Again, a little out of the way from Estes Park, but this is a stunning property and could be worth a longer drive into the mountains.

Points: Rates starting at 40k Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Loveland Fort Collins — Technically, this one is in Fort Collins, but if you want to cover your stay with points (for cheap), it could be worth the drive.

Points: Around 16.5k Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (Silver Elite status and free night certificates) is a great option here.

Hilton Honors

Hampton Inn Loveland — Great stop if you’re splitting the drive from Denver, with a pool and free breakfast.

Points: Averaging 50k Hilton Honors points per night. Use the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card for automatic Diamond status and resort credits you can save for another trip.

Home2 Suites Longmont — Modern, reliable, and just 45 minutes from Estes Park.

Points: Around 50k Hilton points per night. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a great option here for generous points back on stays.

IHG One Rewards

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Estes Park — A solid, walkable option close to town.

Points: Around 25k IHG points per night. Use your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card for the 4th night free perk on award stays and Platinum status.

Candlewood Suites Fort Collins — Great if you’re flying in a day early and want to stay somewhere in the middle before heading into the mountains.

Points: Around 25k to 30k IHG points per night, depending on the season.

World of Hyatt

Hyatt Place Boulder / Pearl Street — Perfect for breaking up the drive, with easy access to Boulder’s downtown area.

Points: Starting at 9k Hyatt points per night in the off-season and averaging 15k Hyatt points per night in peak season. Use the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to Hyatt.

Thompson Denver — If you want to start (or end) your trip in style, this downtown Denver property is that girl.

Points: Nights here hover around 20k Hyatt points. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is great for the same reason, and comes with a $300 travel credit if you’re booking with cash.

Other Options

The Stanley Hotel — Okay, technically this one’s famous for The Shining, but it’s also one of the most iconic mountain stays in the state. It’s not currently part of any major hotel group, but even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth breakfast at Brunch and Co., and a walk around the property.

The Estes Park Resort — Independently owned, so it’s a good spot to use Venture X miles or the $300 annual travel credit.

The Inn on Fall River Road — This spot is closer to the Fall River entrance into the park, so it’s a little further from town, but quieter and stunning.

Trailborn Rocky Mountains — Super close to downtown with a fun modern vibe (and excellent breakfast tacos at Casa Colina on property).

Best Cards for Booking Your Rocky Mountain Trip

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — transfer points 1:1 to Hyatt for stays in Boulder or Denver, or book flights directly through the Chase Travel^SM portal at a solid redemption rate

• Chase Sapphire Reserve® — the $300 annual travel credit can offset your rental car, park pass, or gas, and you’ll earn 3x points on dining along the way

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — you can use your miles to cover purchases like hotel stays, park passes, or even gas

• American Express Platinum Card® — use Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection benefits for stays in Denver or Boulder and enjoy perks like breakfast, late checkout, and room upgrades

• American Express® Gold Card — perfect for dining at Estes Park favorites like Bird & Jim or Ed’s Cantina, and those points can be transferred to airline partners for your next trip

• Citi Strata Premier® Card — you’ll get points back on hotels, flights, and dining, plus flexible 1:1 transfers to airline partners

Weekend Itinerary for Rocky Mountain National Park

Day One

• Check into your hotel (that you hopefully booked with points 😉).

• Morning: Grab coffee at Kind Coffee in Estes Park (my personal fave!), then hit the Bear Lake Road corridor — it’s one of the best drives in the park. Walk around Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, and Alberta Falls for some epic views.

• Lunch: Refuel at Ed’s Cantina (and pretty please get their frozen avocado marg), or grab a quick slice at Antonio’s Pizza before heading back out.

• Afternoon: Stroll the downtown shops in Estes Park or ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for great views of the valley.

• Dinner: Treat yourself at Bird & Jim for some modern mountain cuisine (think bison, trout, and cocktails) — a perfect Amex Gold dining spot.

• Evening: If the skies are clear, drive Trail Ridge Road up to the Alpine Visitor Center for some stargazing, and don’t forget to reflect on your incredible first day.

Day Two

• Breakfast: Grab a quick dozen from Donut Haus (don’t let its gas station location scare you… it’s seriously incredible).

• Morning: Here’s where you can get a little creative! Hike options: Emerald Lake Trail (short and stunning — three lakes, all great), Lake Haiyaha (a 4-mile moderate trail with insane glacial water), or Deer Mountain Trail (slightly longer but quieter and panoramic views).

• Lunch: Refuel at Boss Burgers & Gyros or Estes Thai for quick comfort food.

• Afternoon: Drive Old Fall River Road if it’s open (summer through early fall). You’ll see elk, waterfalls, and some of the best fall foliage in Colorado.

• Dinner: Casual night at Smokin’ Dave’s for some super yummy BBQ. And honestly? Consider ordering it to-go and finding a picnic table if it’s nice — that place fills up quickly.

Day Three

• Breakfast: Grab coffee and a massive cinnamon roll from Cinnamon’s Bakery.

• Morning: If you’ve got extra time before heading out, visit The Stanley Hotel or pop into Rock Cut Brewing Company for one last mountain view with a local IPA.

Card Tip: Pair your trip with a card that earns big on travel and dining — like the Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold, or Venture X, and rack up rewards while you explore.

Pro Tips for Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park

• Timed-entry reservations are required from late May through early October, so grab them early on Recreation.gov.

• Shoulder season (May, September, and October) sees fewer crowds, cheaper stays, and great colors.

• Pack layers: Even in July, it can dip below freezing when you’re on top of the mountain, so pack accordingly.

• Use card perks: The Venture X’s travel credit can help cover hotels or gas; the Sapphire Reserve’s travel credit can offset your park pass or rental car.

• Wildlife spotting: Sunrise and sunset are prime elk and moose hours.

Bottom Line

Ok, phew. Apologies if that felt like a lot, but I could write about Colorado until my fingers fall off. I just love it so much. 🤎

And, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of those rare spots where your points can come in handy. Whether you’re using Hyatt points for a night in Boulder, Marriott free nights for a stay in Estes, or Venture miles to cover those park fees, you can turn a super dreamy mountain trip into a budget-friendly one. Oh, and if you go, send pics!