Planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and wondering which airport to fly into? Whether you’re looking for the closest airport to Estes Park or the nearest airport to Rocky Mountain National Park, this guide breaks down all your options.
From major international hubs to smaller regional airports, we’ll help you find the best airport for your travel plans—plus tips on renting a car and making the scenic drive into the mountains!
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What Is the Closest Airport to Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park?
The closest major airport to Estes Park is Denver International Airport (DEN), which is located about 75 miles southeast of the park. This is the most popular airport for visitors because it offers the most flight options, rental cars, and easy access to the park.
However, if you’re looking for smaller regional airports, you also have a few other options. Below, we’ll go over all the nearest airports to Rocky Mountain National Park so you can decide which one works best for your trip.
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Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations: Everything You Need to Know
1. Denver International Airport (DEN) – Best for Most Travelers
📍 Distance to Estes Park: 75 miles (~1.5 hours)
📍 Distance to RMNP East Entrance : 77 miles (~1.5 hours)
✈️ Best For: Most travelers, widest selection of flights, rental cars, and transportation options
If you’re flying into Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver International Airport (DEN) is by far the best option. It’s the largest airport in Colorado and offers flights from all over the U.S. and internationally.
Why Fly Into Denver?
- Most flight options – all major domestic and international airlines
- Easiest access to rental cars
- Shuttles and public transit options to Estes Park
- Straightforward drive on major highways
Getting to Estes Park from Denver International Airport
From DEN, the drive to Estes Park is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. You’ll take E-470 (a toll road) to I-25 North, then exit onto CO-66 W/State Rte 66 W, which takes you directly into Estes Park.
If you don’t want to rent a car, shuttle services like Estes Park Shuttle offer direct service from Denver Airport to Estes Park multiple times per day.
If you’re arriving during peak season (summer and early fall), be prepared for heavier traffic on weekends, especially on US-36 into Estes Park.
2. Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS)
📍 Distance to Estes Park: 100 miles (~2 hours)
📍 Distance to RMNP East Entrance: 95 miles (~2 hours)
✈️ Best For: Travelers looking for a quieter airport with minimal crowds
If you’re open to a smaller, low-traffic airport, you can also consider Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS) in Wyoming. This airport is about two hours north of Estes Park and primarily serves regional flights from Denver on smaller aircraft.
Why Fly Into Cheyenne?
- Less crowded than DEN
- Easy rental car pickup
- Scenic drive along the Colorado-Wyoming border
Downsides of Flying Into Cheyenne
- Limited flights (most routes connect through Denver)
- No direct shuttle service to Estes Park
If you fly into Cheyenne, you’ll need to rent a car and take I-25 South into Colorado, then follow the same route as travelers coming from Denver.
3. Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
📍 Distance to Estes Park: 155 miles (~3 hours)
📍 Distance to RMNP East Entrance: 155 miles (~3 hours)
✈️ Best For: Travelers finding better flight deals into Colorado Springs or also visiting Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde National Parks.
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is another option if you’re looking for a smaller airport and can find a good flight deal. Located south of Denver, this airport is about 3 hours from Estes Park.
Why Fly Into Colorado Springs?
- Less busy than DEN
- Closer access to other Colorado destinations (like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods)
- Occasionally cheaper flights from certain U.S. cities
If you’re planning a longer Colorado road trip – or perhaps a tour of Colorado’s 4 epic National Parks, then COS might be a better option, depending on your plans. Colorado Springs Airport is 168 miles to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Downsides of Flying Into Colorado Springs
- Longer drive to Estes Park compared to Denver
- Limited airline options
If you fly into Colorado Springs, you’ll need to take I-25 North through Denver and then follow US-36 into Estes Park.
4. Other Regional Airports Near Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re road-tripping through Colorado and visiting multiple national parks, you might also consider these regional airports that are farther from RMNP but closer to other parks:
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
📍 Distance to Estes Park: 300 miles (~5.5 hours)
✈️ Best For: Visitors combining RMNP with Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado National Monument or also visiting Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.
Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)
📍 Distance to Estes Park: 380 miles (~7 hours)
✈️ Best For: Visitors also visiting Mesa Verde National Park or the San Juan Mountains
These airports aren’t ideal if RMNP is your only stop, but they can work if you’re planning a longer Colorado road trip.
How to Choose the Best Airport for Your RMNP Trip
✅ Flying into Denver International Airport (DEN) is the best option for most travelers thanks to frequent flights, car rentals, and shuttles to Estes Park.
✅ Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS) can work for those wanting a smaller airport experience, but it has limited flight options.
✅ Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is an option if you find a better deal, but it requires a longer drive.
Final Tips for Flying Into Rocky Mountain National Park
- Rent a car if you plan on exploring beyond Estes Park. While Estes Park has shuttles, a car gives you more flexibility for visiting the park’s scenic drives and trailheads.
- Book flights and rental cars early, especially in summer. RMNP is one of the most visited national parks in the country, and travel demand is high.
- Make sure you know about Rocky Mountain National Park’s Timed Entry Reservation Requirements.
- Check for road closures. Trail Ridge Road, the park’s main scenic drive, is closed in winter, so your route into the park will vary depending on the season.
Flying into Denver International Airport is the easiest way to get to Rocky Mountain National Park—but no matter where you fly, the journey into the mountains is worth it. Happy travels! 🚗🏔️
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