The Town of Estes Park and RMNP collectively provide a system of free (and almost-free) shuttle buses to get you around town, around the park and between the two. Together they provide a phenomenal way to experience a more relaxed, hassle-free and eco-friendly visit to all the area has to offer. So brush up on the details below and take advantage of this wonderful system.
The Peak – Estes Park’s Free Seasonal Transit System
The Peak is Estes Park’s seasonal shuttle system designed to make getting around town simple and free. It operates a variety of routes between late May and late October, fanning out from the Visitor Center and connecting a multitude of locations including lodging properties, shops, restaurants, venues and other stops. With desirable stops, easy transfers, and a convenient schedule it’s a fantastic, eco-friendly way to experience Estes Park.
Check out the map below to see routes, schedules and dates of service. Please note the following…
- The Red Route is the Downtown Trolley which runs daily throughout the full, seasonal calendar.
- The Gold, Silver, Brown & Blue Routes run daily through the summer and weekends only in the fall.
Source: Town of Estes Park 2025. For more information click here.
Rocky Mountain National Park Seasonal Shuttle System
During peak visitation season popular locations and trailhead parking lots can fill up quickly, even with the Timed Entry system. To help mitigate this problem, cut down on vehicle emissions, and increase visitor enjoyment – RMNP has two free shuttle routes functioning within the park. In 2026, both the Bear Lake Shuttle Route and the Moraine Park Shuttle Route will run daily from May 22 to October 18, providing free transportation from the Park & Ride Transit Hub on Bear Lake Road to popular trailheads and other stops. The Park & Ride hub can be accessed by personal vehicle (with Park Pass and Timed Entry Permit, when applicable) or by taking the Hiker Shuttle.
The Hiker Shuttle provides transportation between the Estes Park Visitor Center and the RMNP Park & Ride Transit Hub. In 2026, the Hiker Shuttle will run daily from May 22 to September 7, then switch to a Saturday & Sunday Only service from September 12 to October 18. All passengers, regardless of age, must have a ticket to ride the Hiker Shuttle. Ticket reservations are available on a first come, first served basis, for a small fee, and only through Recreation.org. Please note that tickets are not available at the Estes Park Visitor Center or any of the RMNP Visitor Centers.
Check out the map below to see routes, schedules and dates of service. Please note – the last Hiker Shuttle Bus of the day leaves the Park & Ride hub at 6:00pm, before the other park shuttles stop running. If you are returning to the Estes Park Visitor Center via the Hiker Shuttle please plan accordingly. There are no other buses to Estes Park!
Source: NPS – Rocky Mountain National Park – 2026 Shuttle Bus. For more information click here.
Park for Free and Take the Shuttles
Estes Park offers several free parking options, allowing you to drop off your car and enjoy a more hassle free experience taking in Estes and Rocky. For more information visit our Parking page. And, click here for more information about getting to Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park.