How to Visit Colorado’s National Parks Without a Rental Car

No rental car? You can still visit Colorado’s national parks — here’s how.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Closest town: Estes Park
Access: Shuttle from Denver or DIA

Options:
- Estes Park Shuttle (~$60 one-way)
- Bustang summer route to Estes Park (limited schedule)
- Free town shuttles inside Estes
- RMNP Hiker Shuttle (requires reservation on recreation.gov)

Note: No personal car = must use shuttle to enter Bear Lake corridor

2. Mesa Verde National Park

Closest town: Durango
Access: Fly into Durango or bus in via Bustang Outrider

No park shuttle = book a guided tour
Tour companies in Durango offer full-day visits

3. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Closest town: Alamosa
Access:
- Fly into Alamosa (limited flights)
- Bustang Outrider from Pueblo or Springs

From Alamosa:
- Book a tour
- Some local hotels or outfitters offer rides

4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Closest town: Montrose
Access:
- Fly into Montrose (regional airport)
- Some lodges or tour companies offer drop-offs

No public shuttle = use a guide service or hotel transport

5. Transit Tools

Use:
- ridebustang.com (Bustang + Outrider)
- Estes Park Shuttle site
- Viator/GetYourGuide for local tours
- Google Maps transit layer

6. What You’ll Miss

- Sunrise access
- Trail Ridge Road + Million Dollar Hwy
- Remote trails

Still worth it? For sure — less stress, no icy driving, no rental fees.

7. Sample Itineraries

Option A:
- DIA → Estes Park
- Shuttle RMNP
- Return via Boulder

Option B:
- Fly to Durango
- Mesa Verde tour
- Chill in town + return via ABQ

Option C:
- Bustang to Alamosa
- Sand Dunes sunset + stargazing

8. Tips for Car-Free Park Trips

- Reserve all shuttles ahead
- Book early for guided tours
- Bring food, layers, water
- Don’t assume Uber works in rural zones

9. Final Tip

You can still have an epic Colorado adventure without ever turning a key. Book the shuttle, pack smart, and let the mountains do the rest.