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With several national parks in the state, Colorado is truly a nature-lover’s paradise. Whether you’re an avid hiker, rock climber, cyclist, or you’re looking for some outdoor fun for the whole family, the Centennial State has it all. If you call Denver home, you’re lucky enough to make it to a national park in only a day’s trip. Each year The Rocky Mountain National Park attracts more than 3 million visitors, and it’s no wonder why it’s a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Read on for information and suggestions on how to spend your visit to The Rocky Mountain National Park:
The Rocky Mountain National Park is less than two hours of driving from Denver, making it the perfect summer day trip. There are two main ways of getting there. The first is the shorter route on beautiful Highway 36, which takes you through Boulder and Estes Park to Highway 34. This is a good option if you want to stop off in Boulder or Estes Park for some exploring. The longer route skips Estes Park and takes you on Interstate 70, passing through Idaho Springs then heading north on Highway 40. Once in Granby, you take Highway 34 to Grand Lake in the southwest corner of the national park.
A visit to The Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) has made the bucket lists of many, and it’s easy to see why. This park is made up of 415 square miles of spectacular beauty, and outdoor enthusiasts flock to drink it in. It’s one of the most popular places in the state, and it’s quite affordable at only $25 per car per day. Its history dates back to when settlers displaced its Native American inhabitants in the 1800s, and the RMNP was established officially as a national park on January 26, 1915. Fast forward to 2014 when National Geographic named visiting the RMNP as one of its best trips in the world. The park itself contains 76 mountains that are over two miles high, as well as the world’s highest continuous highway, Trail Ridge Road. As you plan your own adventure, here are some of the ways you can take part in all that the RMNP has to offer:
This road spans back to 1920, and it’s the first to cross the Rocky Mountains. Before the Trail Ridge Road was created, this road led visitors to the top of the RMNP. Today, this 11-mile long one-way road takes park-goers through beautiful alpine scenery. Be aware that this drive is mostly gravel and uphill. It’s only open for a few weeks each summer, so time your visit right if you’d like to experience Old Fall River Road.
This road is the highest continuous motorway in the country, making it a must to experience. With a maximum elevation of 12,183 ft., this is a one-of-a-kind experience with incredible views. It spans over eight miles through the tundra, and you’ll even cross the Continental Divide in Milner Pass.
The sights you’ll see in The Rocky Mountain National Park change with the seasons, making it worth several visits throughout the year. In the warmer months, the wildflowers are in bloom, while autumn brings leaf-peepers to see the changing colors. Bird-watchers will appreciate the array of species you can find in the RMNP, though larger wildlife tends to gather more of the attention. Elk can be seen where meadows meet forest areas, and summer is a great time to view herds of them along Trail Ridge Road. Moose can be seen often in the summer along the Upper Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley. Bighorn sheep are seen at the Sheep Lakes in the summer months as well.
This trail is quite family-friendly, being that it’s flat and short. It circles Bear Lake, which gives you the opportunity to see wildlife like deer. You’ll also get to drink in the views of Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak.
This alpine lake hike is more strenuous, at 8.5 miles round trip, and includes stunning panoramic views along the way up. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful vista of “Diamond”, the east-facing wall of Longs Peak.
This trail is easier, at only a mile long, and is even wheelchair accessible. It follows the Upper Colorado River banks in the Kawuneeche Valley, where you can spot plenty of summer wildflowers as well as wildlife. You’ll also get incredible views of the Never Summer Mountains on this hike.
Whether you have one day, or you’re taking a longer vacation, The Rocky Mountain National Park is worth the visit. In just a short drive from Denver, this spectacular wilderness can give you the respite you need from the busy city. If adventure is what you’re after, plan to camp within the park. Otherwise, the town of Estes Park makes a great base camp for visitors.
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