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Rocky Mountain National Park

, Colorado

NPCA REGION: Southwest Regional Office

Acreage: 265,828.41

Category: National Park

Date Established: 01/26/1915

More Info: http://www.nps.gov/romo

Visitors to Rocky Mountain National park are met with breathtaking views of the spectacular Rocky Mountain range, with 60 peaks over 12,000 feet, small permanent glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and historic and cultural treasures including ancient trails, game drives, cattle ranches, and lodges.

The park includes an amazing diversity of ecosystems: alpine tundra with tiny, brilliant wildflowers that survive the harsh conditions above 11,000 feet, fragrant pines and delicate aspens of the montane forests, to the wet grassy valleys with meandering streams. The park offers over 350 miles of hiking trails, 200 backcountry sites, endless angling, birding and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

If You Go

The lesser-traveled hike up Estes Cone for spectacular views of Estes Park, the Twin Sisters, Longs Peak and the Mummy Range just to name a few. A drive over Trail Ridge Road provides amazing vistas, and, if you are lucky, a glimpse of Bighorn sheep.

Did You Know?

The Continental Divide runs northwest to southeast through the center of the park atop the high peaks. This accounts for two distinct climate patterns—one arid on the east side near Estes Park and the other more humid with almost twice the annual precipitation in the Grand Lake area on the park's west side.

—Ann Froschauer

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Comments

Been up Lon's Peak three times. If you get the chance, and are still in good enough physical condition, go up it at least once. You'll never forget what it is like.

Submitted by Anonymous at: March 8, 2010

I love the Rocky Mountain National Park! It is so beautiful there! There is a lot of activities to do!

Submitted by WeeLee at: January 20, 2010

I've hiked to Bluebird Lake (11,000 ft.)in the past and really loved it. I'm going back this summer and hope to make the climb up Long's Peak. The majestic scenery of this park takes your breath away. Kudos to Ken Burns' coverage of its history.

Submitted by kcsundance at: December 24, 2009

I'm fortunate to live close to RMNP, and so get up there often. We hiked to Bierstadt last Sat. from the Bear Lake Shuttle parking. There wasn't quite enough snow to snowshoe until we got about half way. Hopefully that's changed since we've had so much down here on the front range. The trail to Emerald Lake that passes Nymph and Dream is one of our favorites...that was snowshoeable when we did it about 3 weekends ago. Get outside!

Submitted by Nancy at: December 9, 2009

Been all over the West. Return to the Rockies each year for great hiking and beauty! We LOVE the Rockies!

Submitted by Munchkin at: December 8, 2009

We have visited other major National Parks (Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce...) and Rocky Mtn. has become our recent favorite. We visited the past 2 summers in June. The mountains and trails show something unique about each. Love it and can't wait to go back!

Submitted by James at: September 29, 2009

My wife and I try to go every year. We went in May of this year. Next year we want to go in September to hear the bulls bugle. I cry everytime I have to come back home.

Submitted by Mountainman at: September 25, 2009

Visited the park this past August. Fantastic, beautiful scenery with great hiking trails.

Submitted by jw at: September 24, 2009

My last hike in the fall was to Lock Vail, so thanks for the photo at the top of your article.

Submitted by Little John at: June 26, 2009

visited the park in september 2008, hiked on trails, went to the tundra, breathtaking beauty and wildlife and a very informative guide from yellowwood guiding

Submitted by sherry at: May 20, 2009

I was doing research on the Rockies for school and I really want to visit the park now I think I'm going to suggest it for our next family vacation!

Submitted by Anonymous at: April 29, 2009

Wow! We have been to the heights of a wintery Rocky Mountain National Parks many times this winter snowshoeing and it is so re-newing of the spirit.

Submitted by Bruce at: March 2, 2009

now i've never been here, but i'm doing research for a national parks GATE earth science project for my ninth grade science class. i really thought this sight was ah-mazing for infromation. I want to go there later in life. and have

Submitted by g-dawg, at: January 22, 2009

Lived in Colorado for the majority of my life. Been many other places as well and this place still takes my breath away every time I see it. I recommend visiting this place to anyone who can appriciate the majesty of nature because there are many places here that are completely humbling.

Submitted by Tarah at: July 21, 2008

Was just there on Friday. Lots of snowpack still at 11,000 or 12,000 feet. Absolutely gorgeous views with the clean air and high pressure systems that are blowing through these days. I recommend getting the annual pass to the park if you think you'll be back at least twice.

Submitted by Peter in Boulder at: June 17, 2008

Absolutely beautiful! So much to do and see. Amazing wildlife viewing and hiking.

Submitted by smokymtngirl at: May 22, 2008