Rocky Mountain National Park

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

romo.jpg

State:

Colorado

Acreage:

265,828.41

Category:

National Park

Established:

01/26/1915

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Jen

January 20, 2012

I was there in August. I dream of going back and riding trail ridge road.

Jeanne

November 26, 2011

When I lived in CO, this was a must visit at least 4 times a year. I have seen the bighorn sheep, the beaver and even the moose. I love everything up there and it is the thing I miss most. I have wonderful photos I will share.

Adri

November 18, 2011

We visit it every year and stay in Estes park. It's beautiful up in the alpine center and there's a really neat trail that leads you down the mountain. Bear lake also has some nice trails leading off all over the place

Mo

November 10, 2011

I went there 2 years ago. And my family and I had a wonderful time! We could fill a scrap book with all the amazing pictures we had! We hiked, toured and just took a drive, a great way to spend time with the family! What a fun trip!

James

November 10, 2011

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!

Gary

November 10, 2011

Just returned from our 42nd visit to RMNP---all but 2 visits in the Summer, since the Summer of '72. Hike any lakes or mountains you can. If still young enough, go up Long's Peak. It's worth the effort. Had to come home to 110 degrees, this week! Wish we were still in COOL RMNP!

Mike B.

November 10, 2011

I was there in June this year. Got to see the Bighorn sheep, an awesome treat. Even though there was an abundance of snow still around it was really great!

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