I’ll never forget my first visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. My wife and I absolutely love the National Park system but living in Pennsylvania we had only experienced parks that were on the East Coast had never been to any locations out West. We decided it was time to change that by planning a family vacation to Colorado and stayed on the western side of the park in a great town called Winter Park. Rocky Mountain was high on our list so our first day in that area we woke up early before sunrise and drove to the Alpine Visitor Center, climbed the stairs to the highest point there and were completely amazed at what we saw. We reached the top shortly after the sun had come up and the view was absolutely breathtaking. A small herd of elk had gathered there as well which was the icing on the cake for us! Honestly, for me, this was a very core and spiritual experience and one I’ll never forget. I can’t wait to go back.
Our love for our National Parks has continued to be an integral part of how my wife and I plan vacations and trips. We so greatly appreciate all of the people who care for and maintain these destinations and all of their hard work make these visits a highlight of all of our vacations.
Sincerely,
Rocky Mountain National Park
This dramatic landscape of towering mountains and alpine lakes encompasses more than 265,000 acres - 95% of which are designated wilderness. With this intentional focus on protecting this unique landscape, there are few developed infrastructure areas in the park, which leads to traffic problems in areas including the Bear Lake Road Corridor and right off Trail Ridge Road. Alpine tundra also encompasses approximately 1/3 of the park. Alpine tundra is a fundamental and fragile resource, which requires park managers to give this ecosystem increased attention for protection.
State(s): Colorado
Established: 1915
“...they are an absolute treasure of this country and one that should be cared for and preserved so that future generations can enjoy them and have the same amazing experiences my family and I have had!”
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