Greetings from Rocky Mountain National Park

I grew up on Mt. Rainier’s doorstep, and my dad taught me to love and respect everything the outdoors had to offer. With him I visited many of the west’s National Parks - from the Redwoods to Yellowstone to Arches and so many more in between. Even after I left home and married, his love for the National Parks encouraged me to venture out and seek new adventures in new areas of the country.

This picture was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park, on the trail between Bear Lake and Alberta Falls the day before he died.

Sincerely,
Christy

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

“Nature and beauty is the one thing we can still hold onto. The parks give us so much more - they are a place where we can go to enjoy our natural surroundings as they should be. The parks give me a sense of peace and tranquility, and I enjoy spending time there, and sharing it with my family.”

National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!

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