Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in north-central Colorado. They cover an area of 415 square miles that the park preserves. Majestic mountains, alpine lakes, forests, mountain tundra, hundreds of miles of trails, and the highest paved road in the US, come together to make up this spectacular National Park.

It was designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and one of the most visited national parks in the country. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest parks in the country, with elevations going up to as high as 14,000 feet.

Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Start Your Trip at the Park Visitor Centers

Rocky Mountain National Park has five visitor centers located at different points in the park. The Alpine Visitor Center is the highest elevation visitor center in the country at 12,000 feet. Beaver Meadow Center offers a 20-minute film where visitors learn about the park’s topography.

At Falls River Visitor Center, park rangers provide activities and programs. Kawunechee Visitor Center is ideal for collecting park information, including maps and permits. Gift shops for park souvenirs are located at all visitor centers.

Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park

With 355 miles of hiking trails to explore, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s paradise. With various routes ranging from flat lakeside strolls for novice hikers to steep mountain peak climbs for experienced hikers, you can plan a hike after checking with a ranger at one of the visitor centers.

Biking Through the Park

A great way to explore the Rocky Mountain National Park is on a bicycle. Pick up a bicycling pass at one of the visitor centers and map for cycling routes in the park. Follow the park rules for cycling and only use permitted roads on which cycling is allowed.

Mountaineering and Bouldering

One of the most popular activities in the park is climbing. The wide variety of peaks and granite rock formations provide excellent opportunities for adventure seekers. Climbers worldwide flock to the park for excellent climbing prospects. Novices eager to learn the sport can sign up with the Colorado Mountain School for guides or lessons.

Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park

The park’s many alpine lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities, and sport fishing is permitted. With brook, brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout available in abundance, fishing in the garden is fun. A Colorado fishing license is required, and visitors are expected to adhere to all the rules on fishing in the park, including which lakes to fish in, what to use, etc.

Ranger-Led Programs

Ranger-led programs are held frequently at the park. Evening programs are conducted at the park visitor centers and across campgrounds in the summer months. Night Sky and Astronomy Programs are held at different times during the summer months, where you get to observe the night sky with the help of a park ranger and volunteer astronomers.

Rocky Mountain National Park Camping

One of the best ways to experience the park is by wilderness camping. There are numerous wilderness campsites available in the park, and you can choose a camp based on location, terrain, feasibility, and duration of your stay. Book your spots in advance, as the campsites are very popular with visitors during the season.

Getting There

Summer and fall are the busiest time to visit the park. Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road are the two most popular drives. Rocky Mountain National Park is about a 2-hour drive from Denver. Grand Lake and Estes Park towns are popular places to stay while exploring the park. Both towns feature numerous dining and lodging options.

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