Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado Trip Advice [Guide]

Featured Trip Destination: Rocky Mountain National Park

Massive mountain peaks are what Rocky Mountain National Park is known for, but alpine flowers, clear lakes, mountain rivers and streams, and impressive forests are all part of the magic. The amazing wildlife is one of the biggest reasons that over 3 million people visit the park every year. See bighorn sheep, ptarmigan, coyote, elk and much much more. It's only an hour away from Fort Collins

About the Park

Rocky Mountain National Park has 416 square miles of natural beauty. At least 60 mountains exceed 12,000 feet, topping off at 14,259 feet on the football field-sized summit of Longs Peak.  Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day year round. Visitors can enter or exit at any time. The operating hours of the Park's Visitor's Centers vary.

Attractions Not to Miss

• Scenic Drives:  There is so much to see on a drive through the park.  Trail Ridge Road is a must.  It's the highest continuously paved road in the U.S. Old Fall River Road is for the more adventurous.

• Fishing: Sport fishing is permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park. Possession Limit: 8 fish, 6 must be brook Trout.

• Camping: There are four drive-in campgrounds and one drive-in group camping area in the park. Two campgrounds, Moraine Park and Aspenglen, take reservations, as does the group-camping area.

• Biking:  Entrance fees are $10.00 for a weekly permit per bicycle.

• Picnicking:  There are dozens of spots to picnic in the park.

• Hiking & Climbing: Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails.

• Winter Activities: There is skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and limited snowmobile access.

• Wildlife Viewing: There are more than 3,000 elk, about 800 bighorn sheep, numerous mule deer and a small population of moose. There are 60 other species of mammals; more than 280 recorded bird species; six amphibians, and 11 species of fish.

• Horseback Riding:   Horses, mules, ponies, llamas, and burros allowed on park trails. No goats are allowed on park trails.

This short film, completed in 2005, takes you on a journey through one of America's great national parks. Thanks to seabdb and YouTube fort the video.

DIRECTIONS

Take U.S. 34 west from Loveland, CO or U.S. 36 west from Boulder through Estes Park.  U.S. Highway 36 intersects with U.S. Highway 34 in Estes Park. Either highway leads to the national park, west of the town.