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Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, spans the Continental Divide and encompasses protected mountains, forests, and alpine tundra. It's a true playground for adventurers and nature lovers alike. The park covers over 415 square miles and features majestic peaks in every direction, with elevations ranging from 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet at the summit of Longs Peak. Visitors can explore this vast wilderness through its 300 miles of hiking trails that offer not only breathtaking scenery but also the chance to see diverse wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. Driving the scenic Trail Ridge Road, which is one of the highest paved roads in North America, is a must-do when visiting the park. This road offers panoramic views that are simply unmatched, with several overlooks along the way where you can stop and soak in the vast beauty of the area. The road is typically open from Memorial Day to late October, weather permitting, and provides a spectacular way to experience the high alpine environment without the need for hiking. Along the route, the Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass offers exhibits on alpine tundra ecology and has a viewing deck that offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks. For those who prefer a more intimate encounter with nature, the park offers a range of hiking options from easy strolls around Bear Lake or the more challenging hike to Sky Pond, which takes you past waterfalls and high-altitude lakes. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing, horseback riding, and camping. In the winter, the snowy landscape transforms the park into a destination for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. No matter the season, Rocky Mountain National Park captivates with its rugged peaks, serene forests, and stunning alpine landscapes. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the tranquility and majesty of nature. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous escape, Rocky Mountain National Park offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Rocky Mountain National Park Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
9°F
31°F
12
February
9°F
27°F
12
March
14°F
31°F
12
April
26°F
42°F
12
May
31°F
60°F
12
June
42°F
71°F
12
July
42°F
75°F
12
August
42°F
72°F
12
September
31°F
66°F
12
October
26°F
57°F
12
November
16°F
42°F
12
December
8°F
26°F
12
Need to Know Before You Go To Rocky Mountain National Park
Nickname:
Rocky
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
Mountain Time Zone
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
4.6 million
Primary Export:
Tourism
Busiest Travel Months:
July, June, August
Quietest Travel Months:
December, November, February
Find your Next Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
Iconic Landmarks
Trail Ridge Road
- This scenic drive offers breathtaking views and is the highest continuous paved road in North America, peaking at 12,183 feet.
Longs Peak
- The park's highest peak at 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is a challenging and popular destination for serious hikers and climbers.
Bear Lake
- A popular starting point for hiking with an easy, scenic loop and access to numerous other trails, Bear Lake reflects stunning mountain vistas.
Dream Lake
- Accessible via a relatively short hike from Bear Lake, Dream Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic, surrounding peaks.
Emerald Lake
- Situated at the end of a well-traveled trail that passes Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, Emerald Lake sits in a spectacular cirque with Hallett Peak looming above.
Alpine Visitor Center
- Located at the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, this visitor center is the highest in the National Park Service and offers panoramic views of the alpine tundra.
Cultural Experiences
Kawuneeche Visitor Center
- Explore exhibits on the park's ecology, wildlife, and history, and attend ranger-led programs to learn about the cultural significance of the region.
Holzwarth Historic Site
- Step back in time at this 1920s-era homestead to experience the life of early settlers and their interactions with the natural landscape.
Estes Park Museum
- Located just outside the park, this museum offers insights into the area's Native American heritage and the development of the park.
Native American Cultural Days
- Held annually, this event features traditional dances, crafts, and stories from local Native American tribes.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Stores
- Purchase books and locally made crafts that reflect the cultural heritage and natural history of the Rocky Mountains.
Historic Fall River Hydroplant
- Originally built in 1909, this hydroplant museum showcases the early engineering feats in the park and its impact on local development.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking the Emerald Lake Trail
- This popular trail offers a moderate hike to stunning alpine lakes with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Climbing Longs Peak
- The challenging ascent of Longs Peak, the park's highest summit, is a must-do for experienced climbers, featuring breathtaking views and exhilarating exposure.
Wildlife Watching in Moraine Park
- Moraine Park is a prime spot for observing elk, deer, and other wildlife, especially during the early morning or late evening.
Fly Fishing in the Big Thompson River
- Anglers can enjoy fly fishing in the Big Thompson River, where they might catch brown and rainbow trout amidst serene natural settings.
Cross-Country Skiing on Bear Lake Road
- During winter, the closed portion of Bear Lake Road offers a peaceful and scenic route for cross-country skiing through snow-covered forests.
Backpacking the Continental Divide Trail
- This trail provides an epic backpacking experience, traversing high ridges with panoramic views and connecting multiple ecosystems in the park.
Off the Beaten Path
Mummy Range
- This less-traveled area offers rugged peaks and solitude, perfect for experienced hikers seeking a challenging adventure.
Lulu City
- Explore the remnants of this ghost town, once a bustling mining settlement, now a quiet spot with historical ruins and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fern Lake
- A serene, less frequented destination featuring a scenic lake surrounded by high peaks, accessible via a beautiful, moderately challenging trail.
Mirror Lake
- Located in a remote section of the park, this lake offers peaceful reflections of the surrounding forest and mountains, ideal for photography and solitude.
Poudre Lake
- Situated at the Continental Divide, this lake is a starting point for several less crowded trails that offer stunning views and diverse ecosystems.
Mount Ida
- Known for its panoramic summit views, the trail to Mount Ida is less crowded than other high peak trails, providing a more secluded hiking experience.
Rocky Mountain National Park Fun Facts
- Trail Ridge Road - The highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet.
- Continental Divide - The park straddles the Continental Divide, which determines the flow of water either to the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans.
- Ancient History - Evidence of human activity in the park dates back about 11,000 years.
- Diverse Ecosystems - The park boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails and is home to montane, subalpine, and alpine ecosystems.
- Wildlife Abundance - It's a habitat for a variety of wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, and mountain lions.
- Longs Peak - The park's highest peak at 14,259 feet, a popular but challenging destination for climbers.
- Tundra Wilderness - About one-third of the park is alpine tundra, a fragile ecosystem that exists above the tree line.
- Glacial Geology - The park features many glacially carved valleys and moraines.
- Adams Falls - A beautiful and easily accessible waterfall located near the park’s Grand Lake Entrance.
- Historic Cabins - The park includes several historic cabins and lodges, including the Holzwarth Historic Site, which dates back to the early 1920s.
Featured Picture Gallery
Explore the Lush Landscape of the Rocky Mounatin National Park
Hiking is a Common Activity for Those Who Visit the Rocky Mountains
Observe the Native Wildlife at the National Park Including Elk
The Rocky Mountains were Established as a National Park in 1915
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