United States Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

A vast protected area in Colorado showcasing majestic peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife, perfect for hiking and nature appreciation.

Tips from the community

The statistics speak for themselves: Rocky Mountain National Park is the third most visited national park in the United States and the most popular in Colorado, for good reason. Of the park’s nearly 450 square miles, 100 of them are breathtaking peaks, and 350 more are hiking trails that weave through the park. Rocky Mountain possesses something classic, something that can’t be outdone in its simplicity. This is the quintessential US national park, abundant with opportunities for hiking, camping, and sightseeing through mountains and woods. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the best views in all of Colorado, especially along Trail Ridge Road, where you can stand amidst the Rockies looking out onto the range in every direction. Longtime favorite hikes like Bear Lake and Emerald Lake Trail offer great picnic spots for the family, while more adventurous hikers can take on the beautiful Chasm Lake or Mt. Ida summits, to name just a few. And what’s best about Rocky Mountain National Park is that it’s an entire destination where you can either camp or relax in the nearby mountain town of Estes Park. But even if you only have a day, and you’re driving in from Denver or another part of the state, Rocky Mountain National Park can’t be topped.

savannah.whitmer 4 years ago

Think Colorado, think Rocky Mountains. That’s just how it goes. So, where else to get you fix of the legendary Continental Divide than at the much-loved Rocky Mountain National Park? There’s a handful of climactic zones to get through, from the moose-spotted meadowlands to the alpine tundra of the windy mountaintops. With Denver just on the doorstep, the reserve is a major recreational attraction. Climbers, hikers, snowshoe walkers, skiers – they all come for a taste of the wild beneath the gaze of wise old Longs Peak (the northernmost fourteener in the Rockies).

jrfrancis 3 years ago

If you’re keen to see the Milky Way dazzling over the ridges of the wild Rocky Mountains, this stunning corner of Colorado is the one for you. Yes, the ski resorts and Boulder are close, but you can climb into hidden valleys where the light pollution can’t reach.

jrfrancis 3 years ago

Rocky Mountain National Park Guides

Rocky Mountain National Park Articles

  • Colorado’s National Parks: Ranked

    “Nil Sine Numine” — Nothing Without Providence. It’s a fitting motto for a state that seems to be providentially blessed with beauty in every corner. Colorado is home to some of the most varied terrain in the continental United States, with its mountains, mesas, and deserts preserved in four national parks. If you’re feeling overwhelmed […]

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