Colorado National Parks
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado's most well known parks. Established on January 26, 1915, the park attracts over 3 million visitors each year. Covering 265,828 acres, the park's elevation reaches up to 14,256 feet at the football field size summit of Long's Peak. Estes Park and Grand Lake are located on opposite sides of the park.
A unique aspect of Rocky Mountain National Park is its wilderness areas. In 1964, the Congress of the United States passed a law known as the Wilderness Act, intended to provide an "enduring resource of wilderness" for future generations. Rocky Mountain National Park has 2,917 acres that are designated as wilderness areas. However, an additional 248,464 acres were recommended as wilderness in 1974 and have been treated as such.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers many hiking trails. The 359 miles of trails always offers new ground to explore. Most of the trails are in the 248,464 acres of area recommended as Wilderness Area. Ranger activities include guided hiking in the summer, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country ski tours in the winter. Visit the National Park Service website to see suggested hikes at various levels. Mountaineering, climbing, backcountry camping, and biking are also popular activities in the park.
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway is another unique aspect of RMNP. This road is the highest continuous paved road in the world, climbing past the tree line and traveling past Colorado tundra. The road travels 48 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake, and is generally open from late May through mid-October. The road reaches up to 12,183 feet at its highest elevation. With 60 peaks over 12,000 feet in the park, following this road can bring you to eye level with some of the highest peaks in Colorado.
Another popular activity in the area is wildlife viewing. Inhabiting the park are nearly 60 species of mammals, more than 280 recorded bird species, 6 amphibians, including the federally endangered boreal toad, and 11 species of fish. The most well known inhabitants of the park are the elk. During autumn, the bull elk (male) produce vocalizations including piercing bugling, mewing, squealing and barking to attract cow elk (female). Elk generally gather where the meadows and tree lines meet.
The free shuttle bus is a good way to travel around the park. The bus runs between trailheads and is based at the Park and Ride across from the Glacier Basin Campground. The bus runs daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and runs on weekends until the second Monday in October.
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do
Unwind at an Authentic 1930s log lodge in Allenspark, CO. A Classic Bed & Breakfast near Boulder, Estes Park, Lyons, Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, and Rocky Mountain National Park! See moose and elk!
Family Suites and Spa-Suites with private balcony or deck, fireplace and WiFi near Rocky Mountain National Park along Fall River in Estes Park. Aspen Winds offers Romance and Snowshoe Packages.
Blackhawk Cabins are 2 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. Fish Fall River. Relaxing Riverside Hot Tub. LOG CABINS in Estes Park: Woodburning fireplace, good WiFi, kitchen, loft with pine interior.
Longmont is in Central Boulder County serving Estes Park, Boulder, Louisville, and Lyons. RV Service and Supply Center for ALL Makes and Models of RVs, Truck Campers, Towables, and Utility Trailers.
Columbine is pet friendly! Cozy mountain cabins with kitchens and Queen beds. Year round FUN at the west-end of Grand Lake. Walk to Western Boardwalk or Lake. Family picnics. BBQ grills. Outdoor hot tub.
YOU OWN IT - WE SERVICE YOUR VACATION HOME: Pop-ups to big rigs, we get the job done right. Yes to all insurance companies. IN DENVER. We have 60+ years of experience. Werm flooring installation.
Intimate 1 and 2 bedroom cabins on Fall River. RIVERFRONT cabins and vacation home in Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park surrounds The Evergreens. Romance Package: roses, spa, chocolates.
Visit Grand Lake, Colorado, a charming mountain village at to entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Popular mountain vacation getaway. The Soul of the Rockies: sunny days, fine dining, shops, and LAKE!
2023 Saturdays: July 1st-August 12th in Fraser: Colorado High Country Stampede: Roping, Breakaway, Bull, Barrel and Bareback Riding, Saddle Broncs, Pole Bending, Steer Wrestling. Voted Best New CPRA Rodeo 2021!
Scenic views: wildlife out your door. Secluded. Near Estes Park, stay in deluxe, beautiful, clean cottages. Machin's is inside Rocky Mountain National Park, fresh mountain air and hiking trails! WiFi hot-spots.
Estes Park is RIGHT HERE --A Family Vacation. Our Lodge Guests say: It's so beautiful here -- a cabin retreat surrounded by trees, the river, spectacular misty mountain backdrop, it feels like you're in nature.
Pony rides for the Li'l Cowpokes! 45 YEARS; 2 CORRAL STABLES in Estes Park we know this corner of Colorado! Gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park: horse trail rides, leisurely-pace, safe, scenic.
Rejuvenate in Raymond, a small mountain hamlet, in central Boulder County, with winter adventures and summer recreation. Cozy historic cabins are a short drive to Estes Park, Lyons, Boulder, and Longmont.
Full service RV Park in Kremmling. The Red Mountains has 100+ miles of ATV trails, start here. Fish the Colorado River! WiFi. 40 miles to Summit County and Rocky Mountain National Park. OPEN ALL YEAR!
160 acres near Grand Lake, the Resort Village borders Rocky Mountain National Park along a winding river. A family reunion destination: Cabins, campsites, lodge room. Vacation with your horse! Free WiFi.
More Activities & Information
Allenspark, Colorado includes: Meeker Park, Raymond
Estes Park, Colorado includes: Drake
Grand Lake, Colorado includes: Granby, Ski Granby Ranch
Loveland Area, Colorado includes: Berthoud, Evans, Greeley, Johnstown