Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park packs the high Colorado Rockies into an accessible park near Denver: peaks over fourteen thousand feet, alpine tundra above the treeline, and meadows where elk gather and bugle each autumn. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the country, climbs across the tundra with breathtaking ease.

Background

The park was established on January 26, 1915, and in 1976 UNESCO made it one of the first World Biosphere Reserves. It covers 265,461 acres, approximately 55 miles northwest of Denver, between Estes Park and Grand Lake, and the Continental Divide runs through its centre, with the headwaters of the Colorado River in the northwest. Elevations range from 7,860 to 14,259 feet, topped by Longs Peak, and sixty peaks rise above 12,000 feet. Rivers and streams total approximately 450 miles, trails 350 miles, and the park holds 150 lakes. Prospectors founded Lulu City, Dutchtown and Gaskill in the 1870s, but the boom was over by 1883. Trail Ridge Road reached Fall River Pass between 1929 and 1932.

Source: Wikipedia, "Rocky Mountain National Park"

What you'll find

• Trail Ridge Road - the high alpine highway crossing the tundra above the treeline.
• Bear Lake and the trails - the accessible lakes and peaks of the east side.
• The elk rut - the autumn gathering and bugling of elk in the meadows.
• Alpine tundra - the fragile high-country plants and views above the trees.

When to go

Summer for the full high road and trails; September for the elk rut and golden aspens. Trail Ridge Road closes with snow in winter. Timed-entry reservations often apply in the busy months.

Things to know

Its closeness to Denver makes it very busy, so timed-entry permits and full car parks are common, so plan ahead. The altitude is serious, so take it slowly and watch for altitude sickness. Afternoon thunderstorms are a real danger above the treeline in summer.

Nearby

Estes Park is the eastern gateway; Denver and Boulder are within a couple of hours.

Key facts