With negligible elevation gain, the Bear Lake Loop is one of the park's four wheelchair-accessible paths. You must be logged in to leave a comment. En español | Even by Colorado standards, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts an embarrassment of riches. September through October is elk mating season, otherwise known as “the rut.” Marvel at the sound of bull elk bugling and the site of antler-locked bulls doing battle to attract cows. If you want a workout, drive 10 miles south of Estes Park and head to Chasm Lake via the Longs Peak trailhead. Crowds disappear when snow covers the park. … Whether looking for a new route to an adrenaline rush, or simply enjoying a favorite pastime, Rocky Mountain National Park's unique and varied landscapes offer something fun. You can access vistas by horseback or by car, with Trail Ridge Road being a bucket-list driving route. The grand and historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is famous as Stephen King’s inspiration for 'The Shining.'. Western-themed Sagebrush BBQ & Grill is known for its pork ribs and corn bread. ", With more than 160 trails, many would argue that RMNP is best experienced on foot. Plan Your Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll be admiring the views while leaning on a tree or sitting on a rock.". Established in 1915, the park famously straddles the Continental Divide. Known as a “scenic wonder road of the world,“ it traverses 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, taking in several not-to-be-missed sights. The Alpine Visitor Center sits at the top of Trail Ridge Road, offering spectacular mountain views. Some of the best viewing spots include Bear Lake Road, the Fall River entrance to the park and Moraine Park. “We don't have trail books to sign in and out so no one will come looking for you. Located outside Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain is a great family vacation destination, offering outdoor experiences for all—from easy nature hikes around crystal clear mountain lakes to daring rock scrambles up waterfalls and mountains. The park's seven visitor centers have restrooms, and the Beaver Meadows and Fall River centers offer free Wi-Fi. The highest continuously paved road in the U.S. is known appropriately as the “Highway to the Sky,” as it crosses the Continental Divide at 12,183 feet. And throughout the rest of the year, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars, eagles, hawks and scores of smaller animals like pikas and marmots delight wildlife-watchers of all ages. The 8.4-mile, round-trip trek is a quad burner but the deep-green pool and views of the east-facing wall of Longs Peak, known as the Diamond, are well worth the effort. Alpine tundra, cascading waterfalls and ponderosa pine forests create a breathtaking backdrop for year-round adventures. Rise early to arrive by sunrise and watch the waters take on a heavenly pink glow. Privacy Notice: The National Park Foundation adheres to the privacy policy found at Drinking water throughout the day and avoiding alcohol can help minimize the effects of altitude. Nearly 80 percent of visitors access the park from the east side. Find information on the timed entry-permit system here. Members save on hotels, car rentals and more. Many of the taller peaks make up the Continental Divide, where snowmelt runs either west to the Pacific Ocean or east to the Atlantic. Accessed by the Glacier Gorge trailhead, this hike winds 0.85-mile through aspen groves and pine forests, depositing visitors at the 30-foot chute that spills down a gorge. Rainbow Curve pullout has vault toilets and from the curve you can spot a handful of 13ers, including Hagues Peak and Mummy Mountain. According to Patterson, the park does not categorize trails as easy or difficult because of the altitude. The easy, 3.6-mile round-trip Kruger Rock Trail in Hermit Park Open Space rewards hikers with incredible views over Estes Valley and into the national park. This also makes it one of the most visited falls, attracting more than 110,000 hikers a year. These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration. Adams Falls, a 55-foot-tall series of cascades that flow down a jagged cliffside overlooking movie-worthy mountain scenery, is one of the easiest to reach, just a 0.45-mile trek via the East Inlet trailhead near the town of Grand Lake on the park's west side. “The mountains are calling and I must go.” — John Muir. There's no shortage of ice cream shops in Grand Lake, but the homemade scoops from shorefront Miyauchi's Snack Bar are worth seeking out. Located in the park's Glacier Gorge area, Sprague Lake and the Loch are well stocked with brook and greenback cutthroat trout. The Keyhole Route is the classic way up, but Longs’ has more than 120 other route options. The rest of the year, expect snow at most elevations, and definitely up on Trail Ridge Road. The two horse stables within the park will remain closed through 2020. There’s so much to... It’s an honest question we in Estes Park hear frequently. By submitting my email, I agree to receive correspondence from the National Park Foundation. Gorgeous Trail Ridge Road sweeps 48 miles through the park between Grand Lake and Estes Park. The town has a handful of well-appointed sites, including a KOA Campground suitable for small RVs and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, which has cabins, RV and camp sites, a heated pool and mini golf. Rocky Mountain National Park is closing due to the East Troublesome Fire west of the park, which exploded in size overnight and entered the park from the southwest. In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails Some of the best views can be appreciated from your car window via Bear Lake Road, Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road. Plentiful scenic outlooks serve as rest stops and there are trail options for all fitness levels. Being on Trail Ridge Road feels like you have reached the top of the world! In addition to its natural wonders, Rocky Mountain National Park provides services and amenities to make your experience special and stress-free. The park does not rent equipment, but rental shops, such as Estes Park Mountain Shop, are plentiful in gateway towns. An angler's paradise, RMNP has countless options for casting, from wild alpine lakes to easy-to-access streams. Visitors who are adjusting to the altitude, have visual impairments or who prefer level, smooth paths should explore Lily Lake, just south of Estes Park, or the Coyote Valley Trail, on the park's west side; two of its four wheelchair-accessible trails. Stay inspired—sign up for our emails, learn how to become a member, and follow us on social media to get the latest park stories.