Rocky Mountain National Park
Vast, wild and rugged, a true Colorado Gem that should be on everyones list.
My first visit to Rocky Mountains National Park was earlier in the summer, while on a road trip with my brother. Every aspect of the park was draw dropping so I recently went back for a second visit and was just as impressed. I look forward to sharing the insider tips that I have learned along the way!
Plan ahead for this one! Due to Covid-19 the park is requiring reservations for entry during certain time slots. Often selling out well in advanced especially on weekends and holidays.
Exception to the rule: No reservation is required if you arrive before 6:00 AM or after 5:00 PM. This is the option I chose both times. Who would want to miss a Rocky Mountain Sunset?
Much of park road system is closed during the winter season so plan accordingly.
QUICK FACTS
- – Established: January 26th 1915
- – Size: 265,873 acres
- – Annual Visitors: 4.7 million (3rd most visited)
- – Nearest Town: Estes Park or Grand Lake
Nowhere else in the United States can you see so much alpine country with such ease. A mere two hour drive from Denver airport, Trail Ridge Road takes visitors into the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, traversing a ridge above 11,000 feet for 10 miles. Along the way, tiny tundra flowers and other wild blooms contrast with sweeping vistas of towering summits; 78 of them exceed 12,000 feet.
Estes Park or Grand Lake?
Most visitors start their journey from Estes Park, on the east side of the park. Having started from Estes and from Grand Lake on the West I can safely say it doesn’t matter either way the scenery is just as incredible from any direction. Estes is much more of a tourist destination with plenty of options for food, accommodation and other activities outside the park.
Coming from Estes Park, the first stop will be the Beaver Meadows Visitor center, definitely worth a quick stop to gain some more insight on the Rocky Mountains.
Next you will come to a turn off for Bear Lake, the scenery along Moraine Park is worth the drive and there are a few spots to park and walk along the fast flowing river. The parking lot for the bus to bear lake was packed full so I made the easy decision to turn around to avoid the crowds.
Time to hit the trail!
Opting to stop at Hollowell Park Trail Head instead, there was only a couple of others cars here. I took off down the trail to cub lake, a roughly 4-5 mile hike. The trail covered a variety of scenery and for the most part I had it to myself, which was much appreciated.
Sheep Lakes is another stop near by for those who are keen on seeing wildlife. Photographers are often lined up in the evening when the sheep and elk are most active.
So many Elk!
Trail Ridge Road, highest paved road in the United States!
Once you’re back on Trail Ridge Road there are many quick stops and scenic overlooks that should not be missed.
Most notably the area from the Rock Cut to the Gore Range, if you look down into the valley you will almost certainly see hundreds of elk scattered above the tree line along the mountain side. This is also where you will find the highest point on the road at 12,183 feet.
Don’t miss the continental divide at Milner Pass!
Miler Pass is also a popular stoping point right along the continental divide. Lake Irene is also worth a look, especially in the early morning hours.
The stops around Timber Creek and Coyote Valley are noteworthy and will always be one of my favorites. I was stopped here one morning waiting for the sun to rise when I heard my first bull elk bugle, it was a sound that can’t truly be appreciated until you have heard it in the wild.
Across the Divide
Soon you will be coming up on the Kawuneeche Visitor Center on the west entrance of the park at Grand Lake.
Other hikes and activities…
Sprague Lake awaits one of the parks wheelchair accessible trails. The wild basin area also boost some of the most scenic lesser crowded trails. Longs Peak is also a popular trail but should not be taken lightly, one of Colorado’s 14ers, but due to easy access many accidents have occurred here.
Wildlife viewing, scenic hikes and drives are the main draws for visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park but with over 50 lakes and streams, fishing is also very popular. Along with horseback riding and back country camping.
Overall…
What stuck out to me the most about Rocky Mountain National Park was without a doubt the wildlife! It seemed like everywhere you looked you were greeted by massive elk, moose, or big horn sheep. Not to mention the mule deer, turkeys and even a red fox. Bears are frequently spotted but I unfortunately haven’t seen one yet. The scenery is world class and being such a short drive from Denver this National Park should be on everyone’s list!
