Exploring Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of North America’s most stunning natural treasures. Every year, more than 3 million people visit the park, and many of them return sooner rather than later. Most guide books recommend to spend between 4 and 7 days exploring the park, but given the large number of attractions and activities on offer, it can be difficult to choose what to do and where to stay.

Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park

The park is located in the heart of Colorado. The nearest airport is Denver International, which is approximately 80 miles southwest of the park. There is a shuttle bus that links the airport with one of the entrances at Estes Park. Round-trip costs are in the region of $75 per person.

Rocky Mountain National Park entrance signBilly Hathorn / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Alternatively, a large number of visitors opt for travelling with their own wheels. In this case, it is best to approach the park via Denver and Boulder, staying on the US route 36. Visitors who arrive from the western areas of Colorado or from other states in the West can take US route 40 until it merges with route 34, which passes through the park. Those who do not own a vehicle may hire a car in Denver city or at the airport.

Natural landmarks at Rocky Mountain National Park

Bear Lake

Unhindered by Talent / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

This 10-mile long lake is one of the highlights of Rocky Mountain National Park. The area is usually accessible all-year-round, and there are several hiking trails of varying difficulty that reach the lake. The views from the shores are short of impressive, especially on clear days when Longs Peak and Hallett Peak can be seen in the distance. It is common for tourists to combine a trek to Bear Lake with a visit to other nearby lakes, like Dream Lake or Emerald Lake

Longs Peak

Rising more than 14,000 feet above sea level, Longs Peak is one of the highest mountains in the state. There are five different trails that take hikers to the summit, and during the summer months no special equipment is needed to reach the peak, although visitors should be aware of the possibility of being affected by altitude. The views at the top are simply stunning, but those who do not wish to climb also have plenty of breathtaking views to choose from by following the trails to Chasm View or Peacock Pool

Horseshoe Park

This vast woodland area is ideal for watching elks, who roam free in large numbers during the autumn. It is also possible to spot bulls, big horn sheeps, and mountain lions at Horseshoe Park. Those who happen to visit at other times of the year will not be disappointed by the spectacular scenery, and in some areas, you may even have the park to yourself, as this is generally a little-visited area outside the autumn months

Activities at Rocky Mountain National Park

The activities on offer vary depending on the season, but you can rest assured that choice is plentiful. Some popular winter activities include skiing, ice skating, and mountaineering, as well as sledding, tubing, and snow-mobiling (very popular around the Grand Lake area). The Estes Park Winter Festival is a great opportunity to have fun with the family, as it features live music, food and drink tastings, toboggan runs, and pony rides.

Adventure lovers are also spoilt for choice at Rocky Mountain National Park, with some of the most popular activities being rafting along the whitewater rapids of the Colorado River, kayaking, and climbing. And the list of activities does not end there, as it is also possible to go fishing, mountain biking, boating, camping, horseback riding, hunting, and driving 4-wheeled vehicles and ATVs. There are even golf courses within the park boundaries: two at Estes Park and one at Grand Lake, along with three mini-golf courses that are great options for a family day out in the park.

There are also less strenous activities on offer, such as picnics, watercolour painting, visiting art galleries, craft exhibitions, and museums, and indulging in some fine dining and wining, as the park’s restaurants serve the best of international cuisine.

Visit the official National Park website for more information and to plan your trip.