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Rocky Mountain National Park
(Click to see a map of Rocky Mountain National Park here)
Attracting more than 3 million visitors each year, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the country's most frequently visited national parks. The park ranges in elevation from 8,000 feet in the wet grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak. Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. A visitor to the park has opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures.
 Although the great peaks comprise the essence of the park, the delicate alpine flowers, clear lakes, rushing mountain waters, and impressive forests appeal to all the senses. An array of wildlife- bighorn sheep, ptarmigan, coyote, and elk add life to the landscape. Wildflower lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut (mating season).
The wide variety of elevations and habitats create a choice of activities for visitors. Endless opportunities are available to hikers, backpackers and horse back riders on over 355 miles of trail. Fly fishers, bird watchers and photographers discover the splendor that they traveled to find. During the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers revel in the white-blanketed tranquility of meadows and forests. Rocky Mountain National Park offers many ways to experience nature and all its beauty.
Hiking
At least 60 peaks rise above 12,000 feet challenging intrepid hikers and climbers. Rocky Mountain National Park has over 355 miles of trails. These range from flat lakeside strolls to quite steep peak climbs. Anyone visiting between Memorial Day and late autumn can see many of these peaks eye-to-eye by driving over Trail Ridge Road. Topping out at 12,183 feet, this is the highest, continuous, paved road in the United States.
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Brownfield's Trading Post - 350 East Elkhorn Ave. - 970-586-3275
Brownfield's is a vacation tradition and a local favorite known for high quality and honest pricing. We have the largest selection of souvenirs for men, women , juniors and kids. There is something for everyone including t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, mugs, magnets, toys, sweatpants, calendars, shoes, digital camera supplies, postcards and more., We offer a full selection of hiking gear including boots, socks, packs, rain jackets and all the essentials for any hiking. our friendly and experienced staff will gladly recommend a variety of activities to fit your family's needs, Since 1956
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If you are new to the park, rangers at the visitor centers and backcountry office can provide advice on trails that are appropriate for different fitness and experience levels. As you plan your hike, keep in mind that park elevations range from 7,500 to over 12,00 feet. Even very fit individuals coming from lower elevations may experience altitude problems. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat. After a few days your body will have made some physiological adjustments to higher elevations, but full acclimation may take a week. To minimize symptoms drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, don't skip meals, and get plenty of rest.
Ultraviolet light is stronger in the mountains because there is less atmosphere for the sunlight to pass through. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sun glasses, and consider covering up with a long sleeved shirt if you are out in the sun for extended periods. If you have never hiked before or are traveling with children, check out the recommended accessible trails. Ranger-led walks are free and can increase your confidence while you learn more about the park. Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to discover how traveling by foot brings you closer to nature.
From a family adventure to scenic Alberta Falls to a demanding climb on Longs Peak, the Park's highest mountain, there's
something for everyone.
Favorite Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
By Lisa Foster
Alberta Falls
This lovely, 25-foot high cascade in Glacier Creek is a popular waterfall in RMNP. A moderate, well-maintained trail serves this
scenic spot which is a great place for picnicking. This is a good hike for children and anyone desiring a short, rewarding hike in RMNP.
Distance: 0.8mi., Trailhead: Glacier Gorge, Trailhead Elevation: 9,240 ft., Elevation Gain: 160 ft., rating: Family
Dream Lake
This gorgeous subalpine lake lies in the shadow of majestic Hallett Peak and is a wonderful family destination. The mythical, dreamlike setting with magnificent mountain scenery no doubt inspired the name. This is a nice area for a family picnic. Distance: 1.1mi., Trailhead: bear lake, Trailhead Elevation: 9,475 ft., Elevation Gain: 425 ft., rating: Family
Ouzel Falls
Ouzel Falls is the most popular destination in the Wild Basin area of RMNP. It plunges dramatically over a small granite cliff. The trail
to Ouzel Falls passes two other waterfalls and travels through part of the prominent burned-out area from the 1978 Ouzel Fire. This is a nice family destination. Distance: 2.7mi., Trailhead: wild basin, Trailhead Elevation: 8,500 ft., Elevation Gain: 950 ft., rating: Family/moderate
Mills Lake
Considered by many to be the prettiest lake in RMNP, Mills Lake lies in Glacier Gorge, a strikingly beautiful U-shaped valley carved by
repeated glaciation. Longs Peak, Pagoda Mountain and Chiefs Head Peak provide an impressive backdrop to this lovely high mountain lake. This is a moderate hike, suitable for adventurous families. Distance: 2.8mi., Trailhead: Glacier Gorge, Trailhead Elevation: 9,240 ft., Elevation Gain: 750 ft., rating: Family/moderate
Cub Lake
The short, pleasant hike to Cub Lake is a great family destination that leads through a shady forest and offers abundant wildflowers, river scenery, and excellent bird-watching opportunities. The lake is famous for the striking yellow pond lilies that bloom in July and August, as they colorfully cover most of the water's surface. Distance: 2.3mi., Trailhead: Cub lake, Trailhead Elevation: 8,080 ft., Elevation Gain: 540 ft., rating: Family/moderate
The Loch
The Loch is the lowest of three spectacular lakes in scenic Loch Vale. A moderate approach and magnificent mountain scenery make it one of the most popular destination in RMNP. This hike is suitable for adventurous families. For those wishing for more excitement, the trail continues more strenuously to Lake of Glass and Sky Pond. Distance: 3.1mi., Trailhead: Glacier Gorge, Trailhead Elevation: 9,240 ft., Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft., rating: moderate
Flattop Mountain
Because it offers a well-maintained trail all the way to the summit, Flattop Mountain is one of the most popular peaks to hike in RMNP. The trail is also very popular because it is one of the easiest ways to reach the Continental Divide. The grand, flat summit area that inspired Flattop Mountain's name is the largest of any of the peaks in RMNP. The views from the top are breathtaking, encompassing both the east and west sides of the Continental Divide. This strenuous hike is suitable for fit hikers. Distance: 4.4mi., Trailhead: bear lake, Trailhead Elevation: 9,475 ft., Elevation Gain: 2,849 ft., rating: Strenuou
Longs Peak
The name Longs Peak is recognized all over the world. It's the highest mountain in RMNP and the 15th highest in Colorado, and more notably, the northernmost 14,000 foot peak in the Rocky Mountains. It is the only four teener in RMNP and is one of the most sought-after summits in Colorado. Any ascent of Longs Peak is a difficult endeavor and should not be taken lightly. Climbers and hikers travel great distances to attempt a summit bid on the peak, and in ideal conditions the easiest routes up Longs Peak are lengthy, exposed scrambles, but in adverse weather or the presence of snow and ice, all routes become technical. Even in the summer, a clear, cloudless morning can quickly turn into a violent, storm battered afternoon. Consult with RMNP rangers for current conditions on the
peak before attempting to climb this regal mountain. Distance: 8mi., Trailhead: longs Peak, Trailhead Elevation: 9,400 ft., Elevation Gain: 4,885 ft., rating: Strenuous/Advanced
Trailheads
Glacier Gorge and bear Lake trailheads These trailheads provide access to Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, The Loch, Dream Lake and Flattop Mountain. From the RMNP Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on US 36 near Estes Park, drive west for 1.1 miles to the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. A fee is required to enter the Park. Pass the kiosk and continue for 0.2 mile to Bear Lake Road. Turn south (left) and drive for 8.3 miles to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. From here, continue for 0.9 mile to the huge Bear Lake parking lot. Bear Lake and the trailhead lie 100 yards west of this parking lot.
Wild Basin Trailhead
This trailhead provides access to Ouzel Falls. From the junction of US 36 and CO 7 in Estes Park, drive south on CO 7 for 12.5 miles to Wild Basin Road (CR 84W). Turn west and drive for 0.3 mile to the turnoff for RMNP's Wild Basin. Take a right and drive to the RMNP entrance station. A fee is required to enter the Park. Drive for 2.1 miles to the Wild Basin Trailhead, located at the end of the road.
Cub Lake and Fern Lake Trailheads
These two trailheads are located in Moraine Park. The Cub Lake Trailhead provides access to Cub Lake. The Fern Lake Trailhead provides access to Fern Lake. From the RMNP Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on US 36 near Estes Park, drive west for 1.1 miles to the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. A fee is required to enter the Park. Pass the kiosk and drive for 0.2 mile to Bear Lake Road. Turn south (left) and drive for 1.3 miles to Moraine Park Road. Turn west (right) and continue to the Cub Lake Trailhead. From here,
continue west along the road for 0.9 mile to the Fern Lake Trailhead.
Longs Peak Trailhead
This trailhead provides access to Longs Peak. From the junction of US 36 and CO 7 in Estes Park, drive south on CO 7 for 8.8 miles to the turnoff for Longs Peak. Turn right and drive west for 1 mile to the trailhead.
Hike Descriptions and information provided by lisa Foster, author of rocky mountain national Park: The Complete hiking Guide. Available at stores throughout Estes Park and on Amazon.com.
Camping
Front-country and backcountry campers have hundreds of campsites to choose from:
There are five drive-in campgrounds in the park open during the summer. Three of which are open in winter. Group camping is available in some areas. Two campgrounds, Moraine Park and Glacier Basin take reservations. Other park campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and fill on most summer days. None of the campgrounds have electric, water, or sewer hookups at the camping sites.
Stay limits of seven nights are in place from June 1st through September 30th. The limits extend to an additional 14 nights at the year-round campgrounds throughout the rest of the year. For further information, call 877-444-6777.
 Backcountry camping provides an exhilarating escape by allowing people to immerse themselves in an environment where they can have an opportunity to truly understand and appreciate nature's beauty & natural value.
The first step in planning your trip is to decide where you want to camp and for what length of time. As you plan your trip, take into consideration the physical condition of the least experienced member of your party, and the distance and elevation gain from the trailhead to your destination.
Do you want to be near rivers or lakes, waterfalls or glaciers, around people or not, at the foot of the mountains looking up or the bottom of the mountains looking down?
Keep in mind that Rocky Mountain National Park is a high elevation park. It will take several days to become acclimated at this elevation if traveling from sea level. If your body is not acclimated you can get Acute Mountain Sickness, otherwise known as Altitude Sickness. The rule of thumb is to give yourself three days to acclimate before beginning your Back Country journey.
You must have a backcountry permit to camp overnight in Rocky Mountain National Park's back- country. You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry office (beside the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Highway 36 west of Estes Park). To minimize impact on the park's resources, the number of permits issued is limited.
There are many excellent resources on backcountry hiking and camping. Take the time to learn Leave No Trace principles, how to backpack safely, and how to care for the environment. Always remember this is your park. Its 269,723 acres are a resource for not only you, but for many future generations to come.
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