A land of extremities awaits you! If you are a travel enthusiast or describe yourself as a globetrotter; if your wanderlust urges you to explore unknown and adventurous lands or acquainting yourself with new lands excites you, then this is a place you would want to add to your bucket list.
Nestled in a spectacular range of mountains, the Rocky Mountain National Park unfolds in 415 square miles (265,807 acres). The park, at Colorado, US, illustrates a remarkable amalgamation of various geographical landscapes ranging from meadows in the montane life; to the sparkling lakes in the subalpine zone; to audacious mountain peaks located in the alpine zone. Exploration of over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing are key perks of Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you are curious to know which is the best time of the year or a specific season to visit this park then you must know that this marvel has something new & distinctive to offer you in each season. The park’s official timings of operation are from 6 am to 5 pm. You can plan your visit and purchase your permits from the official website.
How to Reach the Rocky Mountain National Park
The best and possibly the most convenient way to reach this national park is by flying to Denver International Airport. You can rent a car further as Estes Park is a two hours drive from the airport. Once you reach the park, free shuttles will pick you up and take you to some of the most amazing and well-known trailheads. There is another way to enter the national park via Grand Lake. However, considering ease of access and the most popular trails, the Estes Park entrance is beneficial in all senses.
This national park has several trailheads to explore but they tend to fill up early. For a situation like this, there are two bus stations in the park: the first one at the Estes Park Visitor Center, and the other one at the Park and Ride.
Where to Stay During Visit
The iconic stay where the author of ‘The Shining’, Stephen King was inspired to write the book, The Stanley Hotel seems the perfect place for your wild stay. Perched on a hill and offering tremendous views, this hotel provides well-planned tours as well. Therefore, it is a busier and also a pricier alternative. If you are looking for a more economical stay then the Murphy’s River Lodge is the best fit for you. This place is nestled on the river and accommodates plenty of patio areas and a number of games. You can also rent an Airbnb for spacious homes with astounding views.
Unleash Adventure with Exciting Activities
If you wish to immerse yourself into the wild adventure of the national park then camping is the perfect way to do that. The park provides you the opportunity to set your own tent next to your vehicle. Most spots in the park are open to reservation only and they fill up quickly. However, some spots are reserved for first come first serve. These reservations are restricted to the summer season.
Next on your way is hiking. A trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park is incomplete without a hiking experience. Some of the most scenic and accessible hikes by the trailhead include the Bear Lake Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Lawn Lake Trailhead, Long’s Peak Trailhead.
You can experience the most memorable and mesmerizing hike of your life here. The changing landscapes make the journey more exciting and leave you craving for more. The national park unfurls a profusion of scenic drives and wildlife watching that can amplify your adventurous experience. The Old Fall River Road and the Trail Ridge Road are both around 11,000 ft above sea level and provide a tremendous glimpse of the park. This is also a great place to spot wildlife.
Talking about the seasonal offerings, the winters here offer a great snowshoeing experience. You can even get a daily rental from the shops in Estes Park. Bear Lake and Emerald Lake are perfect hanging out spots for this.
Address & Phone
The Rocky Mountain National Park is located at:
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park , CO 80517
United States
For queries, you can reach the staff at this number 970-586-1206. For campground reservations, the number is 877-444-6777. And to report lost and found items, you can write to romo_landf@nps.gov.
