Rocky Mountain National Park

Travel Guide North America USA Western United States Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park

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Introduction

Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado was USA's tenth national park, a status it achieved in 1905. The park is approximately 40 kilometres from north to south and 32 kilometres east to west and covers a particularly wild and scenic part of the Colorado Rockies. Much of the area is 3,600 metres above sea level and here the landscape resembles the arctic tundra. Main access is via Estes Park on the eastern side and the smaller Grand Lake on the west. These are the only towns bordering the region and both offer a good choice of accommodation.

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Geography

As its name suggests, the main feature of the park are the Rocky Mountains themselves with the continental divide ridge passing more or less through the middle of the park. The rivers on the eastern side flow eventually to the Atlantic while for those on the west, the Pacific is a final destination. The only road in the park to cross the divide is Trail Ridge which does so at Milner Pass. The altitude varies from just over 2,100 metres around Estes Park to over 4,200 metres at the summit of Longs Peak.

The Colorado River has its source in the north western corner of the park and the landscape throughout has been shaped by ice as well as water, indeed several small glaciers remain, chiefly along the eastern side of the Continental Divide.

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Main Centres

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Sights and Activities

Hiking

Hiking is one of the main activities here with almost endless possibilities for routes, the best known is perhaps the ascent of the park's highest mountain Longs Peak. At 4,345 metres, Longs is a major summit of the Rockies and the normal route via the Keyhole is classified as non technical when ice free - it's still a tough scramble though so if you're inexperienced try an easier trail. From the same starting point of Bear Lake, the Flattop Mountain Trail leads off into the mountains with possibilities to cross the Rockies to the Grand Lake side, while trails lead up to magnificent high mountain lakes and small glaciers. Further north the Lawn Lake Trail heads off into the pristine wilderness of the Mummy Range topped by Hagues Peak. These are just a few opportunities.

For the less energetic, the Trail Ridge Road crosses the Rockies' main ridge reaching an altitude of 3,713 metres making it North America's highest through-route road pass. This is a fascinating drive between Estes Park and Grand Lake with opportunities for short walks at stops on the way. The Alpine Visitor Centre near the road summit has wonderful views of the surrounding mountains including the remote Ypsilon Mountain in the Mummy Range and the mysteriously named jagged peaks of the Never Summer Range. All the park's visitor centres offer excellent information on the area.

Look out for the wildlife too. Elk can be seen at many locations while if you're lucky you'll spot a moose. Black bears and mountain lions do live in the park too but they're pretty secretive.

In winter the whole area is invariably snow covered and provides opportunities for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Bear in mind that there are not the ski lifts like Aspen or Breckenridge. Trail Ridge Road is generally closed in the winter months which here is usually November to May or even June.

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Opening Hours

The park is open year-round, but some parts and roads might not be open outside of the summer season.

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Cost

Entry fees for the park are $20 for a car and $10 if you're on foot or cycling. These are each for a pass valid for seven days. In addition, there is a $40 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. A National Park Pass costs $80 a year so if you are planning to visit quite a few parks, this might be better value.

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Getting There

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN) located about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the park, with connecting service to most major US cities. A smaller option is Eagle County Regional Airport (IATA: EGE) located near the skiing resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek; however, service to this airport is usually seasonal and confined to the winter months.

By Car

From the west: The Kawuneeche Visitor Center is one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on US-34. Grand Lake can be reached from I-70 via US-40 which runs through Empire and over the Berthoud Pass.

From the east: The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is three miles from downtown Estes Park near the terminus of US-36 and can be reached via several roads. SR-7 runs from Boulder via Lyons and Allenspark along the east side of the park, passing the Longs Peak Ranger Station and intersects US-36 in Estes Park. SR-66/US-36 run from Denver through Longmont up the Big Thompson River canyon. US-34 also intersects US-36 in Estes Park via Loveland and continues on into the park toward the Fall River Visitor Center.

Rental cars are available at the Denver International Airport. If you aren't driving, the Estes Park Shuttle offers reasonable one-way and round-trip rates from DEN to downtown Estes Park.

Note: While the park is open year-round, the Trail Ridge Road closes in the winter and may not open until the late spring or early summer, depending on the snowpack.

By Foot

There are an extensive number of trails entering the park on all sides including the 3100-mile-long Continental Divide Trail.

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Getting Around

By Car

Most of the major trailheads in the park are accessible by car and have parking lots depending on the popularity of the route. While parking is relatively ample in the early mornings, many lots are full by mid-morning during the peak summer months. The Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Roads are closed during the winter and usually don't reopen till late spring at the earliest. Access to Moraine Park and Bear Lake via the Bear Lake Road are open year-round and plowed.

There are several entrances to the park which do not have fees on the east side of the park:

  • Longs Peak Ranger Station road (dead ends at the Longs Peak Ranger Station and trailhead)
  • McGraw Ranch road (dead ends at McGraw Ranch and Cow Creek trailhead)
  • Lily Lake Visitors Center parking lot (on the right side of SR-7 heading south from Estes Park
  • McGregor Ranch Gem Lake entrance (parking lots near Lumpy Ridge trailhead)

By Shuttle

Starting around Memorial Day Weekend and going through the end of September, Rocky Mountain National Park operates a free shuttle bus service which enables you to access many destination and loop hikes along Bear Lake Road, including Sprague Lake and Glacier Gorge to cut down on traffic congestion and limited parking. Shuttle buses run between many trailheads, Moraine Park Visitor Center, and Moraine Park and Glacier Basin Campgrounds.

There are two routes: The Bear Lake Route and the Moraine Park Route. Both routes are based at the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from the Glacier Basin Campground. The first bus departs from Park & Ride at 7:00pm. and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. The last bus of the day leaves Bear Lake and Fern Lake Trailheads at 7:30pm. The Bear Lake Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and Bear Lake. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. The Moraine Park Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and the Fern Lake Trailhead bus stop. These buses run every 30 minutes.

By Foot

To experience the true beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park means getting out onto some of the 355 miles of trail that wind in, around and over the Continental Divide, Wild Basin, Mummy Range, and more.

By Bicyle

Cycling through the park offers riders a chance to take in some of the scenery and striking vistas at a casual pace; however, some may be daunted by the high altitudes and steep climbs on the main roads. Elevations range from 2,400 to 3,700 metres. There are about 100 kilometres of hard-surfaced road with a five to seven percent grade. Most of the roads in the park have little to no shoulder, with the added challenge of dealing with heavy summer traffic. Early mornings or late evening rides may minimize conflict with other vehicles. Be vigilant for thunderstorms in the early to late afternoons, where lightning can create a serious hazard.

Winter cyclists will have access to Upper Beaver Meadows Road, Moraine Park Campground, Endovalley Road, Aspenglen Campground and High Drive. For a unique cycling experience, check with the park information office for specifics on the Old Fall River Road (gravel surface) and Trail Ridge Road (paved), which are open to bicycles early in the summer season, before they open to vehicles.

Off-road mountain biking is prohibited inside the park.

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Eat

Snacks are available for purchase at the Alpine Visitor Center, and there is a snack shop located next door to the Fall River Visitor Center. There are no sit-down restaurants inside of the park, but the neighboring towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake have numerous options.

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Drink

There is no wine or alcohol for sale anywhere in the park. Beverages may be purchased at the snack bar next to the Fall River Visitor Center or at the Alpine Visitor Center. Water is available at the entrance station and visitor centers, and during summer months at the campgrounds.

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Sleep

Accommodation is limited to campgrounds within the national park and an overnight permit is required if you plan to camp in the wild. Estes Park has the largest choice of hotels and it is here most people visit from. Over the mountains the charming Grand Lake with its wooden houses and boardwalks also has some accommodation.

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Contributors

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This is version 21. Last edited at 8:03 on Aug 14, 17 by Utrecht. 8 articles link to this page.

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