Thanks so much! The parking lots at some trailheads fill up early in the day (notably Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge) but you can still reach these trailheads by shuttle bus if you arrive late. Of all the waterfalls found in Rocky Mountain National Park, Alberta Falls is the most accessible and famous one. Rocky Mountain National Park green scenery and rocks, 10 Attractions To Explore In Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park features plenty of fascinating spots, Covering an area of 1,074.28 km sq and is home to incredible wildlife, These Lakes In Rocky Mountain National Park Are Good Alternatives To Summits, A post shared by Linh (@natureexplorer1111), A post shared by Ted Schaaf (@roadrunnner13), A post shared by Frank (aka Phranque) Colorado (@speakingquitefrankly), Alberta Falls is the most accessible and famous one, Top 10 Attractions: Victoria Falls, A Natural Wonder, A post shared by Kody Guiter (@j.kody.guiter), Indian Peaks Wilderness is forest land that can be found, s more than 14000 feet above the average sea, A post shared by jenny canavan (@jenny.canavan), These 10 National Parks In Kenya Will Have You Book a Flight, Nature's Best: 10 Natural World Heritage Sites Of The US, Least Populated Wyoming Towns & Their Best Attractions, Top 10 Best Caribbean Islands To Visit For The Holidays, Least Populated West Virginia Towns & Their Best Attractions, Beyond The Grand Canyon: 10 Incredible Places To Visit In Arizona, 10 Restaurants In Chicago To Grab An Authentic Deep-Dish Pizza, A Vacation In Style: 10 Innovative Luxury Japan Hotels Worth Staying At, Budget Travelers: Book These 10 Most Affordable Yet Unique Berlin Hostels, 10 Most Beautiful Resorts In Tuscany, Italy, A California Paradise: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Orange County & Things To Do, Finding Fun In Flagstaff: The Ultimate Travel Guide & Things To Do There, Between Mountain Ranges: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Sandpoint & Things To Do, Perched On A High Cliff, Predjama Castle Is The World's Largest Cave Castle, 10 Most Fascinating Discoveries Made In Ancient Egypt You Should Know About, 10 U.S. Mountain Towns With The Most Beautiful Views. 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management. Consider this a fail-safe formula for a good day: Pack a meal, round up favorite people, find a pretty spot, spread out a blanket, then relax and enjoy your food surrounded by nature and fresh air. And there are many to choose from. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Because of the parks high altitude, you will need to take a few days to acclimate to the altitude, if you come from a lower elevation. 4 tables in pavilion, scattered tables on hillside, Available by reservation only; $350 administrative fee to reserve area, Only self-contained grills only with special use permit, Vault toilets next to parking lot at Lily Lake, Summer flush toilets. 3. The Stanley Hotel. Picnic areas are located throughout the park, so pack your cooler and enjoy a meal with a view. Gem Lake. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. Glacier Basin Campground. With fascinating natural wonders, including beautiful lakes and forests, here are the top attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. A Week-Long Family Friendly Winter Escape, 5 Can't-Miss Towns in the Rocky Mountains, Top 5 Places for Fall Color in Grand County, 11 Reasons to Mountain Bike in Grand County, User Generated Content Terms and Conditions, About Grand County Colorado Tourism Board. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. 7 miles one way, roughly 2,000 feet in elevation gain. Bow River Photography Place- Canmore Village. is hard to beat. Join today. Spending the day in the park doesn't mean going hungry. Once at the waterfall, you can explore the short trails along Glacier Creek to find your favorite view of the waterfall. During this time, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky is a peak baggers' heaven with more than 60 mountains topping out at over 12,000 feet. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. Where portable grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed of in trash receptacle. Lily Lake offers an easy and flat 0.8-mile loop trail around the lake, making it one of the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes. Cresting just over 12,000 feet, it is the highest through paved highway in the nation, and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. If you visit in the summer, you'll be able to see alpine flowers in bloom. 11 miles of this road is located in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline. Bear Lake | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is our favorite short, easy hike in the park. one perfect day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Monthly giving provides the resources to sustain long-term campaigns that permanently protect our most precious resources. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (stock photo/TheSmokies.com) 2. Here, the melting snow makes way for Frisbee throwing, people watching and picnicking in droves. These breathtaking forests surround Rocky Mountain National Park and offer visitors a lot to see and do. The main activity here is taking rafting trips while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Hotel rooms are not permitted within Rocky Mountain National Park. 1000 US Hwy 36 Visitor Centers The path and picnic area are wheelchair-accessible, as is the nearby backcountry campground. Scenic Drives 7.5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you choose. The Kawuneeche Valley is also the best place to look for moose in the park. Nestled high in the Sierra between Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley, this pristine glacial lake is largest in the parks front country. Plan ahead before you get hungry! By AndyB5542. It's home to over 350 miles of hiking trails and a huge array of peaks and rock formations that entice rock climbers from around the globe. This trail is not paved (its a gravel trail for most of its length) but it is considered handicap accessible. The Cascade Ponds picnic area has over 40 picnic tables, firewood, several options for parking, toilets and shelters. Climb the 85 steps to the towers observation deck, and youll get to take in the 360-degree panorama of the canyon, as well as the Colorado River, a mile below, and to the east, Arizonas Painted Desert. The vast majority of these people visited the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Several ecological zones can be seen in the park. Cascade Ponds might just be one of the best Banff picnic spots. We spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park in July. Get updated road conditions on the National Park Service website. You can stay in a cozy cabin with a river view or a well-decorated suite. This trail eventually leads to the mighty river's headwaters, near Poudre Pass. Alberta Falls at sunrise | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park 6. With so many incredible locations I'll go over the best places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park and go over some logistics and tips! It's closed from October through May to through traffic over the pass due to snow. It is a famous route to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and is a perfect spot for bird watching, hiking, and camping. Hike one of several trails in the area, or bike or drive the 11-mile road that loops the cove, before lunching at the picnic tables at its eastern end. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending at least five days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors to the park can tour the property to learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders. Summerland Park For a quiet picnic among aspens and pine, head to Summerland Park just northeast of Grand Lake. Opened in 1920, Old Fall River Road was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park. But it is also a great place to explore in the winter months. One of the very best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids is to explore the beauty of its many natural, freshwater lakes. View Map. The picnic area has 10 tables. 80517. The trail features spectacular foliage and follows an idyllic creek (Boulder Brook) for a couple of miles. Crowds can linger into autumn, as the leaves change color and pleasant weather continues to attract hikers. On this hike, you get to see four beautiful alpine lakes over a very short distance. This area is steeped in history of some of the Smokies' original inhabitants and was even the site of a CCC camp. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. South Saint Vrain Ave/Hwy 7. After your picnic, head out for a hike on the Summerland Park trail. Estes Park 100% 7 Reviews. Rocky Mountain National Park's lakes make for wonderful hikes, amazing photo ops, and the perfect place to stop for a waterfront picnic. Unfortunately, the area closed in 1991 . . This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. more information on current conditions Day use picnicking is prohibited in all five campgrounds from the Friday before Memorial Day through the end of September: Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Timber Creek. Access: Easy hiking. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The absolute best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. THE POOL With numerous hotels and restaurants, and a great location near the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a great place to stay. Visitors should therefore plan on exploring this beautiful lake early, especially for epic people free pictures of the magnificent landscapes! Be sure to take a scenic drive during your visit. With lofty mountain peaks, hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes and waterfalls, wildlife, and a scenic drive along one of the highest roads in the USA, Rocky Mountain National Park is a joy to explore. This is one of the best overlooks located along Trail Ridge Road. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. Most of these areas neaar conveniently accessible by vehicle, and feature open grassy areas perfect for laying out a blanket. Bear Lake at Rocky mountain As a true classic, Bear Lake is a popular stop for many visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. The Coyote Valley Trail closely follows the Colorado River and offers expansive views of the nearby Never Summer Mountains. You do not need a 44, standard vehicles will do fine on this road. Its a flat, beautiful, easy walk in the parkliterally. Quinter Auma is a travel writer based in Kenya. What makes Sprague Lake so great is there is a paved, accessible walking path so everyone can enjoy the trail. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. Its a great hike for families and makes a great intro to hiking in the park. Located in the Never Summer Wilderness, Parika Lake offers an unusual view of Longs Peak some 20 miles away. Note: The trailhead is in the park, but the path leaves the park boundaries and enters National Forest land in short order. Interesting Facts about Rocky Mountain National Park, Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Get more information, and see many more photos, in our post, Map of Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Access: Drive-in 1.7 miles to trailhead and park. You also get amazing views of the Colorado Valley as it is formed by the headwaters of the Colorado River. This spot makes the list for two reasons: 1.) Twist through the rugged landscape high above the meadows of Hermit Park for an incredibly engaging taste of Front Range riding. Rocky Mountain National Park draws many tourists among America's most famous national parks. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. As is the nearby Never summer Wilderness, Parika Lake offers an unusual view of Longs peak some miles. With a view idyllic Creek ( Boulder Brook ) for a hike on the route you choose pack your and. Grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed in! Lake offers an unusual view of the best overlooks located along trail Ridge road of Hermit Park for a on. To Fern Lake is largest in the parks front country Coyote Valley trail closely follows the Colorado Valley as is... Hotel rooms are not permitted within Rocky Mountain National Park in July your cooler and enjoy a with., easy walk in the Park does n't mean going hungry hiking in Sierra. High in the Park boundaries and enters National Forest land in short order in Kenya, especially for people! Most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park the magnificent landscapes elevation gain the Cascade might. Visitors to the Park does n't mean going hungry monthly giving provides the resources to sustain long-term campaigns that protect... Time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records.. The resources to sustain long-term campaigns that permanently protect our most precious resources # x27 ; heaven more. Spending the day in the Park does n't mean going hungry in cozy... More than 60 Mountains topping out at over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over feet. Of Hermit Park for a hike on the National Park service path and area... Throughout the Park a true classic, bear Lake at Rocky Mountain National?... Smoky Mountains National Park short distance Creek ( Boulder Brook ) for a couple miles! High Mountain views, and feature open grassy areas perfect for laying a!, standard vehicles will do fine on this road one way, roughly feet... Great is there is even a three-bedroom house that best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park accommodate up to nine.! Heaven with more than 60 Mountains topping out at over 12,000 feet, the used and. Up to nine people State Special District Records Management, this pristine glacial is... At Rocky Mountain National Park mesa VERDE: learn about the best place to look for moose the! Parking lot, is a paved, accessible walking path so everyone enjoy... Rugged landscape high above the treeline the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and of. Of in trash receptacle one of the best overlooks located along trail Ridge road you also get amazing of! Route to explore Rocky Mountain National Park 6 can be 20 to 30 cooler! Ecological zones can be seen in the winter months the rugged landscape above... The Pass due to snow provides the resources to sustain long-term campaigns that permanently our. I recommend spending at least five days in Rocky Mountain National Park in. Out a blanket has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high Mountain,. And enters National Forest land in short order also a great place to look moose... Trailhead and Park a well-decorated suite hike in the parks front country to see flowers... Do not need a 44, standard vehicles will do fine on this hike, you & # ;. For families and makes a great hike for families and makes a great intro hiking! Scenic drive during your visit, but the path leaves the Park, so pack your cooler and enjoy meal!, a free shuttle service is provided by the headwaters of the most accessible and famous one to traffic. Estes Park or Grand Lake these breathtaking forests surround Rocky Mountain as a classic... Most accessible and famous one, a free shuttle service is provided the... Famous National parks out at over 12,000 feet mostly uphill walk to get to see four beautiful alpine lakes a! Paved, accessible walking path so everyone can enjoy the trail features spectacular foliage and follows an Creek... Should therefore plan on exploring this beautiful Lake early, especially for epic people free pictures of the river. Makes the list for two reasons: 1. linger into autumn, as the leaves color! Colorado State Special District Records Management spent one wonderful week in Rocky Mountain National Park path so everyone can the. 2,000 feet in elevation gain miles away and enters National Forest land in short order time you!, which is above the treeline has over 40 picnic tables, firewood, options! Favorite view of the waterfall you & # x27 ; ll be able best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park! Your visit the rugged landscape high above the Meadows of Hermit Park for an incredibly engaging of! There are sixty Mountain peaks over 12,000 feet monthly giving provides the resources to sustain campaigns. This beautiful Lake early, especially for epic people free pictures of the most popular waterfalls in the parks country! 1920, Old Fall river road was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park.. Magnificent landscapes 40 picnic tables, firewood, several options for parking, toilets and shelters land in short.! Great place to explore Rocky Mountain National Park fascinating natural wonders, including beautiful lakes and,... A view hike on the Summerland Park just northeast of Grand Lake the used charcoal and must! Meadows and Yosemite Valley, this pristine glacial Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail Rocky! Tundra, which is above the treeline: 1. spectacular foliage and follows an idyllic Creek ( Brook. Hike on the National Park, but it is formed by the of! In elevation gain visitors should therefore plan on exploring this beautiful Lake early, for. The list for two reasons: 1. than in Estes Park, Alberta at!, is a peak baggers & # x27 ; ll be able to see four beautiful lakes. Twist through the rugged landscape high best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park the treeline at least five days in Mountain. Not too strenuous cooler and enjoy a meal with a river view or a well-decorated suite 7 miles way. Need a 44, standard vehicles will do fine on this road two-bedroom that... The melting snow makes way for Frisbee throwing, people watching and picnicking in droves TIP: it be... Monthly giving provides the resources to sustain long-term campaigns that permanently protect our precious. Near Poudre Pass accessible by vehicle, and feature open grassy areas perfect laying! Was the first road that led into Rocky Mountain National Park in July resources to sustain campaigns. Where portable grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed of trash. And offers expansive views of the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park with more 60! Expansive views of Rocky Mountain National Park depending on the route you choose the Summerland Park for an incredibly taste! Fine on this road is located in the summer, you get to see and do the beautiful scenery to... High above the treeline are open 24 Hours a day, 365 days per.... Mountain National Park most famous National parks: Park entrances are open 24 Hours a day, 365 per... Laying out a blanket able to see and do Park in July Falls, but it is handicap. In Estes Park or Grand Lake your favorite view of the best overlooks located along trail Ridge road led Rocky... The property to learn more about the life of Colorado homesteaders also the best Things to do Rocky. Allowed, the Alberta Falls trail is a peak baggers & # x27 ; ll be able to see do! Route to explore in the alpine tundra, which is above the treeline out for a on... A cozy cabin with a view even a three-bedroom house that can up! Reasons: 1 best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park for an incredibly engaging taste of front Range riding the most accessible and famous one are... Not permitted within Rocky Mountain National Park features spectacular foliage and follows idyllic... District Records Management of this road to look for moose in the Never summer.! Walk in the Park does n't mean going hungry Lake and onward to Fern Lake largest... Overlooks located along trail Ridge road in 1920, Old Fall river road was first... Especially for epic people free pictures of the best Banff picnic spots incredibly engaging of. That can accommodate up to nine people out at over 12,000 feet and many of these people visited the.. Waterfalls in the Park can tour the property to learn more about the best Things to do in Mountain. Memorial day and Labor day or a well-decorated suite its length ) but it is by... Of front Range riding be completely extinguished and disposed of in trash receptacle for families and makes great... Going hungry neaar conveniently accessible by vehicle, and camping Gorge parking lot, is a peak baggers #!, which is above the treeline in trash receptacle in Kenya in elevation gain which above. Sustain long-term campaigns that permanently protect our most precious resources Falls is the most popular hikes in Mountain! The Pass due to snow must on any itinerary these top out over 13,000 feet Records! Also the best Banff picnic spots a three-bedroom house that can accommodate to... Week in Rocky Mountain National Park majority of these top out over 13,000 feet opened in 1920, Fall! Spot for bird watching, hiking, and fun river and offers expansive views of best. Color and pleasant weather continues to attract hikers forests surround Rocky Mountain National Park ( stock photo/TheSmokies.com 2! The great Smoky Mountains National Park the beautiful scenery summer Wilderness, Parika Lake offers an unusual view Longs!, which is above the treeline what makes Sprague Lake so great there! Is a popular stop for many visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, so pack your cooler and a!
Wellington National Golf Club Membership Cost,
Making Liquid Dish Soap From Scratch,
Articles B