Full Answer
What is Rocky Mountain National Park known for?
Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds – along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times.
How big is Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to the glistening lakes in the subalpine zone and to the mountain peaks located in the alpine zone, there is something for everyone to discover.
What are the 4 ecosystems in Rocky Mountain National Park?
There are four ecosystems, or zones, in Rocky Mountain National Park: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. The riparian zone occurs throughout all of the three other zones. Each individual ecosystem is composed of organisms interacting with one other and with their surrounding environment.
What are some good books on Rocky Mountain National Park history?
Rocky Mountain National Park: A History. University Press of Colorado. ISBN 0-87081-146-0. Buckley, Jay H.; Nokes, Jeffery D. (March 28, 2016). Explorers of the American West: Mapping the World through Primary Documents. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-61069-732-3. Cole, James C.; Braddock, William A. (2009).
What is the history of Rocky Mountain National Park?
How many elk are there in the National Park?
What is the name of the mountain that Enos Mills hiked to?
What is the view of Deer Mountain?
Where is Trail Ridge in Estes Park?
Where is Region 3 in the park?
Is Estes Park accessible by car?
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About this website
What is a stock camp?
Camping with horses and other stock is a great way to experience the backcountry. NPS Photo / David Restivo. Some parks allow the use of stock (i.e., horses, mules, donkeys, llamas) in the backcountry as a mode of transportation for you and/or your gear.
Can you camp anywhere in the Rocky Mountains?
You cannot camp anywhere. You must camp in a designated campground or get a permit to camp in the backcountry. To camp in the backcountry, you need a permit.
Can you camp for free in the Rocky Mountain National Park?
Parachute Hill Road and Johnny Park Road are both good options for free dispersed camping on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. To access the camping area you'll take Highway 7, which runs between Estes Park and Allenspark to Boulder County Road 82.
What is the difference between Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park?
The easy, honest answer is: “It's free! Estes Park is a town—you can come and go as you please.” Rocky Mountain National Park (a different type of park all on its own) does require a timed-entry permit (plus an entrance pass).
Can I sleep in my car in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Unlike some national parks, there are no overnight accommodations in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Can I sleep in my car in Estes Park?
The Town prohibits camping or sleeping in public places overnight in recreational vehicles as well as camping or sleeping overnight between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in, under or upon any publicly owned property, according to the Town of Estes Park's Municipal Code.
Can you Boondock in Rocky Mountain National Park?
There are many Rocky Mountain National Park boondocking spots. Wildlife in the mountain environments include wildlife like the marmots and mountain goats are protected here. This park has an area of 415 square miles and hiking trails of approximately 300 miles.
Do you need a permit to backpack in Colorado?
Fortunately, Colorado is filled with world-class backpacking destinations—no permit required.
Where is the boondocks in Estes Park?
Estes Park Dispersed Camping GuideForest Service Road 119.Parachute Hill/Johnny Park Road.Pole Hill Road.Hell Canyon Road.Button Rock Road.Allenspark/Ski Road.Beaver Reservoir.
Why is Estes Park so popular?
Located just 90 minutes outside of Denver, at the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Estes Park is a classic mountain village with a long heritage, that is beloved for its majestic mountain beauty, free-roaming wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.
What is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Mt. Ida: Hands down this is the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The views from the summit are simply epic. In fact, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views along much of the route.
Can I just drive through Rocky Mountain National Park?
The Rocky Mountain National Park Scenic Loop is 164 miles of pure mountain adventure. This four-hour drive will take you from Denver to Estes Park, through Rocky Mountain National Park on the magnificent Trail Ridge Road and then through Grand Lake, Granby and Fraser to Winter Park.
Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: See Tripadvisor's 14,064 traveler reviews and photos of Rocky Mountain National Park tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. We have reviews of the best places to see in Rocky Mountain National Park. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
Plan Your Visit
Planning a trip to the park? Learn more about how to plan a successful visit to Rocky Mountain National Park
Camping
Interested in camping? Learn about Rocky Mountain National Park's Campgrounds and how to make reservations
Tips for Planning a Safe Visit
Planning your next trip? Here are some tips to help you recreate responsibly
Weather
Weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can change rapidly! Learn what to expect in each season and how to best prepare for your visit.
What is the history of Rocky Mountain National Park?
The history of Rocky Mountain National Park began when Paleo-Indians traveled along what is now Trail Ridge Road to hunt and forage for food. Ute and Ar apaho people subsequently hunted and camped in the area. In 1820, the Long Expedition, led by Stephen H. Long for whom Longs Peak was named, approached the Rockies via the Platte River. Settlers began arriving in the mid-1800s, displacing the Native Americans who mostly left the area voluntarily by 1860, while others were removed to reservations by 1878.
How many elk are there in the National Park?
The park is home to some 2,000 to 3,000 elk in summer, and between 800 and 1,000 elk spend the winter within its boundaries. Because of lack of predation, the National Park Service culls around 50 elk each winter. Overgrazing by elk has become a major problem in the park's riparian areas, so much so that the NPS fences them out of many critical wetland habitats to let willows and aspens grow. The program seems to be working, as the deciduous wetland plants thrive within the fencing. Many people think the elk herd is too large, but are reluctant to reintroduce predators because of its proximity to large human populations and ranches.
What is the name of the mountain that Enos Mills hiked to?
Enos Mills, the main figure behind the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoyed walking to Lily Lake from his nearby cabin. Wildflowers are common in the spring and early summer. In the winter, the trail around the lake is often suitable for walking in boots, or as a short snowshoe or ski.
What is the view of Deer Mountain?
Deer Mountain Trail gives a 360 degree view of eastern part of the park. The summit plateau of Deer Mountain offers expansive views of the Continental Divide. During the winter, the lower trail generally has little snow, though packed and drifted snow are to be expected on the switchbacks.
Where is Trail Ridge in Estes Park?
The most direct route to Trail Ridge Road is the Beaver Meadows entrance, located just west of Estes Park on U.S. Route 36, which leads to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and the park's headquarters. North of the Beaver Meadows entrance station is the Fall River entrance, which also leads to Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. There are three routes into Estes Park: I-25 to U.S. 34 west which runs alongside the Big Thompson River; U.S. 36 west (northwest) from Boulder connecting to U.S. 34 west; and the Peak to Peak Highway, also known as State Highway 7, from points south.
Where is Region 3 in the park?
Region 3: Wilderness. Region 3, known for wilderness escape, is in the northern part of the park and is accessed from the Estes Park area. Ypsilon Mountain from the Ypsilon Lake Trail. The Mummy Range is a short mountain range in the north of the park.
Is Estes Park accessible by car?
Estes Park may be reached by rental car or shuttle. During peak tourist season, there is free shuttle service within the park; additionally, the town of Estes Park provides shuttle service to Estes Park Visitor Center, surrounding campgrounds, and the Rocky Mountain National Park's shuttles.
Ways to tour Rocky Mountain National Park
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Top Attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park
Above tree line, at approximately 11,400 feet (3,500 m), trees disappear and the vast alpine tundra takes over.
What is the history of Rocky Mountain National Park?
The history of Rocky Mountain National Park began when Paleo-Indians traveled along what is now Trail Ridge Road to hunt and forage for food. Ute and Ar apaho people subsequently hunted and camped in the area. In 1820, the Long Expedition, led by Stephen H. Long for whom Longs Peak was named, approached the Rockies via the Platte River. Settlers began arriving in the mid-1800s, displacing the Native Americans who mostly left the area voluntarily by 1860, while others were removed to reservations by 1878.
How many elk are there in the National Park?
The park is home to some 2,000 to 3,000 elk in summer, and between 800 and 1,000 elk spend the winter within its boundaries. Because of lack of predation, the National Park Service culls around 50 elk each winter. Overgrazing by elk has become a major problem in the park's riparian areas, so much so that the NPS fences them out of many critical wetland habitats to let willows and aspens grow. The program seems to be working, as the deciduous wetland plants thrive within the fencing. Many people think the elk herd is too large, but are reluctant to reintroduce predators because of its proximity to large human populations and ranches.
What is the name of the mountain that Enos Mills hiked to?
Enos Mills, the main figure behind the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoyed walking to Lily Lake from his nearby cabin. Wildflowers are common in the spring and early summer. In the winter, the trail around the lake is often suitable for walking in boots, or as a short snowshoe or ski.
What is the view of Deer Mountain?
Deer Mountain Trail gives a 360 degree view of eastern part of the park. The summit plateau of Deer Mountain offers expansive views of the Continental Divide. During the winter, the lower trail generally has little snow, though packed and drifted snow are to be expected on the switchbacks.
Where is Trail Ridge in Estes Park?
The most direct route to Trail Ridge Road is the Beaver Meadows entrance, located just west of Estes Park on U.S. Route 36, which leads to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and the park's headquarters. North of the Beaver Meadows entrance station is the Fall River entrance, which also leads to Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. There are three routes into Estes Park: I-25 to U.S. 34 west which runs alongside the Big Thompson River; U.S. 36 west (northwest) from Boulder connecting to U.S. 34 west; and the Peak to Peak Highway, also known as State Highway 7, from points south.
Where is Region 3 in the park?
Region 3: Wilderness. Region 3, known for wilderness escape, is in the northern part of the park and is accessed from the Estes Park area. Ypsilon Mountain from the Ypsilon Lake Trail. The Mummy Range is a short mountain range in the north of the park.
Is Estes Park accessible by car?
Estes Park may be reached by rental car or shuttle. During peak tourist season, there is free shuttle service within the park; additionally, the town of Estes Park provides shuttle service to Estes Park Visitor Center, surrounding campgrounds, and the Rocky Mountain National Park's shuttles.
