About the park
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The Rockies were formed 40 to 70 million years ago, with glaciers then sculpting the incredible landscape and ecological community that was designated a national park in 1915. In 2009, congress designated the majority of the park as wilderness under the 1964 Wilderness Act, further protecting the parks qualities and character.
Stretching across the Continental Divide, the ridge that separates the drainage basins of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the park is 415 square miles in size, and amongst the highest in the country. With the highest peak at 14,259 ft, only Sequoia NP and Mt Rainier NP in the contiguous United States have summits greater than that of Longs Peak. This elevation is best observed on Trail Ridge Road, one of the best scenic roads in the country and its highest paved thru road, where there is over 11 miles of road above the trees that make this part of Colorado feel like the top of the world.
Back below the treeline are a series of lakes, rivers, waterfalls and hiking trails, dotted throughout woodland populated by a variety of animals including bears, chipmunks, marmots, bighorn sheep and moose. Most of the parks hikes are above 9000 ft, meaning they are tougher than their equivalents at lower elevations. It is not uncommon for people to experience some symptoms of the increased altitudes. But the stunning alpine backdrops and views reward those that pace themselves and plan their hikes accordingly.
Drive Trail Ridge Road
The most unique aspect of the park is probably the ability to drive up above 12,000 ft on the highest paved through road in the USA. Here it feels that you are almost within the clouds, and snow is still visible into summer, giving the drive a distinctively different feel to that of the rest of the park. Due to this snow however, the road is usually only open from Memorial Day weekend until mid-October.
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Hike to some of the glacial lakes
As the glaciers melt during the summer, the lakes are replenished with water while contributing to the rivers, streams and waterfalls also seen in this beautiful park. There are over 30 lakes reachable via hiking trails, ranging greatly in difficulty from under 1 mile to around 14 miles.
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Spot wildlife in the valley meadows
Between the mountains are long meadows which are a home to colourful wildflowers and an abundance of animals. This includes bighorn sheep, which were nearly extinct in the 1950s in spring and summer, and Elk especially in fall, when they rut. When passing through these lower elevations, take a moment to appreciate the ecosystem and wildlife off of the mountains that surrounds you.
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Can't miss
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Points of interest
Top experiences
Trails
As ever, we recommend conducting some of your own research on hikes as well as talking to park rangers in order to find less populated trails that may be of interest, helping to prevent overcrowding and erosion of the park's best known routes. But here are a few suggestions to consider to get you started...
Gentle
Bear Lake Loop
Bear Lake Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 0.8 miles
Approximate duration: 30 mins
Maximum elevation: 9520 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 45 ft
One of the easiest and shortest hikes in the park, but still very popular, it offers a good opportunity for those with very young children or those less comfortable at higher elevations for long hikes.
An early start is preferable to beat the crowds, both to the car park and the trail. The early morning is also often the calmest period of the day, giving the best chance to capture reflections of the surrounding mountains on the water.
Many visitors circle Bear Lake prior to their main hike of the day, with hikes to Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Mills lakes all available from the Bear Lake trailhead.
Moderate
Mills Lake
Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge Trailheads
Length (roundtrip): 5.3 miles
Approximate duration: 3-4 hours
Maximum elevation: 9940 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 780 ft
Parking at the trailhead is difficult unless you arrive very early, so consider the shuttle that stops at either trailhead. This beautiful hike takes in many of Rocky Mountain NP's qualities. Waterfalls, streams, glacial lakes, and even small snowfields through much of the summer.
The hike passes the popular Alberta Falls, before splitting at Mills junction and becoming quieter as the trail continues to gradually increase in elevation.
After around 2.5 miles, the hike opens up into Glacier Gorge, giving spectacular scale as you approach Mills Lake. From there, those looking to continue can reach Ribbon Falls and Black Lake, making a 9.6 mile roundtrip.
Demanding
Chasm Lake
Longs Peak Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 8.5 miles
Approximate duration: 5-7 hours
Maximum elevation: 11,823 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 2500 ft
Definitely one of the parks more challenging trails, this longer hike towards Longs Peak is best started early to try and ensure you descend back down before afternoon thunderstorms which are not uncommon in summer.
Following East Longs Peak trail, the route begins in woodland before rising above 11,000 ft at which point the terrain becomes more rocky and sparse.
Mt. Lady Washington dominates as you branch off East Longs Peak (which can be continued on to the Keyhole for one of the park's most challenging hikes), with the elevation levelling off on the final approach to Chasm Lake after a bit of rock scrambling near Columbine Falls.
Where to stay
Hotel
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When to visit
We recommend:
early June & September - as the snow has melted enough for Trail Ridge Road and most hikes, but with reasonable crowds
Itineraries
