What to See at Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) spans more than 415 square miles in Colorado. It is a natural wonderland renowned for its diverse ecosystems, dramatic mountain landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Established in 1915, this national park attracts millions of visitors each year. Visitors are drawn by its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless recreational opportunities.
Top 10 Gems of RMNP
From towering peaks to tranquil lakes, Rocky Mountain National Park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. In this blog, we uncover 10 gems that showcase the park’s remarkable beauty and offer distinctive experiences for explorers. Did your favorite spot make the list? Let’s find out!
Gem #1: Trail Ridge Road
One of the most iconic features of RMNP is Trail Ridge Road. This scenic highway stretches for 48 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake. It winds its way through the heart of the park and reaching elevations of over 12,000 feet. As the highest continuous paved road in North America, Trail Ridge Road offers unparalleled views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Driving or biking along Trail Ridge Road is an unforgettable experience. You’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and cascading waterfalls at every turn. The road is typically open from late spring to early fall, allowing visitors to explore the park’s high country during the warmer months.
Travelers can stop at numerous overlooks to admire the breathtaking scenery and spot wildlife like elk, marmots, and mountain goats. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to soak up nature, a journey along Trail Ridge Road is a must-do.
Gem #2: Longs Peak
Longs Peak is a majestic icon of the Colorado Rockies. It is the highest summit in RMNP. At an elevation of 14,259 feet, this towering peak beckons adventurers and mountaineers from around the world to test their skills and courage.
Hiking to the summit of Longs Peak is a challenging endeavor. It requires careful planning, physical fitness, and respect for the mountain’s unpredictable weather conditions. The most popular route, the Keyhole Route, spans approximately 14 miles round trip. The route includes exposed sections, narrow ledges, and a final scramble to the summit.
Despite its difficulty, summiting Longs Peak offers unparalleled rewards, including panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape and a sense of accomplishment like no other. For those seeking a less strenuous experience, observing Longs Peak from the park’s lower elevations is equally awe-inspiring.
Gem #3: Dream Lake
Perched amidst the majestic peaks of RMNP lies the serene beauty of Dream Lake. This picturesque alpine lake, with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding rocky cliffs, is a tranquil oasis for visitors seeking natural beauty and solitude.
Accessible via the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike to Dream Lake is a relatively easy 1.1-mile journey. The route includes lush forests and open meadows. Chiefly, hikers are treated to the iconic peaks of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Arriving at Dream Lake, visitors are greeted by the sight of its shimmering waters reflecting the towering cliffs above.
For photographers, Dream Lake offers endless opportunities to capture its natural splendor, from sunrise reflections on the water to the fiery hues of sunset illuminating the surrounding peaks.
Gem #4: Bear Lake
This iconic alpine lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain vistas. It offers visitors a serene escape into the wilderness. Accessible via a short, paved trail from the Bear Lake Trailhead, this popular destination is suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The easy half-mile loop around the lake provides stunning views, including Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.
Moreover, Bear Lake serves as a gateway to numerous hiking trails. Trails range from leisurely strolls to more challenging treks into the park’s backcountry.
Gem #5: Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is named after Alberta Sprague, the wife of the park’s founding father, Enos Mills. This iconic waterfall is a must-see destination for visitors exploring the park’s wonders. Accessible via a scenic hike from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Alberta Falls cascades gracefully over granite cliffs, creating a mesmerizing display of rushing water and mist. The 0.8-mile trail to the falls meanders through fragrant pine forests and offers glimpses of the park’s diverse flora and fauna along the way.
Alberta Falls is not only a breathtaking sight to behold but also a refreshing oasis for hikers seeking respite from the summer heat.
Gem #6: Moraine Park
Moraine Park is a picturesque valley that showcases the park’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. This expansive meadow, carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Accessible via the Bear Lake Road, Moraine Park offers visitors a glimpse into the park’s natural history and geological wonders. Surrounded by towering peaks and colorful rock formations, this serene valley is a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Markedly, there are opportunities to spot elk, deer, and other native species.
In addition to its scenic beauty, Moraine Park provides ample opportunities for recreation, including hiking, picnicking, and photography.
Gem #7: Wild Basin Area
The Wild Basin Area is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot elk, deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species. This secluded wilderness also boasts some of the park’s most pristine landscapes, from cascading waterfalls to dense pine forests. Accessed via the Wild Basin Trailhead, this lesser-known area offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Visitors can embark on scenic hikes to destinations such as Calypso Cascades, Ouzel Falls, and Bluebird Lake, each offering its own unique beauty and charm.
Gem #8: Emerald Lake
This pristine alpine lake is set beneath the towering peaks of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Accessible via the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, the hike to Emerald Lake is a scenic journey through towering pine forests and open meadows. Accordingly, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glimpses of Rocky Mountain wildlife.
Arriving at Emerald Lake, visitors are greeted by the sight of its emerald-green waters, reflecting the surrounding peaks in pristine clarity. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic by the water’s edge or simply taking in the majestic beauty of the surroundings, Emerald Lake offers a peaceful retreat amidst the rugged landscape of RMNP.
Gem #9: Hallett Peak
Hallett Peak stands as a towering sentinel, offering unparalleled views of the park’s rugged beauty. Named after William Hallett, an early pioneer of the Colorado Rockies, this prominent summit beckons adventurers and mountaineers to its lofty heights.
The hike to Hallett Peak is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, with multiple routes available for exploration. One popular route begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead, winding through picturesque alpine meadows and rocky terrain before reaching the summit. Moreover, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
At an elevation of 12,713 feet, the summit of Hallett Peak offers sweeping panoramas of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, including Longs Peak, Flattop Mountain, and the Continental Divide.
Gem #10: Glacier Gorge
This picturesque valley, carved by ancient glaciers, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Accessed via the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, this remote area offers a variety of hiking trails that wind through lush forests, past thundering waterfalls, and alongside crystal-clear mountain streams.
One popular destination within Glacier Gorge is Mills Lake, a tranquil alpine lake surrounded by towering cliffs and sweeping vistas. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the hike to Sky Pond offers an unforgettable journey through rugged terrain and stunning scenery. Along the way, hikers can marvel at the park’s diverse flora and fauna, including wildflowers, pine trees, and elusive wildlife.