Step1
Decide when to go. Visitation is highest in July and August, but the park is open throughout the year. Winter weather conditions may be severe and usually limit park services.
Step2
Plan your transportation. You can fly into Denver International Airport and either rent a car or take a shuttle to Estes Park. From there, take a guided tour of the park, or drive your own vehicle on Highway 34 from Estes Park to the national park's south entrance.
Step3
Choose your accommodations. There are five campgrounds within the park, two of which take advance reservations (reserve online at the National Park Reservation Service; see reservations.nps.gov), or you can seek lodging in the towns of Estes Park or Grand Lake.
Step4
Stop at park headquarters or the Kawuneeche visitors center to pick up maps, trail guides and other information regarding fishing regulations, wildlife watching, bike trails, climbing and special events held within the park.
Step5
Take a half-day drive on Trail Ridge Road. Along the way you'll gain 4,000 feet in altitude and travel through montane and subalpine forests before reaching the tree line and the alpine tundra. The views are spectacular, and you'll see lots of wildlife.
Step6
Ride a bike. Since most of the roads make for somewhat strenuous cycling, be sure you're in good shape before setting out. Consider a 4- to 6-hour trek up Trail Ridge Road, a 2- to 4-hour excursion on Bear Lake Road or a 1- to 3-hour ride around the Horseshoe Park/Estes Park Loop.
Step7
Go fishing. There are lots of fishing opportunities within the park, but there are also lots of fishing regulations. Be sure to check in at a visitors center for information. You'll need a Colorado fishing license if you're over 16 years of age.
Step8
Go for a hike. There are more than 350 miles of trails in the park, ranging from easy to strenuous. Consider the 0.6-mile Bear Lake interpretive nature trail, the 0.6-mile Alberta Falls trail or - for the experienced hiker - the strenuous 7.2-mile Mount Richtofen trail.
Step9
Watch for wildlife. Elk, bighorn sheep, moose, otters, mule deer, bats, marmots, pikas and a variety of birds call the park home, so bring your binoculars and camera and check in at the visitors center for information on where to find these denizens of the Rockies.
Step10
Check in at Estes Park for information on guided tours, snowshoeing, bike or horseback excursions and a list of special events, such as the Estes Park Music Festival, which sponsors concerts throughout the summer.
Step11
Carry rain gear and a warm jacket at all times, and be prepared for snow in any season (it's less likely - but still possible - in summer).
Comments
Anonymous said
on 1/30/2006 There are several great campsites in the park. However, be aware that it can get extremely cold at night, even in the summer! I went camping in July, and it was 105F when I left Denver - though the temperature dropped into the 20's at night.
The park is full of wildlife, and you will see many animals. We even had deer, moose, and elk approach our campsite. Drive carefully throughout the park! Be aware that entering the road through the forest will cost you $20 - though you can avoid paying the fee if you arrive before or after the rangers are at their posts.
Definitely consider driving on the highway through the park from Grand Lake to Estes Park. It is the highest highway in the world, and one of the most breathtaking drives you will ever have the opportunity to experience. Bring lots of film! There are plenty of pull-offs where you can stop and take pictures. Be careful driving, however. You will go above the treeline and may experience snow or icy conditions, even at the height of summer. I was caught in a snowstorm when I was driving through, and the roads tend to be narrow with no guardrails (and very steep, long drop offs directly to the side). Drive slowly!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Make sure you carry sunscreen and a lip balm. A backpack with bottled water, food and clothes for layering. It gets pretty cold at higher altitudes. Get a good pair of binoculars...you will need these to observe wildlife..though if u are lucky u may see them near the road. Drive in a lower gear so u won't ruin your brakes.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Rocky Mountain National Park is wonderful, but if you go up very high, it WILL be cold, even if temperatures in nearby Estes Park are in the 90s. The altitude alone causes temperatures to fall, and the wind in the tundra can be fierce. No matter how hot it may be before entering the park, do not go without a sweatshirt or jacket!