While the name would have you think that this park is one of the larger ones around, Rocky Mountain National Park is actually one of the smallest covering only about 400 square miles. Don’t let the size fool you though as it offers some of the best hiking and scenery in the country. There are trails and challenges available for everyone.
If you want to take a scenic and challenging route, travel the Trail Ridge Road. This trip will require that you ride as you will be dropping down about 50 miles into the Kawuneeche Valley and end up at the Colorado River. This journey will have your lungs challenged as well as you will be hitting peaks of about 12,000 feet at times.
Do not be surprised if your feet stop moving and force you to take in some of the picturesque views along the way. Some of the mountains will literally have your jaw dropping to the ground in awe of their natural beauty. One such view is the Forest Canyon Overlook that presents you with a view of the alpine forest that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
Now as we said, you are going to want to be prepared for the thinner air. This is more so if you plan on taking on one of the 350 trails that the park has. You are going to be traveling anywhere from 7,500 feet to well over 14,000 feet and unless you are used to breathing in this type of air, you are going to find both your lungs and legs screaming for mercy. This may actually be a vacation that you have to train for before you take it on.
Something else to look for during your journeys is the different forms of wildlife that call this area home. The Bighorn Sheep are quite the site and elk run wild throughout the park. If you are a birdwatcher, you will not be disappointed as over 280 species call this park home. If you are lucky, you may even see a stray moose wandering around from time to time.
As with most national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park has several visitor centers and museums that you can stop in and get the full story on the areas that you are visiting. We always recommend that you check them out as you will not only have the items that you have already seen explained in detail, but will also be able to see displays of things that may no longer be in the area.
Like many of the hiking national parks, Rocky Mountain NP is a site to behold during every season. As a matter of fact, you may want to come at each and every season to see how different the areas look as the seasons change. While it is incredibly beautiful during the summer months, snowfall and autumn brings an entirely different type of beauty to the area.
