Information About
Rocky Mountain National Park
Adventurers Welcome!
Adventurers Welcome!
Drive to the sky on breathtaking Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the United States. Stand on the summit and gaze down at the distant plains at your feet. There is no end to the adventures and discoveries waiting for you beyond the next curve, over the next ridge, or hidden away in a secluded mountain valley. Meet the challenge of hiking historic trails to sparkling mountain lakes, and follow cascading mountain streams which lead to spectacular waterfalls. Raise your face to feel the spray. Come alive!
You have not seen Colorado without experiencing Rocky Mountain National Park, the state’s most visited destination with its 416 square miles of Rocky Mountain grandeur. This National wilderness area includes 359 miles of hiking trails, 150 lakes, and 60 mountain peaks taller than 12,000 feet. In 2010, Trip Advisor named Rocky Mountain National Park the number two outdoor and adventure destination in the World, falling just behind Queenstown, New Zealand.
There’s so much to do around town. View wildlife or stroll through downtown and shop. Take a scenic drive, or visit local museums. Get pampered with a day at the spa, or soak in the arts. Taste local microbrews, or try a round of golf. Take a horse tour, or jump on a bike. Here in Estes, the options are endless. Estes Park is a diverse playground in the midst of the colossal Rocky Mountains. Explore all of the options that Estes has to offer on Visit Estes’ Things to Do page.
No other place in Colorado, and few else in the World, have such an abundance of wildlife in their natural environment. Elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars, and scores of other mammals delight wildlife watchers of all ages. Eagles, hawks, and 280 other species of birds may be found in the Park, making it a Global Important Bird Area. With over 900 species of plants in the Park, wildflower lovers are never disappointed between June and mid-August when the meadows and hillsides are painted with an expansive palate of botanical color. Autumn visitors will enjoy bright gold aspens and the high drama of the elk rut during September and October. Many visitors find winter their favorite season with a mantle of snow blanketing the peaks and valleys under crisp blue and sunny skies.
Further curious about Rocky Mountain National Park? Explore our RMNP resources page.
