Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, straddling the Continental Divide, is open to visitors year-round and provides an impressive variety of wilderness, alpine meadows, jagged mountaintops and frozen tundra, which active guests can explore on foot, bicycle, horseback, skis or snowshoes. Hundreds of miles of well-maintained trails provide access to breath-taking vistas, as well as viewing wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, moose and marmots, in their natural habitat.
Backpacking and Hiking
Rocky Mountain National Park maintains more than 350 miles of hiking trails for walkers of varying skill. However, be aware that hiking through higher elevations can cause problems even for very fit people, so learn the signs of altitude sickness and take time to acclimatize before attempting to climb the higher peaks. Popular trails include Cub Lake, Glacier Gorge, Alberta Falls and Deer Mountain. If you're planning a backcountry trip to one of the park's 200 sites, you must obtain a permit in advance and register with a ranger before setting out.
Biking
Sixty miles of moderately graded paved biking trails are available within Rocky Mountain National Park, and a weekly fee is charged per bicycle. Cyclists are only permitted to ride on park roads---no off-trail mountain biking is allowed. Park staff encourages cyclists to follow all common safety rules of the road, ride single file, wear helmets and waterproof clothing, and carry adequate food and water.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in Rocky Mountain National Park is a long-established tradition dating back to 1915. More than 260 miles of trails within the park are accessible to horses, as well as burros, mules, ponies and llamas. Glacier Creek and Moraine Park stables are open in the park, and Sombrero and Aspen Lodge stables are available in Estes Park during winter months. Recommended trails include Big Meadows, East Inlet, and Thunder and Finch Lakes.
Climbing
Although popular in the park since the 1800s, climbing interest has peaked in recent years. Rocky Mountain National Park's varied rock formations offer numerous types of climbing opportunities, including big wall, bouldering, ice, rock and mountaineering, and popular climbing areas in the park include Lumpy Ridge and Longs Peak. Climbers planning multiday excursions should first consult with rangers about permits and conditions.
Winter Sports
The park provides numerous winter sport activities for visitors, but before setting out check with park rangers about the latest snow and avalanche conditions. By late November there typically is sufficient snowfall to allow cross-country skiing on the park's trails. Note there are no ski lifts within the park, which makes cross-country equipment more suitable than alpine gear. Snow-shoeing is also very popular, and trails are available for beginners. Local outfitters can provide rental equipment, and rangers offer guided snowshoe walks for guests.
Caution
It is important that you remember the dangers wild animals, rapidly changing weather conditions and rugged terrain can present during your stay at Rocky Mountain National Park. To ensure your maximum safety, follow all guidelines and advisories from the National Park Service, and if traveling into the backcountry, be sure to register with and provide your itinerary to park rangers before setting off.
References
- National Park Service: Rocky Mountain National Park things to do
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Activities and calendar page
- National Parks Conservation Association: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- My Rocky Mountain Park: Hiking in Rocky Mountain Park
- National Park Foundation: Rocky Mountain National Park
