Rocky Mountain National Park is well-known for its hiking trails, and with good reason. There’s over 300 miles of them, dotted with wildflowers and offering thrilling alpine scenery. There are also plenty of ways to experience Rocky Mountain National Park that are off the beaten hiking path, so to speak. From the lush green forests to the eternally-snowcapped mountain peaks, here you'll find rugged wilderness beauty like nowhere else in America. These are a few of the best places to get that Rocky Mountain High.
1815 Aeroplaza Dr Intersection of Aeroplaza Drive and Fountain BLVD, Colorado Springs, CO, US
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs Airport, an IHG Hotel
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1815 Aeroplaza Dr Intersection of Aeroplaza Drive and Fountain BLVD, Colorado Springs, CO, US
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs Airport, an IHG Hotel
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900 W Plum St (8037 Campus Delivery), Fort Collins, CO, US
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Loveland, Colorado, United States
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Some tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park: -The park is already at a higher elevation than most people are used to, and trails up the mountains bring you even higher...so take a few precautions to avoid altitude sickness. It's suggested that you spend at least 24-48 hours acclimating to the altitude of the park before setting off on a hike, and to stay well rested and well hydrated. If you do experience altitude sickness (symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and fatigue), descend a few thousand feet as soon as possible. -The Rockies are known for their hiking, with hundreds of miles of trails, but the many lakes in the park offer great fishing and boating, plus there's always mountain biking, horseback riding, and legendary scenic drives. Basically, you don't have to be an experienced mountain climber to enjoy the park! -When hiking, it's tempting to go off the trails...but doing so can damage the fragile ecosystem of the mountains and tundra that the NPS is working to preserve for future generations. Also, keep in mind that it is kind of dangerous. Things get slippery, and there's wildlife all around. -The park is famed for its scenic drives, but if you're looking for convenience, there's a shuttle from Estes Park into the Rockies. It'll save time and gas money, and allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery instead of stressing about traffic and parking.
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park: If you're visiting for winter activities, then you're probably aware that the park gets a good amount of snow. Some campgrounds are open all winter, but offer limited amenities, and many places in nearby towns close during the off-season. Winter can really bleed into spring in the park, so if you're after that sweet spot for mild weather, err on the side of visiting later in the spring. Summer is easily the most popular time to visit, but be prepared for cool evening temperatures, hot days, and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. Fall is also a good time to visit to see the foliage, but the weather then can be drizzly, cool, and unpredictable.