Colorado's Stunning National Park Boasts Picturesque Mountain Scenery

From a mountain gem in the heart of wine country to the "Mile High City," Colorado stretches the imagination for spectacular scenery. Much of nature's handiwork in Northern Colorado was carved by glaciers millennia ago, as they sliced through the majestic mountaintops and formed the valleys below.

And perched at an average elevation of over 10,000 feet across 415 square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park — also called "Rocky," or RMNP — has some of the most diverse environments in the West due to the continental divide running through the park, as well as the differences in altitude. The towering peaks of the Rockies have captivated humans for thousands of years — from the Ute people to gold prospectors to visitors from all over the world. No matter which side of the divide you're on, you'll have miles of trails to explore and plenty of pure mountain air to soothe your spirits, along with hundreds of species of majestic wildlife.

Unlike Yellowstone and Glacier National Park — often referred to as the "Crown Jewel of the Continent" in Montana — Rocky has never had rail access, depending on spectacular mountain roads. If you're flying into Denver, it's about 90 minutes from the airport to the park depending on traffic and road conditions. Although the park is accessible year-round, there may be snow and wintry conditions at high elevations from October to June. For travelers who would rather not drive, seasonal Bustang routes are available from Union Station during the summer and early fall. These will take you directly to the park and ride lot, where you can catch a hiking shuttle. That said, don't forget to make a reservation for the shuttle and purchase an entry pass beforehand. For families or groups of two or more travelers, purchase a one-day vehicle pass to save money.

If you rejoice at the thought of seeing some of nature's finest alpine handiwork, Rocky is up for it — pun intended — and ready for your adventure year-round. That being said, since the park's lowest point is 7,600 feet, take some time to adjust to the altitude, as simply walking into the Visitors Center may make you winded. To do this, start out with a few easier (yet still incredibly rewarding) hikes where you may see wild moose roaming. Specifically, a short trek around Sprague Lake (about 8,700 feet) will get your heart pumping, whether you've brought your fishing rod or are taking in the scenic views. The trail is largely flat and mobility-friendly,  with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the sights.

Two other recommended trails are the Bear Lake Loop (9,500 feet) and a hike to Alberta Falls (9,300 feet). No matter what you choose, all three trails will take you through a high-elevation montane ecosystem up the Bear Lake Corridor where you'll see incredible plants and animal life — including mule deer and many species of birds.

For the more adventurous, one of the park's standout hikes is the Tonahutu Creek Loop. Nearly 26 miles long, the trek takes you across the Continental Divide beginning at Grand Lake. Crossing alpine meadows, it also summits part of Flattop Mountain as it rises and falls below the treeline. Along the way, you'll likely spot elk, moose, and other wildlife. Be well-prepared for bad weather and no cell signal, and remember that overnight camping requires a backcountry permit and campsite reservations. Use the park's interactive backcountry map to plan your route carefully.

If you'd rather enjoy some of the best scenery in the country with the windows down, hop in your car and head for Rocky, where you'll find three main roads to explore. The 48-mile Trail Ridge Road is the primary access point for the east side of the park from Estes Park. Snaking from east to west, it crosses incredible biomes within the park and into harsh alpine tundras. As you're driving, you'll likely see elk, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife surrounded by gorgeous meadows with towering peaks in the background. 

Similarly, the jaw-dropping 9.2-mile Bear Lake Road is also incredibly popular. Starting near the junction with Trail Ridge Road, it takes you through Hollowell Park — a quiet spot to watch elk — and on to Bierstadt Lake and Bear Lake itself.

If you're planning to visit the park from May through October, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., you'll need to make a timed-entry reservation on Recreation.gov. Make sure to choose the Bear Lake Road Corridor add-on if you're planning on taking that route. Alternatively, if you're driving in the park during the off-season, be sure to check your vehicle's tires before setting off. When the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law is in effect, your tires must have a minimum 3/16-inch tread. If they don't, a set of snow chains, studded tires, or an approved alternate traction device is required. Beyond that, you should also carry a well-equipped breakdown emergency kit.

Unlike other U.S. national parks with beautiful hotels and lodges, accommodation and food are limited at Rocky Mountain National Park. During the peak summer months, the Trail Ridge Store and Cafe, located next to the Alpine Visitor Center, is open. Recent visitors have raved about the of food and beverage selection, which includes great options for refueling after a long drive or hike — from cinnamon buns to nachos, chili, and hot cocoa. However, several travelers on TripAdvisor were disappointed. Since this is the only establishment in the park, expect crowds. For accommodation inside the park, you'll find five campgrounds and 260 backcountry campsites that require a backcountry permit and vehicle dashtag. All campsites, apart from Longs Peak Campground, also require reservations in advance, available via Recreation.gov.

Outside of Rocky, in Estes Park, you'll find local hotels starting from around $170 per night in early summer. There's also the Della Terra Mountain Chateau, considered one of the top five most romantic lodges in the country. Food options, including several supermarkets and convenience stores, as well as local favorite Antonio's Pizza, are also available.

As the park is located outside Denver and is relatively easy to reach, prepare for summer crowds and plan your visit well. Over the past decade, more than 4 million annual visitors have taken to the park, with over half of them arriving between June and September. As such, if your time in the park falls within these dates, either be prepared for a shoulder-to-shoulder experience, or beat the crowds by heading there earlier — as in, 4 a.m. earlier — to catch a majestic sunrise in solitude.