Rocky Mountain National Park
Phone: 970-586-1206
Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Long's Peak, a visitor to the park has opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures.
Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars, eagles, hawks and scores of smaller animals delight wildlife-watchers of all ages. Wildflower-lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut (mating season).
359 miles of trail offer endless opportunities to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders. Fly fishers, bird-watchers and photographers discover the splendor that they traveled so far to find. During the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers revel in the white-blanketed tranquility of meadows and forests.
60 peaks rising above 12,000 feet challenge intrepid hikers and climbers. Anyone visiting between Memorial Day and late autumn can see many of these peaks eye-to-eye by driving over Trail Ridge Road. Topping out at 12,183 feet, this is the highest, continuous, paved road in the United States.
Front-country and backcountry campers have hundreds of campsites to choose from. Civilization and its amenities are available in the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake which flank the park on the east and west sides respectively. Ranger-led activities are an entertaining way to learn more about your surroundings. Plan some time to acclimate to the high altitude and come find your adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Directions
Plane - Denver International Airport
Car - Via U.S. routes 34, 36 from the east through Estes Park, Colorado and from from I-70 and U.S. Rt. 40. to U.S. Rt.34 through Granby and Grand Lake,
Bus - None
Public Transportation - Amtrak at Granby, then via a private shuttle service to the park.
More info at http://www.nps.gov/romo
Online Colorado Parks
Olle's Colorado Fishing Guide & Atlas (Book) by Jack Olofson
Gives info on not only every fly-fishable lake, stream and river in Colorado, but detailed maps on how to get to them, including hiking trails. Covers National Forests and Recreational Areas, RMNP, State Parks, Trust lands and Wildlife Areas, plus metro Denver and the Front Range.
Merchant: Online Sports
Wild Colorado (Book) by Donna Lynn Ikenberry
This guide to 51 roadless recreation areas in Colorado provides a sampling of hikes, backpack trips, snowshoe hikes and backcountry ski trips in the Weminuche Wilderness (Colorado's largest), as well as the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes New Mexico, and
Merchant: Online Sports
Rocky Mountain National Park: The Climber's Guide - Estes Park Valley (Book) by Bernard Gillett
This comprehensive guide has more than 900 routes on the lower elevation cliffs that lie along the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, including some of the best traditional and sport cragging in Colorado. Text and topo maps describe every route.
Merchant: Online Sports
Complete Colorado Campground Guide (Book) by Outdoor Books and Maps
Provides info on over 500 campgrounds in state and national parks, national forests, state wildlife areas, Bureau of Land Management areas: directions, regulations, general description of surrounding areas, fees, number of campsites, phone numbers, facilities, etc. 160 pages.
Merchant: Online Sports