National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Rocky Mountain National Parka photo of a ranger in a flat hat
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Rocky Mountain National Park
Things To Do
 

Throughout its 416 square miles of rock-ribbed wildness, Rocky Mountain National Park truly is a land of superlatives. Here at least 60 mountains exceed 12,000 feet, topping off at 14,259 feet on the football field-sized summit of Longs Peak. Names such as Cirrus, Chiefs Head, Isolation, Mummy, and Storm evoke the grandeur of this high landscape.

Although the great peaks comprise the essence of the park, the delicate alpine flowers, clear lakes, rushing mountain waters, and impressive forests appeal to all the senses. An array of wildlife - bighorn sheep, ptarmigan, coyote, elk - adds life to the landscape.

The wide variety of elevations and habitats create a choice of activities for visitors. From scenic drives and short strolls along a gentle trail to more ambitious daylong hikes to vertical mountain climbs, Rocky Mountain National Park offers many ways to experience nature in all its splendor.

Read all about the current activities in the Rocky Mountain National Park High Country Headlines newspaper. This is a large PDF you can download and print.

If you care to purchase maps and books about the park to help plan your visit, start by visiting the Rocky Mountain Nature Association web-bookstore.

a photo of the park's shuttle bus
Take the free shuttle!
See a route map and schedules
more...
a photo of a climber on a rock face
Area Closures
Some areas are closed to climbing periodically
more...
a photo of a vault toilet (aka bathroom)  

Did You Know?
Your entrance fees make improvement projects at Rocky possible. The park has built vault toilets, hired shuttle buses, and built trails with this money.
more...

Last Updated: July 02, 2008 at 12:27 EST