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The park is open 24 hours a day, 12 months of the year. There are several Visitor Centers at the park. Alpine may open starting May 25, daily, (weather permitting); 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. fall dates and hours vary. The visitor center is open depending on road conditions and closed in winter. It is located at Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, 4 miles east of the Continental Divide. There are Ranger-led walks and talks and Alpine tundra exhibits. Of course you will also find accessible restrooms, or vault toilets, a bookstore, adjacent gift shop and snack bar. Beaver Meadows is open all year 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, but during the summer from June 17th until August 18th, it is open until 9:00 pm. It is located on U.S. Rt. 36, 3 miles from the town of Estes Park at the park entrance. A film introduction to the park is shown on the hour and half-hour throughout the day and a large topographical relief map of the park can be found. Handicapped accessible restrooms are in the plaza restroom facility and on the main floor of the visitor center. Fall River visitor center is open in the spring, after March 28th 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and after June 18, it is open until 6:00 pm and Sat. and Sun from 9-4 pm. It is located on U.S. Rt. 34, 5 miles west of the town of Estes Park, at the Fall River Entrance to the park, and contains wildlife exhibits and a “Discovery Room” for children. Restaurant and gift shops are adjacent to the visitor center. It is fully handicapped accessible. The Kawuneeche visitor center is open all year, in winter – after September 30 th , the hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; in spring – after May 15 th , the hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; and in summer – after June 19th , the hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is located 1 mile north of the Town of Grand Lake on U.S. Rt. 34 at the entrance to the park. Ranger led programs are presented in the auditorium every Saturday evening commencing June 19th throughout the summer. You will find a topographical relief map of the park here also, cultural and natural history exhibits, and a park orientation film. This is also where the back country office is located. It has fully accessible restrooms.

There are two museums worth visiting. Holzwarth Historic Site – Holzwarth Trout Lodge (Never Summer Ranch) is open June 20 through August 21. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The site is on US Rt. 34, about 7 miles north of the Grand Lake Entrance Station. The lodge buildings are reached by a half mile walkway from the parking lot. A walking path connects the various buildings. It offers guided tours of the historic buildings and each open building has displays of furnishings, tools and other equipment used by the dude ranch. There are several old buildings used in the operation of the historic lodge and dude ranch. Outside are pieces of equipment used in the ranch and lodge operations. An electric cart provides accessibility to the ranch, which is 1/2 mile from the parking lot. The Moraine Park Museum is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (970-586-1206) It is located off of the Bear Lake Road, 1 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance. There are natural history exhibits in the museum and a half-mile nature trail begins at the museum. All facilities are handicapped accessible.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a living laboratory. Everyone from preschoolers to Ph.D.’s can study their favorite natural sciences while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of this park. The park supports more than a thousand flowering plants in its varied ecosystems. It encompasses three different elevational ecosystems, the Montane, the Subalpine, and the Alpine. Variation in vegetation communities relates not only to elevation, but also to direction and amount of slope, drainage, moisture availability, exposure to wind, amount and type of soil, fire history, and other factors. 150 lakes and 450 miles of streams are the basis of the riparian (wetland) ecosystem in the park. Lush plant life and dense wildlife are the hallmarks of these wet areas that speckle and divide other ecosystems.

Forests of pine and grassy hillsides dominate the Montane Ecosystem in the park. The Montane Ecosystem occurs at elevations between approximately 5,600 and 9,500 feet. These areas may be drier than riparian areas but life still abounds. Look for critters leaping or creeping from tree to tree or poking their heads from underground. As you gain elevation, you leave the Montane areas and enter the Subalpine Ecosystem.

The bent and gnarled bodies of spruce and fir trees tell the story of hard summers and harder winters near the mountain tops. The Subalpine Ecosystem occupies elevations approximately between 9,000 and 11,000 feet. A typical subalpine forest may consist mostly of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. However, previously-burned areas may contain varying amounts, or even almost pure stands, of lodgepole pine. Ground cover in a previously-burned forest area often includes two species of huckleberry. Limber pine, with flexible twigs and needles in groups of five, may also be a part of subalpine forests.

If you keep going up, you’ll emerge on the alpine tundra. The Alpine Ecosystem starting at elevations from 11,000 to 11,500 feet, depending on exposure, is an area of extremes. This land is too harsh for trees and appears barren at first glance. But take a closer look. Nestled close to the ground is a dense carpet of plants and animals. It takes 100 years for many alpine tundra plants to grow an inch. At an elevation of 12,000′, you can experience the alpine tundra in bloom – a spectacular life zone covering more than one quarter of Rocky Mountain National Park. Here a four-inch pincushion plant might be fifty years old; a tiny spring beauty can have a root which reaches three feet below ground! Life persists even here in one of earth’s most extreme environments.

No matter what ecosystem you are in, you will be in the company of animals. Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, coyotes, black bears, cougars and hundreds of smaller animals make a living in the park. From mighty elk to rare boreal toads, Rocky Mountain National Park protects animals of the high south-central continental divide. Elk number about 1000 in the park, and are easily seen. Moose are rarer, found primarily in the Kawaneeche valley. Bighorn sheep are fond of coming to mineral licks in Horseshoe Park. Mountain lions are fairly common, but as is also true of bobcats, secretive and rarely seen. Black bears live in the parks lower forests. Otters were reintroduced into the Colorado River area and are doing fairly well. These animals are difficult to spot. Mule deer are common and can be seen anywhere. They are most often found at lower elevations in open areas. Bats feed over lakes and ponds at dawn and dusk. Hardy ptarmigan remain active at higher elevations through the winter, as do pikas. Ptarmigan, snowshoe hares, and ermine blend with the season, whitening in winter. Marmots and ground squirrels sleep deeply then, but are easily seen during the summer. Greenback Cutthroat Trout have been restored to many lakes and streams, where they feed on a rich insect fauna. Also found are nearly 60 other species of mammals; more than 280 recorded bird species; six amphibians, including the federally endangered boreal toad; one reptile (the harmless garter snake); 11 species of fish; and countless insects, including a surprisingly large number of butterflies.

Underlying the bounty of life in the park is the literal foundation of the Rocky Mountains. The towering peaks and deep valleys are all composed of igneous (born of fire) and metamorphic rock. Throughout its 416 square miles of rock-ribbed wildness, there are at least 60 mountains that 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. The same glaciers that sculpted the mountains have widened many valleys in the park. Forested moraines, great heaps of earth and rock debris left behind by melting Ice Age glaciers, rise above lush mountain meadows. The Continental Divide, where stream flows are separated east from west, is crossed at Milner Pass, located at a surprisingly low 10,120 feet elevation.

On November 10, 1978, the President signed the “National Parks and Recreation Act” amending the “National Trails Act of 1968.” The amended legislation addressed the proposed Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). This plan was completed in cooperation with other federal agencies, the public and interested private landowners in November 1985. The entire Continental Divide National Scenic Trail corridor is approximately 3,100 miles (4,988 kilometers) long, extending from the Canadian border in Montana to the border of Mexico in New Mexico. About 1,900 miles (3,211 km) of the corridor contains existing trails or primitive routes. Considerable trip planning will be necessary to determine your specific route. The corridor varies from 4,000 feet (1,219 m) to over 13,000 feet (3,962m) elevation above sea level. Existing and proposed trails along the route traverse a variety of privately and publicly owned lands. The variety of situations encountered in the 3,100-mile corridor necessitates different land use and travel regulations and conditions.

In 1997 the route through Rocky Mountain National Park was adjusted and now consists of approximately 30 miles of spectacular scenery. In the park, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail route does not entirely travel the actual Divide; however the most breathtaking section is above tree line, consisting of high peaks and fragile alpine tundra. Travel is through the montane and sub-alpine life systems at elevations of 8,000 (2,438 m) to 11,500 feet (3,505 m). The route is entirely along existing, well-maintained trails.

Bear Lake Road and the lower portions of Trail Ridge Road are open year-round. The central part of Trail Ridge Road is generally open from late May through mid-October. For current road conditions, please call (970) 586-1206. Old Fall River Road is a steep, one-way, unpaved road. It is typically open from July 4th weekend through late September. It is not suitable for RV’s or low-clearance vehicles, but provides spectacular views for suitable passenger cars, trucks, or SUV’s. Trail Ridge Road rises above where trees can grow; the central eleven miles of this high route traverse open, windswept alpine tundra. This route provides some of the greatest mountain views available from roadside in this nation. Because of the high altitudes and exposure of park roads, they are subject to strong winds and rapid weather changes.

Covering the 48 miles between Estes Park on the park’s east side and Grand Lake on the west, Trail Ridge Road more than lives up to everyone’s expectations and leaves them with an adventure not soon forgotten. Eleven miles of this high highway travel above tree line, the elevation near 11,500 feet where the park’s evergreen forests come to a halt. As it winds across the tundra’s vastness to its high point at 12,183 feet elevation, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. 34) offers visitors thrilling views, wildlife sightings and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions, all from the comfort of their car. Whether they begin their journey at Estes Park or Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road travelers climb some 4,000 feet in a matter of minutes. The changes that occur en route are fascinating to observe. A drive that may begin in montane forests of aspen and ponderosa pine soon enters thick subalpine forests of fir and spruce. At tree line, the last stunted, wind-battered trees yield to the alpine tundra. Up on that windswept alpine world, conditions resemble those found in the Canadian or Alaskan Arctic. It’s normally windy and 20 to 30 degrees colder than Estes Park or Grand Lake. The sun beats down with high- ultraviolet intensity. The vistas, best enjoyed from one of several marked road pullovers, are extravagant, sweeping north to Wyoming, east across the Front Range cities and Great Plains, south and west into the heart of the Rockies. Put aside at least a half day for the trip. Longer, if possible.

Completed in 1921, Old Fall River Road earned the distinction of being the first auto route in Rocky Mountain National Park offering access to the park’s high country. In the minds of many park visitors, the relatively subtle old route remains foremost. Unlike Trail Ridge Road, which is well known for being the highest continuous paved road in the nation, the Old Fall River Road is a much more “motor nature trail.” Primarily gravel, one-way uphill and punctuated by switchbacks, slower-paced, 11-mile-long. The old road quietly leads travelers from Horseshoe Park (a short distance west of the Fall River Entrance) through the park’s wilderness to Fall River Pass, 11,796 feet above sea level. The journey to the alpine world at the top of Old Fall River Road is relaxing. The experience is one to be savored. The posted speed limit is 15 miles per hour, a clear indication that a journey up Old Fall River Road is not for the impatient. The road itself is safe, but narrow and curved. In places, the trees of the montane and subalpine forests are so close that motorists can touch them. Old Fall River Road is ideal for visitors seeking to become intimate with nature.

The road follows a route traveled long ago by Indian hunters, who came to the park area in search of its abundant game. Early in the trip, travelers pass the alluvial fan scoured out by the 1982 Lawn Lake Flood and the site of a labor camp that housed state convicts who worked on the road project. For these men, crime did not pay. The laborers were forced to build the three-mile stretch of road to the scenic respite of Chasm Falls with no more than hand tools at their disposal.

After passing Willow Park, where elk often are seen feeding on the foliage, the road enters the alpine tundra. Awaiting there is the Fall River Cirque, birthplace of glaciers that once worked their way up and down the mountain valleys. The road traverses the headwall of this amphitheater-like formation before joining Trail Ridge Road near the Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass.

Rocky Mountain National Park has over 350 miles of hiking trails. These range from flat lakeside strolls to quite steep peak climbs. If you are new to the park, rangers at the visitor centers and backcountry office can provide advice on trails that are appropriate for different fitness and experience levels. If you have never hiked before or are traveling with children, check out the recommended accessible trails. Ranger-led walks are free and can increase your confidence while you learn more about the park. Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to discover how traveling by foot brings you closer to nature.

Here are few of the favorite hiking trails. Bear Lake is a 0.6 mile loop and is an excellent interpretive nature trail that circles this popular subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road . Cub Lake is rated moderate and is 2.3 miles one-way. A park favorite, this hike to a mountain pond travels through woods that blaze with color in the fall. Glacier Gorge at Mills Lake is a moderate 2.5 miles hike one-way. The view of Longs Peak and the Keyboard of the Winds from Mills Lake is one of Rocky Mountain ‘s finest. A beautiful stream and pleasant scenery accompany hikers on this popular west side walk of Adams Falls , East Inlet which is only 0.3 miles. Alberta Falls , Glacier George Jct. is 0.6 miles and rated easy. Glacier Creek thunders down this spectacular waterfall that ranks as one of the park’s more popular hiking destinations. Ouzel Falls Wild Basin is a moderate hike that’s 2.7 miles one-way. Watching the falls’ namesake – the ouzel, or dipper – plunge into the rushing stream water entertains hikers at this popular spot. Deer Mountain Deer Ridge Jct. is 3.0 miles one-way and rated moderate. Fine views, pleasant hiking and a picnic on top make this trip a hiking favorite. Summit elevation is 10,013′ (gain of 1083′). Flattop Mountain in Bear Lake is 4.4 miles one-way and rated strenuous. Panoramic views and access to many other great peaks lure hikers up this mountain in the middle of the park. Summit elevation is 12,324′ (gain of 2849′).

Climbing has been a popular activity in and around the area known today as Rocky Mountain National Park since the 1800′s. The wide variety of peaks and granite rock formations in the park provide excellent opportunities for a wide spectrum of climbing including rock climbing, big wall, snow and ice climbing, bouldering and mountaineering. It is a Mecca for local climbers, as well as those from around the world. Opportunities for climbing exist in many areas of the park including Lumpy Ridge and Longs Peak . As the attractiveness of the sport continues to grow, it becomes necessary to balance this recreational activity with responsible management of the Park’s resources. In balancing preservation versus use, the objective is to allow climbing to continue as freely as possible, while minimizing impacts on environmental resources and other park visitors. Respect for the environment and a commitment to Leave No Trace climbing techniques are required of the climbing community to maintain a mutually beneficial partnership.

Climbing opportunities range from bouldering for a few hours to multi-day big wall experiences. Day use in the park requires no special registration or permit. For those climbers planning multi-day climbs, 3.5 or more miles from a trailhead, consisting of 4 or more technical pitches, a bivouac permit is required. Contact the Backcountry Office for information on permit procedures, backcountry conditions, and climbing regulations. A bivouac is a temporary, open-air encampment established between dusk and dawn and is issued only to technical climbers. The permit also provides technical climbers with an advanced position on long, one-day climbs and/or climbs that require an overnight stay on the rock face. All bivouacs require permits. Permits must be in your possession while in the backcountry.

Of course, no mountain climbing in the Rockies would be complete without tackling Longs Peak . At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak towers above all other summits in Rocky Mountain . The flat-topped monarch is seen from almost anywhere in the park. The summertime is the season when thousands hike or climb to Longs’ summit. The Keyhole Route , Longs Peak ‘s only non-technical hiking pathway, is eight miles long one-way with an elevation gain of 4,850 feet. Typically free of ice and snow from mid-July through mid-September, this challenging route was the choice of celebrated British adventurer Isabella Bird in 1873. Bird, who ascended Longs in the company of mountain man “Rocky Mountain Jim” Nugent, was not the first woman to climb Longs Peak . She was preceded to the summit that same year by Anna Dickinson. Both women followed in the footsteps of Addie Alexander and a “Miss Bartlett,” two women who successfully climbed Longs in 1871. Once climbed, or even viewed at a distance from the safety of a car, Longs Peak is not a mountain easily forgotten.

Tragically, there are those who never left Longs Peak alive. A stone gazebo at the Keyhole formation displays a plaque memorializing Agnes Vaille, a well-known climber in the 1920s. The pioneer of numerous mountain routes in the Rockies , Vaille attempted the first winter ascent of the mountain’s precipitous east face in January, 1925. She and her climbing partner, Walter Kiener, succeeded after more than 24 hours of dangerous mountaineering through frigid blizzard conditions. While descending the North Face, Vaille fell 100 feet down the rock cliff, coming to a stop in a snowdrift. Her injuries were minor, but because of fatigue and hypothermia, Vaille was unable walk. Battling frostbite that would cost him toes and fingers, Kiener promptly summoned help. Vaille’s rescuers arrived to find her dead from exposure. Agnes Vaille and about 50 other climbers have lost their lives on Longs Peak . It is not a mountain tolerant of the unprepared. But hiking and technical climbing on the mountain are exciting and rewarding experiences. And they are comparatively safe if common-sense safety principles are applied. Keyhole route hikers should be properly outfitted with clothing, food and water. Use caution when ascending or descending steep areas. Don’t be afraid to back down when bad weather threatens.

Winter brings deep snows to Rocky Mountain National Park west of the Continental Divide. Lighter snowfall on the east side of the park leaves low elevation trails open for hiking. Trails below 8,700 feet (2,700 m) offer diverse opportunities to those who wish to travel without the aid of skis or snow shoes. Before each outing, check with park rangers for local snow conditions and current avalanche hazards. Snow accumulation varies tremendously across the park. The West Side of the park receives moisture-bearing storms first, and has the deepest accumulation of the fluffy white stuff. Often there is sufficient snow cover by late November to cover rocks, logs, and other obstacles, making trails and slopes safe for skiing and snow shoeing. There are no ski lifts in the park, so skiers generally use cross-country equipment that allows them to ascend as well as descend in mountainous terrain. The East Side of the park, the lee side of the mountains, is relatively dry and snow cover is patchy, especially early in the winter. Although the East Side does not really offer beginning cross-country skiing, it does have a selection of trails suitable for the beginning snow-shoer. The strong winds, variable temperatures, and steep slopes of the East Side all contribute to increased avalanche danger. Since snow conditions and avalanche hazard are quite changeable, we encourage you to stop by a visitor center or call the Information Office/Backcountry Office to discuss your plans.

Winter play areas, suitable for sledding, are located at Bear Lake and Hidden Valley . However, as described above, conditions are not always safe. In particular, when snow coverage is limited, rocks and logs may not be safely buried. Heavy use at these areas, particularly on weekends, can result in icy conditions. Condition reports are made daily, and can be obtained at any visitor center. However, it is your responsibility to inspect an area to ensure it is safe before allowing children to sled or play. Snowmobiling is allowed on the West Side along a small portion of Trail Ridge Road . Access is from Grand Lake . There are several suitable winter hiking trails for those who enjoy winter hiking.

Although Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for its steep terrain, accessible trails have been constructed in areas noted for their scenery. These trails are also good choices for visitors interested in adjusting to the park’s higher elevations, groups that include young children, visitors with visual impairment and anyone who finds walking on level, relatively smooth paths attractive. Park trails meeting accessibility specifications include: Coyote Valley Trail, Sprague Lake , Lily Lake , and Bear Lake.

Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park requires a license from the State of Colorado for all persons 16 years of age or older. Specific park regulations list open and closed waters. Fish populations in high elevation lakes and streams are spotty. The park does not stock, except to reintroduce native species. Fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life. Fishing was popular with early settlers and visitors in the Rocky Mountains . In an attempt to improve the sport, many streams and lakes were stocked with non-native species of trout. Waters with no sport fish were also stocked.

The National Park Service stocked non-native Yellowstone cutthroat trout as late as 1969. The only trout fish natives to the park are the greenback cutthroat and the Colorado River cutthroat. These efforts to enhance recreational opportunities in National Park areas were reconsidered in the 1970′s. Since 1975, native greenback cutthroat and Colorado River cutthroat trout are being restored to park waters and exotic or non-native fish are being removed.

Populations of at least four species of trout exist in the park: brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat. Some suckers also inhabit the streams and lakes. Only 48 of the 156 lakes in the park have reproducing populations of fish. Cold water temperatures and lack of spawning habitat prevent reproduction in high altitude lakes. Supplemental stocking is done only to restore native species. Fishing success at high altitudes varies, even in waters known to contain fish. Restoration of native species requires that the possession limits be managed carefully. You must be able to identify each species of fish taken.

Hunting is prohibited in Rocky Mountain National Park . Firearms or any projectile weapons are prohibited in the park.

Rocky Mountain National Park contains excellent habitat for birds of prey. Golden eagles, kestrels, turkey vultures, peregrine and prairie falcons, and re-tailed and Cooper’s hawks are especially suited to the park’s craggy rock outcroppings. Raptors, while fierce predators as adults, have a fairly low reproductive rate and a high-risk lifestyle. Golden eagles are highly sensitive to disturbance during their courtship and nesting cycle. Courtship and nest selection begins in February, and the eagles often rotate between several established nest sites in an area. Once the nest has been established, the eagles become committed to the nest and eggs, and disturbance is not as critical as during courtship. However, climbers near the nest site will cause the incubating eagle to leave the nest, exposing the eggs and the young to stress. Disturbance prior to fledging may cause the young birds to fall from the nest to their deaths. In order for wildlife managers to gather information and ensure that raptors can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during nesting season. Initial closures occur in March and April, when raptors return to the region and scout for nesting sites. Areas containing general habitat preferred by raptors are closed during this time. Once raptors have selected nesting spots, the initial closures are lifted or adjusted. The specific areas which raptors choose for nesting sites remain closed.

Many of the species of the park are unique to the mountainous habitats – aspen, ponderosa pine, high elevation willow, spruce/fir and alpine tundra – found in the Southern Rocky Mountains . Specialty species include White-tailed Ptarmigan, Blue Grouse, Gray Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, American Dipper, Western Tanager, Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Townsend’s Solitare, Wilson’s, MacGillivray’s and Virginia’s Warblers, Brown-capped Rosy Finch, Black Swift and Northern Pygmy Owl. In 2000, Rocky Mountain National Park was designated as a Global Important Bird Area. This designation recognizes the vital role of the park in the perpetuation of bird species.

The first step in planning your backcountry trip is to obtain a Rocky Mountain National Park topographical map to choose your destination and route. Use the guide map, or the Trails Illustrated Topographic Map, to select backcountry/wilderness campsites. As you plan your trip, take into consideration the physical condition of the least experienced member of your party, and the distance and elevation gain from the trailhead to your destination. Rocky Mountain National Park is a high elevation park. If you live at sea level, it will take you several days to become acclimated to this elevation. Most trails begin above 7,000 feet (2,000 meters) and climb abruptly higher. If you are not acclimated, you can get high altitude sickness. Rangers recommend that you spend at least one night at 7,000 or 8,000 feet (2,000 or 2,500 meters) prior to setting out. This will allow your body to begin to adjust to the elevation.

There are four distinct seasons. November through March is cold and windy H –20 – 30; L — 10 – 20. Hold onto your hat during the snowy winter months when winds in the lowlands hit 60 miles per hour and wind-monitoring equipment in the highlands gets blown away. Here, at elevation above 11,200′, climatic conditions bear some similarity to far northern Alaska . April and May have quite variable weather conditions with possible snow storms. June through August have typical mountain summer conditions. Sunny summer mornings frequently give rise to formidable afternoon thunderstorms. Summer days in July and August often reach the 70′s or 80′s and drop into the 40′s at night. All temperatures given are in Fahrenheit. Temperatures are often moderate at elevations below 9,400′ (2,865 m). At higher points, like Bear Lake , Trail Ridge Road , or Longs Peak , it may snow even in July. September through October is quite variable with possible snow storms. A wide variation between day and nighttime temperatures is also typical of mountain weather.

The Continental Divide runs northwest to southeast through the center of the park atop the high peaks. This accounts for two distinct climate patterns – one typical of the east side near Estes Park and the other associated with the Grand Lake area on the park’s west side. Lower elevations on the east slope of Rocky Mountain National Park are usually free of deep snow. At higher elevations, arctic conditions prevail. Sudden blizzards, high winds, and deep snow pack are common. The west side of the park experiences more snow, less wind, and clear cold days during December, January, February and March.

Spring comes to the montain environs – elevations 8,000′ to 9,500′ (2,438 – 2,895 m) – in late April, although snowfall is not uncommon at this time of year. Unpredictable weather alternates between warm and cold, wet and dry. In June, spring is just reaching the subalpine country – 9,500′ to 11,500′ (2,895 – 3,505 m), while summer is on the plains. Wildflowers begin blooming at lower elevations in late April or early May. Many trails are still snow-covered. In late May, Trail Ridge Road opens for the season.

During the summer, on the alpine tundra — 11,500′ to 13,000′ (3,505 – 3,962 m) wildflowers bloom from late June to early August. Afternoon thunderstorms and wind are normal patterns. Always be prepared for temperature drops of 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall starts in September and runs through November. September and October bring clear, crisp air, blue skies, and generally dry weather. An early snowstorm may occur. Aspen leaves start changing colors in mid-September. Elk mating season begins in September and continues through most of October. Trail Ridge Road usually closes for the winter by mid-October.

Should you decide to travel the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail through the park for a few hours or several days, here are a few considerations: The air is thin at these high altitudes between 10,500 feet (3,200 km) and 13,000 feet (3,962 km). Travel is slow and strenuous. Lightning danger accompanies early afternoon thunderstorms. Travel above tree line should be accomplished early in the day. Winter lasts about nine months on the Divide, from September through May. Arctic conditions prevail making travel extremely hazardous, if not impossible, during this season. Horses and llamas have the right-of-way. Step off the trail on the downhill side and stand quietly until the stock passes. Always practice Leave No Trace hiking and camping skills. A backcountry permit is required in Rocky Mountain National Park for any overnight trips. The permits can be obtained by writing to Rocky Mountain National Park , Backcountry Office, Estes Park , Colorado 80517-8397 or call 970.586.1242. A displayed “dash tag” is required for overnight parking. During the busy summer months, if you have a permit reservation, you must pick up the permit by 10 AM on the first day of your planned backcountry/wilderness stay; otherwise, the permit will be cancelled in its entirety, and given to other backpackers. If you know you will not be using your permit, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible. If you end a trip early, notify a ranger to cancel the permit, so other backpackers may take your place.

Be sure to use this backpacking checklist to help you remember to travel equipped and safe. Map of the area, compass, extra food and water, water bottle (at least 1 quart per person), collapsible water container, water filtering system, extra layered clothing, including rain gear, storm gear, (it’s best not to use cotton in winter as a layer as it tends to stay wet and cold when wet), sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, pocketknife or multipurpose tool, matches in a waterproof container, a candle or other fire starter, a whistle or signal mirror, flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, space blanket for day hike and sleeping bag and mat for overnight trips, first aid kit, tent with rain fly, repair kit, campstove, fuel, cooking equipment, garbage bags to pack out your trash or keep items dry, good hiking boots, backpack, a small garden trowel or lightweight scoop for digging, and ground sheet. Be aware that mountain weather changes very quickly. Within just a few hours, bright sunny skies may give way to raging storms. High winds often occur in the high country. Wind chill accelerates the lowering of body temperature which can result in hypothermia. Hypothermia is the lowering of the body’s core temperature which can be life threatening. It can occur any time of year. Dress warm and stay dry. Proper clothing is your first line of defense against cold. Dress in layers so you can regulate your temperature by bundling up, or peeling down. Most high country overnight trips require gear suitable for -35 degrees or below. It is your responsibility to know and follow all backcountry rules and regulations.

Plan ahead and prepare to have a safe and hopefully uneventful backpacking trip. When you visit the park, discuss your plans with a ranger. Find out whether snow has melted from the trails and destination where you wish to hike. Know and obey the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit. Be physically and mentally ready for your trip. Know the ability of every member of you group. Be informed of current weather conditions and other area information. Know and accept risks associated with backcountry experiences. Take responsibility for yourself and your group. Always leave an itinerary with someone at home and when they should expect you back. Make sure you remember to notify them when you return safely. Choose proper equipment and clothing in subdued colors. Plan your meals and repackage food into reusable containers. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Water sources are from lakes and streams and should be treated or boiled before drinking for Giardia.

There are pit toilets at many backcountry sites. Use them. If there are no pit toilets nearby, urinate or defecate at least 200 feet (75 adult paces) from water, camp, or trails. Urinate in rocky places that won’t be damaged by wildlife who dig for salts and minerals found in urine. Deposit human waste in cat holes dug 6-8 inches deep. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished, or pack out solid waste. Use toilet paper sparingly and pack it out along with sanitary napkins, and tampons in an airtight container. Consider using natural toilet paper such as a smooth rock or soft pinecone. Wash your dishes and yourself at least 200 feet (75 adult paces) from water sources, and use small amounts, if any, of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. Strain food scraps from wash water and pack them out. Keep all scented items out of your tent including soap, deodorant, and toothpaste. Store them with you food. Never take food in the sleeping area. Separate where you eat from where you sleep.

Do not plan to build a fire. Cook meals with a portable stove. Fires are comforting and aesthetically pleasing, but they cause considerable impact on the backcountry. Wood is better used for habitat for wild creatures than as fuel for campers whose lives do not depend upon forest resources. Campfires have potential to get out of control if not well tended. For these reasons, fires are allowed in only a few designated campsites which have metal fire rings.

As you plan your hike, keep in mind that park elevations range from 7,500 to over 12,000 feet. Even very fit individuals coming from lower elevations may experience altitude problems. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat. After a few days your body will have made some physiological adjustments to higher elevations, but full acclimation may take a week. To minimize symptoms drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, don’t skip meals, and get plenty of rest. Although you may not feel thirsty, the “thinner” air at high elevations actually results in increased water evaporation from your lungs. Again, drinking extra water may prevent a bad headache or other altitude symptoms. Ultraviolet light is stronger in the mountains because there is less atmosphere for the sunlight to pass through. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sun glasses, and consider covering up with a long sleeved shirt if you are out in the sun for extended periods.

Winter in the park is an inviting yet silently dangerous time for hikers. The season brings short days with strong winds, low temperatures, and rapidly changing weather. Be prepared for these conditions by carrying extra clothing for layering, as well as water and high energy food. Prevent frostbite by keeping your extremities and face well protected. Watch for the first warning signs of frostbite–a tingling, then numbing feeling. Avoid hiking in deep snow which is quickly fatiguing and creates hazardous holes for skiers and snowshoers who follow. When conditions are icy, use instep crampons or ski poles for extra safety. If you are camping in the winter and the designated site has more than 4″ of snow, camp at least 200′ (70 adult steps) away from the site. Do not camp in the site. Party size is limited to 12 people.

Streams, lakes and waterfalls in winter can be deceptively dangerous. Keep your distance. In winter, ice is thinner near inlets and outlets and over fast moving water. Stay back from steep snow slopes and cornices. Snow avalanche danger is often high. Ask a ranger about current avalanche potential. Consider attending a formal avalanche training session before beginning your trip. Avalanches are common and occur regularly during the winter and early spring in Rocky Mountain National Park . Avoid skiing or snowshoeing in gullies, on unforested slopes and under snow cornices where avalanches could occur. Open slopes of 30 to 45 degree can be loaded with dangerous masses of snow, easily triggered by the presence of one or more backcountry travelers. Know how to recognize dangerous snow conditions. Be aware of changing weather that may influence avalanche conditions. Remember, avalanche danger increases during and after snow storms as well as after heavy wind storms.

Always wear an electronic transceiver inside your jacket when traversing avalanche terrain and know how to use it. If you are caught in an avalanche, make swimming motions and try to stay on top of the snow. Discard all equipment and try to remain calm. Carrying the following essential items will increase your group’s chances of surviving an avalanche: transceivers, portable shovels, probes, ski poles and an avalanche cord. Tragic incidents involving avalanches may be avoided using these precautions.

Pets are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas and along road sides, but not on any park trails. Pets cannot be left in cars unattended. Pets are prohibited in backcountry areas of Rocky Mountain National Park . If you bring a pet on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, an alternate route to bypass the park (north to south) is to travel along County Road 491 and U.S. Highway 34 past Grand Lake to the Arapaho Bay Road rejoining the actual route south of the park. Pets are allowed along park roads and must be on a leash and under physical control at all times. Dogs and cats are considered to be unnatural predators in a natural environment. Pets may harass and even kill wildlife, carry disease and intrude on other park visitors’ experiences. Pets are also prey for larger carnivores like mountain lions and coyote packs.

Driving in the mountains provides many challenges. Steep roadways combined with less oxygen at higher altitudes can place additional demands on any vehicle. By following a few guidelines, you can help your car stay healthy at the park’s higher altitudes: Use lower gears while traveling downhill. You can slow down your car without wearing down the brakes. If you smell your brakes, pull over, let them cool off and test them before proceeding. Do not drive if the brakes are not working properly. If the vehicle is losing power while traveling uphill, use a lower gear to help prevent power loss. After stopping, let your car’s engine run a minute before turning off the engine. Do not use air conditioning. It contributes to power loss. If the vehicle is losing power, has a rough-running engine or will not start, it may be experiencing vapor lock. If you suspect your vehicle has vapor lock, let it sit for 30 minutes. Loosen the gas cap and open the hood. If possible, remove the air filter. Try restarting the engine after 30 minutes. If your engine dies, try to pull into a turnoff. There are no service stations in the park. If you need towing or road service, notify the park by using an emergency phone or getting a message to a ranger station or visitor center. Towing and road service are available from Estes Park or Grand Lake . Slower drivers should use the park’s pullouts to let other vehicles pass.

With its long history of climbing activity, RMNP and the surrounding area have long been known for a strong traditional climbing ethic and concern for the resource by its users. The local climbing community does not accept practices such as placing bolts on existing routes or establishing new bolt-intensive routes and chipping or gluing new holds. Clean-climbing techniques are generally the norm. It is incumbent on the local climbing community, along with the Park, to inform and educate climbers new to the area of this fact for the ultimate protection and maintained access to climbing areas. Chipping and drilling holds destroys the rock face. Avoid changing the rock to make the route easier. Accept nature on its terms. Use removable protection and natural anchors whenever practical. Bolts and pitons permanently change the rock and placing them is a serious endeavor. Motorized drills are prohibited. Be courteous to other park users. Help educate non-climbers about your activity to reduce social impacts. Inform other climbers of Leave No Trace techniques.

It is critical that climbers understand the impact that human feet have on the ground and on the rock. Because many climbing areas are remote from established trails and different routes on a rock may start anywhere along the base, climbers can have enormous effects on vegetation. A direct access route straight up or down a hillside may uproot plants which have taken centuries to become established. Once erosion has begun in remote areas, it is very difficult to control. The access trails used to approach climbs, even if no formal trail exists, can be carefully chosen to avoid the heavy impact of the human foot. Rocky slopes will withstand foot traffic far better than delicate canyon bottoms, and will not present erosion problems as quickly. Where rock is not available, thoughtfully traversing slopes with minimum impact in mind can help protect natural areas. Often climbers can work with the local resource managers to develop access which is not damaging to the environment. As more people flock to these special places, the only way to avoid conflict with one another is to respect others as we respect the environment. For climbers, this may mean dressing in earth tone colors, using voice signals only as needed for safe climbing, and recognizing that our human presence alone may impact other users and the environment.

Take personal responsibility for the care of our fragile resources. To accomplish this goal, please adopt this code of ethics for low impact climbing: Accept responsibility for yourself and others. Pack out all litter. Bury human waste away from water and high use areas or pack it out. Use existing access trails to approach climbs. Avoid short-cutting trails. The adaptations for survival of drying winds and cold may make tundra vegetation seem very hardy, but in some respects the tundra is very fragile. Repeated footsteps often destroy tundra plants, leaving exposed soil to blow away, and recovery may take hundreds of years. Know and respect historic and environmentally sensitive areas. Be considerate of wildlife and other users. Leave the rock and its environs in its natural condition. Avoid placing permanent protection. Renew your commitment to leaving no trace. Know and abide by local regulations.

For safety considerations, climbers are encouraged to notify family or friends on route selections and contact them at the completion of any climb. Hazards in the form of violent weather (lightning, wind, snow, and rainstorms), snowfields, avalanches (even in summer), waterfalls, rivers, and the dangers associated with climbing, cause injuries every year and can ruin a climb. Be responsible. Always let a friend know your plans. You are responsible for notifying someone when you return. National Park Service rangers will not start a search until after a climber is reported overdue. Helmets are advised for climbing. Be prepared with appropriate gear: Sleeping bag/tent with appropriate seasonal rating, snow sealed or plastic boots, storm gear, gaiters, cap, gloves etc., sunglasses (check UV/IR), sunscreen (check SPF), topographical map/compass, supplies to purify all water, rope for hanging all food. 40′ of rope & 2 stuff sacks, camp stove, fuel, the “Essentials”, the signed permit, dash tag required for each vehicle at the trailhead, and snowshoes or skis seasonally.

If you plan to bivouac, you must obtain a bivy permit. You can make reservations as described above for backcountry permits. The following rules apply for bivouacs: You may have no more than 4 people in your party. All in the party must climb. You must bivy in the area specificied on your permit.
Bivys must be on rock or snow. Bivys must be set up at dusk and taken down by dawn. No tents or structures are permitted. Fires are not allowed.
Helmets are advised for climbing. No more than 3 consecutive nights in 1 bivy area. For backcountry permits you may obtain day-of-trip permits in person year round. You may make reservations by mail or in person anytime after March 1 for a permit for that calendar year. You may only make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year.

A climb must be 4 or more pitches, roped, technical climbing. A site must be off all vegetation. You must sleep on rock or snow. No tents are allowed. You may use a ground cloth. Pets, weapons, & vehicles are not allowed. You must respect and know Raptor Protections Closures. You must bivy in the area specified on your permit. Bevies must be broken down by sunrise.

Plague is endemic to the Park and there have been outbreaks here in the past. This disease is transmitted by fleas from infected rodents, especially ground squirrels. Do not feed or approach ground squirrels or other small mammals. Symptoms of bubonic plague include swollen lymph nodes and fever, usually developing 1 to 6 days after exposure. Pneumonic plague may develop as the lungs become infected and is especially dangerous because it may easily be spread by coughing. Untreated bubonic plague is fatal in about 50 percent of the cases.

Colorado Tick Fever is also endemic to the Park and may be carried by one-third of the tick population here. Symptoms include malaise and high fever. This disease may go into brief remission, followed by a second bout of fever lasting for several days. Fever will usually be evident 4 to 6 days after exposure. The longer a tick stays attached to a person, the greater likelihood for the transmission of any diseases which it may carry. Ticks should be removed carefully, making sure that all of the mouth parts are removed from the bite. Do not squeeze the tick with bare hands so hard as to rupture the tick or drive more toxins into your body.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is another disease which is endemic to the Park and usually spread through the bite of an infected tick. It is less frequent than Colorado Tick Fever; however, untreated it is fatal in 15-20 percent of cases. High fever, malaise, headache, chills and muscle pain may persist for 2 to 3 weeks. The incubation period is usually 3 to 14 days. About 50 percent of the cases develop a rash of red spots starting on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

Hantavirus is another reason for not feeding small mammals. No known cases of hantavirus have been reported in this area. However, this disease has killed several people in the southwest corner of Colorado . This disease is spread from the feces and urine of infected rodents, especially the deer mouse. Deer mice are prevalent in the Park and our populations do carry the disease. Approximately 20 percent of the deer mice tested positive for hantavirus in 1994.

Current Weather

Enjoy wildlife at a distance; remember that the animals are wild and therefore unpredictable. Never feed wildlife. Feeding junk food to wildlife reduces its ability to survive the long mountain winter. When they panhandle by roadsides, animals fall easy prey to automobiles. As they become habituated to humans and lose their natural fear, the animals become aggressive and may be destroyed. Protect wildlife, hang your food and scented items securely. Minimize noise and avoid sensitive habitat.

Drive slowly. Watch for animals crossing the road. Deer and elk are seldom alone. If you see one animal, look for others that may follow.

Deer, bighorn sheep, porcupines, and other animals are attracted by sweat and urine. These animals can destroy campsites, clothes, boots, and camping gear in search for salt. Hang your gear and use proper backcountry/wilderness sanitation. There are also black bears, but no grizzlies. Use bear proof containers for food and scented items or hang your stuff at least 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground and 4 horizontal feet (1.5 meters) from the tree trunk. Although lion attacks are rare, and bear attacks are even rarer, they are possible, as is injury from any wild animal. Please report all unusual wildlife sightings, trail conditions, or incidents to a ranger. See the Wildlife Precautions page for further information.

Bicycle or Motor Cycle fees are $10.00 per person/ 7 days.
Passenger Cars are $20.00/ 7 days or $35.00 Rocky Mountain National Park annual pass.
The camping fees are $20.00/night during the regular season and $14.00/night for off-season.

There are five drive-in campgrounds and one drive-in group camping area in the park, besides backcountry camping. Two campgrounds, Moraine Park and Glacier Basin, take reservations, as does the group-camping area. Other park campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and fill on most summer days. None of the campgrounds have electric, water, or sewer hookups at the camping sites. Stay limits of seven nights are in place from June 1 through September 30. The limits extend to an additional 14 nights at the year-round campgrounds the rest of the year. At all campgrounds two tents or one vehicle and one camp unit (i.e., tent, RV, or trailer/tow vehicle) per site. During July and most of August, expect the campgrounds to fill every day by early afternoon. In June and September, park campgrounds tend to fill on the weekends. Golden Age & Golden Access Passport holders receive a 50% discount on camping fees.

Aspenglen is open seasonally and the campground has 54 campsites situated along Fall River just inside the Fall River Entrance on US Rt. 34, 5 miles west of the town of Estes Park. Glacier Basin is also a seasonal campground located 7 miles west of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center off of the Bear Lake Rd. Most sites are in a lodgepole pine forest. Glacier Creek runs near the campground. Good hiking trails are easily accessed from the campground. Reservations are recommended for all camp sites. Call 1-800-365-2267 for further information. Longs Peak is open year round. Nestled near the trailhead to Longs Peak, the campground’s 26 sites are for tents only on a first come/first served basis. During July and August, most campers rise early to hike the Longs Peak Trail. During the fall, winter, and spring, when no water is available, the fee is $14. There is a seven night stay limit during the summer; fourteen nights during the winter. Moraine Park is open all year. It is located off of the Bear Lake Rd., 2 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center . Sites are mostly in a ponderosa pine forest and look out over Moraine Park, a large meadow area with the Big Thompson River flowing through. Reservations are accepted for camping here from January 5, 2005 to September 30, 2005. Reservations are recommended. Timber Creek campground is open throughout the year. The 98 campsites are set on high ground looking out over the Kawuneeche Valley and the Colorado River. Fishing and hiking are readily accessible. Moose regularly visit the valley, along with elk and mule deer.

There are numerous designated areas for backcountry camping allowing for ample adventure travel. They are North Fork Area, East Inlet Area, Mummy Range Area, North Inlet Area, Gorge Lakes Area, Tonahutu Area, Bear Lake Area, Timber Lake Area, Longs Peak Area, Never Summer Range Area, Wild Basin Area, and Hague Creek Area. Individual parties consist of 1 to 7 people. Each party is assigned 1 campsite. Each camping area has 1 to 6 sites. We recommend you travel in small parties because fewer people per site leaves less impact on Rocky’s fragile resources. Groups consist of 8 to 12 people. They must camp at special group sites. Due to impacts caused by group interaction in and between sites (site spread, social trails etc.) groups over 7 persons may not camp in neighboring individual sites but must use group sites or split up and camp at least one mile apart. Between June and September, campers may stay in the backcountry/wilderness for a maximum of 7 nights and no more than 3 consecutive nights in 1 camping area. Between October and May, campers may stay in the backcountry/ wilderness for a maximum of 14 nights with no more than a total of 21 nights per year.

Plan to be below tree line during the afternoon when thunder and lightning storms most often occur. Pets, weapons, and vehicles (including mountain bikes) are not allowed in the backcountry/wilderness. Don’t forget insect repellent to fend off mosquitoes. Check frequently for ticks. Be considerate of others and the resource. Set a pace that is comfortable for all members of your party.

Stay on the trail and hike single-file. Resist the temptation to walk off the trail when it is muddy. Mud will flake off your boots much sooner than trampled plants will grow back. Never short-cut switchbacks. Never leave food unattended. Properly store your food. When you pause to rest, sit on rocks or clearings rather than on vegetation. When you arrive at your destination, you will see trail signs that show where to find campsites. Pitch your tent in designated areas. Camp must be established on designated tent pads where provided or within 15′ of the metal arrowhead that marks the designated site. Don’t pitch your tent on undisturbed vegetation, and never dig or trench around a tent. Perhaps the best method to secure your food and scented items is to carry and use a portable food storage container. Refrain from packing greasy, smelly foods into the backcountry/ wilderness.

Cross-country areas are the least traveled and least accessible places in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stocks are not permitted to travel in these areas. Those who travel here must be skilled with a map and compass and must be proficient at Leave No Trace camping and hiking techniques. Cross-country areas are remote areas characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests, icy streams, and wet bogs. These areas are below tree line. Fires are not allowed. There are no developed campsites, no developed trails, and no pit toilets. The following regulations and guidelines, in addition to those listed above, apply to cross-country area campers. Have no more than 7 people in your party.

Plan more hiking time to get to your destination than if you were on a trail.

And carry a portable stove for cooking. When you choose a campsite, stay within the boundaries of the cross-country area. Camp at least 70 adult steps (200 feet/60 meters) away from any water source. Be out of sight and sound of any other party. Move your camp at least 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) each day.

Stay no more than 2 nights in 1 cross-country area.

Sprague Lake Accessible Camp is a special wheelchair accessible backcountry campsite near Sprague Lake. It is half a mile (1 kilometer) from the trailhead to the campsite. This camp accommodates 12 campers including a maximum of 6 wheelchair users. If you are hearing or sight impaired and have a certified assistance dog, your dog may accompany you to this or any other campsite or trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.

There are special stock campsites and rules for overnight camping with stock. (Horses, Mules, Burros, Llamas) Some trails are closed to stock use. Camp must be established in “stock camps” only. Party size is limited to 6 people and 8 stocks at individual sites. Party size is limited to 12 people and 16 stocks at group stock sites. Use stoves only. Fires prohibited, unless staying in a wood fire site with visible metal fire ring (using dead and down wood only). Grazing is prohibited. Carry complete feed. Loose herding is prohibited. Tie stock to hitch racks. Call 970.586.1206, or 970.586.1242 for information about packing with stock. Ask for the Horse and Pack Animals brochure.

The Denver International Airport is the closest airport.

By car, the park can be found via U.S. routes 34, 36 from the east through Estes Park, Colorado and from I-70 and U.S. Rt. 40. to U.S. Rt.34 through Granby and Grand Lake.
Amtrak goes to Granby, and then you can take a private shuttle service to the park.

Private transportation is needed inside the park, except for a shuttle bus in the Moraine Park and Bear Lake areas during the peak summer season – June through Labor Day.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Rocky Mountain National Park:

By Car:

Boulder, CO – 41.12 miles

Denver, CO – 73.09 miles

Buckingham, CO – 53.18 miles

Colorado Springs, CO – 142.17 miles

Laramie, WY – 135.01 miles

By Plane

Denver International Airport – 79.83 miles

Rocky Mountain National Park , 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park , CO 80517-8397
Visitor Information 970-586-1206
Visitor Information Recorded Message 970-586-1333
Visitor Information for the Hearing Impaired (TDD) 970-586-1319
Backcountry 970-586-1242
Campground Reservations 800-365-2267
By Fax 970-586-1256

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