For more than 100 years, Rocky Mountain National Park has been an adventurer’s paradise. Almost 5 million people visit the national park each year to explore the pristine forests and swim in the majestic Grand Lake.
The park is a haven for outdoor adventure! When visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to check out these great activities that are sure to make your stay unforgettable.
Hiking
If you love a good hiking adventure, Holzwarth Historic Site is a must-see at Rocky Mountain National Park where you will experience “the heritage of the Holzwarth family’s success, perseverance, and their beautiful dude ranch high in the Rocky Mountains that is preserved through the stories and buildings of Holzwarth Historic Site.”
Experience Adams Falls & Lake Verna by taking the East Inlet Trailhead near the Town of Grand Lake. This beautiful hike will lead you to Adams Falls, the East Meadow, majestic Mount Craig and East Inlet Creek, and Lone Pine Lake ending at the subalpine Lake Verna.
Another favorite hike is the North Inlet Trail to Cascade Falls! This scenic trail is part of the Continental Divide where you will see wildflowers, wildlife and wild beauty.
Wildflowers
The wildflowers within Rocky Mountain National Park are a sight to behold. You’ll find hundreds of wildflower species in the park’s diverse ecosystem.
Wherever you wander around the 358-square mile landscape, you can spot the Colorado Columbine. The Columbine is the official state flower and is most commonly seen in deep blues and purple.
You might see Elephantella on your trek through the Park. It grows in the crevices of the rocks in late summer but has been seen as early as June in subalpine climates. The Elephantella flower is part of the Snapdragon family. It gets its name for having a center growth that resembles an elephant’s trunk and two sprouting petals that make up its “ears”. This flower is most commonly found in wet, marshy areas.
Winter Activities
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is its own adventure. Bring your own skiing or snowshoeing equipment and camera to go wildlife watching in the Park.
Dress in waterproof, well-insulated clothing to guard against freezing weather conditions.
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Whether it’s snowing or sunny, you cannot go wrong when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are from the east coast, the wildlife watching itself is worth the entire trip! Elk, mule deer, moose and bighorn sheep can be easily spotted at dawn and dusk throughout the winter months.
To get started planning your Rocky Mountain National Park getaway, check out our lodging options or visit our blog for more information on things to do while visiting.