Rocky Mountain National Park is the country’s tenth oldest park and is a place with majestic mountain peaks, lush meadows, dense forests, and some of the most spectacular sites you have ever laid your eyes on. This park has elevations that range from 8,000 feet “down” in the lush, green valleys to 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak.
Visitors to the Rocky Mountain National Park never leave disappointed. No matter what season you choose, the botanical colors in the spring, the golden aspens in the fall, and the white, fluffy slopes are spectacular. With 359 miles of trails, you can hike, climb, or horseback ride and see some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. In addition, this park has 110 peaks above the 10,000-feet level with 60 of those rising above 12,000 feet, creating a great challenge for hikers and climbers. It all began with a mission of saving this beautiful area. Enos Mills came to Rocky Mountain in 1884 where he stayed the remainder of his life exploring this area.
The Rocky Mountain National Park offers 415 square miles of heaven, with 76 mountain peaks, and elevations reaching 12,000 feet and more, with Longs Peak being the highest at 14,255 feet. The forests are filled with fir and spruce, creating a clean, pure fragrance in the air and towering statues of greenery. These trees tower over the wide valleys below where you will find willow and aspen lining cool water streams.
When you climb to elevations above the tree line, you find another world where winter blizzards are fierce but in the summer, the mountain is dotted with vibrant flowers. The wildlife is a favorite experience for many people. Here, you will see mule deer, elk, bear, coyote, and even bighorn sheep. With over 250 different birds, 900 types of wildflowers, tons of wildlife, it is hard to imagine that the large metropolis of Denver, Colorado is just about an hour’s drive down the mountain.
Without doubt, the Rocky Mountain National Park is magical, an adventure for all ages to enjoy. As you make your way through the park, you will find adventure and the most peaceful land, often referred to as “God’s country.” No matter which area of the park you visit, its beauty is unrivaled. It all began during the Ice Age! During this time, incredible glaciers helped shape the peaks and meadows. However, humans did not discover or enjoy this park’s beauty until about 11,000 years ago. Evidence found in the form of spearheads has given to life to the history of this region.