What to see in Rocky Mountain National Park

A couple of days after we were on Mt. Evans — the highest paved auto road in North America, we found ourselves on the highest paved continuous auto road! This one also in Colorado, and in Rocky Mountain National Park to be precise. Although Mt. Evans goes up to an elevation of over 14,000 ft. it culminates in a dead-end on the summit. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park –on the other hand — goes up to 12,126 ft. but goes around a part of the national park, making it the highest paved continuous road. 

We got onto Trail Ridge Road from the northeastern part of the park. We had one day to see Rocky Mountain National Park and when I had heard about Flatirons, and how close it was to these parts, I just had to squeeze it into the itinerary. So it was Denver to Flatirons, and from there to the National Park. As we were east of the park, we thought we’d work our way up to the entrance on the north (Fall River Entrance) and drive around to the western part of the park. 

Just as we got to Estes Park, the clouds turned ominously dark, and then huge drops of water started falling on the windshield. We drove on, hoping that the rains would come and go before we were in the park. We had not had good experiences at Mt. Rainier National Park and on our first visit to Crater Lake National Park so I couldn’t even imagine driving up to Rocky Mountain National Park and not being able to see the sights it was famous for. For a change, luck — or should I say, the weather — was on our side that day, for, by the time we got into the National Park, the rains had wound up. The skies had cleared up and Rocky Mountains NP looked washed and clean, and ready for us. 

Rocky Mountain National Park in Summer 

The roadsides were lined with wildflowers. I’m sure summer means wildflower-season and there were plenty of yellows, whites and pinks all over. 

When we got out at Sheep Lakes — our first stop inside the park — we were advised to stay in our cars. The ranger who came to talk to us told us, “Here in Colorado, we say: when the thunder roars, go indoors.” She went on to tell us that they had seen some lightning to the south of the park and that they were trying to warn people about the dangers because they had had some incidents in the park. 

After gazing at the meadow for a while, picking up a junior ranger booklet from an elderly ranger, and taking a few pictures from the safety of the car, we were headed to the highest continuous auto road — Trail Ridge Road. As I mentioned earlier, this road is closed in the winter due to the snow and the harsh conditions of the season. It should be open between Memorial Day and Labour Day. So if you get to visit the Rockies within those months, you should make it a point to drive that way. Not only is the drive an out-and-out scenic one, but some of the major attractions also lie on this route. 

Scenic stops along Trail Ridge Road,

Hidden Valley

It’s very pretty around here in the summer. It is a picture of wildflowers aplenty, and scores of squirrels scampering around. There’s an easy trail here, a creek, picnic tables, restrooms and a ranger station.

We stopped at Hidden Valley for a picnic lunch and a stroll after that. You could do that too. 😉

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Many Parks Curve

This is one of the most popular stops of Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s also a very scenic one.

This stop shows you distant views that include ‘many parks.’ An info. board at this curve will tell you:

In the early 1800s, French-speaking trappers called broad mountain meadows ‘parques,’ meaning enclosures. Later, ranchers used these large open basins to graze livestock. Today, Rocky Mountain National Park preserves many of these ‘parks’ within its boundary.

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Rainbow Curve

Rainbow Curve is another very panoramic stop with views of Trail Ridge Road curving up the mountains. You also get to see Horseshoe Park, an alluvial fan, a few small lakes and a perfect picture of  Fall River meandering in the valley below. 

Forest Canyon Overlook

This point in the national park gives you sweeping views of the mountain range, its peak and a gorge. You might be fortunate to see some marmots and elk here, too.

We saw a whole herd of elk here and another herd on our way to the next POI.

Rock Cut

This is where Trail Ridge Road cuts through the rock to transport you to the tundra region in this part of the Rocky Mountains.

Stop here to see some more views of the mountains and some small mountain lakes in the distance.

Gore Range Overlook

More high altitude views: mountains peaks and the alpine tundra ecosystem, here. Gore Range Overlook is another quick stop on the Trail Ridge Road.

Medicine Bow Curve

From here, you can see the Poudre River slither down the mountain range. A little later you’ll see Poudre Lake down the scenic route.

As you pass through the Poudre Lake area, you will be crossing Milner Pass and there you will also be crossing the continental divide (North America’s Great Divide.)

(Another road in Colorado that takes you over this continental divide — Independence Pass – A road over the Great Divide. ) 

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Lake Poudre

Lake Irene

You might want to stop here if you are looking for a very quiet break. The lake is absolutely lovely sitting pretty in the middle of some greenery. If you still have the energy for a walk, there’s a trail here that takes you across a small little meadow decorated with lots of wildflowers, and then around Lake Irene. 

Fairview Curve

This is the stop that sort-of marks the other end of Trail Ridge Road. It was evening by the time we got there. So, from this point, we headed to the exit by Grand Lake. 

Tips for the trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in the Summer

• You might be greeted by thunderstorms in the afternoon. Try not to be in open spaces when that’s the case. The park has a few meadows. So if you are in a meadow, you may want to take cover when you see lightening announcing some thunderstorms. 
• Carry light jackets. You’re going to need them even in the summer.
• Taking Trail Ridge Road to see Rocky Mountain National Park is a great way to see as much of the park as you can, on a single-day-trip.
• Starting your tour at the Estes Park side and ending it at Grand Lake is highly recommended, especially if you’d also like to see the Flatirons.

Linking to–
Our World Tuesday
&
My Corner of the World

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