Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado brings in an average of 3 million visitors a year, with summer and fall being the most popular months. The park’s elevation ranges from 7,600 ft to over 14,000 ft, so there’s definitely a wide variety of terrains to see and experience.
Grand Lake
The town of Grand Lake is located near the western entrance to the crown jewel of Colorado’s natural attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park. Established in 1915, the park spans 265,000 acres of rugged and breathtaking landscape with 355 miles of hiking trails and hundreds of pristine Colorado lakes and rivers to explore. Formed by glaciers, surrounded by Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Grand Lake has smitten tourists for generations. No one forgets Grand Lake. The lake itself is the deepest and largest natural lake in Colorado, and the area attracts an impressive diversity of wildlife. Grand Lake is also a hot spot for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, snowmobile, ice fishing and more.
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) passes directly through the Town of Grand Lake, making it the ideal place to start a CDT adventure or to resupply on a longer journey. The CDT route through Rocky Mountain National Park consists of approximately 30 miles of spectacular scenery.
Hiking Trails for Everyone
Wildlife Watching
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to over 60 different animals, including elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, otters, marmots, and more. There are also over 280 recorded bird species, 11 species of fish, and a wide range of beautiful butterflies. It’s no wonder wildlife watching is the most popular activity in the Rockies!
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved mountain byway in the U.S. Reaching over 12,000 ft in elevation, this beautiful road stretches 48 miles along Grand Lake to Estes Park. Don’t be surprised if you find it a lot colder at its highest points, and be sure to come prepared by packing extra layers, water, snacks, and sunscreen.
You can also stop at its many overlooks and take in all that Trail Ridge Road has to offer. It’s important to enjoy your vacation safely, and check local requirements and any restrictions in the area.
Endless Outdoor Activities
The number of things to do in the Rockies is endless. You can enjoy a simple picnic or follow a ranger-led program that takes you around the park, showing you its history, wildlife, and plants. Horseback riding is also an option, especially if you’re tired of sightseeing on foot.
For those that plan to visit the park in the winter, Grand Lake offers endless winter sports and mountain activities, such as snowmobiling and skiing.
Explore the Beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park
Whether you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer or winter, there is an endless array of things to do during your stay. The Colorado Rockies are perfect for people of all ages and are great for anyone who wants to take in the beautiful wonders this national park has to offer. If you’re looking to book your next vacation, be sure to check out our lodging options that are located minutes away from Rocky Mountain National Park!