Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks
Location	Colorado, United States
Coordinates	40.3428°N, 105.6836°W
Area	415 sq mi (1,075 km²)
Established	January 26, 1915
Visitors (latest)	4.1 million (2023)
Governing body	National Park Service
Website	Official website

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in north-central Colorado and is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, alpine tundra, and high-elevation lakes. Established on January 26, 1915, the park protects a portion of the **Rocky Mountains**, one of North America's most iconic mountain ranges.

Geography

The park contains:

• Over **60 peaks above 12,000 feet**, including **Longs Peak** at 14,259 feet (4,346 m)
• **Bear Lake**, **Emerald Lake**, and **Dream Lake**
• Deep valleys, glacial cirques, and alpine meadows

The park’s elevation ranges from 7,500 to over 14,000 feet, creating a wide variety of ecosystems and dramatic climate changes.

Scenic Drives

• **Trail Ridge Road** – the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching 12,183 feet (3,713 m)
• Offers sweeping views of alpine tundra and panoramic vistas

Wildlife

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to:

• **Elk**, which are commonly seen in large herds
• **Bighorn sheep**
• **Black bears**
• **Marmots**, **pikas**, and over 280 species of birds

Hiking and Recreation

• Over 355 miles of hiking trails
• Popular hikes:

 - Bear Lake Trail
 - Sky Pond
 - Chasm Lake

• Activities include backpacking, wildlife photography, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in winter

History

• The region was historically inhabited by the Ute and Arapaho tribes
• Designated as a national park in 1915
• Became part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1976

Gateway Towns

• Estes Park, located on the east side, is a popular base for visitors
• Grand Lake offers access from the west side

Fun Facts

• The Continental Divide runs through the park
• Weather can change rapidly — snow is possible even in summer
• More than 30 glaciers and permanent snowfields exist within the park

See Also

• National Parks in the United States
• Colorado
• Estes Park
• Continental Divide
• Longs Peak
• Rocky Mountains