Seeing wildlife is often the most thrilling highlight of a visit to the Rocky Mountain National Park Tour.
It’s one of the best national parks for spotting wildlife, and home to 67 mammals including moose, elk, bighorn sheep, marmots and many more. Moose are often spotted along the Colorado River on the western side of the park, and look for elk in the meadows and in the town of Estes Park.
Located along Bear Lake Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park Tour, Sprague Lake offers an easy and mostly flat, but busy, 0.8 mile loop trail.
Along the way there’s several benches to kick back and enjoy the peaceful scenery and panoramic views of the Continental Divide. And keep your fingers crossed, if you’re here in the late afternoon you might be lucky enough to see moose here.
Most definitely the star of the Rocky Mountain National Park Tour, Trail Ridge Road is a scenic drive like no other in the country.
This 48-mile road climbs up to over 12,000 feet through dense aspen forests, gorgeous mountain valleys, and unique alpine tundra. Along the way, take in panoramic mountain views from the scenic overlooks and keep your eyes out for pikas, marmots and bighorn sheep, as well as elk grazing in the forest-rimmed meadows.
Originally constructed in 1920, the Old Fall River Road was the first automobile route in the Rocky Mountain National Park Tour to provide access to the park’s high country.
The road is unpaved with steep, narrow, and windy turns but it’s very well maintained. It’s a slow but memorable one-way drive up to 11,500 feet.
“Sitting nearly 12,000 feet up, this is the highest visitor center in any U.S. national park. Step inside for exhibits on alpine ecosystems or step outside for jaw-dropping views of tundra and sky.
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“Dark volcanic rock meets bright alpine sky. These jagged cliffs are leftovers from ancient eruptions, offering a moody twist to the park’s granite landscape.
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“A hotel with a haunting legacy. Stanley’s old-world elegance inspired The Shining and it still stuns with its mountain views, grand tours, and ghost stories.
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Big names, even bigger views. These overlooks serve up wide-open vistas of tundra, glacial valleys, and distant peaks. Bring your camera and your wow face.
“Nature’s oddballs, giant rocks that look like they belong in a fairy tale. Formed by wind and water over millennia, they’re weird, wonderful, and totally photogenic.
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“Old cabins, wide-open meadows, and a glimpse into early 1900s ranch life. Once a dude ranch, now a walk through time, right along the Colorado River.
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“Laid-back vibes and lakeside views. Paddle, fish, or just chill by Colorado’s deepest natural lake. Its historic boardwalk makes the perfect afternoon stroll.
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“This cozy gateway town mixes mountain charm with modern comforts. Think riverside walks, scenic trams, and a downtown full of shops, art, and good eats.”
Bear Lake is one of the most picturesque lakes in the Rocky Mountain National Park Tour.
The lake is the starting point for many of the park’s most popular hikes, and there’s a leisurely stroll around the lake with fantastic mountain views. The parking area often fills early in the morning during the summer months, so it can be easier to take the free shuttle bus to save the hassle of finding a parking spot.
