Rocky Mountain National Park sits in north-central Colorado, in the United States, and takes in a spectacular stretch of the Rocky Mountains. Locals and visitors often shorten its name to RMNP or simply Rocky Mountain.
What the park offers
The landscape is defined by its height. Several peaks in the park rise above 14,000 feet, and the terrain moves from forested valleys up into open alpine country. Scattered through this high country are alpine lakes, which give the park much of its character and make it a rewarding place to walk, look and pause.
The park is also home to wildlife, so a visit can carry an element of watching as well as looking. Keep an eye out for animals as you travel through the different zones of the park.
Planning a visit
- Who it suits: people who enjoy mountain scenery, high lakes and wildlife, and who are happy to spend a day or more outdoors.
- What to expect: a national park experience centred on the mountains rather than on built attractions.
- Around the park: it lies in north-central Colorado, so travellers can combine a visit with other stops in the state.
If you are drawn to big mountain views, quiet lakeside moments and the chance to see wild animals in their setting, Rocky Mountain National Park is a destination worth considering for your Colorado itinerary.
