See Colorado at its best with our Rocky Mountain National Park bucket list below!
Backcountry skiing at Hidden Valley
For those visiting in winter, backcountry skiing at Hidden Valley is a must! What was once a ski resort in Rocky Mountain National Park, is now a well-known area for those seeking the pristine powder of the backcountry. For those willing to go the extra mile, adventurous skiers can “skin up” to the top for the perfect run. With 1,200 acres of skiable diverse terrain, there is plenty to discover. Plan for a serious hike up to hit popular runs like The Drift, Ptarmigan Glacier, and North Bowl.
Cross-country skiing at Kawuneeche Valley
While snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park is popular in the winter, cross-country skiing in The Kawuneeche Valley is a unique way to explore the park in winter. The area provides open, flat terrain with plenty of snow, the perfect conditions for cross-country skiing. Sprague Lake and Bear Lake are also good options for beginners. For epic views and wide trails, head up Trail Ridge Road. Closed to vehicle traffic in the winter, it’s the perfect spot to make some epic cross-country tracks.
Stargazing
Stargazing in Estes Park and inside Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most unique ways to experience the Rocky Mountains. While Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t a designated International Dark Sky Park, there are several places inside the park perfect for viewing the night’s sky. A great place to start is along some of the highest points on Trail Ridge Road or at Bear Lake, which is more easily accessed year-round.
Drive along Trail Ridge Road
Open from May through October (dependant on weather), Trail Ridge Road is one of the most popular drives inside the park.Spanning 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake, eleven of the miles rest above treeline with its highest point at 12,183 feet. The road traverses through mountain peaks, tundra valleys, and alpine wildflowers, offering panoramic mountain views, along the way.
One of our favorte stops along the drive is at Rainbow Curve. Rainbow Curve is a major viewpoint along Trail Ridge Road and offers beautiful views of Horseshoe Park and Fall River. The viewpoint can be found just under 13 miles from the Beaver Meadows park entrance.
Visit Moraine Park
Moraine Park is an open golden meadow that is best known for its frequent sightings of elk herds. The large open meadow is the perfect playground for grazing and mating elk, and offers great views from almost any vantage point. Visit at surnise where you will likely witness the morning mist rising from the Big Thompson River that cuts through the valley floor with glowing mountain peaks in the background.
One of the best ways to experience Moraine Park is by hiking the loop that encircles the outer edge of the meadow. Along this route you will gain some of the best views in the park. The trail is 5.5 miles long and is mostly flat, making it an easy hike.
Hike to an alpine lake
While there are over 355 miles of trails inside the park, many of them end with a picturesque view of a lake. The park houses 156 lakes, most of which you can hike to. Use our guide to some of our favorite lake hikes to get your legs moving. Most popular are Gem, Bear, and Sprague lakes.
See the elk
While fall is the perfect time of year to spot elk roaming through Estes Park and in Rocky Mountain National Park, elk can be spotted year-round. On the east side of the park, Moraine Park is one of the best places to see elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. Horseshoe Park and Upper Beaver Meadows are other great places to see elk, especially during the fall season.
On the west side of the park, the Kaquneeche Valley, is home to a variety of wildlife, including an abundance of elk herds. Even moose are a frequent visitor of the valley. Also, visit the Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow for frequent elk sightings.
Stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn
Whethre you have your own Rocky Mountain National Park bucket list or you use ours, be sure to book your stay at Alpine Trail Ridge Inn! Located just two miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and less than a 10-minute drive to the park entrance, Alpine Trail Ridge Inn makes completing your bucket list easy.
Our rooms offer a touch of the great outdoors mixed with modern amenities and beautiful mountain views. Plus, we are also minutes from dining, breweries, and shopping in Downtown Estes Park. Enjoy the best of both worlds when you book with Alpine Trail Ridge Inn.
