What was once mostly an issue reserved for the bear lake area of the park has now spread to the rest of the park (especially around the Estes Park entrance).Ĭrowd sizes have swelled to the point that the National Park Service has instituted a timed entry program to control the crowds. However, in recent years visitation has increased dramatically at the expense of the visitor experience (not to mention the impact on the park itself). The quick 1.5-hour drive from your Denver apartment makes this an easy day trip for locals. This is also the closest national park to Colorado’s bustling capital, Denver. Rocky Mountain National Park | Best National Parks in Colorado Rocky Mountain is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, beaver, deer, black bear, eagles, marmots, mountain lions, and so much more. This national park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the American Rockies and it’s no wonder why. Tucked into the heart of Colorado’s Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park spans more than 400 square miles of breathtaking mountain scenery. My Favorite Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Where to Stay About Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado National Parks 1. The basic rule is they are allowed where cars can go so be sure to check the rules before bringing along your furry friend. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case.ĭogs are not allowed on trails in most national parks due to their potentially disruptive presence with the natural ecosystem.

Insect Repellent: You hope not to need it, but you want to have it. Leave No Trace: We’re big fans of Leave No Trace, here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here. We happen to like this one because it works AND it’s not full of a bunch of chemicals. Seriously, some of these parks can zap you if you don’t wear sunscreen. Sunscreen: For many of us visiting national parks in the summer means lots of sun. This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee. Things to Know Before You Visit Colorado National ParksĮntrance Fees: You can expect $20-$30 per vehicle but we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). So next time you think of Colorado remember there’s much more to the state’s outdoors than mountain views and Rocky Mountain National Park. The state is rich with scenery ranging from canyons to deserts to rolling plains and gleaming rivers. So it’s no surprise that Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited park in the state, but Colorado is home to much more than the Rocky Mountains. Article Overview: Colorado National ParksĬolorado National Parks evoke some of the most spectacular western scenery in the United States.įrom the towering Rocky Mountains to the windswept deserts of Mesa Verde, Colorado truly has something for every national park fan.įor most people, Colorado calls to mind vistas of the famous Rocky Mountains.

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