Located only five miles from the bustling tourist town of Estes Park in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a world all its own with 78 mountain peaks and an astounding diversity of wildlife.
Getting oriented. Start your visit at one of the park’s several visitors’ centers. Most sell maps and books to help you plan your visit. Also visit the Moraine Park Museum, which has hands-on displays to inform kids about the geology and history of the park.
Driving Tour. The most popular route through the park is Trail Ridge Road, and it’s an absolute must-see. The scenery is unbelievably dramatic on this 50 mile stretch, the highest continuous paved highway in the United States. You will travel through wildflower-studded meadows, alpine tundra, and over the Continental Divide. Be sure to stop at the overlooks and walk a few trails along the way. The road is usually open late-May to mid- October, depending on when the snow flies. Another popular drive is Old Fall River Road. The first two miles of this drive are paved, after which a one-way gravel road reconnects with Trail Ridge Road. The scenery is not as stunning as Trail Ridge Road, but this road gets you off the beaten track and closer to nature.
Hikes. Just driving through the park is an adventure, but to really experience the mountains you need to get out of your car. If you and your kids are not used to high altitudes, remember that you’ll tire more easily. Don’t choose strenuous trails the first day. Be sure to wear sunscreen (you’ll burn more easily here) and bring lots of water. Some good family friendly hikes include: The Bear Lake Nature Trail (0.6 mile), an interpretive trail that circles a lake; the 0.6 mile hike to Alberta Falls; the 1 mile Coyote Valley Trail on the west side of the park; and the 0.5 mile Sprague Lake Trail, which boasts good views of the Continental Divide.
Wildlife. There is a dizzying array of wildlife in the park, challenge the kids to try to spot bighorn sheep, elk, eagles, hawks, deer, mountain lions, hummingbirds, beavers, squirrels, moose, marmots, and pikas. Remind the kids to talk quietly in order to not scare off wildlife, and remember that feeding animals is illegal in the park.
The Junior Ranger Program. This great program (aimed at the K-8 age group) encourages kids to participate in park activities and earn a badge. You can get additional information, including the Junior Ranger booklet, at a visitor’s center.
Ride a horse. Older kids may enjoy the opportunity to go horseback riding in the park. Moraine Park Stables offers guided rides ranging from 2-8 hours. Along the way, guides point out wildlife and interesting features.
