Must-Do Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Scenic hikes through some of the world's most famous mountains are one of the chief lures of Rocky Mountain National Park cabins. With 355 miles of hiking trails to explore, there are plenty of adventures to be had when you set foot in this world-famous national park. Here is a selection:
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1. Bear Lake Loop Trail
A 0.6 mile loop, this family-friendly hike follows a trail of signposts giving insights into the natural phenomena along the fringe of Bear Lake. Encircling a body of water, this trail is ideal for exploring the park's impressive landscape.
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2. Ouzel Falls Trail
The Ouzel Falls Trail unfolds for three miles, gaining almost a thousand foot in elevation along the way. Watch as the water plunges over the precipice when you reach the falls from the Wild Basin trailhead.
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3. Flattop Mountain
At an elevation of 12,324 ft, the panoramic views from atop the mountain that stands smack dab in the middle of the park are some of the most attractive for hikers. Begin from the Bear Lake trailhead and be prepared to climb just over four miles and nearly three thousand feet to experience the mind-melting vista at the summit.
Best Outdoor Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park
Keep your camera handy as Rocky Mountain National Park will inspire you to snap away all day. Hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park are a haven for wildlife and photography enthusiasts and hikers. Here are some of the best outdoor activities that the park has to offer:
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1. Scenic Drives on Trail Ridge Road
As you round each bend of the Trail Ridge Road wildflower-dusted meadows and subalpine forests adorn sky-piercing peaks. The Old Fall River Road is one of the top attractions for visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park cabins. Once an Indian hunting route, it boasts views of Chasm Falls. Trail Ridge Road sweeps silkily through a cinematic mountain wilderness, traversing 4,000 feet in elevation within just a few minutes.
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2. Snowshoeing
The majority of the park's trails can also be hiked with snowshoes in the wintertime. Grab your poles and waterproof boots and you are ready to go! Ranger guided programs ferry you into sublime scenery which your ranger will illuminate with fascinating insights about ecology, geology and cultural heritage.
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3. Wildlife Watching
Bighorn sheep, elk and mule deer wander the foothills of the surreally beautiful Rocky Mountains. Crowned with clouds, these vast monoliths of rock provide an ideal habitat for sixty species of mammal, almost three hundred bird species and myriad butterflies come summer.
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4. Fishing
Grab your Colorado license and cast your line in more than fifty lakes and streams in the Rocky Mountain National Park where the well stocked waters teem with trout.
Best Family Activities in Rocky Mountain National Park
When you stay in hotels near the Rocky Mountain National Park you can learn about the natural environment first hand from Rangers, play in the crisp air and snow or seek out stunning wildlife. Here are some of the most thrilling experiences for families:
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1. Night Sky Programs
You are a little closer to the stars when you stay at Rocky Mountain National Park cabins. In the summer the blanket of stars that unfolds nightly over the park opens up a world of stories and space science that will entrance your children. Astronomy in the Park sessions in July and August are capped off by the Rocky Mountain National Park Night Sky Festival in August. Workshops, speakers and special programs are complimented by night sky gazing.
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2. Horseback Riding
Glacier Creek and Moraine Park Stables both offer guided horseback tours through this remarkable mountain wilderness.
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3. Cross-country Skiing
Gliding across the Rocky Mountain range with your family is an unforgettable adventure that makes the kind of memories you will treasure forever.
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4. Sledding in Hidden Valley
There is no bigger or better playground on earth for children to sled in than the Rocky Mountains. Rent your tube or saucer at Estes Park and head to Hidden Valley. Near to the skiing and snowboarding area in the park, sledding in Hidden Valley is the perfect introduction to these winter sports for your little ones.