Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Located near Boulder, Colorado, one of the oldest National Parks in the country provides a captivating opportunity to connect with nature and explore the breathtaking landscapes that define this nation. With its majestic snow-capped peaks and abundant wildlife, this National Park is an essential destination for outdoor enthusiasts and an unforgettable addition to your adventure checklist.

In May, I embarked on an exciting adventure by flying into Denver (DEN), picking up a rental car—let me share a funny incident later—and embarking on a scenic 90-minute drive to reach the park. *When I arrived at the car rental, I found myself in a humorous mix-up, being mistakenly accused of a car theft from months ago. LOL!

Prior to embarking on your adventure, I highly suggest visiting the National Parks Service website for essential information. From May to October, a Timed Entry Permit is necessary to access all areas of the park beyond the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Additionally, specific hiking trails may require spikes and poles due to prevailing weather conditions. To plan your trip effectively, conduct thorough research on AllTrails, where fellow hikers share valuable photos and updates, offering insightful recommendations. Keep in mind that the park entrance fee for automobiles is approximately $25.00.

Must-Try Hiking Trails:

During my brief stay in the park, I had the opportunity to explore two incredible trails within a single day.

Nymph Lake Trail: I recommend starting with this trail due to its immense popularity. If you visit in May, like I did, you'll witness the frozen lakes, creating a truly mesmerizing sight. This trail is an out-and-back route, spanning approximately 1.2 miles.

Deer Mountain Trail: Offering a splendid aerial perspective of the park, this 6.0-mile out-and-back trail boasts a staggering elevation gain of 1,400 feet. While on the hike, stay alert for an amusing encounter with a bird that playfully chases hikers around the midpoint of the trail.

Convenient Hiking Gear and Supplies:

When hiking in Boulder, be aware of the following options for your gear and provisions.

REI in Boulder: If you're driving from Denver, you'll encounter an REI store along the way. Keep in mind that the rental hours differ from the business hours, with gear returns required by 6 pm. Unfortunately, they do not offer rental spikes. While at the store, don't miss their clearance section, where I found fantastic deals, like a pair of high-quality hiking socks for the trails.

Estes Park Mountain Shop: Situated near the park's entrance, this rental shop provides excellent deals on gear rentals. For my one-day excursion, I secured spikes and poles for a mere $10.

Trader Joe's Boulder: En route from Denver through Boulder, make a stop at Trader Joe's to stock up on delicious food for your journey.

For a seamless experience exploring the U.S. National Parks, I strongly advise downloading the National Park Service App prior to your visit. This invaluable resource offers a variety of features, including detailed maps, engaging self-guided tours, and a delightful feature that allows you to keep track of all the U.S. National Parks you've personally visited. Don't miss out on this essential tool for enhancing your park adventures.

Visited last in April 2022