Rocky Mountain National Park

About

Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado's crown jewel, and one of the most visited national parks in the country. It spans 415 square miles of mountains, meadows, rivers, and tundra, straddling the Continental Divide at elevations that climb above 14,000 feet. Yet somehow, for all its grandeur, it remains genuinely approachable.

Trail Ridge Road is the park's signature experience - a 48-mile paved highway that crests at 12,183 feet, making it one of the highest paved roads in the United States. Along the way, pullouts and overlooks offer sweeping views of the Never Summer Mountains, glacially carved valleys, and open tundra where elk, marmots, and bighorn sheep are commonly spotted.

The park has visitor centers on both the east and west sides. Beaver Meadows and Fall River are the main entry points on the east, while Kawuneeche welcomes visitors on the quieter west side. Each offers ranger programs, exhibits, and staff who can help plan your visit. The park's free shuttle system connects major trailheads during peak season.

Wildlife viewing is exceptional year-round. Elk rut in September and October brings bugling bulls to meadows throughout the park - one of the great wildlife spectacles in North America. Moose are often seen in the willows along the Colorado River on the west side.

For hikers, over 355 miles of trails range from easy, paved boardwalks to strenuous alpine routes. Sprague Lake, Lily Lake, and the Coyote Valley Trail offer relatively gentle options with beautiful scenery. Whether you come for a day or a week, Rocky Mountain consistently rewards.

Accessibility

Rocky Mountain National Park is committed to accessibility and has extensive, well-documented accommodations.

Free shuttle buses in the Bear Lake Corridor all have wheelchair lifts and tie-downs. Several accessible trails exist on both sides of the park: Sprague Lake (8,701 ft) is a 0.5-mile, mostly paved loop; Lily Lake (8,931 ft) has a 0.8-mile paved loop around a scenic alpine lake; West Alluvial Fan (8,585 ft) offers a short paved path; and Coyote Valley Trail (8,834 ft) is a 1.75-mile accessible trail on the west side with wildlife viewing.

The park loans a free all-terrain wheelchair donated by the Sam Schneider Legacy Foundation and Rocky Mountain Conservancy. This rugged three-wheeled device can handle rougher terrain than standard chairs - contact the park at 970-586-1206 to reserve.

All visitor centers have accessible parking, paved pathways, ADA restrooms, and captioned films. Braille and large-print park maps are available at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, and an audio-described version is available through the free UniDescription app.

Assisted listening devices are available for ranger-led programs with 3 days advance notice. ASL interpreters can be requested with a month's notice by calling 970-586-1206. TDD line: 970-586-1319.

US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities may qualify for the free Interagency Access Pass, covering park entrance fees. Wheelchairs and EPAMDs (like Segways) are permitted on all accessible trails and designated areas. Call 970-586-1206 with specific accessibility needs.

More accessible places in Colorado

• History Colorado Center (Denver)
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science (Denver)
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs)
• Great Sand Dunes National Park (Great Sand Dunes NP)
• Denver Art Museum (Denver)
• Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver)

Photo credits

• Rocky Mountain National Park - co-rocky-mountain-national-park-us-national-park-service-1: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Rocky Mountain National Park - co-rocky-mountain-national-park-us-national-park-service-3: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Rocky Mountain National Park - co-rocky-mountain-national-park-us-national-park-service-4: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)