Majestic, breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is by far one of the most extraordinary national parks in the United States.

Visitors to the park witness the grandeur and majesty of the Rocky Mountains firsthand, with elevations ranging from 8,000 feet to the 14,259 foot, football-field-sized Long’s Peak in a spectacle of natural wonder.

For individuals, couples, and families who love camping, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a host of camping availability, with five drive-in campgrounds and over 200 backcountry campsites. Of the drive- in campgrounds, you must register for Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen, while Longs Peak and Timber Creek are on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll need to apply to a backcountry camping permit to have access to the 200 other campsites.

If you’re a hiker, you’ll be delighted to learn that the park has 355 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. Bring your camera, as you’ll see many and various forms of plant and animal wildlife on your hike. Also, keep in mind that the park elevations range from 7,500 to over 12,000 feet, and the altitude can be a challenge for even the fittest hikers. Keep close watch on your body’s symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat. Make sure you drink plenty of water, don’t skip meals, and get plenty of sleep before you head out on your hike. Additionally, if you’re hiking with children, check out the free ranger-led walks and other recommended accessible trails for the younger ones.

What would a national park be without wildlife? At Rocky Mountain National Park, you won’t be disappointed. Living among the forests, lakes, rushing rivers, and playing among the wildflowers are a host of creatures you’ve only read about or seen in pictures. You might see such animals as elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars, eagles, and hawks as you hike and camp in the park. But don’t worry – every precaution has been taken to ensure your safety and the quality of your trip as you experience the park’s grandeur.

If you’re interested in learning more about the park during your stay, you are welcome and encouraged to participate in the Rocky Mountain Nature Association’s Field Seminars program, which educates the public through talented instructors. Most seminars include lectures, with field trips that enable participants to experience the Park in an atmosphere of personal instruction. Seminars usually require hiking, introducing an element of rigor because of high altitude and variable weather. Prepare yourself physically and mentally for the adventure – and classroom – of a lifetime!