Rocky Mountain National Park was one place my husband and I intended to cross off our must-do list when we made the decision to go on a road vacation through Colorado. Since we love the outdoors, we planned our road trip for July, knowing that there would be plenty of outdoor things to enjoy along the way.
I know you’ll want to include this outdoor picturesque area in your itinerary for your road trip if you’re searching for a place with stunning vistas, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, and great hiking.
1. Drive Through Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road, which connects to Grand Lake 48 miles away, is regarded as one of the best-paved routes in the whole National Park system of the United States. We saw sheep and elk while enjoying the views from the overlooks throughout our picturesque journey. Trail Ridge Road offers access to other treks and the Alpine Visitor Center, though we just drove it for the scenery.
Expert Advice: It’s highly advised to pack extra clothing if you’re traveling in July. The alpine tundra was only about 25 degrees warmer than the park, even on this early summer morning. It reached a high of 34 degrees during our visit.
2. Go Wildlife Spotting
We were aware that there are an estimated 800 elk and 350 bighorn sheep in this park when we initially arrived at the visitor center earlier in our trip, so we planned to explore the area in hopes of spotting some of the animals.
I suggest strolling about to see the wildlife up close, even though you might be fortunate enough to see it from the luxury of your automobile. We soon discovered that there were more opportunities to see moose when trekking the East Inlet Trail.
Pro Tip: According to one of the park rangers, the greatest places to see bighorn sheep are higher up on the cliffs.
3. Visit Sprague Lake
We are quite happy that we visited Sprague Lake after a close friend back home that we do so if we were heading to Colorado. The tranquil reflections from the water, resembling mirrors, truly captivated us upon our arrival and made us want to stay forever. We discovered a small, family-friendly walk that was wheelchair accessible while admiring this tranquil, picturesque lake.
Pro Tip: To witness the stunning sunrise and the reflection of the Rockies, I suggest visiting this spot early in the morning when you can score a seat on the bench.
4. Horseback Riding
We thought horseback riding would be a terrific way to calm things down on the second day in the big outdoors. We took one of the longer horseback excursions at Sombrero Stables, which took us through gorges, down valleys, and into the forest.
Because Sombrero Stables is situated in Estes Park, we were able to take in the splendor and natural surroundings of the Colorado Rockies. Horseback riding across the Rockies is, in my opinion, one of the most unforgettable experiences you will ever have and should not be missed.
5. Ouzel Falls
We were wondering if there were waterfalls here while we were hiking through the park. Our favorite trekking activity is to go for waterfalls where it’s a little bit cooler to stop and recuperate. Ouzel Falls was a significant waterfall on one of the walks that we discovered.
It won’t take more than three miles to reach Ouzel Falls on this trip, and when you do, you’ll find a stunning 40-foot cascade. As we approached the falls, we had the good fortune to spot one of the local birds swimming.
Pro Tip: You may also visit Lower Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Copeland Falls if you’re looking for more waterfalls.
6. Take a Hike
One of the most well-liked things to do when visiting the Rockies is hike, so my spouse and I went on one after leaving the Visitor’s Center. We are both adventure seekers. We chose to trek the 2-mile Dream Lake Trail, which is a great option for hikers of all experience levels.
Following our completion of that trek, we took the Bear Lake trek to Nymph Lake, passing via picturesque views before arriving at a peaceful location by the pond to have a picnic.
Expert Advice: If you don’t want to drive, the park provides a free shuttle service, saving you the trouble of finding parking. It occasionally gets congested because so many people visit this place for hiking.
7. Beaver Meadows Visitor’s Center
First thing we did when we got to Rocky Mountain National Park was stop at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to try and learn as much as we could. In addition to learning about the park’s historical significance, which was established in 2001, we also got the opportunity to explore its retail area, amphitheater, and observatory, which had an outdoor balcony, in order to determine our next course of action.
Pro Tip: Strike up a conversation with the park rangers to get their insider knowledge on what to see while visiting.
FAQ’s
Q1. What makes the Freedom Trail a must-visit?
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile historic walking trail that takes visitors through 16 significant sites related to the American Revolution. It includes landmarks like the Boston Common, Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church.
Q2. Why is Faneuil Hall Marketplace popular?
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a historic shopping center with vibrant street performers, diverse food vendors, and a variety of shops. It’s a great place to experience Boston’s lively atmosphere and history.
Q3. What can I do at Boston Common and Public Garden?
Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States, offering green spaces for picnics, relaxation, and events. Adjacent to it is the Public Garden, famous for its Swan Boats and beautiful botanical displays.
