Colorado is synonymous with the Rocky Mountains, and the activities and beauty of the Rockies comes together at Rocky Mountain National Park.
More than 350 miles (563 km) of hiking trails wind through the park, with wildlife-spotting opportunities including elk, bighorn sheep and moose.
Alpine wildflowers fill the valleys in spring, and cross-country skiers hit the slopes here in winter. Cyclists follow Trail Ridge Road, while hikers can walk to lakes following the Bear Lake Trailhead, Fern Lake trail and easy walks to Calypso Cascades and Gem Lake.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is 71 miles (114 km) north of Denver. Trail Ridge Road runs through the park (open May to October), and free shuttles run to trailheads and the resort town of Estes Park.
Inside the park the two Fall River and Alpine visitor centers can provide information. Outside the park there are visitor centers at Beaver Meadows, Kawuneeche and Lily Lake.
