Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Wildlife Viewing

According to the National Park Service, wildlife viewing is rated the number-one activity by Rocky Mountain National Park visitors. It's no wonder: With 281 types of birds and 60 species of mammals, you'll never run out of wildlife to observe.

Don't forget your camera when you visit—you won't wan to miss capturing a golden eagle, an otter in the Colorado River, a broadtail hummingbird, a marmot (alpine tundra), a white-tailed ptarmigan (tundra), a bat (dawn and dusk), a peregrine falcon, a moose (Kawuneeche Valley), a bighorn sheep (May-August), a mule deer (lower elevations), a black bear, or one of Rocky Mountain National Park's famous elk (best viewing in the fall at dawn or dusk)!

Whenever viewing wildlife, remember to keep safety in mind first. For more tips, visit the National Park Services website.

Scenic Drives

One of the most popular ways to view the park is from the road. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continual highway in the United States, and Old Fall River Road both give visitors the opportunity to view more of the park, faster.

Don't forget to check road conditions before you go. Check out the National Park Services website for more information.

Wilderness Areas

On September 3, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed a new act into law: The Wilderness Act. This act created a National Wilderness Preservation system to protect wilderness areas and keep them intact for future generations. This act helped keep Rocky Mountain National Park's wilderness special.

With 416 square miles, including 265,769 acres of wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place to find solitude and recreation amidst the raw Rocky Mountains.

Learn more about the Wilderness Act and Rocky Mountain Wilderness from the National Park services website.

Get Inspired + Explore

1 Day in Rocky Mountain National Park

From sweeping mountainous views to intricate flora that you have to look closely to find. There's no experience more grand.

2 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park

With a full weekend to devote to the 265,769 acres of Rocky Mountain National Park, the possibilities are practically endless

2-Day Winter Itinerary in Rocky Mountain National Park

When the snow falls, the whole park is transformed into a winter wonderland.

100 Reasons to Love Rocky Mountain National Park

There are so many reasons to love Rocky Mountain National Park. We gathered our favorite 100 activities and things to do.

Fall on the West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park

Whether you’re peeping golden leaves on aspen-lined trails or spying on bugling elk, you must visit Rocky Mountain in fall.

6 Secret Hikes in RMNP

Settle in at a campground along the Colorado River — or in one of the several lodges in and around Grand Lake — and explore.