In case you were wondering, there are 420 national park sites in the United States, with 63 of those sites being considered elite; Rocky Mountain National Park rolls in at #3! Offering a serene beauty and a peaceful ambience, your Colorado vacation will be enhanced with a visit to our favorite national park, and when you are seeking a place to rest your head, our Visit Winter Park Lodging sanctuaries promise to give you the comfort you require after many hours spent exploring the rugged landscape of the Rocky Mountain National Park. This guide to the best Colorado attraction and all its wonders will ensure that your Colorado escape will be more than just another vacation—it will be the trip you have dreamed of taking your entire life!
Rocky Mountain High
When you want to feel as if you are on top of the world, a visit to the Rocky Mountain National Park is the best way to get the “high” you are seeking! One of the highest national parks in the country, it offers over 75 mountain peaks that reach at least 12,000 feet high in the sky. Becoming a part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the mountains in the park (especially Pikes Peak) became an integral part of the Gold Rush in 1859, drawing fortune hunters from all over the country to seek fame and fortune. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson created the national park in an attempt to preserve the wildlife and natural landscape that was quickly being destroyed by travelers who did not yet realize the damage they were causing. Today, the 415 square miles that encompasses the Rocky National Mountain Park are amongst the most visited spots in the United States, and although the park is popular year-round, it is during the winter months that it comes to life, making it a popular winter destination spot.
Trail Ridge Road
There are a lot of things you can do in Rocky Mountain National Park, including hiking, biking, and boating, but perhaps the most awe-inspiring activity is also the easiest in which to participate. A drive along the Trail Ridge Road, once known as the “scenic wonder road of the world” and still inspiring awe from anyone who drives it, will be an experience you will never forget. Lasting 48 miles and reaching heights of 4000 feet, the views along Trail Ridge Road never fail to please as they include the rugged beauty of the mountains, the clear tranquility of lakes, and the colorful trees, bushes, and plants that make up the landscape alongside the road. Pull into the scenic overlook and take the pictures that will later hang on your wall, reminding you of these moments of sheer delight. Pack a picnic to enjoy as you take in the views at the scenic overlooks and discover that no matter how long you stay, it will never be long enough to experience all the beauty the national park has to offer! This is definitely one of the best Colorado attractions.
Reservations Required
The park can get crowded over the summer and fall months, undoing all the protections the National Park Service has put in place, so from May 28th through October 11th, reservations are required to enter the park and your timed entry permit will be limited. This can be done by calling the Reservation Line at 877-444-6777 or by using the Recreation.gov app on your mobile phone. You can make your reservations in advance, ensuring that there will be no hindrances to your explorations of the park during your stay in beautiful Winter Park, but if you are just planning to bike ride through the park and are not going to be driving, no pass or permit is needed.
What to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park
As we discussed earlier, a drive along the Trail Ridge Road is the most popular activity in Rocky Mountain National Park, but there is so much more to do! Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bighorn sheep or elk as you hike, bike, or drive through the park. There are 355 miles of hiking trails that run through some of the most beautiful country you have ever seen, and they range from short and easy (Alpine Ridge Trail is just over half a mile long) to strenuous and extremely difficult (Longs Peak is 15 miles long and ascends over 14000 feet). If you plan on taking the latter trail, you might want to spend a few days in the park first, getting used to the altitude; altitude sickness is a thing that should be avoided at all costs! The park is home to rivers, lakes, falls, and more than a few historic sites, including Holzwarth Historic Site where the Holzwarth family built a cabin as one of the early homesteaders in the region.
Come Home to Comfort
No matter how you spend your days, coming home to the comforts found in our Visit Winter Park Lodging sanctuaries promises to be the highlight of your Colorado adventures. Reserve your stay with us today!
The Winter Park area is filled with many amazing hikes for all levels and abilities. While hikes are an amazing experience for the whole family, there are some precautions you should take when planning and preparing for a hike. Many of the hikes around here are no “walk in the park.”
Here are 10+ tips to hike safe on the trail:
- Check the weather and be prepared for anything: As the old Fraser Valley saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes.” Weather in the Fraser Valley rolls in quickly. Check the weather before leaving and keep an eye on the skies. Hiking early is recommended to reduce the chance of being on top of the Divide when an afternoon thunderstorm rolls in.
- Layers: Layers are important because the weather can, and does change so drastically and quickly. Bring light layers of clothes to protect yourself should it start to storm. There is always a chance of snow, sleet, heavy rains, falling into water, and dropping temperatures in the mountains. Protect yourself from hypothermia by bringing layers and trading in jean and cotton fabrics for synthetic fabrics that will not retain moisture. Fact: People are more likely to die hypothermia in the spring, summer, and fall because they are not prepared for temperature changes.
- Water: You might not think you need a lot but always be prepared for the worst. You never know what you might run into or what might delay your hike. Dehydration in this elevated and arid climate can set in quickly. Don’t feel like hauling all of your water? Bring a water purification system or purification tablets so you can hike and refill your water bottle on the way. It is recommended to bring 3 quarts of water per person, per day, and if you choose to bring a water purification method, be sure that there is actually water on the trail.
- Phones: Charge phones before you leave and put them in airplane mode when not in use to conserve your battery, (you never know what you might find on the trail). Some hikes in the area do not receive any cell service, some receive only Verizon coverage, and some have full coverage. If ever you need service but don’t have it, climb up to get away from rocks and valleys that might be blocking your service.
- Dogs: Keep dogs under voice command or on leashes. Moose frequent this area and you do not want to be charged by a moose because it felt threatened by a dog.
- Log Books: Many of the longer trails around have log books where you can write your name, license plate number, hiking plan, the number of hikers, and comment on trail conditions after your hike. If you see one of these books take a minute to record your information. This information helps the state parks identify numbers of trail users and should you get lost; they will know where to look for you.
- Safety Contact: Always tell someone where you are going, how many people and dogs are with you, and your estimated time of returning. If you don’t know anyone in the area tell someone from your hometown. If possible, check in with them while you’re on the trail. Let them know that if they don’t hear from you by a certain time, they should contact the Grand County Sheriff’s Department with details. The sooner someone knows your missing, and the more information they have, the more likely you’ll be found.
- Bring an Emergency Kit: Make sure to bring an emergency kit with the following items; first aid kit, whistle, flashlight, energy bars, bright bandana, and a bright colored trash bag for each person.
- Children: If hiking with children keep them close to you. You never know when there will be a significant drop-off or wildlife in the area. Talk with your children about what to do if they do get separated from you. Make sure they know to stay in one spot by a tree and to not hide from strangers. For younger children tell them to “hug a tree.” For older children, teach them how to make a protective shelter that is easily found by rescuers.
- Wildlife: It’s not uncommon to encounter wildlife on the trail. The Colorado Rockies are home to a variety of animals including, coyotes, mule deer, fox, owls, eagles, hawks, elk, moose, bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Most of the time you will not know they are there, and if you do they will most likely go their own way. Nine times out of ten an animal only will attack if it feels threatened. It is important when hiking to not sneak up on wildlife. Wearing bells or being a bit noisy on the trail will help to keep you and your family safe on the trail. For more tips on what to do when you run into native Colorado wildlife, check out our blog post on Wildlife Safety in the Colorado Rockies.
- Have Fun! Yeah we added an 11th one…but this one is one of the most important ones. Have fun! If you’re not having fun and enjoying the beauty around you there is no point!
Wildlife Safety in the Colorado Rockies
If you hike when you Visit Winter Park chances are you will encounter some sort of wildlife. The Colorado Rockies are teaming with native species ranging from small chipmunks (or mini bears as some like to call them) to large black bears, moose, and bighorn sheep. To stay safe on the trail it is important to not sneak up on wildlife. The majority of attacks each year stem from animals accidentally threatened by humans or dogs.
Here are some tips for handling different wildlife situations:
Moose:
When moose act aggressively they are doing it to protect themselves or their young and are trying to get you away from them. If you come across a moose on the trail keep your distance and give it time to get away. If you notice a moose is agitated by your presence, you are too close. Possible signs of an anxious and potentially aggressive moose:
- Head tossing
- Hair on neck standing up
- Whites of their eyes showing
- Urination on their legs
- Lip smacking
- *Sometimes an agitated moose will show no signs at all
Steps:
- Avoid Moose – keep yourself and your family at a safe distance especially if there is a calf (baby moose) around.
- If you are too close or the moose seems agitated back away from the moose.
- If a moose charges towards you, run.
- If possible put a large tree or boulder in between you and the moose, (Moose can’t see well and sometimes hiding behind a boulder or tree is all it takes for the moose to think you’ve left).
If you get charged and trampled, continue to fight to get away from the moose and hide.
Bears:
Black bears are native to the Colorado Rockies. Black bears will naturally avoid people however if you do see a black bear while hiking follow these steps to protect yourself and your family.
Steps:
- Keep your distance (300 feet or more)
- Do not make eye contact (they will see that as a sign of aggression). Instead look at an angle (while keeping the bear in sight).
- Make yourself look bigger by putting your arms out to the side.
- Speak in a calm, low, voice
- If it approaches you continue to make yourself look bigger.
- If the bear attacks you, fight back using sticks, pans, rocks, or whatever you have available to you. (Most black bears you might encounter will not see you as food and will most likely run away. However, if the bear is young, injured, or hungry, it might identify you as a meal.)
- If you need to run, run in a zigzag pattern. (Their center of gravity prevents them from making the quick turns humans can and will help you in your escape.)
Mountain Lions:
Steps:
- Consider yourself lucky because seeing a mountain lion is extremely rare!
- Make yourself appear as large as possible – if you are with others act together to seem large.
- Make a lot of noise!
- Act like a predator – maintain eye contact, aggressively wave your arms, toss rocks or sticks. Do not turn away or run.
- Slowly create distance by backing up and giving the mountain lion room to get to where it is going, (kittens, den, prey, etc.).
- Should it attack, fight back. Protect your neck and throat. If possible utilize tools such as sticks, rocks, jackets, etc. to fight.
Other Tips:
Bells: We recommend bells on dogs or gear to give wildlife adequate warning that humans and dogs (both predators) are in the area. Accidentally startling an animal might put the animal on the defensive and cause them to react out of fear.
Dogs: Keep dogs under voice command or on a leash. Countless moose “attacks” occur each year because dogs chased a moose and stimulated it to charge out of fear.
Go Hike: Don’t let all this talk of wildlife safety deter you from hiking. The mountains, rivers, and valleys around us are wild and spectacular. If you hike aware and safely, you will not have a problem with wildlife when you are out exploring the area.
It is that time of year again. The time when the aspen trees begin to turn and bull elk begin to bugle. Listening to an elk bugling “live” is an amazing experience. The range of pitches a bull elk can reach and the raw power of their calls will astound you and give you chills. We definitely encourage you to add, “listening to an elk bugle” to your personal bucket list.
Perhaps the best place to witness the fall elk rut and bugling is in our own backyard, in Rocky Mountain National Park. With hunting season in full swing, many animals flock to the park for protection. Drive through the park around dawn or dusk and chances are you’ll witness the rut going on in meadows and in trees. If you’ve got the time, head over Trail Ridge Road to the Eastern entrance of the park and look around for elk there. Below are 15 facts about elk that will help you prepare for your Colorado Elk Experience and Excitement!
15 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Elk
- The peak of Elk Rut occurs from mid-September through mid-October in the Colorado Rockies.
- Elk will eat meat. Don’t worry, they won’t “hunt” but they have been known to eat eggs and nestlings if they come upon them. (Opportunistic creatures they are!)
- A bull elk’s herd of cows is known as his harem. A harem can range anywhere from a few cows to 20+ cows.
- Elk bugling might sound similar, but the different types of bugles mean different things. Some thoughts on possible meanings include, “my harem is in the area,” “cows get closer to me, you’re too far away,” and
- “hey other bull, this is my harem of ladies and I will defend them.”
- Researchers currently don’t understand what the grunts mean… Maybe you have a theory?
- In the summer, elk antlers can grow an inch or more per day!
- It is believed that the ancestors of elk had tusks way back in the day.
- It is rare, but female elk have been known to occasionally grow antlers. This is usually caused by increased testosterone and other hormonal imbalances.
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- Scientists are researching the speedy growth of elk antlers to in hopes of discovering cures for cancers and other diseases.
- Calves (baby elk) are born in May or June and are typically spotted like Bambi for the first six months.
- The Shawnee people called elk the Wapiti. Wapiti meant something along the lines of, “White rump” or “light colored deer.”
- Elk in the wild typically weigh between 400 and 1,100 pounds and live between 8 and 12 years.
- Blood flows through the antlers in the spring and summer, acting as
- built in air conditioners for elk.
- Farms raise elk to harvest the velvet elk antlers. Why? Velvet antler supplements are used for anti-aging, healthy joints, energy, to strengthen the immune system, treat high blood pressure, and the list goes on… Note: There is insufficient evidence for many of the uses. Always consult a doctor prior to using velvet antler.
- Elk have three stomach chambers, allowing them to digest twigs, and tough plants that other mammals can’t. (Don’t be too jealous, elk digestion includes a lot of regurgitation and “cud chewing” too…)