The Best Sights of the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountain National Park is quite possibly one of the prettiest places in the entirety of North America, offering a stunning visual landscape that reaches as high as the sky. And at just a 90-mile drive from Denver, it’s also one of the most accessible natural treasures in the entire world.

Your first stop should the Falls River Visitor Center, which offers all the tourist services you’ll need, including a restaurant and a museum. One of the most popular trails is the Bear Lake Trailhead, where you may be better off going directly to the park-and-ride service to avoid the busy parking lot. This 2.5-hour hike includes Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, each offering their own magical view of nature. Next, be sure to try some whitewater rafting for an exhilarating experience. If you don’t want anything too extreme, make sure you visit during the end of summer. For the most thrilling ride, aim for a July visit, when the rivers are at their peak.

Overall, the ideal time to visit is the summer due to the great weather, but there are great opportunities to visit during the autumn as well, especially if you want to experience to color-changing foliage. In terms of lodging, you have quite a few good options. First, you can try Estes Park, but keep in mind that this is the pricier option. If you’re on a budget, be sure to check out Fort Collins and Boulder for more accommodating options.