Crystal-clear reflections of surrounding mountain peaks grace the serene surface of Nymph Lake, found within Rocky Mountain National Park.
In the heart of Colorado lies the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park, a 265,461-acre expanse of majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Established in 1915, this national treasure attracts approximately 4.4 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular destinations in the United States.
The park is also home to a section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), a 3,100-mile footpath that stretches from Mexico to Canada. While the trail is renowned for its challenging terrain, there are family-friendly hikes within Rocky Mountain National Park that offer moderate elevation gain, well-maintained trails, and stunning views.
The town of Estes Park serves as the gateway to this natural wonderland, where visitors can explore two visitor centers (Beavers Meadows and Kawuneeche) year-round, and two more (Fall River and Alpine) during the season. For those seeking a more adventurous journey, Old Fall River Road, an 11-mile, one-way gravel road, leads to the Alpine Visitor Center.
One of the park's most iconic attractions is the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road, open between Memorial Day and mid-October, which serves as the start of the route leading into Rocky Mountain National Park. This long continuous paved road meanders through forests, above the tree line, and over the Continental Divide, offering panoramic views of the park's rugged beauty.
For families, the key is choosing CDT segments within the park that have shorter distances, lower elevation gain, and good access points to parking and amenities. Some popular family-friendly sections on or near the CDT in Rocky Mountain National Park include:
- The Bear Lake Corridor, which connects with segments of the CDT and offers easy to moderate hikes like Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake.
- The Milner Pass to Wild Basin section of the CDT, providing beautiful forest and meadow scenery without extreme elevation changes.
- Some shorter out-and-back or loop hikes intersecting the CDT, such as hikes around the Alpine Visitor Center and the Glacier Gorge area.
For the most accurate and current recommendations, visiting official resources such as the National Park Service RMNP website or the Continental Divide Trail Coalition site will be helpful. They often provide trail descriptions, maps, and advice on difficulty that can help families select appropriate CDT hikes in the park.
In addition to its hiking trails, Rocky Mountain National Park offers programs where park rangers and volunteer astronomers guide visitors through the night sky during the summer months, providing a unique opportunity to gaze at the Milky Way in the park's black night skies.
So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or a family looking for a memorable outdoor adventure, Rocky Mountain National Park and its family-friendly CDT hikes await your discovery.
- The iconic Trail Ridge Road within Rocky Mountain National Park, open from Memorial Day to mid-October, provides a stunning drive through forests, above the tree line, and over the Continental Divide, offering panoramic views of the park's rugged beauty.
- Established in 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a 265,461-acre expanse that attracts approximately 4.4 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular destinations in the United States.
- For an adventurous journey, Old Fall River Road, an 11-mile, one-way gravel road within the park, leads to the Alpine Visitor Center, while the town of Estes Park serves as the gateway to this natural wonderland.
- The park is home to a section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), a 3,100-mile footpath that stretches from Mexico to Canada, known for its challenging terrain but also offering family-friendly hikes.
- Visitors can explore various sections on or near the CDT in Rocky Mountain National Park for a unique and exciting outdoor adventure, such as the Bear Lake Corridor, Milner Pass to Wild Basin, and shorter out-and-back or loop hikes intersecting the CDT.
- Rocky Mountain National Park offers programs where park rangers and volunteer astronomers guide visitors through the night sky during the summer months, providing a rare opportunity to gaze at the Milky Way in the park's dark night skies, contributing to its allure as a travel destination that blends natural history, lifestyle, and travel experiences.
