Destination Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park

Hiking: No visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is complete without exploring the beautiful nature the park offers. Whether you're aiming to summit a famous 14er or take a leisurely stroll on a paved loop with the family, there are numerous options. The chances of encountering wildlife on the trail are high.

• Sprague Lake: A simple, favorite spot in the park for sunrise is the Sprague Lake loop, a paved, flat 0.7-mile trail. Sunrise offers jaw-dropping reflections of the Rockies over the lake, and there's a strong chance of encountering wildlife like elk, moose or deer in the morning.

• Lily Lake: An easy 0.8-mile hike around the edge of Lily Lake, surrounded by green trees and towering mountains. Less popular than Sprague, it provides a peaceful experience without the crowds.

• Emerald, Dream, and Nymph Lakes: Often regarded as the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail starts at Bear Lake trailhead. Passing three lakes with minimal elevation gain, it's suitable for various ages and abilities. The hike offers stunning views of Longs Peak, and you can extend it to Lake Haiyaha for an additional 2 miles.

• Sky Pond: For a more challenging hike, embark on the 10-mile out-and-back trek to Sky Pond. The last part involves rock scrambling, so assess your abilities. Along the way, you'll pass Alberta Falls, Loch Vale and enjoy beautiful views of the peaks.

Important tips for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Start early, as parking lots fill up quickly.

• Be below the tree-line by 2pm to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

• Bring plenty of water and protective wear for sunshade.

Take a Scenic Drive: Driving the famous Trail Ridge Road is a top all-ages activity in Rocky Mountain National Park. The breathtaking views along the 48-mile road connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake, with ample pullout spots, make for a memorable experience. This is also America's highest continuous paved road. Visit the Alpine Ridge Road Visitor Center to learn more about the park and its history. It's advisable to start this drive early for better wildlife sightings and weather conditions.

Other Guided Activities: Explore various guided activities in and around the park, including:

• Rock climbing

• Photography

• Mountain biking

• Fishing and fly fishing

• Wildlife viewing

• Horseback riding

• Snowshoeing (seasonal)

Also, dedicate a day to exploring the quaint towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, both offering charming gift shops, cafes and restaurants.

Estes Park or Grand Lake will be your main hubs for food, drink and lodging. They are located at both entrances to the park, serving as gateways to the Rockies.

Estes Park Food and Drink:

• Cinnamons: Start your day with the best cinnamon rolls and mouth-watering pastries. Arrive early, as they tend to sell out by 9am or 10am.

• The Barrel: Celebrate your hiking or end-of-the-park day at The Barrel, a brewery in Estes Park. Enjoy a vast selection of rotating local and seasonal beers on tap, along with food trucks.

• Bird and Jim: Known for locally sourced ingredients and dishes, Bird and Jim is an excellent dinner spot.

• Wapiti Pub: Enjoy a laid-back lunch or dinner at Wapiti Pub, located in a cozy setting along Fall River Road.

• Coffee on the Rocks: Experience the best coffee with a kind staff and a beautiful outdoor setting at Coffee on the Rocks. They occasionally host live music and special events, making it a family-friendly spot with ducks and geese for the kids to feed.

• Eds Cantina: Savor mouthwatering Mexican food at Eds Cantina, featuring a famous avocado margarita.

• Scratch Deli and Bakery: Grab some mouth-watering sandwiches, including vegan and gluten-free options, at Scratch Deli and Bakery. Perfect for taking into the park for your day.

• Stanley Hotel: Even if you don't stay there, a visit to the iconic hotel where "The Shining" was filmed is a must. Explore the three different on-site restaurants.

Grand Lake:

• SageBrush Grill: Indulge in amazing BBQ.

• Worlds End Brewery: Visit Worlds End Brewery, an amazing small brewery offering great pub food and pizza.

• One Love Rum Kitchen: Specializing in Caribbean foods, One Love Rum Kitchen provides a unique, colorful environment and a great spot for tasty foods and drinks.

• The Wake: Fuel up on coffee for the day at The Wake on the waterfront, offering a wonderful setting.