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Back to destinations Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Best of Rocky Mountain National Park

A road that climbs above the treeline and lake basins you can reach before breakfast, half an hour from town.

2 daysLocal gems
Trip length

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Best time to visit: June to September

Trail Ridge Road is open, the tundra is out and the lake basins are walkable. Afternoon thunderstorms build almost daily in July and August, and the high country is under snow the rest of the year.

Day 1·Lakes of the Glacier Gorge and Bear Lake Road

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  1. Sightseeing

    Sprague Lake

    A flat loop around a small lake with the Continental Divide reflected in it. Check the park for current conditions.

  2. Sightseeing

    Bear Lake

    The quintessential alpine lake, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks and a gateway to further exploration.

  3. Sightseeing

    Moraine Park

    A vast, open valley that's a prime spot for wildlife viewing, particularly elk and deer grazing in the meadows.

Day 2·Alpine Tundra and the Top of the World

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  1. Activity

    Trail Ridge Road

    America's highest continuous paved road, offering breathtaking panoramic views as it climbs above the treeline into the alpine tundra. Allow 2-3 hours for the scenic drive across the park.

  2. Sightseeing

    Many Parks Curve

    An iconic overlook on Trail Ridge Road providing expansive views of multiple park valleys and distant mountain ranges.

  3. Sightseeing

    Forest Canyon Overlook

    Offers dramatic views into a deep, glacially carved valley, a testament to the park's powerful geological history.

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