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27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Breanna Sneeringer
Jun 12, 2020
Jun 12, 2020
0

Rocky Mountain National Park is 265,769 acres of pristine wilderness located just outside of Estes Park. Its beauty alone draws in more than 4.5 million visitors a year. Inside the gates of the high-country playground, you'll find 355 miles of hiking trails, 147 alpine lakes, and 77 peaks rising higher than 12,000 feet. There's also a spectacular variety of wildlife including mule deer, marmots, pikas, moose, bighorn sheep, and a massive herd of elk ranging in size between 600 to 800. Editor's Note: Reservations are currently required for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. For more details, please visit www.nps.gov/romo.

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — You'll see some beautiful alpine lakes when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Emerald Lake is a must-see. Granite peaks reflect off the high country waters, leaving park visitors in absolute awe.
Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Sprague Lake delivers stunning views of the Continental Divide. There's also a short trail that loops around the lake, with several areas for picnicking. Just be prepared for the crowds and plan to start your adventure off early to avoid long lines of cars waiting to enter the park.
Photo Credit: Stewart M Green - OutThere Colorado.

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Eye-catching sunrises and sunsets can be enjoyed by visitors at Bear Lake.
Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — The changing colors of the mountain sky at Bear Lake are worth waking up to see.
Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Dream Lake is another alpine gem worth exploring. Located near Bear and Emerald lakes, hikers often swing pass multiple lakes in a single-day trek.
Photo Credit: kjschoen (iStock)

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Soak in the stillness and fresh mountain air when you explore Dream Lake.
Photo Credit: Matt Dirksen (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Granite snow-capped peaks loom over Dream Lake.
Photo Credit: zhuzhu (iStock)

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Trail Ridge Road is one of the most scenic roads in the entire state. The paved highway rises into the high country above 12,000 feet, offering beautiful mountain views.
Photo Credit: SeanXu (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Rainbow Curve on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Photo Credit: lawepw (flickr)

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — For hikers who want the surreal beauty of nature, and are willing to do a little bit of work to satisfy their craving, Sky Pond is the perfect retreat.
Photo Credit: Steven Bratman.

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Sitting beautifully at 10,900 feet above sea level, Sky Pond delivers picture-perfect views
Photo Credit: DavidnKeng (Flickr).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — A nearly 10-mile trek ascending deep into the rugged and rocky wilderness leads hikers to Sky Pond. The alpine wonder is known for its unique and natural beauty. Cathedral granite spires surround the deep blue waters, with some of the rocks taking the shape of "sharks teeth".
Photo Credit: detroitstylz (Flickr.)

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Feast your eyes on Emerald Lake. Named for its emerald green waters, the lake is overflowing with natural beauty.
Photo Credit: tupungato (iStock).

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain

Updated May 12, 2023

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain — Your best bet is to start hitting boulders and rock scrambling sections at sunrise. Here's a look at the tail-end of a sunrise as it hits the boulder field just below the Keyhole.
Photo Credit: Spencer McKee.

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain

Updated May 12, 2023

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain — The "Keyhole" is the namesake of the main route to the summit. It serves as a highly visible landmark – the notch in the ridge. Note the small stone shelter on it's left.
Photo Credit: Spencer McKee.

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain

Updated May 12, 2023

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain — One famous section of the hike is called "the Narrows." It's a portion of the trail that's narrow, exposed, and often windy.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Barg.

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — The famous "Diamond" feature on the headwall of Longs Peak.
Photo Credit: Zachary Joing (iStock).

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain

Updated May 12, 2023

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain — The Homestretch, the last portion of the hike, is another stretch of the climb where a misstep or accident could be deadly.
Photo Credit: Spencer McKee.

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain

Updated May 12, 2023

A photo tour of the hike up Longs Peak, Colorado’s most iconic mountain — Eventually, hikers start to see Colorado-colored "Bullseye" trail markers lead the way to the summit of Longs.
Photo Credit: Spencer McKee.

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — You can't go wrong with a waterfall trek. If you haven't already, add Timberline Falls via the Sky Pond Trail to your summer bucket list.
Photo Credit: Steven Bratman (Flickr.)

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — High country meadows burst into color as spring wildflowers bloom with the changing of the seasons.
Photo Credit: welcomia (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Don't get too close. Please keep your distance from wildlife, such as elk, roaming freely throughout the park and town. While it may be tempting to move in a little closer to get the perfect shot, these are wild animals you are dealing with and they will attack if they suddenly feel threatened. The park visitors pictured are way too close. Give them their space, and keep wildlife wild!
Photo Credit: sboice (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — A bull elk lets out a loud whistling bugle to warn off his rivals inside the park. During the rut, the sounds of bugling can be heard pretty much all night and day.
Photo Credit: TCallahan (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Between the golden changing aspens and elk rut, the fall season is a popular time to visit the park.
Photo Credit: skibreck (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Herds of elk are a popular sight to see in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you happen to see one of these majestic creatures, just please remember to keep your distance — not only for your safety but for theirs.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Mauer (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Marmots can be be found wandering throughout the park. More than often, you'll most likely hear them before you see them. Just listen for chirping and whistling sounds among the high country slopes.
Photo Credit: blewulis (iStock).

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise

Updated May 12, 2023

27 photos that prove Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise — Bighorn Sheep, the symbol of Rocky Mountain National Park, are often spotted as well.
Photo Credit: DaneCronin (iStock).