Elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park ranges from 8,000 to 14,259 feet with 60 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet. In fact, the entire park is above 7,500 feet and one quarter of the park is Alpine Tundra!

The scenery is spectacular!

There are over 350 miles of hiking trails within the park ranging from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. Guess which one I took!

Seriously, altitude is no joke! Especially for a Floridian!

"Did ya ever see the sun come up over the Rockies? It hits all of a sudden and below there's California and you swear yer lookin at heaven!"
   - Wyatt Earp in Tombstone

With an Elk herd numbering more than 3,000, about 800 BigHorn Sheep, numerous Mule Deer, and a small population of Moose, Rocky Mountain National Park has a great large-animal population.

There is a tremendous amount of active wildlife in the park and there is just something about seeing them in the wild that always excites me!

Winter is an inviting yet dangerous time for hikers - short days, strong winds, cold temperatures, and rapidly changing weather. Be prepared, dress appropriately, and drink water!

Note: Avoid hiking in deep snow as it is quickly fatiguing and can be hazardous. I actually hit a hole and sunk in chest deep (scary)!

With pristine alpine lakes and high mountain peaks providing epic scenery and an abundance of wildlife for hours of animal watching, I love this park!

Most people visit in the summer, but I especially like it in late fall! There is just something about seeing it covered in snow!