The Amusement Park Known as Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

I must admit something to you. When we first got to Rocky Mountain National Park I was actually disappointed. We saved RMNP last on our Colorado trip (after going to Great Sand Dunes NP, Mesa Verde NP, and Black Canon of the Gunnison NP) knowing that it was going to be the best and biggest part of our vacation. Once we got here it felt more like a Six Flags. Super long lines just to wait in more lines just to get into the park. Then even more lines to get to and from a hike. Everything is overpriced and the entire park with their reservation system seems to be just a cash grab to get the most money out of you as possible.

The crowds are ridiculous. People are everywhere, driving crazy, doing stupid things. I was like “this is it? What is all the fuss about?”. Well, after spending 5 days in the park I can see what the fuss is about. This park is spectacular! The wildlife is everywhere, only being challenged by our time in Yellowstone/Tetons area. The views are something that I only could have imagined before this experience. It honestly looks like a painting backdrop. The beauty is so spectacular it is hard to comprehend that this place is real. It seems so untouched. Such a wide variety of plants and ecosystems all thriving within a relatively small area.  

So with a little bit of crowds, a little bit of traffic, and a little bit of idiot drivers. It is a small price to pay to be able to experience heaven on Earth. I want to share with everyone some of the hikes, wildlife, food, and experiences that my family and I have been blessed to have here at RMNP.

Sprague Lake Trail

Sprague Lake Trail is one of my favorite trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Not really for any other reason than my experience while hiking the trail. This easy and level trail is only a .8-mile loop that gives you a nice view of Sprague Lake and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. It is a uniquely easy trail given the location and is a perfect place for a family hike or a picnic/ rest area.

As I mentioned my favorite part of this hike is our experience while we were hiking it. Kaitlin, the boys, and I decided go and try out this easy hike. Just for a relaxing way to fill in some time within our day. It was not really one of those hikes that we felt we had to do. We didn’t have anything else going on so we figured “why not?”

Once we got to the parking lot, we started on the .8-mile loop. We were told that there was a moose in the lake. We could see a tiny spec and wanted to get somewhat closer. As we got a little closer we were able to see that there was a female moose with her calf. I felt so blessed to be able to observe this momma and baby grazing on the grass in the water. Swimming around just enjoying there day. This lasted us about an hour of observation. Before they both decided enough was enough and they ran off into the mountain canvas.

It is my understanding that since the wildfires destroyed the moose habitat on the opposite side of the park, moose visit this lake often. With that being said if you’re visiting the park make sure this is a normal stop to try and see the wildlife.

Lake Irene Trail

I almost didn’t even write about this trail. It just feels so underwhelming in comparison to all the other trails located within Rocky Mountain National Park. I changed my mind because that would not be fair to the beauty and wildlife that this lake brings to the table. It only seems underwhelming because all the other trails are so incredibly spectacular that they are on a whole different level.

The Lake Irene trail has something to offer if you have young children or struggle with long grueling hikes that have a huge elevation gain. Lake Irene trail is only .8-mile-long and can easily be accomplished within 30 minutes at the most. While it is not a paved trail. It is an easy well-maintained dirt path that leads from a parking lot, to a picnic area, then a loop around the small lake.

This short trail is a perfect place to slow things down. Have a picnic and enjoy some bird watching. Or take a short hike around the lake while enjoying the Trail Ridge Road. It may not be the most scenic and grand views you can have. It is still worth the stop and time to enjoy.

Bierstadt Lake Hike

If your looking for a bit of a hiking challenge without getting too crazy. I would suggest the Bierstadt Lake hike. If you park at the Bierstadt Lake trailhead this will take you on a 1.6-mile hike that is basically switchbacks all the way up…the entire time. It is a rewarding accomplishment but it is not an easy task for somebody like myself that is not in crazy good shape. Killian and Jameson did amazing on this hike. It helps when all the uphill is in the beginning. While they are full of energy and excitement!

This hike is strenuous just because of the 620 ft elevation gain that you have to overcome and walking the switchbacks that are uneven narrow dirt path. Other than that, it is not too bad and can be easily accomplished! Like I said before all that elevation gain is in the beginning. Then after a rest at the lake its all down hill from there.

Once we got to the lake it was a great opportunity to have a seat, eat some snacks, and absorb the amazing views and wildlife that can be seen here. Make sure you bring some bug spray because the mosquitoes are in full force here. 

After you are finished you can make the choice to take the easy hike back down the mountain to the parking lot. Or you can take the trail that we decided to take and continue on the path to Bear Lake. It is about an additional 2 miles in order to get to the lake. It sounded easier than it proved to be.

Bear Lake Hike

So once again you can either take the shuttle to the .6-mile Bear Lake Nature Trail. Get lucky and find a parking spot or take the 2-mile hike from Bierstadt Lake over to Bear Lake. We took the hike as we heard the parking lot was full for Bear Lake and the shuttle was a 3 hour wait thanks to the crowds.

The hike seemed easy enough as it is a gradual increase in elevation and a relatively good-looking trail. The trail is well traveled so it is easy to follow. It is a dirt path with various rocks to start off with. It does eventually get to a point of walking over large uneven rocks, with high step ups and steep grades. The hike is worth it as it is a peaceful track with lots of shade. The path is well traversed but we did not come across a lot of people. It was relaxing to feel the mountain breeze, listen to the birds singing, and walk on this beautiful peaceful trail through the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Once we made our way to Bear Lake. It was a stunning surprise to see just how large and clear the water is at this lake. Views are stunning! We stopped and had lunch and then caught the shuttle back to our parking spot. We did not want to make the hike all the way back. The .6-mile loop around the lake is very busy so be prepared to have to deal with a lot of other people.

It was a perfect, exhausting day that left me feeling accomplished and at peace with the Rocky Mountains. This was the longest continuous hike the kids have completed and they totally rocked it! I am super proud of them!!

Alberta Falls

The Alberta Falls hike is one that I highly recommend if you are interested in viewing a waterfall. This easy hike is only 1.2 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of only 160 ft. Even though that sounds like a small hike. With the elevation of the park it made us a bit out of breath while we concurred the hike. Nothing like the hike to Bierstadt Lake, but it was noticeable and seemed to be more of a challenge than we expected it to be.

 It is a popular hike so be aware that you will come across many hikers on the trail. There also is a lot of mosquitos, be sure that you put on some bug spray before hitting the trail. With all that being said it was one of my favorite hikes while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

Alberta Falls features a rushing waterfall of 30 ft that thunders down into Glacier Creek. Once you reach the waterfall there are a lot of large boulders that make a perfect spot to sit and enjoy a small snack while listening to the thundering sounds of this aggressive waterfall. 

We spent a lot of time here just sitting and relaxing listening to the water. I cannot help but wonder what it would be like to be able to live close to such an amazing National Park. Being able to come over the weekend. After work and truly unwind while letting the falls take all your worries and stress away. It has to be a soul saver, being able to live within such beauty.

Sheep lakes

Bighorn Sheep! That is the only way to describe what Sheep Lakes has to offer. Well at least that is what we heard. We made it a point to come by Sheep Lakes everyday multiple times a day to try and get a glance at some bighorn sheep. Unfortunately, the whole time we were visiting we never got blessed enough to see any sheep. Apparently, this area is known for sheep sightings. If big horn is on your agenda make sure you visit here often and maybe you will have better luck than we did.

Even if you cannot see sheep it is still a stop worth visiting. We had a great presentation put on by a very informative Ranger all about the elusive sheep in the area. While we were enjoying the Ranger presentation a moose decided to take a dip in the lake. So even if you don’t get to see bighorn sheep. You can see plenty of other wildlife at this secluded location. Definitely worth a stop!

Alluvial Fan West Trail

If you are looking for a super easy hike that is family friendly. I would highly recommend the alluvial fan west trail. This is a short .3 mile out and back trail that has an elevation gain of only 26 ft. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete. However, feel free to hang around enjoying the river and the falls for much longer.  Alluvial fan west trail is also a paved path. No need to worry about bringing the hiking boots and trekking poles on this one.

This short trail gives you beautiful views of a waterfall rushing through a boulder field. Giving it the look of a fan spreading out over the landscape. This trail was super busy so expect to see many people on the trail. The trail is not pet friendly so do not bring the dogs. Unfortunately that did not stop a lot of people from doing so.

This formation was developed from a breach in a dam at Lawn Lake. 200 gallons of water swept debris down and caused the landscape that is not alluvial fan. This damn breach happened in 1982 and we are now getting to see the rewards from that devastation. It is amazing to me that such destruction can and will eventually turn into something beautiful. Kind of amazing to think about!

One of the best parts of this waterfall is there is a real restroom at the parking lot. No outhouses here! That seems to be something to desire in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trail Ridge Road

Have you ever wanted to drive within the Alpine Tundra? Ever looked at snowcapped mountains and wondered what the cool breeze felt like up that high? What is the climate like? What is the ecosystem? Well, the Trail Ridge Road running through the heart of the Rocky Mountain National Forest makes this dream completely obtainable. This 48 miles 2 lane road will take you to elevation of almost 11,500 ft. That is above the tree lines and right in the heart of the Alpine Tundra.

Trail Ridge Road was built for ease of travel. It has a gradual grade of 5% never exceeding 7%. Making the climb up and the ride down very relaxing and comfortable. The road will take you from Estes Park, to the top of the mountain and the Alpine Visitor Center. Then back down to Grand Lake.

The road offers you a view into another world. Rarely seen outside of this park. I would put aside a half a day at least to drive the full length of the road. Stopping at all the pull outs. This is my favorite part of the park. There is something truly magical about driving this road in July! Bursting out of the tree line to see snow right next you and your vehicle. Feeling the cold breeze, make sure you bring a hoodie or light jacket. We were here in Mid-July and the temps at the highest were 58 degrees.

The wildlife viewing is awesome as well. Keep a look out for Elk, marmot, pica, and bighorn sheep can be found all over the tundra. Please respect this ecosystem, I cannot tell you how many people we seen walking within the fragile tundra. Even though it is posted all over to stay on the trails. It was amazing that people love this area so much that they deliberately kill it because they are lazy or just don’t care.

Old Fall River Road

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of getting off the pavement and enjoying some Jeep time off-road. It is some of the most fun memories I have. Playing in the mud or climbing rocks over a trail. The challenge of not breaking my Jeep. Not getting stuck. Overcoming obstacles will always be something that pulls me in. It is even becoming a staple on our vacations. Trying to find mild Jeep trails to get the family “out there”. Not to mention that you get to see landscape that most will never be able to enjoy. Get away from the crowds and just enjoy nature.

Old Fall River Road is not exactly the “Jeep Trail” that you normally would think about when you are thinking about off-roading. There is no real obstacles or challenges. That does not mean that you should not try it. No matter if you are in a minivan, mini cooper, or a Rubicon! Old Fall River Road will give you a unique experience that you are not soon to forget. This one-way road has a speed limit of 15 mph. It is the original road opened in 1920 into Rocky Mountain National Park.

The road is a one way narrow but primary paved surface. You will experience 16% grade increase over the 11-mile road. There are 16 switchbacks while maneuvering up the road.  There are no guard rails and only wide enough for a single car. As long as you are not scared by that. This road will give you breathtaking views as you reach the Alpine and 11,796ft above sea level. My favorite part of this road was climbing up watching the river turn into a stream. The stream into a creek. The creek into a trickle and finally the trickle into snow.

Along the road you will get views from running rivers and waterfalls that only can be accessed by the road. There are also hiking trails that only can be accessed from this road. The wildlife runs free around the road since there is significantly less traffic than Trail Ridge Road. Once you reach the top, the road drops you into the Alpine Visitors Center parking lot.

Alpine Visitors Center

No matter if you take Old Fall River Road or Trail Ridge Road to visit the alpine while in Rocky Mountain National Park you will eventually come to the Alpine Visitors Center. The Alpine Visitors Center is the highest visitors center within the park. It sits at an elevation of 11,796 ft above sea level. So clearly this center will give you the best views of the park.

 Plus, it has some of the most wildlife activity within Rocky Mountain National Park. Every time we went to the alpine we came across huge herds to elk. Also, huge heard of people! Make sure you bring your patience. Watch your surrounding because you can not guarantee the person next to you is paying attention.

Back to the visitor’s center. I highly suggest taking the time to go through the center looking at the museum they have on site. Walking the deck overlooking the vast beauty of the alpine. Smelling the fresh air and feeling the cool breeze. If the breeze ends up being a little too cool go next door to the store and café. Pick up a jacket, hoodie, or hot chocolate. They have all things Rocky Mountain National Park located within the store. We found a large collection of Huckleberry coffee, honey, biscuits, and candy.

There are plenty of windchimes and trinkets to be able to fulfil most anybody taste for souvenirs. The café is also a must with hot chocolate and specialty tea. My favorite was the elk bratwurst and loaded nachos to eat. If you are wanting just a fast sandwich so you can get back on the road. They also have you covered there. Ever single time we drove up to the visitors center my kids lite up with excitement! Knowing that all they had to do was convince me to stop so they can get hot chocolate. It was an easy sell as I fell in love with the Huckleberry tea that was also being served.

Have a picnic

Driving in and out of the park to find a bite to eat is well, cumbersome. Once you are in the park, you need and want to stay in the park. Especially with the timed entry passes and HUGE entry lines. You may be sitting in for an hour or more! Luckily there is a really simple solution for avoiding all these problem…bring a lunch! There are so many beautiful areas that allow you to get out of the sun. Off the roads, and nestled along a river cutting its way through the mountains. 

I found these picnic areas to be some of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. It is also the perfect spot to get the kids out of the car. Allowing them to run around and just be kids. Not trying to concur a hike or sit still watching wildlife. Just explore the river, eat some food, and enjoy the park their own way.

Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort

If you are traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park in a RV. There is no other campground to even consider in my option than Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort. This campground offers 169 full hookup camp sites. With large pull throughs that can accommodate up to 75 ft rigs. Most sites are fairly level and not paved but very clean areas. They offer 30 amp and 50 amp service with free Wi-Fi throughout the park.

There is a in ground swimming pool that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We were visiting in July and still found the water to be way to chilly to swim. If you’re a polar bear you may love it.

The best part about this campground is where it is located. You are only 1 mile away from beautiful Estes Park. Offering all the food, drinks, and shopping you could ever want. Even better you will be located directly outside the entrance station to Rocky Mountain National Park. This allows those long lines for entry to be a little less painful. Also makes coming in and out of the park for lunch (if you did not pack a lunch) a breeze.

With all of these perks you would think that the price would be sky high. Actually, on our entire vacation Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort was one of the cheapest sites per night that we stayed at. If you do not have a RV they do offer teepee camping, tent camping, and cabins as well.  Making this a no brainer for all visitors of the National Park and/or Estes Park.

Estes Park

While visiting Rocky Mountain National Park it is a must to take a full day and make your way to Estes Park. If you are staying at Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort you are only about 5 minutes away from downtown. There you will find unique shopping centers, all the gifts you could ever want, and great dinning experiences.

We did not eat at too many of the restaurants. As we make as much food as we can in the camper to save our funds but I can tell you there are a lot of places down there that had a great looking menu. You could easily eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Estes Park everyday and not get bored with it. Some of our favorite deserts also came from Estes Park. If you have a sweet tooth as I do, this is the place you want to be.

Even though you are in the middle of town, do not think that you will not see wildlife. We were pleasantly surprised to come across an elk strolling along in town minding its own business. Almost as if it wanted to do some window shopping that morning. Apparently, this elk is a frequent visitor of downtown Estes Park as the local police was set up to directed tourist around her for the morning.

Estes Park Brewery

Estes Park Brewery is a little off the beaten path but not too far from the downtown area at all. I am not going to sit here and tell you it is the best food or beer that I have ever had. To be honest I found it to be very mediocre and I never even planned on writing about it. The food was not bad but was not great. The service was not unfriendly but was not friendly.  The beer was just beer, nothing special. Obviously while I was there I was drinking from the tap and just found it to be…. drinkable but nothing I would come back too.

What is strange is that we later went to Trailhead Restaurant and they had the long peak raspberry wheat in a bottle. Keep in mind I had this on tap at the brewery and it was not very flavorful. Since Trailhead did not have another beer that sounded good I went ahead and ordered it. Opening the bottle, I was met with a beautiful smell of raspberry. Taking a sip of the beer was bursting with flavor that I never experienced while at the brewery. I cannot explain why this is but the bottle beer I would rate at a 7 out of 10 and the tap a 2 out of 10.

So, I guess what I am getting at is if you want to go and have a unique beer while visiting Estes Park. Try out the Brewery just make sure that you get a bottle of your favorite beer, not the tap. Or just go to trailhead and get better food and the same beer. 

Elkins Distilling

If you’re looking for a good drink and don’t want it to be beer you must check out Elkins Distilling. Now I first want to let you know this is not the only distillery in Estes Park. There is another one just up the road but I feel that the vodka and bourbon is far superior at Elkins. This small distillery offers tastings of all of their offerings. It is a very family friendly atmosphere and even has a good clothes selection.

My favorite choices were the singe barrel bourbon and the peach vodka. Both are extremely smooth and has a great flavor. Missing the excessive “burn” that you would normally get with a bourbon or vodka. There is not food offered at this distillery but it is a perfect stop along the strip while doing some shopping or walking to your favorite place to eat.

The staff member I spoke with is very informative and friendly. He offered us advice on the area and what to pair with our favorite drinks. He laughed as my kids started to get bored and loud without ever making us feel unwanted. Please make sure when you are in the area you stop in and check them out. You will not be disappointed.

Donut Haus

I felt the need to have to mention the Donut Haus in Estes Park because it was so incredible and delicious, we made this a normal spot to stop for breakfast for many days during our visit. It is located just outside the Elk Meadow Lodge and RV Resort. Making it the perfect fast stop while getting ready to wait in line to get into Rocky Mountain National Park. We found out about this little gem from a friend of Kaitlin’s. I am so grateful they decided to share with us one of their favorites. 

My personal favorites are the nut rolls, fritter patties, and the cheesecake roll. I can tell you though you cannot go wrong with any of the offerings at Donut Haus. You have to keep an eye out for this one. It is actually located within a gas station. Making it very easy to miss and does not give you the vibe of being an awesome place to eat. Trust me when I tell you to stop in, fill your tank and grab a dozen donuts with some coffee/milk. It got to the point where I was craving this place in the mornings, it is that good!

The Estes Paw Company

Do you have some fur babies that you want to spoil with a Colorado treat? We usually do not take our dogs with us on our long trips because they cannot be left unattended. So, our loving family graciously takes care of them while we are away. Even though I know they are in good hands. It always makes me feel 2 feet tall leaving them and watching their sad eyes as we drive away.

Estes Paw Company at least helped to ease the pain! I was able to bring home treats that not only are great tasting for them, but also are good for them.  Containing nothing that I have to worry about harming the little pups.

Founded in 2019, Estes Paw Company offers unique chews that our dogs absolutely go crazy over. Some chews include Beef bully sticks, lamb tripe, turkey tendons, trachea rings, liver, heart, bone marrow, elk antlers, and bison lung. We chose to get them bison tendons to bring home just to see if it was a hit or not. Let me tell you it was a huge hit. Now I am looking into them shipping us some other cuts since most of these are not something that we can get here in Illinois.

The chews are all air dried and odorless. Making them a pleasure to give your pets without having to worry about stinky breath licking your face later in the night. I find the price comparable to the large treat companies but purchasing from Estes Paw Company assures that you are purchasing from a small, local, relatively new shop that appreciates your business! With free shipping on any orders over $50! There is no reason not to try these out for your pets next treat.