Introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park

Snow-capped peaks stand as rugged sentinels over grazing elk, and alpine lakes nourish cutthroat trout and wildflowers. Rocky Mountain National Park is a place of superlatives: extraordinarily wild and yet easily enjoyed from the car. Roll down the windows to breathe in the crisp, pine-scented air before stopping at scenic overlooks along Trail Ridge Road. Then leave the car behind to explore the park's trails. Your reward will be over 415 unspoiled square miles of gushing waterfalls, hidden glades and solitary encounters with the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Active Pursuits

Hike along the popular Chasm Lake Trail past mule deers, fir trees and the lofty Longs Peak. The steady plodding of horses and creaking of saddle leather form the soundtrack to horseback riding tours of Rocky Mountain National Park. Teams of horses -- or llamas, ponies or mules -- lead the way through quivering aspen trees, leaving passengers free to enjoy the views. In the Black Canyon, rock climbers shimmy skyward via the granite cliff faces of Lumpy Ridge.

Flora and Fauna

Deer and elk frequent the roadside along Trail Ridge Road, grazing in meadows of tall grass and wildflowers. Easy walks through the Kawuneeche Valley are rewarded with remarkable wildlife sightings, especially along the Coyote Valley Nature Trail: Look for elk, moose, coyotes and porcupines. If you really want to spend time with wildlife, pitch your tent at Moraine Park Campground, where deer, elk and smaller mammals graze, hunt and generally make themselves at home.

Camping

There's no better way to immerse yourself in the Rocky Mountains than to set up camp, watch the stars slowly appear, fall asleep to the whispering wind and wake up to a cacophony of birdsongs. Olive Ridge Campground offers campers a true forest experience, with plenty of tree cover and wildlife sightings. Longs Peak Campground is the perfect spot for primitive types: A drive-in campsite reserved exclusively for tents.