Rocky Mountain National Park

Travel | Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most peaceful places I have ever been. I arrived while the snow and ice were still melting from the winter season. Foot traffic was at a minimum, with more wildlife present than humans.

One of my favorite moments was walking along the edge of a river, filled with mountain runoff from the melting snow. There was an elk herd passing through and two fishermen wading in the water.

Recommended Hikes

• Bear Lake - this is a .6 mile loop around Bear Lake. The lake was still snow covered during my visit, with views of a snow capped Flattop Mountain.

• Alberta Falls - another short hike at .6 mile. This is one of the most popular short trails in the park, with scenic views along Glacier Creek.

• Flattop Mountain - a 4.4 mile hike to the summit of Flattop Mountain, in the Bear Lake area. From the summit, you will experience panoramic views of nearby peaks.

• Due to the recent flooding, I highly recommend checking the park alerts and current trail conditions. Climbing and mountaineering are also a fun and exciting way to explore this park.