Admission:
Adult: $10

Website:
Rocky Mountain National Park

In an area overflowing with activities and mountain destinations, Rocky Mountain National Park is the old standby, and a good one at that. There are 355 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult and from a couple hours in duration to several days. The park is one and a half-hours northwest of Denver on Hwy. 36. There is a visitor’s center just inside the eastern boundary on the highway, where information on various hiking trails can be found. 

The only lodging in the park consists of five campgrounds, three of which are open all year. Backcountry camping is allowed, but special permits must be purchased. Some of the animals that make their home in the park include moose, elk, deer, mountain lions and big horn sheep.

Rocky Mountain National Park is open every day, with a third of the park sitting above tree line, featuring snow capped peaks year round. Park activities include camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. 

If sight seeing is your outdoor activity of choice, Trail Ridge Road, at 12,183 feet, is one of the premier alpine highways in the world. The far spreading views will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. The 50-mile scenic drive takes about 3 to 4 hours and the road is open from Memorial Day through mid October.