How well do you know Rocky Mountain National Park?
High peaks, alpine tundra and herds of elk make Rocky Mountain National Park one of America's most visited parks. Six questions, from easy to hard, with explanations.
Did you know?
- Trail Ridge Road usually closes from mid-October to late May because of deep snow. Snowdrifts near the highest sections can be more than 20 feet deep in spring.
- Rocky Mountain National Park has about 355 miles of hiking trails, from flat lakeside strolls to demanding climbs above 13,000 feet. Many of the most popular trailheads fill up by early morning in summer.
- Afternoon lightning is a serious hazard in the park during summer. Rangers advise hikers to be below treeline by early afternoon, when storms often build quickly.
Life on the roof of the Rockies
Rocky Mountain National Park protects more than 265,000 acres of mountains, forests, lakes and tundra, with elevations ranging from about 7,800 feet to over 14,000 feet. This wide range creates distinct life zones, from ponderosa pine forests in the valleys to windswept tundra near the summits, each with its own plants and animals.
The Continental Divide
The Continental Divide runs through the park, separating waters that flow toward the Pacific from those that flow toward the Atlantic. Rain falling on one side of a ridge may end up in the Gulf of California, while rain a few feet away flows toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Alpine tundra
Above treeline, conditions resemble the Arctic. Plants grow close to the ground to avoid wind, and many bloom in a short burst of summer color. Walking off trails can damage this fragile ecosystem, so visitors are asked to stay on designated paths.
Wildlife
Elk are the park's most visible animals, but visitors may also see bighorn sheep, moose, mule deer, marmots and pikas. Pikas, small relatives of rabbits, gather grasses in summer to store for winter and are sensitive to warming temperatures.
Timed entry
Because of heavy visitor numbers, the park has used timed-entry reservations during busy months in recent years. Visitors are advised to check the National Park Service website before arriving, as rules can change from year to year.
Lakes and hikes
The Bear Lake area offers easy access to lakes such as Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, set beneath dramatic peaks. These trails are among the most popular in the park, and starting early helps avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in summer.
Four seasons in the high country
Seasons shape every visit. Summer brings wildflowers and open roads, while September draws crowds for the elk rut and golden aspen leaves. Winter transforms the park into a quiet landscape for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, although high roads close. Spring can bring late snowstorms, so conditions can change quickly at any time of year.