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Home , Alpine Visitor Center, East Inlet Trail, High Rockies, Kawuneeche Valley, Trail Ridge Road, Upper Beaver Meadows

COLORADO NATIONAL PARK TRIP PLANNER

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Great Sand Dunes Mesa Verde

Rocky Mountain

TOP 4 ROAD TRIPS 14 Cody Dinosaurs and Deserts Thermopolis GETTING Wildlife and Natural Wonders 120 Best of Loop

Idaho Land of Enchantment Falls 26 THERE Lander

Dinosaur National Monument Plan your dream vacation Laramie with our top routes to Colorado’s

national parks and monuments. Grand Estes Park 40 Lake Learn more at Steamboat Lyons 40 Glenwood Springs MyColoradoParks.com. Springs

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Delta Cripple Creek Colorado National Montrose Monument Park and Preserve. For 25 BEST OF a unique wildlife 550 Great Sand Dunes COLORADO LOOP experience, drive east National Park 160 Alamosa and Preserve from to Pagosa Miles 1,130 Springs Keenesburg to visit The Farmington The ultimate Colorado Wild Animal Sanctuary, road trip includes home to more than 450 550 Taos 25 Bandelier charming mountain rescued tigers, lions, National Monument towns, hot springs, wolves and bears. Santa Fe desert scenery and impressive peaks. Head straight to Rocky DINOSAURS Mountain National Park AND DESERTS from Denver and take west Miles 1,365 to . Soak in Go from red-rock the pools of Hot canyons to alpine Phoenix Sulphur Springs before meadows on this loop. heading to Winter Park Abilene Start in Salt Lake City Carlsbad Caverns and Dillon. Stop in National Park and drive southeast to Glenwood Springs to Vernal, , the experience the town’s Flaming Gorge National Map by Peter Sucheski legendary hot springs Recreation Area and and adventure park. Just south you’ll find with New Mexican stunning San Luis Dinosaur National Continue west to the WILDLIFE AND Grand Teton National deserts on this Valley. Head north to Monument on the red-rock landscapes of NATURAL Park and the lively town beautiful tour. Start in Grand Lake, a gorgeous Colorado border. Pass Colorado National of Jackson that mixes El Paso, Texas, and mountain town on the through Steamboat WONDERS Monument in Grand the Old West with hip cross into Las Cruces, western edge of Rocky Springs, Colo., and Hot Junction. Miles 1,763 boutiques and N.M. Visit Carlsbad Mountain National Bison, bears and hot Sulphur Springs, Colo., restaurants. Head Caverns National Park Park. On your way From there, experience springs await on this en route to Rocky through the and White Sands home, stop to see incredible alpine tour of the . Mountain National Range to Riverton and National Monument. Garden of the Gods and scenery and swaths of From Denver, go to Park. After visiting the Lander, continuing to Farther north Pikes Peak in Colorado agricultural land as you Rocky Mountain park, swing west to raft Laramie and then Albuquerque and Santa Springs . Continue travel through Delta, National Park before the near Denver. Fe await, as do the south to Taos, N.M., an Montrose and Ouray. Be heading to Cheyenne. Kremmling. Stop in ancient ruins in enchanting, small town sure to stop at Black Stop by Thermopolis for Paonia, Delta and Black Bandelier National that will capture your Canyon of the Gunnison a soak in a hot spring Canyon of the Gunnison LAND OF Monument and Mesa heart. Farther south, National Park. Hit Mesa and then discover the National Park before ENCHANTMENT Verde National Park. Santa Fe and its Verde National Park Wild West in Cody. Drive exploring the stunning Then head to Alamosa, neighboring towns offer before visiting Durango west to Yellowstone Miles 2,121 desert landscapes of Colo., and Great Sand outdoor fun, fascinating and Silverton. Stop by National Park to hike Colorado National Combine Rocky Dunes National Park cultural activities and Alamosa and Great and see geyser basins Monument and Utah’s Mountain National Park and Preserve in the incredible food. Sand Dunes National Arches National Park. and wildlife.

MyColoradoParks.com . 3 COLORADO’S NATIONAL PARK SITES

In addition to Rocky Mountain National Park, visit some of Colorado’s other national parks and monuments.

BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL PARK This desert monument perched at the western & PRESERVE At this impossibly sheer, narrow canyon in edge of Colorado features rock pillars, Is this south or the Sahara? It’s southwestern Colorado—at its thinnest points, the juniper-cloaked hills and incredible rock not always easy to tell at this unique park where gorge spans just 40 feet at the Gunnison River and formations. Best known for its vistas from the the continent’s tallest sand dunes join the rugged 1,100 feet at the rim—rock walls plunge as deep as 23-mile scenic drive (or road bike ride) on Rim Sangre de Cristo mountains. Wander, sled or 2,722 feet. Intrepid hikers and rock climbers can Rock Drive, the park also is a great place to hike, sand-ski among the dunes, or, even better, venture into the depths on several very steep, watch wildlife (such as desert bighorn sheep, backpack out to camp in the sand. Be on the look unmaintained trails. Other visitors prefer to peer and golden eagles) and stargaze. You’ll out for the 750-foot Star Dune, the tallest sand into the chasm from a network of trails lining the find some of the country’s darkest skies here. It’s dune in North America. Wear closed-toe shoes north and south rims. Anglers love this place for its also uncrowded, making it a great place to while exploring in the park since cool morning gold-medal waters for trout fishing. experience solitude. sand can heat up to 150 degrees in the summer.

CANYONS OF THE ANCIENTS NATIONAL DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK MONUMENT The dinosaur bones at this monument straddling Described as the pyramids of North America, Just 12 miles west of Mesa Verde National Park, this and northeastern Utah the ancient ruins at Mesa Verde hold the early lesser-known gem has a wealth of archaeological would be reason enough to stop here. The quarry stories of our nation. About 1,400 years ago sites that provide in-depth insight into ancient displays the remains of Allosaurus, Diplodocus ancestral Puebloans built more than 600 dwellings cultures. There are 6,355 recorded sites that include and Stegasaurus, among other dinosaurs. But the into the gorgeous sandstone cliffs. Don't miss everything from agricultural fields to sweat lodges, monument also has excellent river rafting, hiking going on a guided tour of cliff dwellings with a shrines and homes. The site has been used for more and ancient rock art panels. ranger. Purchase your tickets online in advance than 10,000 years by people. for Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Long House at recreation.gov. PHOTOS: , (Depositphotos), Black Bear (iStock), Bighorn Sheep (Grant Ordelheide), Abert’s Squirrel (iStock/E.J. Peiker), Mountain Lion (Depositphotos/Tom Tietz),

PHOTO: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (by Grant Ordelheide)

4 . Colorado Trip Planner 2021 WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE

Look for these animals as you explore Colorado’s national parks and monuments.

MOOSE BLACK BEAR ELK

As the largest member of the deer family, These omnivores follow their mostly These 800-pound animals are nearly moose have long snouts, bulbous noses vegetarian food sources in the parks. In ubiquitous in and around Rocky. The best and dewlaps under their throats, which set spring, they feast on shrubs and new time to see elk is September and October them apart. Introduced to northern shoots in the forest. Throughout summer when herds gather for the mating season, Colorado in the 1970s, they are frequently and fall, they retreat to the cooler alpine also known as “the rut.” Hear the bulls sighted on Rocky Mountain's west side zone, chasing berries and trout. Black bugle in Rocky’s , along the East Inlet and Onahu trails, bears hibernate in winter and mate in , Moraine Park and in Big Meadows and the Kawuneeche summer. Rocky’s bear population is small. . Valley. Look in areas full of willows In Great Sand Dunes, you may spot one and aquatic vegetation. along Mosca Pass Trail.

BIGHORN SHEEP ABERT'S SQUIRREL MOUNTAIN LION

Bighorn sheep bound up steep terrain and These curious-looking squirrels have These solitary and elusive cats are not cliffs, thanks to their flexible, spongy rabbit-like ears, setting them apart from frequently spotted. They stalk their hooves. Rams weigh up to 250 pounds. the average squirrel you see in your favorite prey, mule deer, but prefer to Both males and females have horns, but backyard. They are only found in mature slink through the forest unseen. In ram horns are larger and more curved. coniferous forests in mountain ecosystems. addition to deer, they hunt coyotes and Rams battle for dominance, butting their They spend most of their lives in and raccoons. Encounters with mountain lions horns until one surrenders. In Great Sand around ponderosa pine trees, eating pine can be dangerous. If you encounter a Dunes, spot them along Medano Pass cones, buds, the inner bark and seeds. They mountain lion, do not try to run. Instead, Primitive Road. Look for them in Colorado are only active during the daylight hours. stand tall and attempt to scare it away. National Monument and Rocky Mountain Find them in Mesa Verde, Great Sand

PHOTOS: Moose, Elk (Depositphotos), Black Bear (iStock), Bighorn Sheep (Grant Ordelheide), PHOTOS: Moose, Elk (Depositphotos), Black Bear (iStock), Bighorn Sheep (Grant Ordelheide), Abert’s Squirrel (iStock/E.J. Peiker), Mountain Lion (Depositphotos/Tom Tietz), National Park. Dunes and Rocky Mountain national parks.

PHOTO: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (by Grant Ordelheide)

MyColoradoParks.com . 5 LET LIFE TAKE ON A WHOLE NEW POINT OF VIEW

YMCA of the Rockies–Estes Park Center is a natural paradise bordered on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. Families find adventure and photographers find inspiration right outside their door.

Make and Capture Picture-Perfect Memories YMCAROCKIES.ORG

2019-EPC-RMJ-7.875x10.5.indd 1 11/20/19 11:18 AM PARK ENTRANCE PRIMER

Spanning the Continental Divide, Rocky Mountain National Park is filled with alpine lakes, the headwaters of the Colorado River and dozens of peaks that reach 12,000 feet and higher. Access the park through four entrances, three on the park’s east side and one on the west. By Tori Peglar

BEAVER MEADOWS FALL RIVER ENTRANCE WILD BASIN ENTRANCE GRAND LAKE ENTRANCE ENTRANCE If driving Trail Ridge Road or Old Because the Wild Basin Entrance is This entrance brings you away from On the park’s east side lies the is on the top of your about a 30-minute drive south of the traffic of Estes Park to one of Beaver Meadows Entrance, the list and you have limited time, enter Estes Park, most park visitors never Colorado’s most authentic towns, most direct entrance from Estes the park via the Fall River Entrance even see the Wild Basin area. But it’s Grand Lake. It’s the only entrance Park, a town that sits right outside on the park’s east side. Like the a great entrance for those traveling on the park’s west side and is just Rocky Mountain National Park. An Beaver Meadows Entrance, it’s just a the Peak-to-Peak Highway from minutes from Grand Lake. few minutes from Estes Park’s Nederland, Colo., who don’t want to hour’s drive from Boulder and two Tucked in the folds of the Rocky downtown. You’ll reach Trail Ridge join the crowds in Estes Park. Park hours from Denver, the lively Estes Mountains and anchored by a Road, a 48-mile road that reaches a staff advise not to drive RVs here. Park is the closest town to the park stunning lake, this town is lined with high point of 12,183 feet, faster than The last stretch to Wild Basin is a on the east side. locally owned shops, restaurants and those waiting in line at the Beaver narrow, gravel road that becomes a hotels. You won’t find major grocery Open year round, the Beaver Meadows Entrance during summer single lane in places. However, if stores here [although you can drive Meadows Entrance is the most and fall. Reach the Fall River you are traveling in a car, Wild 25 minutes to Granby and shop at its popular and is accessed by Hwy. 36. Entrance by driving 5-10 minutes Basin is a wonderful area to explore City Market]. What you will find is Stop by the Beaver Meadows Visitor on Hwy. 34 west from Estes Park. with eight lakes and three waterfalls. an old-fashioned charm combined Center to get information, books, Stay on Hwy. 34 as it becomes Trail To reach the Wild Basin Entrance with great activities like hiking into maps and backcountry permits, as Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular from Estes Park, head south on the park, relaxing at the beach and well as to as catch the park bus. The tour of the park’s incredible Hwy. 7. If you get to Allenspark, you paddle boating and kayaking on park bus system enables you to landscapes. have gone too far. Grand Lake.

avoid the stress of looking for PHOTO: Grand Lake (by Daniel Wber/Flickr) parking spots.

6 . Colorado Trip Planner 2021 TRAIL RIDGE ROAD

MORAINE PARK ESTES PARK

GRAND LAKE

LONGS PEAK

Map by Peter Sucheski

PHOTO: Grand Lake (by Daniel Wber/Flickr) PHOTOS: Trail Ridge Road, Moraine Park, Estes Paddleboarding in Grand Lake, (Grant Ordelheide)

MyColoradoParks.com . 7 ROCKY’S TOP SIX

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.

3 2 GO HORSEBACK 1 CLIMB LONGS PEAK RIDING

WATCH THE SUN RISE If you’re a strong hiker who has trained Saddle up with Sombrero extensively, head to Longs Peak, the Ranches at the Moraine Park Wake up early to get to , a park’s tallest mountain at 14,259 feet. It and Glacier Creek stables. 1.1-mile one-way hike around the can take up to 15 hours round-trip, so lake, to catch the sunlight rising over start early [many begin long before and . dawn with headlamps] to beat Arrive 30 minutes before dawn. afternoon storms.

8 . Colorado Trip Planner 2021 6 5 HIKE FROM 4 SEE THE SUNSET GRAND LAKE

WATCH WILDLIFE Stop at the at Adams Falls trail is a .3-mile hike the top of Trail Ridge Road and along the . If you Spot moose in the Kawuneeche take a short hike up for an continue on the trail, you’ll find Valley along the Colorado River amazing Rocky Mountain sunset. yourself in a large valley with a and in the willows west of the river, small ponds and incredible Continental Divide. views. You can walk for miles before turning back.

PHOTOS: Bear Lake (Jeff Stephenson), Sunrise over Hallett Peak (iStock), Longs Peak, Adams Falls (Depositphotos), Horseback riding, Moose, Trail Ridge Road sunset (Grant Ordelheide)

MyColoradoParks.com . 9 INSIDER'S TIPS

Every year, we help more than 700,000 travelers plan a national parks tour in Colorado. Here's how to build your itinerary.

COLORADO ONLINE PACKING LIST NATIONAL Visit MyColoradoParks.com to  Refillable water PARKS 7-DAY find out where to stay and what to bottles or a ENTRANCE do during your vacation. hydration system FEES Interested in exploring other  national parks? Check us out at Binoculars NationalParkTrips.com.  Clothing layers to Buy your pass at a park accommodate entrance station, temperature purchase a digital pass fluctuations of 30-40 at recreation.gov or WORKSHOPS degrees in one day. order a card online at  A sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen Join us for our online National Park REI.com (with no Night Skies Photography Workshop.  Rain jacket shipping costs). Tamron’s professional photographers  Sturdy hiking boots offer instruction on how to take night $30 skies, sunset and sunrise photos. Learn  Daypack Black Canyon of the more at NationalParkTrips.com/ Gunnison National Park Learn more at MyColoradoParks.com/ workshops. park/what-to-pack. $25 Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve SOCIAL $30 Mesa Verde National facebook.com/nationalparktrips @nationalparktrips @nationalparktrips Park May 1-Oct. 31 ($20 Jan. 2-April 30) $35 Rocky Mountain ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK WEATHER National Park

JAN. FEB. MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. $80 America the Beautiful annual pass for all 39 41 45 53 62 73 78 77 70 60 46 40 national park sites Average High (°F) $80 16 17 21 27 34 41 46 45 38 30 23 18 one-time fee for the Average Low (°F) Senior Pass (citizens 62 and up)

.37 .45 .86 1.28 2.02 1.76 2.21 1.86 1.17 .81 .6 .47

Rain $0 (inches) cost of a Military Pass (active military) and 4.6 6.3 7.8 3.8 .5 .1 0 0 .5 1 3.8 5.7 Access Pass (permanently Snow (inches) disabled U.S. citizens) Source: nps.gov (Estes Park, Colo. stats)

10 . Colorado Trip Planner 2021

COME PLAY IN IT’S OKAY TO

Discover the endless Rocky Mountain adventures awaiting you this winter in Colorado’s Original Playground. Start planning your escape at VisitEstesPark.com