INTRODUCTION

Rocky Mountain National Park, located in north-central Colorado astride the Continental Divide, is a breathtaking place. Woodrow Wilson signed the law establishing it as a national park on January 26, 1915. Its more than 415 square miles feature lush valleys and showcase the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains with Longs Peak towering at 14,259 feet.

After a stop at one of the visitor centers, some will drive through the park, admiring the spectacular views and glimpses of wildlife, the wildflowers so abundant in summer, or the golden aspen that glow in autumn. They may be fortunate enough to approach or leave the park via Trail Ridge Road, on which construction began in 1926. Eight miles of this spectacular highway in the sky are above 11,000 feet with one amazing view after another around each curve.

Other visitors may be lucky enough to stay for several days in one of the five drive-in campgrounds or more than 200 backcountry campsites that the park boasts. For those who have time to explore, there are 359 miles of trails for hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders to enjoy in spring, summer, and fall. Anglers can fish many of the streams and lakes. Bird-watchers will be busy spotting everything from songbirds and magpies to eagles and hawks. And photographers will come away with pictures of mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, and cougars. Some hardy visitors will climb peaks. Others who come in winter will enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

The park is rich in history that includes Native Americans; homesteaders; early commercial activities such as mining, logging, and hunting; colorful and demanding construction projects like building Trail Ridge Road, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the creation of the Alva Adams tunnel; and tales of danger and adventure, including lightning strikes, floods, fire, and daring mountain rescues. All who are introduced to this “crown jewel” of the park system will be entranced with Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trail Ridge Road covers 48 miles between Estes Park on Rocky Mountain National Park’s east side and Grand Lake on the west. Travelers in either direction climb 4,000 feet in less than an hour. Eleven miles of the highway are above tree line. The road winds through a vast tundra to its high point at 12,183 feet in elevation. It is the highest continuous paved motor highway in the world.

This 1974 view shows the West Side Headquarters and Kawuneechee Visitor Center. This center and the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center are open every day all year. Other places of interest that open seasonally at various times include the Fall River Visitor Center, Alpine Visitor Center, Lily Lake Visitor Center, Moraine Park Museum, Holzwarth Historic Site, Bear Lake kiosk, and Sheep Lakes and Corral Creek information stations.