3 Suggestions For Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park

3 Suggestions For Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is finest identified for its incredible scenic hiking trails, breathtaking alpine scenery, and abundance of wildlife. With so many things to see and do, there’s a little bit bit of something, for everybody, in the Rockies.


Here are our top three tips for getting the most out of your subsequent journey to the Rocky Mountains:

1 Get Acclimated
Rocky Mountain National Park starts at the already-lofty elevation of seven,840 ft and extends all the way as much as 14,259 feet at the summit of Longs Peak. Sadly, when you’re not properly acclimated, the high altitude can put a critical damper on your adventure plans.


Decrease oxygen levels can result in labored breathing, elevated coronary heart rate, headaches, fatigue, and even nausea. Because your body is working on overdrive to take in oxygen, it’s more liable to Altitude Sickness and different altitude-associated symptoms.


Fortunately, getting acclimated is pretty easy and straightforward. So, earlier than you go full-on-adventure mode, you may want to consider the next suggestions:


Keep hydrated
There’s no such thing as an excessive amount of H20 in a temperate climate just like the Rockies. Attempt to keep away from caffeinated, sugary drinks as much as potential and drink a ton of water to keep your self hydrated.

Layer up

Not only must you control the weather, however you should assume that temperatures will change throughout the day – they often do in the Rockies. Layer your clothing or pack appropriately to be sure you can maintain your core body temperature, regardless of where you're in the park. Packing lightweight, well-insulated sweatshirts, like the Ororo Heated Hoodie, or a fleece-lined, waterproof jacket, just like the Ororo Heated Jacket, will give you versatility and luxury in Rocky Mountain’s varying climates.


Take it simple
It’s understandable that you just’re eager to hit the paths, however you may wish to consider grabbing an excellent book, throwing on a comfortable jacket, and spending the afternoon hanging around in a hammock. Low-impact actions, notably on your first day, are top-of-the-line things you can do to get acclimated.


Eat high-calorie meals
If you happen to’re searching for a guilt-free reason to take pleasure in your favorite high-calorie camp meal, you’ll be stoked to find out that consuming more calories is an effective way to help your body acclimate to high altitudes. At high altitudes, your body is working harder and needs more fuel, so, pack an additional Snickers in your daypack before you hit the path! Snickers.

2 Take a Hike
What better option to experience the fantastic thing about the Rockies, than by taking a stroll into the woods? With over 300 miles of hiking trails to choose from, there’s a path for every type of hiker in rocky mountain posters Mountain National Park. Hikes range from highly accessible wilderness walks to arduous treks up 14,000-foot peaks, so that you’ll want to do some pre-planning before you arrive.


That will help you slender down your should-hike list, we’ve included the highest three hikes within the park below:


Bear Lake Loop: A brief .6-mile stroll that offers views of Hallet, Longs Peak, and early morning reflections in a subalpine lake. This trailhead additionally supplies access to a few other notable trails: Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake.

Mt. Ida: A crowned-jewel of the park, this 9.6-mile out and back path gives sweeping views of the alpine tundra, as well as Mummy Range, Mt. Julian, Longs Peak, and different notable Rocky Mountain landmarks.

Fern Lake: A 7.eight-mile trek that ends in incredible views of Notchtop and Little Matterhorn. Hike this path to expertise cascading waterfalls, subalpine lakes, and a chance to view some wildlife!

As a normal rule of thumb, hikers needs to be aware of lightning and storm risks when hiking at higher elevations. Try to keep away from notorious afternoon thunderstorms by hiking within the morning and packing proper gear.

three Take a Drive
One of the crucial unique experiences present in Rocky Mountain National Park Is the 48-mile Trail Ridge Road, which stretches between Estes Park and Grand Lake. Known by locals because the ‘highway to the sky,’ Trail Ridge Road is the highest steady paved road within the United States and crosses the Continental Divide at an astonishing 12,183 feet.


In addition to offering awe-inspiring views of the Rockies and a variety of wildlife sightings, Trail Ridge Road also offers a uncommon alternative to drive beyond the thick subalpine forest into the alpine tundra. In reality, eleven miles of the highway extends above the tree line!


Roughly midway through your adventure, you may drop by the Alpine Customer Center, the highest visitor’s heart within the National Park System, and grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.


Weather circumstances alongside Trail Ridge Road, significantly in the alpine tundra, are identified to be unpredictable and resemble weather you’d find within the Canadian Arctic. It’s commonplace for guests to expertise extraordinarily high winds and temperatures which might be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than neighboring Estes Park. Don’t overlook to pack your Ororo Heated Jacket, so that you get warmer, faster, and are protected against the wind on your alpine journey!