Rocky Mountain National Park - Definition and Overview

Moraine Park and the headwaters of the Big Thompson River are in Rocky Mountain National Park

The Rocky Mountain National Park¹ (RMNP) is a national park and wildlife refuge area within the United States National Park System².

Rocky Mountain National Park is very popular year-round because of the majestic mountain views, variety of wildlife, varied climates and environments—from wooded forests to mountain tundra—and easy access to back-country trails and campsites. RMNP is located north-west of Boulder, Colorado in the Colorado Rockies, and includes the Continental Divide and the headwaters of the Colorado River in its land area.

Admission to the park

When visiting RMNP, you need to pay an admission fee for access to the park of up to seven days (one week), or you may buy a season pass to the park which is good for one year. The admission fees help pay for the upkeep of the park and management of the land under the park's control. Park ranger stations are located at each entry road into the park, and a permit to the park can be paid for and received simply by driving up to a park ranger entrance gate and purchasing the permit while remaining in your car. Park rangers are friendly and very knowledgeable about the park and can provide directions to your chosen destination when asked.

Sites of interest

• Trail Ridge Road
• Alpine Visitor's Center
• Bear Lake
• Chasm Lake
• Longs Peak

External links

1. Rocky Mountain National Park official website (http://www.nps.gov/romo/)
2. United States' National Park System (http://www.nps.gov/parks.html)
3. Rocky Mountain National Park Pictures (http://www.nationalparksgallery.com/parks/Rocky-Mountain-National-Park)
4. Photos of Rocky Mountain National Park - Terra Galleria (http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/np.rocky-mountains.html)