Moon Rocky Mountain National Park: Hike, Camp, See Wildlife

by Erin English

Overview

Hike to stunning glaciers and waterfalls, savor the solitude of the mountains, and sleep under the stars: an unforgettable adventure awaits with Moon Rocky Mountain National Park. Inside you'll find:

• Flexible Itineraries: Unique and adventure-packed ideas ranging from one day in the park to a week-long trip, with tips for family fun, winter adventures, and visiting all the glaciers
• The Best Hikes in Rocky: Detailed trail descriptions with mileage, elevation gains, individual trail maps, and backpacking options
• Experience the Outdoors: Hike the dramatic glacier-formed gorges to find jaw-dropping waterfalls and spot elk, moose, and bighorn sheep along the way. Join in on a summertime ranger program, snowshoe to a ghost town in the winter, or catch the annual Perseid meteor shower in August. Take an adventurous bike tour, try your hand at rock climbing or fishing, and set up camp for a night under the stars (and a spectacular sunrise, too!)
• How to Get There: Up-to-date information on gateway towns, park entrances, park fees, and tours
• Where to Stay: From campgrounds to B&Bs to the iconic Stanley Hotel, find the best spots to kick back, both inside and outside the park
• Planning Tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
• Expertise and Know-How from seasoned explorer and Rocky Mountain local Erin English

Experience the magnificent natural beauty of Colorado's Rockies with Moon Rocky Mountain National Park.


Visiting more of North America's national parks? Try Moon Zion & Bryce or Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton. Trying to hit them all? Check out Moon USA National Parks.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781640498174
Publisher:	Avalon Publishing
Publication date:	06/23/2020
Series:	Travel Guide
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	1,069,949
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 7.40(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Erin English lives for the next hike or backpacking adventure. A Colorado resident since 2003, she has hiked and camped extensively throughout the state and in nearby Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana. Shortly after moving to Boulder, Colorado, she visited Rocky Mountain National Park on the recommendation of a friend, who proclaimed it "the best national park ever." Erin wasn't one to disagree. So began a long love affair with Rocky's lakes, waterfalls, trails, wildlife, and secluded backcountry campsites. The park is her go-to place for relaxation and solitude.


During her 23-year career as a journalist, Erin has produced content for print, web, and television. Additionally, she has worked for numerous environmental nonprofits. She holds a particular passion for working outdoors with individuals with disabilities, and has served as a volunteer Nordic skiing instructor for the Eldora Special Recreation Program in Boulder, as well as the marketing director for the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte.


As a freelance writer, Erin specializes in topics relating to travel, the outdoors, and mountain town life. She lives in Crested Butte, Colorado, where she enjoys hiking, skiing, and camping with her family.

Table of Contents

Discover Rocky Mountain National Park 6

10 Top Experiences 10

Planning Your Trip 18

If You're Looking for 20

Rocky Mountain Vicinity Campgrounds 25

The Best of Rocky Mountain National Park 28

Best in One Day 30

Family Fun 32

Best Day Hikes 33

Gaga for Glaciers 35

Escape the Crowds 35

Winter Adventures 36

Bear Lake and the East Side 38

Exploring the Park 42

Sights 47

Recreation 53

Entertainment and Shopping 73

Food 74

Camping 75

Transportation and Services 77

Longs Peak and Wild Basin 80

Exploring the Park 83

Sights 87

Recreation 92

Entertainment and Shopping 114

Food 115

Accommodations 116

Camping 119

Transportation and Services 121

Trail Ridge Road 122

Exploring the Park 124

Sights 129

Recreation 145

Entertainment and Shopping 153

Food 154

Camping 155

Transportation and Services 156

Kawuneeche Valley 158

Exploring the Park 161

Sights 164

Recreation 168

Entertainment and Shopping 185

Food 186

Camping 187

Transportation and Services 188

Lumpy Ridge and the Mummy Range 190

Lumpy Ridge 192

Mummy Range 210

Long Draw and Corral Creek 214

Gateways 223

Estes Park 225

Grand Lake 251

Arapaho National Recreation Area 270

Background 281

The Landscape 281

Plants and Animals 290

History 300

Essentials 305

Getting There 305

Getting Around 312

Recreation 316

Travel Tips 327

Resources 337

Suggested Reading 337

Internet Resources 340

Index 342

List of Maps 348