Wildlife
While on any hike be sure to lookout for wildlife. The west side of the park is better for spotting mammals that dwell in marshy environments, such as moose and beavers. The east side is great for spotting elk and black bear. A seasonal treat is visiting the park during the month of September during the elk's mating season (called "the rut").
During this time you can hear bugling throughout the day and often witness bulls locking horns for the affection of the females. This also comes when the autumn leaves begin to change color, most notably the aspen groves, which bring a whole new level of majesty to the park.
You can also find wild turkey, bighorn sheep, Abert's squirrels, Steller's jays, elusive mountain lions and the noble pikas. Pikas are the smallest member of the rabbit family and only live at high elevations; they are notable for their constant foraging and high-pitched squeaks.
More: Where to View Unique Wildlife
Camping
There are five drive-in campgrounds within the park:
- Glacier Basin (Has both regular and group sites)
- Aspenglen
- Moraine Park Campground
- Longs Peak Trailhead Campground
- Timber Creek (The only campground on the West side of the park)
Remember: Campgrounds are always subject to closer due to weather or construction so be sure to double check your plans before embarking on any adventure.
There are also backcountry permits available upon request. These permits are required for cross-country zones—up to 2 nights allowed—and designated backcountry sites. There are two backcountry offices in the park, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in the east and Kawuneeche Visitor Center in the west. These offices are open seven days a week and you can call them for all updates on backcountry camping in the park.
Rocky Mountain National Park has a lot to offer, from the breadth of Trail Ridge Road to the diversity in all of the hikes. One day, one season, one lifetime of exploration could never seem like enough—there will always be reasons to revisit Rocky. But whenever you do leave, you'll be filled with that same sense of pride all the locals have. You'll be eager to find a newcomer and point to the heavens, saying: "That one; it's that one."
Want more national park guides? Checkout: Joshua Tree NP, Sequoia NP, Capitol Reef NP
Find a Campground at ReserveAmerica.com.
