Rocky Mountain National Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Estes Park Aerial Tram safely whisks you above the treetops to the summit of Prospect Mountain. Operating daily from the end of May to early September, the tram is one of the few European-style cable cars operating in the United States. Since its inaugural trip, the tramway has ferried more than 3 million people over the tree line and to the mountain's peak.

Rocky Mountain National Park is an American national park located approximately 55 mi northwest of Denver in north-central Colorado, within the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The eastern and western slopes of the Continental Divide run directly through the center of the park with the headwaters of the Colorado River located in the park's northwestern region. The main features of the park include mountains, alpine lakes and a wide variety of wildlife within various climates.

The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is a window into the past. When the center was built in 1967, its design was based on the historic Rocky Mountain National Park Headquarters building that stood at the same site. Today, the visitor center houses a museum that tells the story of the park and its many visitors. In addition to exhibits on the history of the area, It also features interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the park's wildlife and geology.

Bear Lake Road is a 10.5 mile drive from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center starts at 7,840 ft and climbs up to Bear Lake at 9,475 ft.Along the way, you’ll pass trailheads for hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, the Moraine Park Museum and Sprague Lake. There is a large picnic area and The road ends in the Bear Lake parking lot.

Lily Lake is encircled by an easy, one-mile trail that offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The trail is popular with hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. Lily Lake is a beautiful place to relax and take in the scenery. The trail is well-maintained and features interpretive signage detailing the geological history of the area.

Sheep Lakes is a large meadow with two small lakes in Horseshoe Park, a flat U-shaped valley located just west of the Fall River Entrance.