Those who want to explore the tundra should head up to Mt. Ida is a walk-up peak that offers commanding views of remote areas. alpine lakes. The 9.6-mile round trip starts at Milner Pass (nearly 11,000 feet) and climbs up a rocky mountain ridge until Ida’s Summit. For this hike, you’ll need a decent level of fitness and basic route-finding skills. You will also need a clear weather forecast.
Rocky Mountain’s 14 259-foot high point Longs Peak, is the park’s most coveted summit—and it’s a whopper. The Class-3 Keyhole Route—meaning you’ll need both hands and feet to ascend the steep upper reaches—requires a predawn start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, 15 miles of hiking, and 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Longs Peak is for experienced, fit hikers.
Check out our guide to the top hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Horseback riding
From a horse, park trails are even more beautiful. Hi Country/Glacier Creek Stables There is only one horseback riding outfit that operates in the park. It offers two-, five- and three-hour rides, departing Sprague Lake, for $110, $140 and $245, respectively.
Fishing
Fly-fishing The pristine lakes of Rocky Mountain attract anglers as cutthroats do to the a woolly bugger. The majority of park waters allow casting for cutthroat, brook, rainbow and brown trout. Some of the best fishing is found in backcountry lakes. Kirks Flyshop In Estes Park, you can rent gear and go on guided tours.
Snowshoeing
Visitors can also explore many of the trails during winter: just strap in a pair snowshoes, and you’re off. Mills Lake is a 5.6 mile round trip from Glacier Gorge. Rangers lead guided snowshoe treks Both the east and the west sides of this park are free (reservations required).
Wildlife Watching
There are no guarantees when it comes time to spot wild animals. In the excellent habitat of the park, the chances are good to spot an A-list species. Elk are more likely to gather in Moraine Park and Kawuneeche on the west side, particularly during rutting season in October. Moose prefer the west side of the park, especially the willowy and marshy areas near the Colorado River. Sheep Lakes is a great place to see bighorn sheep in the late spring or early summer. The salty soil there attracts this iconic ungulate. You can spot marmots by driving Trail Ridge Road or hiking along bouldery areas.
Stargazing
Low light pollution allows the Milky Way to really stand out above the mountains. Rangers use telescopes to lead astronomy sessions every few weeks during the summer. These programs are usually timed around the new moon, which is when the skies are the darkest. Bring a headlamp that is red (it will preserve your vision at night) and get a close-up look at celestial wonders such as constellations and planets.
