Rocky Mountain National Park — Attraction in Four Corners States

This weekend was the worst experience at Moraine Campground. I would not recommend camping at Rocky Mountain National if you are a minority. We were enjoying our weekend and decided to leave our campsites and go fishing just like many people do regularly there. When we came back our paper towels were thrown all over the site, bottles of water, dog brush, dish soap and lighter fluid were taken from our site. We had two campsites and one tent was collapsed with the tent poles removed and thrown behind the tent, one tent pole broke off and the tent was torn. On the other campsite we had, the tent was removed and thrown by the tree with one stake left in the ground and the tent pole was removed from the tent and placed in front of it. We were left with a citation for leaving water bottles, dog brush, dish soap and lighter fluid on the table when we left. We went to go talk to Ranger Everett and his story kept changing and he story and none of his explanation made sense as to why he camp to our campsite. He said because the car was not there and there were many tents left without a car in front that morning. The ranger then had two of the park law enforcement officers pull up to our site. The officer said on the radio the four contacts are in his site. They both walked up and approached as if we were the suspects asking about weapons on us. They questioned where we lived when that had nothing to do with our campsite being vandalized. We explained and showed pictures of how we found our tents. One of the officers put his foot on the mallet on the ground because he thought we were a threat to him. He held on to one of our drivers license when if you did not do anything you are given your license back. This officer was short with blonde hair. He came to us right away like we were the suspects and or threat. He told us he was going to question people around our campsite to see if they knew anything and he was more focused on watching us pack up our things. This was the most humiliating experience and I would never come back to Rocky Mountain National Park. The blonde headed officer was going to write up a report so next time we came to the campground it would be on record and everyone would know when we weren’t the individual who vandalized both campsites so we would automatically be targeted for next visit so he automatically profiled us. The other officer Naustrass was very professional, compassionate about the situation and easy to talk to. He never treated us as suspects and was willing to help any way he could. He listened and offered suggestions to help us finish out our night. He offered to go get a tent from his home and come back to help put it up late at night and move us to a safe location. I wish there were more officers like him! He is the only one that deserves 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. We thank you again Officer Nautrass! We appreciated everything you tried to do to finish our last night there.

We did not end up staying our last night because we felt obviously someone didn’t want us there and did know if we would make it through the night. No one should ever feel like this on a trip and it’s sad. Attached is a picture of one of the tents when we came back from fishing. Didn’t get a picture of the other tent because we had to hurry and get out of the area. Most humiliating, uncomfortable and scary experience for us...

Stunning park! Rocky Mountain and the surrounding areas are beautiful, quiet places for a getaway from stress and to unwind. The amazing views and wildlife, along with the darkness to see the Milky Way, make this absolutely perfect for a summer vacation. That being said, I’d like to give a few tips and places to check out while out here.

Most IMPORTANT—Get those timed entries! For the park itself, you should buy a ticket for one of the more popular spots, like Bear Lake. Yes, YOU NEED a timed entry for Bear Lake. We say probably more than half the line for Bear Lake got TURNED AWAY because they did not have a pre-entry. For us, we bought them on the park service site and had a QR code for 3 days of full access at 9–10 a.m.The times don’t mean you have to leave at a specific time; they are only when you can go in. The times 9 a.m.–6 p.m. are only timed entry for the main park and 5 a.m.–6 p.m. for Bear Lake; these are the times you need a pass. So if you go in at 4 a.m. to Bear Lake, you don’t need a pass, and the same is true for Main Park. Yes, Bear Lake is inside the main park.

Bring heavy-duty bug spray!

The bugs in the park are absolutely atrocious; everywhere except the tops of the mountains will have bugs. During the June-August seasons, biting flies and mosquitoes are the biggest problems.

Bring umbrellas

The mountains seem to play a role in the weather quite a bit. Staying in Estes Park every day, it rained from 4-5 p.m., a very strange consistency. Not packing an umbrella was a mistake for us.

Use boost oxygen.

Due to the high elevation of this park, you get more tired and out of breath when exercising or even just going so high up. The boost oxygen cans were a lifesaver! After hiking, using this oxygen really makes you feel ready for the next trail.

Bring the right clothes.

The elevation changes and the weather changes are very important to pay attention to before going. Making sure you pack the right equipment and clothing is crucial to being comfortable and safe. For example, summer: shorts,pants,T-shirts, hoodies, and even a winter coat. The temperature for our time went from the 80s during the day to the 50s at 7 p.m. onwards.

Seeing moose, coyotes, and elk

You will probably see elk and coyotes when traveling normally, but for moose, it is a bit harder and more specific. The west side of the park in the meadows is known for moose, but we ended up seeing one in Sheep’s Lake. Waiting until dawn or dusk is highly recommended because that’s when they are most active. Make sure to keep a safe distance from these animals, as they are very large and powerful.

Download maps

Google Maps has an offline mode, so you can download maps of certain areas. This was especially helpful. because we used this to get around the new roads and traffic near the entrances in the morning.

I have more reviews on my page with pictures and tips for...

Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking destination that encapsulates the stunning beauty of the Colorado Rockies. With its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife, the park offers a wealth of outdoor activities and stunning vistas for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. However, it's essential to plan your visit wisely, especially during the winter and early spring months.

During the winter, many of the park's driving trails, including the famous Trail Ridge Road, are closed due to heavy snowfall and challenging road conditions. This can limit access to some of the most scenic areas of the park. Typically, these roads begin to open up in late spring as the snow melts, making summer the ideal time to explore the park's full offerings. If you visit during the winter or early spring, be prepared for limited access and consider alternative activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or enjoying the tranquility of the snow-covered landscape.

Once the snow has melted and the roads are cleared, Rocky Mountain National Park transforms into a summer paradise. The scenic drives provide access to breathtaking viewpoints, where you can stop and take in panoramic vistas of the majestic mountains and lush valleys. The park’s abundant hiking trails range from easy walks around Bear Lake to challenging hikes like Longs Peak, offering something for every level of hiker.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to see elk, deer, and even the occasional black bear, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon. The park is also home to diverse flora, with colorful wildflowers blanketing the meadows in summer, making it an ideal time for photography.

In addition to the stunning landscapes, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a range of visitor services, including information centers, campgrounds, and ranger-led programs that enhance your experience. The staff are knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the park's ecology, geology, and history, providing a deeper understanding of this natural wonder.

In summary, Rocky Mountain National Park is an awe-inspiring destination that offers unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor adventures. While winter visitors should be aware of closed driving trails and limited access, those who wait for spring to arrive will be rewarded with a spectacular summer experience. Whether you're hiking through wildflower-filled meadows, enjoying scenic drives, or spotting wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression. Just be sure to check road conditions and trail openings before your visit to make the most of this...