Arches National Park Reservations

US National Parks that Require Reservations – 2024 Guide

Julie National Park, United States 4 Comments

Due to growing popularity and visitation, there are now eleven National Parks that require a reservation in advance. This includes timed entry reservations, vehicle reservations to drive a particular road, or a hiking permit for select trails. Why are National Parks Requiring Reservations? For the last 10 years, visitation in the US national parks has steadily been growing. Contrary to …

National Parks in October

13 Best National Parks to Visit in October 2024 (USA)

Julie National Park, United States 4 Comments

In October, fall colors sweep across much of the United States. The majority of the parks that you will see on this list are parks that are ablaze in fall colors. Some of these are obvious picks, such as Acadia and Shenandoah, but a few may surprise you. In this guide, we list 13 beautiful national parks to visit in …

Grand Teton in September

12 Best National Parks to Visit in September 2024 (USA)

Julie National Park, United States 1 Comment

September is one of the best months of the year to visit the national parks. The weather is fantastic across much of the USA, the busy summer season is coming to an end, and, in some parks, you can see the first of the fall colors. In this guide, we list 12 of the best national parks to visit in …

Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary

15 Best National Parks to Visit in June 2024 (USA)

Julie National Park, United States 2 Comments

The list of US national parks to visit in June is wonderfully long and diverse. Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, go hiking in the Rocky Mountains, spend some time in the tranquil forests in Olympic and Sequoia National Parks, and explore one of the most underrated US national parks, Wrangell-St. Elias. About this National Park Series This …

Virgin Islands National Park

10 Best National Parks to Visit in February 2024 (USA)

Julie National Park, United States Leave a Comment

Which are the best US national parks to visit in February? The answer to that question depends on whether or not you prefer a warm destination or if you want to explore a winter wonderland. Most of the parks on this list have you escaping the cold, wintry weather, with the exception of one beautiful park. About this National Park …

Great Sand Dunes

Ultimate Guide to the Colorado National Parks (+ 10 Day Itinerary)

Julie United States Leave a Comment

There are four Colorado national parks: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Great Sand Dunes. The landscapes that these national parks protect are dramatically different from one another. In Rocky Mountain National Park, journey high into the Rocky Mountains, cross the Continental Divide, and hike to gorgeous alpine lakes and waterfalls. Get a history lesson at …

Colorado Itinerary

7 to 14 Day Colorado Itinerary: National Parks & Scenic Drives

Julie United States 79 Comments

With four national parks, numerous national forests and state parks, plus historic towns scattered throughout the Rocky Mountains, Colorado makes an awesome road trip destination. On this Colorado itinerary, you will visit all four national parks (Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Rocky Mountain National Parks), linking them together with gorgeous scenic drives. About this …

One Day in RMNP

One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park

Julie United States 22 Comments

If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, what should you do? The answer to this question depends on several factors…the time of year you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, if you are traveling with children, how much you like to hike, and if you are acclimated to the higher elevation. With one day in …

Scenic Drives in Colorado

9 Spectacular Scenic Drives in Colorado

Julie United States 6 Comments

Colorado is the perfect road trip destination. The Rocky Mountains, the national parks and state parks, the historic towns, and the diverse landscapes are all linked together by some of the most beautiful drives in the United States. Drive some of the highest roads in the United States and twist and turn through verdant valleys and canyons. Here are 9 …

Estes Park from Twin Sisters

Best of Estes Park: Things to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay

Julie United States 6 Comments

Estes Park is the gateway into Rocky Mountain National Park. This small town is home to numerous hotels and restaurants, making it the perfect home base for exploring the Rocky Mountains. But if you need a break from exploring the national park, there are a bunch of fun things to do in town. In this post, we cover the best …

Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary

The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary (2024)

Julie United States 68 Comments

If you are planning your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best US national parks to go hiking. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. If you are an avid …

Tombstone Ridge RMNP

How to Hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge, RMNP

Julie United States 6 Comments

The Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is a wonderful, short, easy hike to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the entire hike, you are walking along the alpine tundra with unobstructed views of Longs Peak and Forest Canyon. If you are looking for an easy hike with spectacular views of Rocky Mountain Park, put this hike at the top …

Rocky Mountain NP Guide

10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Julie United States 20 Comments

With lofty mountain peaks, hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes and waterfalls, wildlife, and a scenic drive along one of the highest roads in the USA, Rocky Mountain National Park is a joy to explore. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with tips on how to have the best experience. …

Chasm Lake and Longs Peak

How to Hike Chasm Lake: Helpful Tips, Hiking Stats & Photos

Julie United States 11 Comments

Chasm Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. For the first part of the hike, you will walk the same trail as hikers on their way to Longs Peak, the highest point in the park. Once the trail splits, the hike gets a little easier and you are treated to breathtaking views of Longs …

National Parks Hikes

20 Fun, Short Hikes in the National Parks

Julie United States 6 Comments

One of the best ways to experience the national parks is from a hiking trail. Hike to amazing viewpoints, deep into the forests, through scenic canyons, and to hidden lakes and waterfalls. Along the way, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife and potentially leaving the crowds behind. Here are 20 fun, short hikes in the national parks. Every …

Continental Divide Mt Ida

How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida, RMNP

Julie United States 4 Comments

While hiking to Mt Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. For much of this hike you walk along the Continental Divide, so you have panoramic views across the park. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt Ida. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches …

Nymph Dream and Emerald Lake Hike

Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lake Hike (+ How to Add on Bear Lake & Lake Haiyaha)

Julie United States 13 Comments

The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. On this hike, you get to see three very pretty alpine lakes (Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake), with the option to add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. The Emerald …

Longs Peak

Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP

Tim United States 2 Comments

The Twin Sisters Peak trail, which crosses between Rocky Mountain National Park and the Roosevelt National Forest, offers 360° views from the top of the Twin Sisters Peaks. Since this hike is on the far eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, you get a panoramic view of the national park, with Longs Peak and Mount Meeker in the foreground. …

Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park

15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Julie United States 15 Comments

Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain …

Deer Mountain Hike Colorado

How to Hike Deer Mountain, RMNP | Helpful Tips, Trail Stats, Photos

Julie United States 2 Comments

Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. To get to the peak, it’s an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. You will get occasional glimpses of Longs Peak early on during the hike, but for the most part, you will have to wait until you reach the …