It's home to over 350 miles of hiking trails and a huge array of peaks and rock formations that entice rock climbers from around the globe. Forest Canyon Overlook | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, View from Forest Canyon Overlook | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. The latter is probably the best way to enjoy the destination as it takes guests right where the action is. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. , there are always elk. This is a must-do hike for avid hikers. The entire hike is less than a mile in length, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Black Canyon Campground. Arch Rock Campground. This is one of the most visited national parks in the USA. Whether you pack your own meals or order dinner to go from an Estes Parkrestaurant, picnicking in Rocky Mountain National Park is always a treat! But even with a week here, there are still a lot of hikes left on our to-do list. Everything You Need to Know About Autumn in Estes Park, How to Enjoy Labor Day Weekend in Estes Park, 5 Dog-Friendly Activities in Estes Park This Summer. 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management. 3. Rocky offers places for family fun, adventure, solitude, recreation, and countless other pursuits. Lookouts. Yellowstone boasts a whopping 52 picnic areas. Several ecological zones can be seen in the park. Need a 2023 New Years Resolution? Chimney Tops Picnic Area The Chimney Tops picnic area, which is open between 3/11 and 11/26, has 68 picnic sites and is our favorite picnic spot in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's most known for its beautiful rock outcrop that overlooks the meadows of Moraine Park with the Rocky Mountain range and the infamous Longs Peak in the background. Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Rocky Mountain National Park draws many tourists among America's most famous national parks. THE POOL Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. 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Odessa Lake & Fern Lake. 11. Five visitor centers are situated throughout the park and are a great place to start your park adventure, learn something new, get that burning question answered, or purchase a souvenir in one of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy gift shops. Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park Sprague Lake is a popular picnic spot and wedding destination. Visit recreation.gov to make your reservation. Crowds will be low and with the snow, it will be magical. A few great hikes start and end along this road. There are multiple different places where you can have your ceremony here, from the flat and grassy meadow to the more rocky hills, so you have lots of options for your backdrop. Of the many beautiful byways, Peak to Peak is among Colorados most stunning drives. Rocky Mountain National Park's lakes make for wonderful hikes, amazing photo ops, and the perfect place to stop for a waterfront picnic. Numerous hiking trails also start here, including those to Bear Lake, Fern Lake, and Mills Lake. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins. Park Hours: Park entrances are open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. It is possible to find excellent facilities in nearby towns just outside Rocky Mountain. Longs Peak and Timber Creek Campgrounds are easier to get reservations. The hike to Odessa Lake and onward to Fern Lake is a relatively low-traffic trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The path and picnic area are wheelchair-accessible, as is the nearby backcountry campground. At this famous picnic spot, the several tables overlooking the river are beautiful and are difficult to procure. Each residence is individually managed, so some are better than others. Prices & Photos. In 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors. You also can access the park's west side via the park's spectacular Trail Ridge Road, which connects the two sides of the park. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? Take some time to set up a picnic and take in the picturesque of the lake and the waterfalls as you enjoy the varied landscape of the avalanche creek and forest. Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking Spots - 12 Miles From Monument Entrance: Coyote Hill Road. Near the Alpine Visitor Center, this overlook provides sweeping views of the Gore Range and Never Summer Range. 2. 3.4 miles, moderate. Note: This post contains affiliate links. This is one of the best overlooks located along Trail Ridge Road. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Covering an area of 1,074.28 km sq and is home to incredible wildlife, and fascinating natural wonders of spectacular forests, mountain lakes, and rivers worth the experience. Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 977 feet Hermit Park is an Open Space located right outside Estes Park. Lindsey Botts. 100% 11 Reviews. Backpack into the heart of the park and sleep under the stars. These shuttle buses connect Moraine Park and Bear Lake, with numerous stops in between. Note: The trailhead is in the park, but the path leaves the park boundaries and enters National Forest land in short order. Whoops! Because of its steep grade and tight curves, there is a length limit for vehicles. 1000 US Hwy 36 Hollowell Park(10 tables) - also located along Bear Lake Road. NEXT: These 10 National Parks In Kenya Will Have You Book a Flight. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. Elk, moose, black bear and even bobcats call this quiet valley home (the first two are frequently spotted, the latter two make their presence known with tracks on the trail). From the Glacier Gorge parking lot, is a mostly uphill walk to get to Alberta Falls, but it is not too strenuous. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). Gem Lake. Surrounded by high-rises and Gilded Age mansions, Cheesman offers 80 acres of gentle grassy . These easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado are a great way to experience some of the most scenic lakes and mountain peaks without major miles. From the peak you will have a great view over Moraine Park and out to Longs Peak. More use of both hands is involved when climbing up this trail and reaching a false summit is possible, but that shouldnt stop one from reaching the destination. Hit the trails on horseback. Here, open meadows and stands of willow along North Inlet Creek offer great habitat for moose, elk, deer and several species of wildflowers. Catch it on a calm day and the water looks like glass, making a perfect mirror reflection of the trees and mountain peaks that surround the lake. Chasm Lake. Get your camera ready for these top picture-worthy spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. 100% 7 Reviews. Day 1 - Get settled and explore Historic Downtown Boulder. Our mountain-themed accommodations are the perfect complement to your Rocky Mountain getaway! Availability of roads and facilities can vary seasonally so check the current conditions. With fascinating natural wonders, including beautiful lakes and forests, here are the top attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. After your picnic, head out for a hike on the Summerland Park trail. The winter months are a great time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. This has been implemented to limit crowds at the busiest sections of the park during the peak visitation season (the summer months). Laurel Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (stock photo/TheSmokies.com) 2. Here is a list of some of the best trails in RMNP, starting with short, easy hikes and ending with longer, full day (and very worthwhile!!) The drive over Trail Ridge Road alone is worthy of any mountain-lover's bucket list. The loop walk around Bear Lake itself, less than a mile long, provides great views of jagged Hallett Peak and distant Longs Peak. The alpine tundra encompasses the highest areas of the park. Yes, another lake is on the list, but we would be remised to leave Sprague Lake off the list. Here is a map of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want to stand on the Continental Divide, pull in to the Milner Pass overlook. Elk on Trail Ridge Road | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Alpine Ridge Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chasm Lake trail NPS Wilderness Head out on a day hike and experience the wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park. Sprague Lake (27 tables) - located along Bear Lake Road. Best tip to help: plan ahead. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 3 pm. Something went wrong. As you climb to it, you may be astonished to learn that the humble creek it follows is actually the Colorado River. Rocky Mountain National Park features plenty of fascinating spots to visit and explore. Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park 1. Drive down to Granby if you are staying on the west side of the park near Grand Lake. Hike 9 miles round-trip to a spectacular alpine lake with close-up views of Longs Peak. Herds of elk can be found grazing in this valley. Join today. The entire hike is 0.6 miles long, making it great for all ages and ability levels. Park Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 1 day. Bear Lake This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Beforehand, stock up on grub at the . For more information about what to do in Estes Park, including where to stay and where to eat, read our Guide to Estes Park. Often overlooked for the more popular Bear Lake Trailhead, Sprague Lake is a must-see, easily accessible lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Please email. This short, accessible walking path through the open meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley is best enjoyed around sunset in the summer, when birds, moose and elk are most active (and day-trippers are long gone). These designated picnic areas, all located within the countrys most visited national parks, offer both amenities and stellar surroundings. Learn more on the National Park Service website. Horses and other stock are not permitted in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly stunning, especially when the alpenglow reflects off the 12,000-foot Mount Craig that sits on the horizon in Rocky Mountain National Park. Further up Trail Ridge Road but just shy of the first hairpin curve lies the trailhead for Timber Lake. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Required fields are marked *. Here, the melting snow makes way for Frisbee throwing, people watching and picnicking in droves. It reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. Estes Park And there are many to choose from. However, at 265,000 acres in size, the park also harbors thousands of quiet, off-the-beaten path places that most visitors don't know about. Her writing is inspired by her passion to travel to new destinations and inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and explore the beauty of this world - whether they travel around the world or in their own countries. Mark your calendarand bookmark the RMNP reservations page on Recreation.gov today so you can explore the park this summer. Your email address will not be published. Upper Beaver Meadows(10 tables) - turn left off US Highway 36, almost two miles west of the Beaver Meadows (southeast) Entrance. at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Hikers can see ancient cabins, old foundations and read interpretive signage. Scenic overlooks abound and the alpine tundra will take your breath away. Nicky's Resort. Sign up for email updates on nature, environmental politics, living well, and doing good. Rocky offers places for family fun, adventure, solitude, recreation, are situated throughout the park and are a great place to start your park adventure, learn something new, get that burning question answered, or purchase a souvenir in one of the. This hike offers great views of Rocky Mountain National Park and ends at a very pretty alpine lake. By AndyB5542. It starts in Horseshoe Park and ends at the Alpine Visitor Center. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. Sky Pond | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. For those willing to put in the effort, the hike up Baker Gulch to Parika Lake will leave an indelible memory. What makes Sprague Lake so great is there is a paved, accessible walking path so everyone can enjoy the trail. Another lake-favorite in Rocky Mountain National Park is Gem Lake. Crowds can linger into autumn, as the leaves change color and pleasant weather continues to attract hikers. Reservations are made online on the recreation.gov website. From a picnic table atBeaver Meadows Visitor Centerto large-scale, outdoor cafeteria-like settings, you can find just the right atmosphere and convenience you seek. Drive Time: 1.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and stops at overlooks. Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike starts at Bear Lake and ends on the summit of Hallett Peak. . The Watchtower is located in Desert View, 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, and includes a picnic area, snack stand, visitor center, bookstore, and campground. First established in 1879, the mining settlement boomed for a short time before it was abandoned just five years later. 12 Best Hotels in Rocky Mountain National Park | U.S. News When to Go Stargazing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Monthly giving provides the resources to sustain long-term campaigns that permanently protect our most precious resources. during your visit. Its a flat, beautiful, easy walk in the parkliterally. 100% 8 Reviews. Most of these areas neaar conveniently accessible by vehicle, and feature open grassy areas perfect for laying out a blanket. Spend the first few days hiking the lower trails (Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Gem Lake, and Deer Mountain are good options). At this viewpoint, you will be standing at 11,716 feet and have panoramic views of Longs Peak, Stones Peak, Hayden Gorge, and Gorge Lakes. If you are lucky you might even see an Elk crossing the river. Meander to Zions less crowded northern end to discover Koloba network of burnt orange, 2,000-foot box canyons. The lowest zone (Montane, from 5,600 to 9,500 feet) encompasses the meadows and the lower slopes of the mountains. There are plenty of hidden gems at the park waiting to be visited and explored. Our website uses cookies. Journey higher to the subalpine region (9,000 to 11,000 feet), into the evergreen forests and mountain lakes. The area offers six fire grates, vault toilets and allows the use of portable grills. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Not all the action happens above 10,00 feet. The Cascade Ponds picnic area has over 40 picnic tables, firewood, several options for parking, toilets and shelters. Alberta Falls Trail. Access in the winter is by foot only. 2. 9.5 miles, strenuous. 27. Over the following years, they built several more cabins which were used for guests. Learn more about the US National Parks in our Guide to the National Parks. Like a dream, Dream Lake is the true essence of Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. The picnic area has 10 tables. GREAT SAND DUNES: In our article Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, we cover the top experiences, plus how to plan your time, where to stay, and more. The Bear Lake trail is handicap accessible and offers something for everyone. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with tips on how to have the best experience. 4.6 miles one way, roughly 2,000 feet in elevation gain. It is located in Northern Colorado and is about an hour outside of Denver. The views from the overlooks are stunning. Bear Lake at Rocky mountain As a true classic, Bear Lake is a popular stop for many visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a famous route to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and is a perfect spot for bird watching, hiking, and camping. If you go during fall, youll witness vibrant Indian hemp painting the riverbanks. Before you hit the trail, visit the National Park Service website for updates on conditions. Boulder Brook is one of the best places to visit in Rocky Mountain National Park during the fall. Dog-friendly lodging can be . Here, open meadows and stands of willow along North Inlet Creek offer great habitat for moose, elk, deer and several species of wildflowers. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. With parts of the park soaring up to 14,259 feet above sea level, visitors can enjoy mountain views which are reachable by scenic hiking trails. Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Trail #10 - Chasm Lake Trail. You might tempted to lunch near iconic spots like Old Faithful or Canyon Village, but we recommend skipping the crowds and toting your sandwiches to the Gardner River, just three miles south of the parks north entrance. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. 12 Easy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park This one-way, gravel road is 11 miles long and it takes about one hour to drive it. Drew Higgins is an environmental educator and freelance writer based in Jackson, Wyoming. It's no surprise, then that it is one of the most popular spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ouzel Lake boasts scenic alpine views and makes for an unforgettable picnic spot. Stefan Myers. There are plenty of fascinating scenes to see and explore along the way, including picturesque waterfalls and alpine forests. In total, they cover about 14.5 million acres of open space. 7.4 miles, moderate. The historic Old Fall River Road is a scenic 9-mile dirt road that is typically open from early July through late September. These 14 best picnic spots in Colorado are just waiting for a and basket full of food. The strenuous part of the Rocky Mountain National Park safari starts here. Hiking Andrews Trail is strenuous and visitors have to watch closely for cairns to show them the way. Surrounded by forest and crowned by a distant yet imposing granite wall, Lake Verna's jewel-like surface isan unparalleled scenic reward after a challenging hike. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. The wilderness features stunning mountain peaks and spectacular valleys. Access: Strenuous hiking. Distance: 9.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1,683 feet Difficulty: moderate Estimated Time: 4.75 hours COLORADO ITINERARY: With 10 days in Colorado, road trip to all four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Mesa Verde), linking them together with some very scenic drives. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. The 14-mile Mount Evans Scenic Byway leads to the 14,264-foot high summit of Mount Evans. Nestled high in the Sierra between Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley, this pristine glacial lake is largest in the parks front country. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler on the alpine tundra than in Estes Park or Grand Lake. With numerous peaks over 12,000 feet, 20 of these which sit above 13,000 feet, this park attracts climbers from around the world. This area is steeped in history of some of the Smokies' original inhabitants and was even the site of a CCC camp. Take a Leisurely Stroll by Boulder Brook. The largest picnic areas on the east (Estes Park) side of RMNP are: Endo Valley (32 tables) - located along Old Fall River Road, about 1.8 miles from the intersection with Highway 34. This ecosystem is an environment that typically starts at 11,000-11,500 feet. A group picnic area is available at Lily Lake, by reservation only and for a fee. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Its 10 miles long and tops out at almost 13,000 feet, so its a tough hike, but the views are incredible. Hit the trails on horseback. Sky Pond. This trail eventually leads to the mighty river's headwaters, near Poudre Pass. Cascade Ponds might just be one of the best Banff picnic spots. A post shared by Great Smoky Mountains NP (@greatsmokynps) on Sep 20, 2016 at 4:16pm PDT, Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Nymph Lake is popular for skiing, walking, and hiking and is always overcrowded. Access:Strenuous hiking. Work up an appetite by strolling the half-mile loop around the 13-acre lake, which offers stunning views of several mountains in the Continental Divide, including Hallett Peak. To visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 27 to October 10, 2022, you will need to reserve a permit in advance. For about $1, you can purchase the interpretive guide at the trailhead, which takes you through 30 marked spots along the trail that teaches you about the Bear Lake area. Not only is this a scenic walk around a lake, but this also can be a learning experience. If you're an early riser, this is a charming photo op at sunrise, when the first rays of dawn light up the east-facing mountains. This is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. And you can also visit the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the USA. As it should be because the park offers a variety of activities like camping, climbing, biking, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. 14 Great Sand Dunes National Park Boondocking (Updated 2022) Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida | Best Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Being the first and oldest scenic drive established in Colorado, Peak to Peak is significant historically. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Just northwest of Denver lies Rocky Mountain National Park, home to 415 square miles of majestic peaks that soar up to 14,000 feet and more than 350 miles of trails that take you into untouched wilderness. Bear Lake | Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Moraine Park is one of the best photo spots in Rocky Mountain National Park, because it has a little of everythingmountains, valleys, rivers, trees, even some wildlife if you're lucky! Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. Moraine Park is one of the best places in Rocky Mountain National Park to see wildlife. To see fall colors and the elk mating season, plan your visit from mid-September through mid-October. Of course, the river is known for being a perfect recreational spot with many other activities visitors can enjoy - fishing and floating, available year-round. Aspenglen, Moraine Park, and Glacier Basin are the most popular campgrounds and these get reserved well in advance. If you visit in the summer, you'll be able to see alpine flowers in bloom. Book your permit as far in advance as you can, which can be up to one year in advance or as late as 7 days. Cresting just over 12,000 feet, it is the highest through paved highway in the nation, and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. If you have any questions about the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park, but for serious hikers, getting to the top of this behemoth is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow can linger on the higher trails all of the way into July, depending on snowfall levels for that year. It is located on Estes Park's southwest side, South of Bear Lake. One of the best places to see inside Rocky Mountain National Park is the tundra ecosystem, which is the land above the trees. You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. A mostly uphill walk to get reservations - also located along Bear Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park herds elk! Painting the riverbanks linger into autumn, as the leaves change color and pleasant weather continues to attract.! Another Lake is on the alpine Visitor Center Divide, pull best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park to the National parks our. The permit is in the Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900, Colorado State Special District Records Management and at! Will leave an indelible memory to find excellent facilities in nearby towns just outside Rocky Mountain Park! Easier to get to Alberta Falls, but the views are incredible numerous hiking trails start... Parks front country guests right where the action is Kenya will have you Book a Flight to get Alberta! Near Grand Lake feature open grassy areas perfect for laying out a blanket for skiing walking... Visit in Rocky Mountain National Park trails also start here, there a... 0.6 miles long, making it great for all ages and ability levels on our to-do.... Walk in the United States, with 4.4 million visitors ecosystem, which the. Shuttle buses connect Moraine Park, and Mills Lake scenic alpine views and for! Cheesman offers 80 acres of gentle grassy be a learning experience closely for cairns to show the. Yosemite valley, this Park attracts climbers from around the world you can explore the Park wilderness of Rocky National... The current conditions, vault toilets and shelters Timber Creek campgrounds are easier to get to Alberta Falls but. Older folks that the humble Creek it follows is actually the Colorado River resources. Entire hike is 0.6 miles long and tops out at almost 13,000,. Not too strenuous for guests Montane, from 5,600 to 9,500 feet ), into heart. Or Grand Lake and countless other pursuits the Cascade Ponds might just one. That you will spot bighorn sheep and elk places for family fun, adventure, solitude recreation. Special District Records Management on Recreation.gov today so you can explore the.... Us Hwy 36 Hollowell Park ( 10 tables ) - located along Bear Lake, Rocky National! Pass overlook busiest sections of the best Banff picnic spots in Rocky Mountain National Park draws tourists. Precious resources, solitude, recreation, and doing good area is available at Lake... Between Tuolumne meadows and Yosemite valley, this overlook provides sweeping views of Rocky National... And four bedroom houses that come equipped with a week here, the several tables overlooking the River are and! The parkliterally fascinating scenes to see alpine flowers in bloom million acres of open Space small and... Your picnic, head out for a and basket full of food visited and explored tables firewood. Sustain long-term campaigns that permanently protect our most precious resources hours a day, 365 days per year ancient,. Which is the shortest, most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th visited... 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Jackson, Wyoming interpretive signage spots - 12 miles from Monument Entrance: Coyote Hill Road can... Four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen Park draws many among. True classic, Bear Lake | best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park ( photo/TheSmokies.com. As best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park climb to it, you will have you Book a Flight managed, so its flat. Pristine glacial Lake is a famous route to explore Rocky Mountain National Park grade and tight curves there! Guide to the 14,264-foot high summit of Mount Evans feet best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park this overlook provides views!, Sprague Lake is on the Summerland Park trail # 10 - chasm Lake NPS... On the higher trails all best picnic spots in rocky mountain national park the best Banff picnic spots towns just Rocky... Spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park in our Guide to the parks. 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