Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

It has been around 25 years since I last visited RMNP and there is no way I can remember the special places! I spent a week traveling to many areas of the park but at that time I was 40 with good knees! There are some good three to five mile hikes to some of the nicer water falls but the old knees aren't up to that today. Suggestions for the best places with no more than a half mile hike would be appreciated.

Gitzo Loc: Indiana

I don't know what part of Colorado you're most interested in seeing, but if I was going, I wouldn't even go to RMNP; if you will be in (or going through ) Denver, on the west side of Denver and a mile or two south of I-70 there is an area that I think they call "Red Rock Park"; (we saw signs telling about it when we stopped along I-70 to examine a big rock cut that was made when I-70 was built ); anyway, Red Rock Park is a "must see" on anyone's trip, and you won't need to do any walking to see it.

The area of Colorado that I really love is way west and south of Denver; find Durango on a map, just 20 miles north of New Mexico, and maybe 60 miles east of Utah; if you drive the road north from Durango to Silverton, (40 or 50 miles) and another 10 miles north to Ouray, you'll see more more high mountain scenery that many people ever see in a life time, and you won't even have to get out of your car! (But having a rock solid, VERY good driver is an absolute MUST! (You don't want any "newbies" driving on that road! )

In 50 miles of driving you'll see at least two dozen 14,000 ft. mountains, and they all look different.

If you go to Red Rock Park I was mentioning, you'll see something that you won't see any place else; there is a huge rock formation that underlies much of Colorado, western Nebraska and Kansas that geologists call the "Morrison Formation"; in most places, this rock formation is anywhere from a mile to two miles under the Earth's surface; in Red Rock Park, (because of the "uplifting" that created the Rocky Mountains ), the Morrison Formation was "uplifted" to almost vertical, and breaks the surface! The rocks from this formation are among the very first rocks that were formed when Planet Earth was being "formed"! If you have even the slightest interest in geology, don't miss visiting Red Rock Park!

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

I was there in June and loved it, saw a lot of wild life. I found this website which will give you more information on
photo possibilities in the Denver area. Enjoy your trip. Gary http://www.colorado.com/articles/99-gorgeous-places-colorado-part-1-postcard-places

CO

I also drove the San Juan Skyway from Durango to Silverton and Ouray a couple of years ago. Ouray must be the coolest town in the United States with all sorts of little restaurants and shops. In Silverton. you would think you've gone back to the 1800's because they've made sure all of the structures are as they were at the time. It really takes nerves of steel to drive parts of the San Juan skyway as there are many high, steep drop-offs and very few guard rails. They told me the reason for so few guard rails is so the plow trucks can push the snow over the edge when they plow in the winter. Below are photos I took of Twilight Peak, one of the Durango-Silverton trains in Silverton, and Mesa Verde which is not far from Durango.

cbabcock

RMNP is one place you can enjoy spectacular mountain views from your car. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous auto road in the country, well over 12,000 ft in elevation at the top, going from Estes Park to Grand Lake. It might possible be closed due to snow by the time you get there, but if you are approaching from the Estes Park side there will still be plenty to see.
Wild Basin, in the South end of the Park, has some short hikes, lakes, and streams. It is South of Longs Peak, which is spectacular.
The Fall River Pass road is beautiful, and has just reopened to traffic. It, too, can be closed due to snow at the top.
Any of the roads in the Park provide an opportunity to pull over and take a hike. At some places you have to stay on established trails. You will get a map at the entrance station.
This time of year is mating season for the elk. There are places where you can observe, and hear, elk bugling, maybe watch bull elk battling.
Estes Park is a treat.
Just to the East is the city of Loveland, which has the most spectacular sculpture park. Benson Park has dozens of sculptures, providing lots of chances for picture taking, and it is free.
This part of Colorado is within a couple of hours of Denver.

chaprick

Lots of Elk in RMNP and you can get close to them. Also, at the higher elevations you can see Marmots.

Outdoorsafe Loc: Colorado Springs

I was in RMNP two weeks ago. The elk rut is a little late this year probably because it has been abnormally hot for the time of year but they are beginning to gather in the parks. I traveled the Durango-Silverton-Ouray-Ridgeway-Telluride-Cotrez loop three days ago and the fall colors are the best I have ever seen. I spent four days in Ouray attending a photo workshop going out early every morning and came away with some amazing photographs. Now is the time to be there if you can make it - and you don't have to hike anywhere. While in Durango I also rode the Durango to Silverton train and loved it. The mountain scenery you pass through is spectacular and the colors are dazzling.

Approaching Lizardhead Pass

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

If you are entering from Estes Park, stop at the visitor center just before the park entrance. The folks there will gladly help you satisfy your interests whether they be hiking, photography or whatever. They will even offer suggestions on the best time of day. If you are a senior and don't have the lifetime national park pass, buy one!

neco Loc: Western Colorado Mountains

RMNP has two sides, the busy east side and the laid back west side. I would recommend you go over to the west side to see the elk rut, the moose in the valley, and visit Grand Lake, CO....a funky little town with boardwalks and the most beautiful natural lake in Colorado.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

The Elk will be everywhere. You may even have to stop on the road and wait for a big brute to cross. I have had them come up within 5-10 feet of my car on past trips. They know there is no hunting in the park.

cbabcock

Here is a short video showing how close the elk are in Estes Park. https://www.facebook.com/topic/Estes-Park-Colorado/108555692503149?source=whfrt&position=3&trqid=6201431828427219818

OldEarl Loc: Northeast Kansas

Red Rocks is outside of Denver. RMNP is somewhat north, so Red Rocks might be a side trip. Actually, the more interesting outcrop is the Garden of the Gods outside Colorado Springs.

Getting the Aspens in color is a matter of luck. I went several years in a row alternating weeks. I came back disappointed each time. This year I went in early August so aspen color was not a factor.

Elk, mule deer, sheep are there. It has been 34 years since I saw a moose. I recommend you take a 400mm or greater lens for the wildlife. There are fantastic landscape opportunities.

Do not, under any circumstances, have the 20 oz Margarita ad Ed's Cantina your first night in the mountains--like my flatlander wife. Also, make sure any traveling companions are into accommodating your photo endeavors.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Don't wander too close for that perfect "proof of there" pic of you and a prize bull elk. Last week, a non-Mensa was gored.

OldEarl Loc: Northeast Kansas

In 1999 I learned I could still climb a cliff real fast. That's why I recommend a 400.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

While I've taken a close-up portrait of a bull elk with a 17mm lens, I DO NOT recommend it. Stumbled on him grazing in a campground, took a couple quick shots, then backed away very, very slowly and quietly while he glared at me. Fortunately it was not rutting season. But a much, much longer lens is always considerably safer!

RMNP has a lot of interesting and beautiful places to see and photograph, much of which is close to the road or just a short, easy walk. I don't know when the peak of the Fall colors is this year (maybe it's already past), but the changing aspens can be fantastic. Don't forget your circular polarizer filter for the scenic vista shots!

I'd also recommend a stop in Estes Park and a visit to the historic Stanley Hotel.

Red Rock Park is a couple miles from my sister's house. It's also a concert venue, with a natural, outdoor amphitheater. I've been to many concerts there and it's wonderful in the evening, with a wide view of Denver city lights in the background. A couple of the most memorable concerts I saw there were a "moonrise" and "sunrise" series done by Chuck Mangione many years ago. It's a stunning place to enjoy good music and spectacular any time of day. However, we tried to attend a concert there a couple years ago, but it was cancelled when a thunder storm came up. You really don't want to be out there in the lightning, let alone during a downpour.

Problem is, Red Rocks is a bit out of your way if you are going from Denver to RMNP. Red Rocks is near the little the town of Morrison, due West of Denver.... while RMNP is farther North West, up past Boulder and Estes Park (and the interestingly-named town of Hygiene).

I agree that Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is as good or better than Red Rocks, certainly more sprawling and easily accessed from various twisty, windy roads (which can be great fun in a sports car at 2 am)... But it's about 70 miles to the South of Denver.

Durango? Mesa Verde? Ouray? Seriously, folks? Yes, that's a beautiful area, too, I agree. But it's more than a day-trip from Denver. (Nearly died on Wolf Creek Pass a couple times... Great Sand Dunes is another "must-see" in that area.) However, those are all about 6, 8 or more hours drive from Denver or RMNP.

If coming from Denver, to go to RMNP I'd first take Hwy 36 to Boulder (about 45 min. from downtown), then keep on going to Estes Park. (40 miles, about an hour. We used to ride that route on our bicycles... I can tell you it's slow pedaling up the pass to Estes Park.... and really, really fast coming back down!) Get breakfast, brunch or whatever there, then head into RMNP and spend as much time as you want exploring by car and stopping whenever it strikes you.

To return to Denver, take Trail Ridge Road (assuming it's open... it closes sometime in October due to snow, I think). It's a longer route this way and some of it's slow going.... but it will give you some spectacular, high mountain views and eventually ends up at Grand Lake, then Granby... from there you can head back down to I-70 to return to Denver.

Or you could reverse this route and try to end up in Estes Park for dinner. Depending upon how much time you stop enjoying the views, this route makes for a pretty full day. So make an early start and plan to be home late.