The high snow-mantled peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park gaze down upon verdant subalpine valleys, glistening lakes, and high alpine tundra. Fully one-third of the park lies above timberline. At least 60 summits exceed 12,000 feet, topping off at 14,255 feet on the football-field-sized summit of Longs Peak.

Rocky Mountain landscapes vary markedly with changes in aspect and elevation. At lower elevations, open stands of ponderosa pine and juniper grow on slopes facing the sun, while stands of Douglas fir clothe the cooler north slopes. Higher up the mountains, in the subalpine ecosystem, these species are replaced by forests of Englemann spruce and subalpine fir. Openings in these cool, dark forests produce wildflower gardens of rare beauty and luxuriance, and it is here that the blue Colorado columbine reigns. Above timberline lies the harsh, fragile world of the alpine tundra.

Roaming these mountains is an amazing array of wildlife. Rocky Mountain NP ranks as one of America's premier wildlife-watching destinations, with herds of majestic elk, sure-footed bighorn sheep, hardy ptarmigan, and soaring birds of prey.

• Alpine -
• Beaver Meadows -
• Kawuneeche -
• Lily Lake - X

• Witness the grandeur of these mountains by driving the Trail Ridge Road and stopping at the various spectacular vistas.
• Become acquainted with the park through its program of guided hikes and campfire talks.
• Backpack from the pine forests of the foothills to the alpine tundra above timberline.
• Explore the cool dark forests, where wildflower gardens of rare beauty and luxuriance flourish and where the blue Colorado columbine reigns.