Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) is one of the most visited national parks in the USA. It is renowned for its spectacular landscapes. The park is situated between the towns of Estes Park to the east and Grand Lake to the west in the state of Colorado. Estes Park town is in northern Colorado and it is the base for the Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park has more lodging and restaurants than Grand Lake. The East side of the park mesmerizes with its incredible landscapes from snow capped granite peaks to crystal clear lakes and gorgeous waterfalls along with many accessible trails with stunning views.
These photos are from a two day visit to Rocky Mountain National Park in late September 2019. The Aspen trees started turning into golden colors, the alpine tundra turned to yellowish brown, and the elk mating season had just begun. These brought the park’s magnificent views though it was a cloudy and gloomy day.
Rustic cabins line the winding curves of US 34 in Big Thompson Canyon. 
Driving toward the Rocky Mountains on US 34 into Estes Park 
Sweeping meadow landscape and misty mountain views along Upper Beaver Meadows Road. 
Sweeping meadow landscape and misty mountain views along Upper Beaver Meadows Road. 
Overlook at US 36 (South Navy Hill Road) 
Looking down over the winding stream and golden meadows of West Horseshoe Park. 
Sweeping valley views of West Horseshoe Park framed by evergreen pines. 
Crossing the river along the scenic Alluvial Fan trail. 
Looking up the vast boulder field towards Alluvial Fan Falls 
Exploring the rocky cascades along the Alluvial Fan trail. 
Up-close view of the cascading waters at Alluvial Fan 
Fall colors and mist-shrouded peaks viewed from Sheep Lakes along Fall River Road. 
Fall colors and mist-shrouded peaks viewed from Sheep Lakes along Fall River Road. 
Sheep lakes, Fall River Road 
Wide-angle view from Moraine Park Road looking across an expansive yellow meadow 
Elks freely roaming around at Moraine Park, View from Moraine Road 
Wildlife on the move near Moraine Park Road 
Up-close look at a bull elk showing off his massive antler rack. 
Atmospheric fog and brilliant autumn foliage framing the mountains at Cub Lake Trailhead. 
Autumn colors lining the clear stream waters near Cub Lake Trailhead. 
Elk spotted at Bear Lake Road 
Panoramic view looking across the golden grass valley of Moraine Park from Bear Lake Road 
A large herd of elk grazing freely in the open meadows of Moraine Park. 
Thick cloud banks drifting across the high peaks above Moraine Park. 
View from South Moraine Road Parking Lot 
Panoramic valley views with grazing elk along Bear Lake Road. 
The clear waters of the Big Thompson River flowing past the South Moraine area. 
View from South Moraine Road 
View from South Moraine Road Parking Lot 
View from Bear Lake Road
Places to Go
- Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, Sheep Lakes, Moraine Park discovery Center and Amphitheater, Alluvial Fan Falls, Alberta Falls.
- Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Sprague Lake, Bierstadt Lake, Cub Lake.
Best Things To Do
- Drive along the scenic Bear Lake Road. Visit Moraine Park Discovery Center and Moraine Park Amphitheater. There are plenty of pull-outs or overlooks along Bear Lake Road. Keep some extra time for stopping for photos, wildlife, sights, and for unplanned delays.
- Take a short drive on South Moraine Road and Fern Lake Road. Enjoy Moraine Park which has vast beautiful meadows and amazing roaming wildlife in the backdrop of snow capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the distant.
- Drive Fall River Road and stop at the scenic overlook Horseshoe Park and Sheep Lakes. Good photo-op for elk and sheep in this scenic meadow.
- Hike the Bear Lake Loop Trail and embrace the gorgeous lake surrounded by the magnificent peaks. More info here.
- Enjoy hiking to Emerald Lake, a stunning emerald green alpine lake which offers outstanding views of Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and wildflowers. The hike is more delightful with the beautiful floating lily pads covering Nymph Lake and gorgeous Dram Lake along the way. More details here.
- Hike to the gorgeous waterfall Alberta Falls that falls over a rocky cliff. This waterfall is easily accessible from the Glacier Gorge parking area or the Bear Lake parking area.
- Relax and relish at Alluvial Fan Falls. The trail feathers a waterfall over big boulders. This trail also offers hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching.
- Hike the popular and splendid Sprague Lake Trail, Bierstadt Lake Trail, Lake Haiyaha Trail, Cub Lake Trail and Fern Lake Trail
- Explore downtown Estes Park.
- Ride the Estes Park Aerial Tramway.
- Enjoy kayaking on Lake Estes.
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