A significant part of the American West, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Created in 1915, it covers over 1,300 square miles within two states: Colorado and Wyoming. The park has a vast array of geological features, including rock formations, waterfalls, and high plateaus. The climate ranges from warm summers to cold winters, which makes it an ideal location for year-round recreational activities. In other words, it is a fantastic place to visit and take in nature in all its glory. But what should you consider when preparing for your trip?

What Is The Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are a mountain range in Canada and the United States, located primarily in the Western United States. The Rocky Mountains stretch more than 3000 miles from Alberta, Canada, to New Mexico and are the highest and most rugged sub-range in the continental United States. If you love being outside and exploring the great outdoors, there is no better place than the Rocky Mountains.

How To Get There

If you plan to visit Colorado, it’s time to start planning. The Rocky Mountains are home to some of the most breathtaking sights in the country and are a must-see when you visit Colorado. They stretch north and south of Denver and into Utah and include the famous mountain peaks of Pike’s Peak, Longs Peak, and Mount Evans. There are lots of different options, but it will depend on where you are coming from. If you’re going to the Rocky Mountains, you want to do it right. The truth is, getting there isn’t as difficult as it seems. If you’re going to fly, you can book your ticket online and even pick your seat, but there are also plenty of bus options to get you there.

Accommodation

If you plan to do a long weekend or something even more epic, you will need to consider your accommodation options. Several beautiful hotels are an option, and you might even think about camping. However, if you are really adventurous and are thinking about driving there, why not rent a camper? This is a fantastic option that will give you the freedom to travel wherever you want and bring your accommodation with you. It is perfect for spending more time with your family all together, or even if you are planning a holiday with a loved one, it could be an unforgettable romantic getaway. Just you, the person you love and the splendid views of the Rocky Mountains, there is nothing better.

Prepare Your Itinerary

Planning a vacation is a crucial factor in making it a success. From picking a destination to what to do while there, planning is one of the most important things you can do. Therefore you must create a plan to don’t waste time thinking about whether to go or what to do when you are at your location. The saying, “prepare to plan or plan to fail,” is notably true when considering all of the fantastic things to do here.

What To Pack

Whether you are going for a day trip or you have decided to rent that campervan, there are a few things that you don’t want to leave at home. These items are essentials, but you can bring plenty more stuff if you think it is right to do so for your circumstances.

Sturdy Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are one of the most important pieces of gear you will ever own. They keep you safe, warm, and comfortable and make it so you can enjoy the outdoors. Seeing as this will be a trip where you will be hiking a lot, a robust set of high-quality boots are not merely necessary but vital.

Rain Jacket

From rain to shine, you have probably come to expect a certain amount of rain when you head out into the great outdoors. While rain jackets may not be the most critical piece of gear to carry during your hiking excursions, they are helpful to have on hand. Rain jackets are an excellent investment, whether you are hiking in the mountains or just walking around town. Rain jackets are waterproof and protect you from the elements, but they aren’t just for keeping yourself dry when it’s raining. Rain jackets are used for many things, from padding when wearing a backpack to keeping you warm during cold winter weather. The weather can change very rapidly, so keeping a lightweight one in your daypack is often a good idea.

Binoculars For Wildlife

While this isn’t entirely a vital item to bring along, the amount of wildlife is staggering, and it’s worth seeing. They don’t need to be large, army surplus ones; you can use a smaller set that fits into your pocket. You might be super lucky and even see the national bird out in the gin-clear skies.

Bring Plenty of Water 

Staying hydrated is essential when hiking. Hiking with extra water is an intelligent thing to do, and you should never underestimate the amount to bring. Whatever you think is the right amount, you should double it because you never know how long you will be out.

Wear Layers

The weather in the Rocky Mountains is famously variable; therefore, it is advised to wear layers. This means bringing lots of thinner layers that you wear over each other. This enables you to stay warm when it becomes cold but slowly strip away layer after layer as it begins to heat up.

Maps

You should never rely on GPS when out in the wilderness, and as such, you should ensure you bring a map along with you. The maps from the information center will usually suffice, but make sure that you can read them and understand where all of the significant landmarks are before heading out.

Leave No Trace

Because you will be trekking in a national park and a location of extreme beauty, you should bring along plastic bags that you can use to store waste. It is not only illegal to litter, but it is highly immoral to pollute such a pristine area of natural splendor.

The grandness of scale and the magnificence of its appearance are some of the reasons why you should visit the Rockies; make sure that you have prepared your itinerary in advance and understand what you should bring.