West Side - Kawuneeche Valley

Home to the headwaters of the mighty Colorado River, the Kawuneeche Valley is a great place to enjoy the quieter west side of Rocky. Start a hike from one of the many trailheads, stop for a picnic, or visit the Holzwarth Historic Site. Explore the accessible and family-friendly Coyote Valley Trail to look for wildlife, get an up-close view of the river and have a picnic. The Kawuneeche Valley is also the best place to look for moose in the park.

Long's Peak

Longs Peak The highest mountain in the national park is Longs Peak. It is also the icon of the national park and can be seen from as far away as Denver and the Denver International Airport. It can even be seen from Cheyenne, Wyoming! Longs Peak is 14,259’ (4,346m) tall. For many years it was thought that this peak was impossible to climb. The first recorded climb of the mountain was by a party led by the famous explorer John Wesley Powell in 1868. Since then, Longs Peak has become a major destination for climbers as it is one of the more challenging mountains in Colorado.

Scenic Drives

Be sure to take a scenic drive during your visit. For spectacular high mountain scenery, Trail Ridge Road is hard to beat. Scenic overlooks abound and the alpine tundra will take your breath away. Cresting just over 12,000 feet, it is the highest through paved highway in the nation, and crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass. The historic Old Fall River Road is a scenic 9-mile dirt road that is typically open from early July through late September. Because of its steep grade and tight curves, there is a length limit for vehicles. Be sure to check the road conditions for what is open during your visit.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is perhaps the most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. A gentle trails leads you around a small mountain lake, giving you several very beautiful views of the surrounding mountains while also giving you a taste of the lower end of Rocky’s subalpine zone. While this hike is accessible, it is not flat. There are a couple of climbs at the far side of the lake with a grade of up to 16%. To access those sections of trail with a wheelchair is doable but will likely require assistance. You can, however, access the rest of the trail without issue.