By Suzanne Lemon
The assortment of recreational opportunities in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area holds great allure for outdoor enthusiasts. Snowmelt lakes, rivers and streams entice anglers—to get started head to Trout Haven Fishing Pond, where you can whet your skills and entertain the kids at the same time. The facility guarantees that you'll snag trout averaging 14 inches in size, and they'll even clean and pack your catch.
If you're fishing anywhere other than a privately owned pond, be sure to pick up a fishing license available at most stores selling outdoor gear. And, before you venture into the park, make sure you stop at one of the visitor centers to familiarize yourself with the guidelines. For instance, you can only use artificial lures or flies with one hook, and many sites are catch and release.
Fishing sites are easily accessible, just off park roads, but anglers that are more ambitious often choose to hike farther in to reach less frequented streams and lakes. Gaze at the splendid snow-capped crests enveloping the Big Thompson River while you pull out brook trout, or fish the meandering Fall River for other trout varieties including brown and greenback cutthroat.
Angling opportunities also abound in Estes Park —the town is at the confluence of the Big Thompson and Fall rivers and is home to Lake Estes, readily accessible and stocked with rainbow trout. Lake Estes permits fishing boats with small engines; Marys Lake, on the west side of town, does not.
At Grand Lake, western gateway town to Rocky Mountain National Park, fishing buffs have their pick of three lakes: Grand Lake, Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Lake. Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout and huge mackinaw are the bounty at 265-foot-deep Grand Lake, where you might want to rent a boat since privately owned property restricts access points. The same fish swim within Lake Granby, the biggest and most accessible of the three; boat rentals are available here, too. Shadow Mountain, a shallow (and sometimes weedy) lake joined to Grand Lake on the west side, has an ample supply of rainbow and brown trout. Ice fishing rules in the “Three Lakes” area during winter.
Boating in itself is a relaxing pastime, especially in the warmer summer months. Rocky Mountain National park doesn't permit motorized vessels, and lakes are very shallow, so check at the visitor centers to see where it's best to float your non-motorized watercraft. Kayakers and canoeists find bliss while gliding across Lily and Sprague lakes. Kayakers with a thirst for white water often head to the Cache la Poudre River, which starts in the park and runs along the Continental Divide and through Roosevelt National Forest.
Outside the park, the marina at Lake Estes is a great place to rent a paddleboat or pontoon boat and putter about on a sunny afternoon. The Estes Valley Recreation & Park District permits speedboats only during hours designated for water skiing (Tues.-Thurs. after 5 p.m., May-Sept.). Be warned that area lakes are much too cold for swimming, even during summer—wind surfers and water skiers should be prepared to don wet suits. Kayakers enjoy Estes Park's specially designed runs on the Big Thompson and Fall rivers, complete with pools and eddies for extra challenge.
Since it's difficult to swim in a wet suit, swimmers determined to get in some laps can head to the Estes Park Aquatic Center's indoor pool, open to out-of-town visitors year-round. In addition, the YMCA of the Rockies welcomes the public to its heated indoor pool the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day (the “Y” reserves the summer season for members).
Outfitters can arrange trips for thrill seekers on the hunt for an exciting white-water rafting adventure. Rapid Transit Rafting and Rocky Mountain Adventures transport those craving a fast-paced experience with aggressive rapids to the Cache la Poudre River, but also host more relaxed floats along the upper Colorado River.
Let your horse do the walking while you focus on Rocky Mountain National Park's majestic scenery. Hi-Country Stables offers horseback riding excursions into the park, which boasts a network of some 250 miles of high-country trails. Snap some photographs of grandiose mountain vistas as guides lead you through terrain ranging from lush forest to alpine tundra. In addition to providing tours in the park and the Grand Lake area, Sombrero Stables navigates horseback riders around a 1,000-acre working cattle ranch and across the Continental Divide.
Rocky Mountain National Park has an amazing array of hikes to choose from, entertaining the novice and advanced hiker alike. Routes highlight lakes, waterfalls and mountains—stop by a park visitor center to determine what scenic options entice you the most as well as which routes best complement your ability level.
An easy half-mile, Bear Lake Trail is an interpretive nature loop circling the water with impressive peaks in the background; access the trailhead at the end of Bear Lake Road. Fern Lake Trail (easy to moderate) is a rewarding route, since you'll come across such intriguing natural features as The Pool, Arch Rocks and lovely Fern Lake. For a delightful, yet easy hike that's a little less than a mile, try Alberta Falls; albeit heavily used, the trail leads to a gorgeous thundering waterfall (enter at Glacier Gorge off Bear Lake Road).
For a moderate, 3-mile summit hike, Deer Mountain delivers jaw-dropping views—and you can brag about your prime picnic spot up top at 10,013 feet with a 360-degree view. Access the trail at Deer Ridge, at the junction of SRs 34 and 36. Hikers take an arduous journey to an elevation of 12,324 feet on the strenuous Flattop Mountain Trail. For those up to the challenge, this 8-mile round trip initially meanders through conifer forest, gaining 2,849 feet in elevation to enter a land of alpine tundra. The phenomenal panoramas are worth it; the trailhead is at the north side of Bear Lake.
All those hiking trails in the park energize cross-country skiers when the snow begins to fall. If you want to try it, outfitters in Estes Park provide guides, lessons and rental equipment. Beginners in search of some easy trails should head to the area around Glacier Basin Campground. Bear Lake is a popular spot for those with moderate experience, offering a short route with stellar views, while Black Lake offers a more difficult 9.5-mile round trip with a nice view of Longs Peak. The Grand Lake Touring Center has groomed trails appealing to both the beginning and advanced skier.
Snowshoeing is another fun diversion to indulge in when snow is on the ground. Hit the trails in the park, sticking to Bear Lake for some short, easy treks. Snowshoeing is a little more strenuous than hiking, so gauge accordingly. You can rent a pair of snowshoes in town for around $10 per day. For those who have their hearts set on downhill skiing, the closest resort, Eldora, is about 45 miles south.
Biking in Rocky Mountain National Park is a rewarding experience, but be advised that the park does not allow off-road cycling. Since the narrow park roads can be harrowing in times of heavy traffic, it's best to ride in the early morning to avoid vehicles and afternoon storms. Experienced cyclists who are in it for the adrenaline pump along with terrific scenery gravitate to Trail Ridge Road for a healthy dose of vertical challenge—a good time to catch this route is in April, before the road opens to motorized vehicles (check with one of the visitor centers to confirm dates).
Thin air makes golf balls travel farther, so duffers are inclined to test their drives on one of the area's courses. Play a round on the nine-hole Lake Estes Executive Course or the 18-hole Estes Park Golf Course, adjoining the national park. Either way, stately mountain peaks will provide a captivating backdrop, and you might see an elk or two ambling by. Grand Lake has a challenging 18-hole course tucked within lush forestland and graced with vistas of the Continental Divide's lofty pinnacles looming in the distance.
For an up-close encounter with nature, visit these campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park: Aspenglen Campground , Glacier Basin Campground , Moraine Park Campground and Timber Creek Campground . Glacier Basin, Aspenglen and Moraine Park accept reservations for the summer season (800-365-CAMP), but the other sites are available only on a first-come-first-served basis.