Over the last 100 years, people have continued to visit Rocky Mountain National Parks (and other parks countrywide) for the same reasons; to enjoy solitude, to experience the beauty of nature, to soak in the scenery, watch wildlife, adventure, explore and join in on outdoor recreational activities. If you're like most Coloradans, you love the snow... But you're just about ready for warmer weather up in the park! Now is the time to prepare yourself for spring and summer trips, so we've compiled your list of must-know's to ensure your visit is fantastic...

Hike Early

By hiking earlier in the morning, you have a much better chance of finding parking without too much hassle. Trailhead parking lots tend to fill up early in the day; Wild Basin Corridor by 9:30am, Bear Lake Trailhead by 8:30am, Glacier Gorge Trailhead by 8:30am, Park and Ride by 10:30am.

Carpool

Once again, parking can be a huge challenge for visitors. Try to take a larger vehicle that can accommodate your entire group! That way you can also keep all your snacks in one place for the drive home...

Reserve Campsites Now

Camping is very popular in Rocky Mountain National Park, so it's best to reserve your campsites early in the year. Most can be reserved up to 6 months before you plan to visit! The two first-come, first-served campgrounds tend to fill up exceptionally fast, while the Timber Creek Campground on the west side of the park becomes full last.

Weekend or Weekday?

In September, visitation rates are consistently 50% higher on weekend than weekdays. If you're able to get a Tuesday off from the office and take the kiddos up into the wild, you'll enjoy a much more calm experience.

Check the Weather Forecast

If you arrive midday to the park and plan on any extensive hiking, it is absolutely critical that you know the weather forecast for the elevation of your destination. The Rocky Mountains are notorious for extreme weather patterns, and you wouldn't want to find yourself stuck at high elevations when the lightning begins.

ENTER TO WIN an annual pass to Rocky Mountain National Park, courtesy of The Winning Team Real Estate Group! The winner will be announced on Facebook at the end of March.

Click HERE to find out how...