Rocky Mountain Fast Facts

Five Random Facts About Rocky Mountain

Trail Ridge Road (which connects Grand Lake and Estes Park) opened in July 1932. About 11 miles of the road is above timberline, as the road climbs to an elevation of 12,183 feet.

In 2000, Rocky Mountain National Park was designated as a Globally Important Bird Area. 280 species have been found here since the park’s creation. Along with a huge variety of common and migratory species, many of the species of the park are unique to the mountainous habitats of the Southern Rocky Mountains.

In September of 2013, devastating flooding occurred in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area. The park was closed for a time, and large amounts of damage were done. Some areas look quite different now, notably the Alluvial Fan area.

The alpine tundra is extremely fragile. Never step off trails in this region, as the growing season for plants is often measured in weeks, and damage can take centuries to recover.

Plants are heavily controlled by the elevations. The lowest elevations in the park are montane forests and grassland. Ponderosa pine is most common. At higher elevations Douglas fir trees are found. Above 9,000 is the subalpine forest, including Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Above tree line (about 11,500 feet) is the vast alpine tundra of mostly grasses and small flowering plants.

Where is Rocky Mountain National Park?

Rocky Mountain National Park is located along the Rocky Mountain range in northern Colorado. The major gateway town to the park is Estes Park on the east side. Grand Lake stands outside the western entrance. Further directions and maps can be found at Getting to Rocky Mountain.