Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation destinations in the United States. Located in northern Colorado, the park is home to a variety of wildlife species and offers visitors a wide range of activities, including camping, fishing, and hiking.
One of the park’s greatest attractions is its extensive system of trails, which provide hikers with the opportunity to explore its breathtaking landscape. But just how many miles of hiking trails are there in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The answer depends on how you define “hiking trails.” The National Park Service does not keep an exact count of all the trails in the park since many are unmarked or unofficial paths that have been created by hikers over time. However, according to estimates from various sources, there are approximately 355 miles of designated trails within Rocky Mountain National Park.
This includes both backcountry and frontcountry trails, as well as day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips.
The majority of these trails can be found in the park’s four main regions: Estes Park (the eastern gateway), Grand Lake (the western gateway), Trail Ridge Road (which traverses the park from north to south) and Wild Basin (a wilder area on the eastern side). The highest point accessible by trail within Rocky Mountain National Park is Grays Peak at 14,270 feet above sea level.
In addition to these 355 miles of designated trails, there are also numerous unofficial paths that have been created by visitors over time or are used for access to fishing spots or other destinations within the park. There is no exact count for these unofficial paths but they can add up quickly when exploring different areas within Rocky Mountain National Park.
Conclusion:
In total, there are approximately 355 miles of designated hiking trails within Rocky Mountain National Park, plus numerous unofficial paths created by visitors over time. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through one of its valleys or an adventurous trek to its highest peak, this stunning national park has plenty of opportunities for exploration.
