Many wildlife species become active on the tundra as the weather heats up, including herds of elk that make their way to the high ridges. Photo opportunities for catching wildlife and wildflowers are common along the highway. Although the traffic can become rather heavy during the summer days, early mornings and evenings offer more solitude. Photographers looking for a sunrise or sunset capture may even have an overlook to themselves, all of which can provide vantage points to view alpenglow on the peaks and clouds.
				Sunset from Gore Range Overlook on Trail Ridge Road

As the summer progresses and the snow melts, many of the trails along the road melt out and provide great hiking options. All these trails provide a close look at the delicate wildflowers and specially-adapted animal species of the alpine tundra. To experience the tundra on a short hike, head along the Old Ute Trail from Ute Crossing, take in the great views right from the start, and turn around after a mile or two. The tundra wildflowers are abundant here, as are yellow-bellied marmots and elk that graze on the ridge in summer.

				Similar trails lead from Trail Ridge Road at the Rock Cut and Alpine Visitor Center (AVC). At the Rock Cut, take the trail toward the Toll Memorial for more expansive views with relatively little effort. A short trail leads up from the AVC to an unnamed overlook at just above 12,000 feet, and a longer trail starts near the AVC entrance sign and leads downhill toward Milner Pass across the tundra and above Trail Ridge Road. Other options include the longer hike to Mount Ida from Milner Pass, or the Deer Mountain Trail, both with rewarding views.
		View from Old Ute Trail near Trail Ridge Road

#2: TAKE A DAY HIKE

The trail system in RMNP is expansive and offers a great variety of day hikes. The trails along Bear Lake Road, in particular, offer hikers a chance to see classic alpine tarns and towering peaks in easy to moderately strenuous day hikes. Bear Lake Road offers relatively easy access from Estes Park and the Front Range cities, and remains open year-round except for temporary weather closures. This makes hikes from Glacier Gorge and Bear Lake popular year-round, although trails are clearly in higher demand in summer months. Some of my favorites in this area include Sky Pond, The Loch, Emerald Lake, and Black Lake.

In other areas of the park, the hike to dramatic Chasm Lake on the Longs Peak Trail is among my favorites anywhere. If you want a streamside hike to see some mountain cascades, I recommend heading for Wild Basin and hiking to Ouzel Falls.

	Keep in mind it is especially important to both acclimate to the altitude and start your hikes early enough to avoid afternoon thunderstorms when you are hiking in the park. Trailhead parking lots along Bear Lake Road and at Longs Peak are often full early to mid-morning in the summer, and most trails see a significant rise in usage from mid-morning to late afternoon. I always recommend starting RMNP hikes as early in the day as you can; even if you do not care to start before sunrise, starting a day hike at 8:00AM as opposed to 10:00AM can result in a much better experience.
				Sky Pond, a favorite day-hiking destination

Many RMNP trails reach the tundra above timberline relatively quickly, including the Longs Peak trail system and Flattop Mountain Trail, which offer many opportunities and side hikes for those seeking a more strenuous hike. Longs Peak in particular draws summer crowds because of its fame, but many RMNP summits provide grand, panoramic views and any summit is worth a visit. For those seeking a rewarding but strenuous off-trail challenge, some of my favorite longer hikes that leave the trail behind include Chiefs Head Peak, Mount Lady Washington, Andrews Peak and Storm Peak. Click here for more hiking ideas.

#3: HEAD FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY

				While the RMNP trail system provides access to a multitude of destinations, many of the jewels of the park are only accessible on longer treks. The peaks and high lakes of Wild Basin, Mummy Range and East Inlet, for example, offer solitude and wonder for the backpacker willing to put in the extra miles. A backcountry camp system that includes over 100 different campsite locations makes RMNP a great choice for those looking to see the more remote areas of the park. Link here for the park service list of RMNP backcountry campsites.
		A backcountry sunrise at Thunder Lake

#4: VISIT IN THE WINTER AND SPRING

Since most visitors head for RMNP in the summer months, there is a definite off-season feel for visitors in November through May. Although Trail Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road and many trailhead access roads close in the winter, roads like Bear Lake Road are maintained year-round. Put on the snowshoes and head for the Bear Lake Road hikes mentioned above, or just enjoy the park in its winter blanket from the roadside.

		Snowshoe hikes are a great way to experience RMNP

#5: WATCH THE SUNRISE

Whether you prefer to see the sunrise from the trail or the roadside, RMNP offers many great options. My favorite is to watch the alpenglow strike Longs Peak from Chasm Lake. If you do not want to hit the trail early enough to hike 4 miles before dawn, consider a shorter hike to Dream or Emerald Lake for a great sunrise view. If you prefer to drive to view or photograph the sunrise, head for Moraine Park or any of the overlooks on Trail Ridge Road.

		Sunrise on Longs Peak from Chasm Lake

Whatever you choose, enjoy your RMNP visit!