Rocky Mountain National Park in a Day or Two!

If you're looking for a travel destination that will truly "take your breath away" then the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) has to be on your list. Yes the air is a bit thinner, 12,000 feet above sea level, but the amazing panoramas and jaw-dropping vistas are the reasons you will be gasping for air.

Visiting the RMNP is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people. So if you are planning on visiting but time is not a luxury you will have while you are there, then the following tips will help you to get the most out of your visit.

1. Get the Scoop - Before you visit the park go to their main site and download park maps and brochures (or write the park office to have them snail-mailed), check hours of operations as well as check for any areas of the park that may be shut down due to weather or park maintenance.

2. Get a Park Pass - In order to enter the park you will need to pay a fee. At the time of this writing the fees are $10 per person or $20 per car (Valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase). If you are planning on visiting any other national parks it could be beneficial to purchase the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass . At the time of this writing the fee is $80 annually. This will pay for itself in as little as 3-4 visits to most national parks.

3. Location, Location, Location - Stay in Estes Park, CO. Estes Park is a small town in which a portion of the RMNP is located. The town has many places to stay and many are very economical. If your taste is a little higher end you can always spend a night or two in the famous Stanley Hotel. The Stanley was the setting for famous movies such as Stephen King's "The Shining" and even "Dumb and Dumber". Staying nearby will make it easier to experience the dramatic views of the park which are amazing at sunrise and sunset. This way you can get back to your hotel room in a reasonable time without having to rush out of the park.

4. What you Must See - A few must sees in the park are Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, Moraine Park and Alberta Falls just to name a few. If you are only going to be in the park for a short period of time and want to get the most out of your visit then these four sights are a must. The great news is that they are all close to one another.

5. One Amazing Road - To get to these picturesque areas of the park quickly you will need to enter via US-36 from Estes Park. Before you start your journey you should stop at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and watch a short video produced by the National Park Service to get you ready for what you are about to see. After leaving the visitor center you will want to drive down Bear Lake Rd which will take you past Moraine Park, Sprague Lake (side note: horseback riding is also available next to the entrance to Sprague Lake) and will eventually end at the Bear Lake entrance. If you would rather not drive you can take the shuttle and save a little gas money. In order to see Alberta Falls you will need to take a mildly strenuous hike past Bear Lake and you will surely not be disappointed.

The ideal situation is to have at least 3-5 days to stay at the park and visit many of the amazing sights, trails and just to "relax in the rockies." But if you are just passing through this "how to" guide will help you to get some amazing photographs and stories to tell all your friends when you get back home!