As you enter Rocky Mountain National Park, the East Face of 14,255-foot Long's Peak welcomes you to Colorado's favorite public land. You're one of three million people who will come to the park this year, and even from a distance, it is easy to see why so many make the journey here. With 78 peaks over 12,000 feet, the high alpine scenery is without peer in the U.S. The park is a megafauna sanctuary, and is home to mountain lions, black bears, and bighorn sheep. Wildflowers balance out the harsh peaks of the gray monoliths, lending color to the glaciated valleys and gentility to steep slopes.

To the east of the national park, spoil yourself in Estes Park. Dine in one of the town's many fine restaurants and gaze upon the high peaks before you. Trail Ridge Road, America's highest thruway, has its northern terminus here, and what a way to get to town! Travel it to Boulder, a beautiful city that has manages to hold onto its 1960s ideals while staying on the edge of technology and adventure. To the southwest lies Denver, a city that may surprise you with its cultural depth and dedication to outdoor pursuits.

Even in larger cities like Boulder and Denver, the amount of public land and park space preserved for recreation makes biking and hiking more accessible than just about anywhere else. Add Arapaho, Roosevelt, and Route National Forests to your itinerary, and you can find new challenges by foot, wheel, ski, or paddle for many months to come.

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Take off today and explore the U.S. Top Trips in the Rocky Mountains — Hike and bike America's quintessential range. Colorado Adventure — Experience the high peaks and crisp air of purple-mountain majesty.

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