The Flatirons Loop is a Boulder icon, and for good reason. The combination of Ponderosa Pine forested switchbacks at the base of the Flat Irons, and open meadows provides great variety, and the rock formations make for some Instagram-worthy shots. While it’s a popular trail, heading out early in the morning or after work helps you avoid the crowds. Be prepared for a bit of elevation gain—this is a great workout in under two hours. These moderate grades make this an ideal trail for runners and a ...
Towering Snow Walls and Fewer Crowds: The Best Week of the Year at Rocky Mountain National Park
Towering Snow Walls and Fewer Crowds: The Best Week of the Year at Rocky Mountain National Park
Disclosure: Opinions, camping practices, and experiences expressed with articles posted here or otherwise via user-generated content posted elsewhere on this site are solely the authors’ and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, camping practices, or experiences of this website or Camping Tools, Inc.
Every year, right after Memorial Day weekend, I make my favorite trip of the season—a drive up Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, I know, living in Boulder, Colorado does have many advantages and this is one of them!
This is the sweet spot. The plows have carved massive snow walls through the high-altitude passes, and for a brief window, you can drive through towering corridors of snow before they melt away in the early June sun. The week after Memorial Day is your best chance to catch it although based on the weather conditions and the opening of the road we've waited until mid-June.
If you can swing a weekday visit, do it. Timed-entry permits are still required, but you’ll skip the weekend congestion and get a better chance at finding parking and soaking up the views without the crowds. Just be sure you check the weather and if the road is open, with the variability of Spring weather and that altitude the road can close.
The Alpine Visitor Center, sitting at over 11,700 feet, is the highest in the national park system—and the road getting there is an adventure all its own. From crisp air to panoramic views, it’s always a highlight, but there’s something extra special about seeing it while winter still clings to the peaks and the valleys are waking up to summer. At this time of the year, bring your own drinks and snacks as the Visitor Center is still getting set up and sometimes the food and beverage options are limited or not available.
If you’re planning your own trip, Camping.Tools makes it easy to save your route, find gear, and share your adventure with others who live for high-elevation moments like this.
No comments added
Login to comment and join the conversation.
Recent Stories
If you want a quick escape after work, Green Mountain is the perfect trail. Located just minutes from downtown Boulder, it offers a moderately steep climb with sweeping views of the Flatirons at the top. The trail is well-marked and usually quieter if you go on weekdays. Pro tip: Bring a headlamp if you’re heading up near sunset, as the descent can get dark quickly. Perfect for those who need a dose of nature but don’t have time for an all-day adventure. Bring you pup, horse, or hike alone for a...
Every year, right after Memorial Day weekend, I make my favorite trip of the season— a drive up Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yes, I know, living in Boulder, Colorado does have many advantages and this is one of them! This is the sweet spot. The plows have carved massive snow walls through the high-altitude passes, and for a brief window, you can drive through towering corridors of snow before they melt away in the early June sun. The week after M...
Rama Prasad always knew she had a knack for numbers. Growing up in India, she watched her father—a civil engineer—bring complex ideas to life, and realized early on that engineering was in her DNA. That talent and curiosity took her to one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the country, where she was one of only seven women accepted out of 300 students. “Back then, it was rare,” she recalls. “But I never thought of myself as different. I just loved solving problems.” After earning he...
At Simply Media, we possess the expertise to craft cutting-edge downloadable books priced at $2.99 or lower. Partnering with esteemed publishers such as Harvard Business Review (HBR), we offer a wide array of content. Our offerings are accessible across various platforms, including simplymedia.com , Walmart.com , Google, Facebook, Apple iTunes & iBook, Amazon Kindle & Audible, Pinterest, Shopify, and more. Discover our extensive assortment and uncover your next literary gem. Thank you fo...
Recent Tags
Recent Contributors
