Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the crown jewels of America’s national park system, offering visitors stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor activities. However, like many popular destinations, some attractions within the park can be considered overpriced or not worth the effort compared to other experiences available. Here’s a guide to five attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park that might leave you feeling like you didn’t get your money’s worth.
1. Trail Ridge Road: A Scenic Drive with a Price Tag
Trail Ridge Road is often touted as a must-see in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. It is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, reaching elevations over 12,000 feet. The road offers stunning panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, but it comes with a few caveats that might make it less appealing.
For starters, Trail Ridge Road is incredibly popular, leading to significant congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons. This congestion can turn what should be a relaxing drive into a stressful experience, as you navigate crowded roads and fight for limited parking spots at scenic overlooks. Additionally, the park requires a timed-entry reservation to access the road during peak hours, adding another layer of planning and expense to your trip.
While the views are undoubtedly breathtaking, some visitors have found the overall experience underwhelming given the effort and cost involved. With so many other scenic drives and hikes available in the park that offer similar or even better views, Trail Ridge Road might not be worth the hype for everyone.
2. Alpine Visitor Center: High Elevation, High Prices
The Alpine Visitor Center is another popular stop for tourists driving along Trail Ridge Road. Located at over 11,000 feet, this visitor center offers stunning views and serves as a gateway to several hiking trails. However, the experience here can be marred by a few factors.
Firstly, the visitor center is often overcrowded, especially during peak seasons. The commercialization of the area, with overpriced souvenirs and food, can also detract from the natural beauty of the surroundings. Some visitors feel that the experience doesn’t justify the high prices, particularly when similar vistas can be enjoyed from less crowded and more serene locations in the park.
Moreover, the altitude at the Alpine Visitor Center can be challenging for those not accustomed to high elevations. The combination of thin air, large crowds, and commercialization might leave some visitors feeling that this attraction is more about checking a box than truly enjoying the natural splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park.
3. Bear Lake: A Crowded Gem
Bear Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park, and for good reason. The lake is easily accessible, offering picturesque views and a relatively short, easy hike around its perimeter. However, this popularity comes at a cost.
The area around Bear Lake is often overcrowded, especially during the early morning hours when many visitors arrive to catch the sunrise. The requirement for a timed-entry reservation adds another layer of complexity and cost to visiting this site. While the lake itself is undeniably beautiful, some visitors may find that the crowds and logistical hurdles detract from the overall experience.
There are many other lakes and trails in the park that offer similar scenic beauty without the hassle of large crowds and the need for advanced reservations. For those looking for a more peaceful and less expensive experience, these alternatives might be a better option.
4. Horseback Riding Tours: A Pricey Adventure
Horseback riding through the Rockies is often marketed as a romantic and unique way to experience the park. While the idea of riding through mountain trails on horseback can be appealing, the reality might not live up to the expectations, especially when considering the cost.
Horseback riding tours in Rocky Mountain National Park are generally expensive, with prices often reaching well over $100 per person for just a couple of hours. While the views and experience can be enjoyable, many visitors feel that the cost is high for what is essentially a short ride.
For those on a budget, hiking the same trails offers a more affordable way to enjoy the park’s beauty. The park has an extensive network of trails that can be explored on foot, providing a similar connection to nature without the hefty price tag.
5. Old Fall River Road: A Rough Ride
Old Fall River Road is a historic, one-way, gravel road that offers a less-traveled route up to the Alpine Visitor Center. The road is often praised for its rustic charm and the opportunity it provides to experience the park’s natural beauty away from the main tourist routes. However, this experience isn’t for everyone.
The road is narrow, winding, and unpaved, making it a challenging drive for those not comfortable with such conditions. The lack of guardrails and the steep drop-offs in some sections can be nerve-wracking for some drivers. Additionally, the views from the road, while beautiful, are not necessarily better than those you can get from other, more accessible parts of the park.
Given the rough conditions and the potential stress involved in navigating this road, some visitors might find that it’s not worth the effort, especially when smoother, more scenic drives are available elsewhere in the park.
Conclusion
Rocky Mountain National Park offers a wealth of incredible experiences, from breathtaking hikes to serene lakes and towering peaks. However, not all attractions within the park provide the best value for your time and money. Trail Ridge Road, the Alpine Visitor Center, Bear Lake, horseback riding tours, and Old Fall River Road are all popular destinations, but they come with their own set of drawbacks that might make them less appealing depending on your preferences.
For a more rewarding experience, consider exploring some of the less crowded and more affordable options within the park. There are countless trails, lakes, and scenic viewpoints that offer all the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park without the downsides associated with these more commercialized attractions. By choosing your activities wisely, you can ensure that your visit to the park is both memorable and cost-effective.
