LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Rocky Mountain National Park
built 237 days ago
Ongoing studies by National Park Service and U.S. Geological Survey scientists reveal that air and water quality in Rocky Mountain National Park are declining. Specifically, increased levels of nitrogen deposition in the park are saturating the Park's soils, and changing the pH balance in lakes and coldwater streams. Annual nitrogen deposition levels in the park are now 15 times greater than pre-industrial, natural levels. These pronounced increases, which have already begun to change algae species composition in Park streams, are disproportionately affecting the eastern side of the Park. The major sources of nitrogen pollution (usually in the form of NOx or NH4) are industrial emissions, motorized vehicle exhaust, and agriculture.
Source:
Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, a visitor to the park has opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars, eagles, hawks and scores of smaller animals delight wildlife-watchers of all ages. Wildflower-lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut (mating season).
Source:
Rocky Mountain National Park ... has the highest paved highway in the United States; Trail Ridge Road. Cresting over 12,183 feet, this road is only open from Memorial Day through late September. When the heavy snows begin to make it too difficult to keep open, this easy access to the Western Slope of the Continental Divide is closed. From the eastern portal near Estes Park to the western portal near Grand Lake is approximately 45 miles.
Source:
Rocky Mountain National Park has over 355 miles of trails. These range from flat lakeside strolls to quite steep peak climbs. Anyone visiting between Memorial Day and late autumn can see many of these peaks eye-to-eye by driving over Trail Ridge Road. Topping out at 12,183 feet, this is the highest, continuous, paved road in the United States.
Source:
Rocky Mountain National Park contains 415 square miles of the most spectacular mountain scenery in America. With its granite summits towering over broad, forested valleys, the landscape inspires a visitor with its immense size and beauty. The Park straddles the Continental Divide, the rooftop of America where melting snows and rainfall flow westward to the Pacific Ocean or southeast to the Gulf of Mexico. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in the United States, travels through the heart of the Park providing access to the delicate beauty of the Alpine Tundra, which comprises a third of the Park's area. The route, with 11 miles above tree line, climbs from Estes Park at 7,522 feet above sea level to a high point of over 12,000 feet. The road is open from Memorial Day until late fall when heavy snowfalls at the summit make it impractical to clear the route.
Source:
Rocky Mountain National Park begins at the west edge of Estes Park, north and a bit west of Denver, Colorado, and extends west on past the Continental Divide! That's a huge piece of mountain landscape, truly and perfectly protected. There are roads to drive in, and even some tour buses which can take one along the ridgeline of the mountains, where you may witness some of the wildlife for yourself. Mountaineering and rock climbing are permitted, as is cross-country skiing. Downhill skiing is ... technically allowed, but few attempt it more than once!
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Rocky Mountain National Park