Spanning the Continental Divide, Rocky Mountain National Park is a combination of ecosystems and wildlife that makes you feel like you’re in two different parks. You’ll find craggy snow-capped peaks, clear mountain lakes, meadows and sub-alpine forests. Black bears, elk, coyotes and even mountain lions call this area home. Get on the winding Trail Ridge Road and you’re transported to a tundra populated by bighorn sheep. At over 12,000 feet, it is the highest paved road in the United States. In the lower elevations, you can hike in the mountains and see amazing rushing rivers and scenic panoramas. If you’re adventurous, Longs Peak is the highest peak in the park at over 14,000 feet.

Established in 1915 and located in Colorado, the park is easy to get to. The park is about an hour and a half from Denver, although many people stay in Estes Park, which abuts the national park. But with the beautiful scenery and proximity to people, the park can become very crowded. In fact, it’s the third most visited national park. You’ll need to visit in the summer to get the full experience as weather in the tundra can be unpredictable and Trail Ridge Road closes in the winter. Aim for a weekday experience or shoulder seasons to avoid crowds.