RMNP & YNP
Which month is better for visiting these 2 parks? 1st 2 weeks in June or last 2 weeks in Aug? Are reservation a must and how many days in each park. We like to hike but might have to limit to short hi...
Forum Discussion
SouthParkSteve wrote:
For Rocky Mountain National Park--consider staying on the west side in Grand Lake instead of the more commercial Estes Park at the eastern entrance. There are fewer amenities in Grand Lake, but similar activities--and FAR fewer people. Plus, there is a great hike up to the headwaters of the Colorado River on that side of the park. Estes Park is still an easy day trip over Trail Ridge Road right through the park, so you can still spend a day over there as well.
Most of the hikes on the west side are longer with big elevation gains. The west side is not as spectacular due to less glacial activity.
The west side of the park has been hit very hard over the last 5-10 years with bark beetles. Timber Creek campgrounds which use to be heavily treed is mostly bare. Better views but its not pretty anymore.
We were shooting a DVD for the Park Service this summer and could not find a place on the west side showing expansive views that included green trees. Nearly everything is dead and grey. At least most the needles have fallen so the trees aren't red/orange anymore. Park Service told us commercial videographers had complained of the same problem.
