There is no shortage of amazing scenery and wildlife in Grand County, which is home to the headwaters of the Colorado River, ski resorts, Grand Lake — the largest natural lake in the state — and seemingly endless recreation opportunities on surrounding public lands. Despite all these stunning places, readers voted Rocky Mountain National Park as the Best Place to Impress Out-of-Towners in this year’s Best of Grand contest.

This category has tough competition, but the national park has secured its spot two years in a row. It’s no surprise, though. There is something about a national park that adds a little sparkle to everything.

Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round, which means there are recreation and viewing opportunities for every season. The summer offers hiking and fishing, there is the elk rut and leaf peeping in the fall, the winter brings solitude while backcountry skiing or snowshoeing, and the spring snowmelt is a humbling sight.

Of course, the drive through the park on Trail Ridge Road is a bucket-list item and is considered one of the most spectacular drives in the United States. The highest continuously paved road in the country is only open for the summer and fall seasons. It will also take you to the Alpine Visitor Center, which is the highest altitude facility of its kind in the National Park Service.

Whatever the season, locals want to take their friends and family into the park to experience awe-inspiring nature that is protected for recreation and preservation.

Established in 1915, the 415-square-mile park is known as a “land of extremes.” Its more than 300 miles of hiking trails will take you to meadows, Alpine lakes and high-altitude peaks, according to the park’s website. Moose, elk, deer, marmots and pikas are just some of the wildlife your guests may get to see in the park. 

Another sight in the park that is sure to have out-of-towners ogling is the dark skies and views of the Milky Way. This is a very accessible activity and only requires your eyeballs and a chair or a blanket. Step it up a notch and bring some binoculars, but the dark skies here offer amazing views of the stars with only the naked eye.

Rocky Mountain National Park Public Affairs Specialist Jamie Richards said that for more than 100 years, the park has been a place where visitors come to enjoy wilderness adventure, wildlife viewing, historic exploration, family fun and spectacular mountain scenery.

“Visitors from across Colorado and the world come to Rocky Mountain National Park year-round to enjoy fun in the sun and in the snow,” Richards said. “Many come to Rocky Mountain National Park multiple times each year to enjoy the park’s scenic beauty and wide array of recreational opportunities available in fall, winter, spring and summer.”

Rocky Mountain National Park uses a timed-entry permit system during peak season from May 1 to Oct. 14, and details are available at NPS.gov.

Find complete Best of Grand results at BestOfGrandCo.com.

Tara Alatorre is the editor of Sky-Hi News. You can reach her at 970-557-6031 or talatorre@skyhinews.com.