Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Rocky Mountain National Park, located on 265,828 acres in Colorado, offers backpackers and wildlife enthusiasts a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. The park offers visitors a variety of lodging opportunities, including more than 200 backcountry campsites. If you are planning on backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park, there are a number of steps you must follow to ensure that your trip goes successfully and that you will be permitted to set up camp overnight.
Obtain a topographical map of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Use the map to select what area of the park in which you will be backpacking and camping. When choosing a backpacking area, consider the physical abilities of each person who will be backpacking and choose a destination according to their skill and ability levels.
Determine the number of people who will be backpacking and camping. According to the Rocky Mountain National Park permit parameters, individual parties are considered groups of one to seven people. Parties of eight to 12 people consist of a group. Groups may only camp at specific backcountry camping sites, while individual parties will have more camping options. Knowing the size of your camping party is important when obtaining your backcountry camping permit.
Determine the time of the year you will plan to go backpacking. Backpacking and camping times vary depending on the season. From June to September, you may only camp in the backcountry for up to seven nights. During the offseason, the maximum camping stay is 14 nights.
Contact the Rocky Mountain National Park for information on obtaining a backcountry camping permit. Camping permits can be obtained by reservation, or you can pick up a permit at the Headquarters Backcountry Office or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Be advised that the park only issues a certain number of backcountry permits at a time. To ensure you are able to receive a permit, make a reservation, particularly during the busy season.
Pack your backpacking and camping gear accordingly. Rocky Mountain National Park only allows campfires in designated camping areas with metal fire rings, so you must bring a camp stove for cooking. Biodegradable soap must be used for washing and all trash must be removed from the park. When packing your camp gear, refer to the Rocky Mountain National Park Backcountry/Wilderness Camping Guide for complete instructions on camping rules and regulations.
Contact the park ranger before setting out on your backpacking trip for information on weather and closed trails or campsites.