Rocky Mountain National Park scavenger hunt for kids

What makes Rocky Mountain National Park worth investigating

Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) covers a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing.

Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, thanks largely to the efforts of naturalist Enos Mills, who spent years campaigning for its protection.

Trail Ridge Road — the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching 12,183 feet. Over 350 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging summit climbs. Longs Peak, a famous 14,259-foot summit and one of Colorado's iconic fourteeners. Elk herds that gather in meadows during the fall rutting season. The best seasons to visit are summer and fall. Weather can change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park due to the mountains and elevation. Elevation in the park ranges from 7,800 feet above sea level to over 14,000 feet at the top of the tallest mountain peaks.

9 things to look for

Use this as an observation menu, not a race. Choose fewer items for younger children, pause for questions and sketches, and leave every natural and historic object where it belongs.

• Elk Wildlife
  Large deer with big antlers often seen in meadows at dawn and dusk Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Pika Wildlife
  Tiny round mammal that lives in rocky areas above the treeline Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Alpine Sunflower Nature
  Bright yellow flower that grows in the tundra and only blooms once in its life
• Trail Ridge Road Sign History
  Sign marking the highest point on Trail Ridge Road at 12,183 feet
• Marmot Wildlife
  Chubby ground squirrel that suns itself on rocks in alpine meadows Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Glacial Erratic Geology
  Large boulder left behind by ancient glaciers
• Bear Lake Nature
  A popular alpine lake surrounded by mountains and forests
• Bighorn Sheep Wildlife
  Sheep with large curving horns found on rocky slopes Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Krummholz Trees Nature
  Wind-twisted trees growing at the edge of the treeline

Checklist items describe things a visitor might observe. A sighting is never guaranteed. Do not approach wildlife, cross barriers, leave approved areas, or handle protected objects to complete an item.

Adapt the hunt by age

Turn “I want to go there” into a family plan

1. The child finds Rocky Mountain National Park in the HomeSchool.You park catalog and taps the heart.
2. The parent receives an in-app alert that the child wants to visit.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park appears in the child’s Travel Wish List inside the parent area.
4. The family chooses timing together, checks current conditions, and prints or opens this hunt.
5. After exploring, the child can save visit memories and progress in the park passport.

Respect the place

An adult should supervise the entire visit. Observe wildlife from the required distance, stay on allowed routes, follow posted and ranger instructions, pack out waste, and do not collect plants, rocks, cultural objects, or animals. HomeSchool.You is an independent learning platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service or any state or local park agency.

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