Okay, here's a comprehensive destination guide for Rocky Mountain National Park, formatted for easy reading and packed with information for tourists. I've designed it to be easily printable and foldable into a brochure format.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Your Ultimate Guide

(Cover Image: A panoramic vista of the park showcasing a mountain range, a lush valley, and a winding road. Include the official NPS logo and tagline "Experience Your America.")

Welcome to Rocky Mountain National Park!

Prepare to be amazed by breathtaking scenery, pristine alpine lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife. This guide will help you plan your unforgettable adventure in one of America's most stunning national parks.

(Inside Left Panel: Essentials & Planning)

Quick Facts:

• Location: North-central Colorado
• Size: 415 square miles (265,807 acres)
• Elevation: 7,860 ft to 14,259 ft (Longs Peak)
• Established: January 26, 1915
• Peak Season: June - September
• Annual Visitors: Over 4 million
• Website: nps.gov/romo

Planning Your Visit:

• Timed Entry Permit: Reservations are REQUIRED for entry during peak season (late May to mid-October). Book well in advance at Recreation.gov. Check the NPS website for specific dates and details on the reservation system.
• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for hiking and wildflowers. Fall (September-October) for stunning fall colors and elk rut. Spring and Winter are beautiful but have limited access due to snow.
• Getting There:
  • Denver International Airport (DIA): The closest major airport. Approximately a 2-hour drive to Estes Park (east entrance).
  • Driving: Access from Estes Park (east), Grand Lake (west), and Lyons (south).
• Entrance Fees:
  • 7-Day Vehicle Pass: \$30
  • Annual Park Pass: \$55
  • America the Beautiful Pass: \$80 (covers entrance to all National Parks for one year)
• Accessibility: The park offers accessible trails, visitor centers, and restrooms. Check the NPS website for specific accessibility information.

What to Pack:

• Layers of Clothing: Weather changes rapidly in the mountains.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots: Essential for trails.
• Sunscreen: High altitude means intense sun exposure.
• Hat and Sunglasses: For sun protection.
• Water Bottles/Hydration Pack: Stay hydrated!
• Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, etc.
• Binoculars: For wildlife viewing.
• Camera: To capture the incredible scenery.
• Map & Compass/GPS: Especially important for hiking in remote areas.
• Bear Spray (Optional): While bears are rare, it's a good precaution.

Important Considerations:

• Altitude Sickness: Give yourself time to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity initially, and watch for symptoms like headache, nausea, and fatigue. If symptoms worsen, descend to a lower elevation.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on marked trails. Respect wildlife.
• Weather: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
• Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Never feed animals. Store food properly.

(Inside Center Panel: Must-See Attractions & Activities)

Scenic Drives:

• Trail Ridge Road: The "Highway to the Sky." The highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching over 12,000 feet. Offers incredible panoramic views. (Open seasonally, typically late May/early June to mid-October).
• Old Fall River Road: A one-way, gravel road (mostly paved), offering a slower, more intimate experience. (Open seasonally, typically late June/early July to late September/early October). Leads to the Alpine Visitor Center.
• Bear Lake Road: Accesses popular trailheads and stunning lakes.

Hiking Highlights:

• Bear Lake Loop (Easy): A beautiful, accessible loop around Bear Lake.
• Alberta Falls (Easy/Moderate): A short hike to a picturesque waterfall.
• Emerald Lake Trail (Moderate): Leads to three stunning alpine lakes: Nymph, Dream, and Emerald.
• Mills Lake (Moderate/Strenuous): Longer hike to a beautiful lake in a glacial cirque.
• Sky Pond (Strenuous): A challenging but rewarding hike to a stunning alpine lake.
• Chasm Lake (Strenuous): Difficult hike with incredible views of Longs Peak.
• Deer Mountain (Moderate): A moderate hike to a summit with panoramic views.

Lakes & Waterfalls:

• Bear Lake: A popular and easily accessible lake.
• Sprague Lake: Offers boardwalks and accessible trails.
• Lily Lake: A serene lake with beautiful reflections.
• Lake Haiyaha: A beautiful lake with blue tinted water.
• Adams Falls: Located near Grand Lake.

Wildlife Viewing:

• Elk: Abundant throughout the park, especially during the fall rut.
• Mule Deer: Common in meadows and forests.
• Bighorn Sheep: Look for them on rocky slopes.
• Moose: More common on the west side of the park near Grand Lake.
• Black Bears: Present but less frequently seen.
• Birds: A variety of birds, including ptarmigan, raptors, and songbirds.

Other Activities:

• Fishing: Requires a Colorado fishing license.
• Horseback Riding: Several stables offer guided rides.
• Rock Climbing: Popular on Longs Peak and other cliffs.
• Camping: Several campgrounds are available (reservations highly recommended).
• Stargazing: The park offers dark skies for incredible stargazing.
• Ranger Programs: Attend a ranger-led talk or hike to learn more about the park.

(Inside Right Panel: Visitor Centers & Services)

Visitor Centers:

• Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (near Estes Park): Information, exhibits, bookstore.
• Alpine Visitor Center (at the top of Trail Ridge Road): Information, exhibits, bookstore, restaurant. (Seasonal)
• Fall River Visitor Center (near Estes Park): Information, exhibits, bookstore.
• Kawuneeche Visitor Center (near Grand Lake): Information, exhibits, bookstore.
• Moraine Park Discovery Center (Inside the Park): Hands-on exhibits for children and families.

Services:

• Restrooms: Available at visitor centers and trailheads.
• Food & Drink: Restaurants are located at the Alpine Visitor Center and in Estes Park and Grand Lake.
• Lodging: Available in Estes Park and Grand Lake. Limited lodging inside the park (reservations required).
• Medical Services: Available in Estes Park and Grand Lake.
• Shuttle Service: A free shuttle system operates on Bear Lake Road and Moraine Park during peak season.

Important Phone Numbers:

• Park Headquarters: (970) 586-1206
• Emergency (Park Rangers): 911
• Road Conditions: (970) 586-1333

Stay Connected:

• (Social Media Icons): Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (linking to the official NPS accounts)
• #RockyMountainNationalPark #RMNP #FindYourPark

(Back Panel: Map & Safety Tips)

(Map): A simplified map of Rocky Mountain National Park, highlighting major roads, visitor centers, popular trails, and key landmarks (Longs Peak, Bear Lake, Trail Ridge Road, etc.). Include compass rose and scale.

Safety Tips:

• Stay on Marked Trails: Avoid getting lost.
• Be Aware of Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance. Never feed animals.
• Store Food Properly: Prevent attracting wildlife.
• Check Weather Forecasts: Be prepared for changing conditions.
• Tell Someone Your Plans: Inform someone of your hiking route and expected return time.
• Carry a First-Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries.
• Report any incidents to park rangers immediately.
• In Case of Emergency: Call 911
• Download offline maps: This helps when you don't have cell reception.

Enjoy Your Visit to Rocky Mountain National Park!

(Image: A beautiful sunset photo over a mountain lake in the park.)

End of Guide

Notes and Considerations:

• High-Resolution Images: Use high-resolution, visually appealing images throughout the guide.
• Font: Choose a clear, readable font.
• Color Palette: Use a natural color palette that complements the park's scenery.
• Paper Quality: Print on high-quality paper for durability.
• Regular Updates: The NPS website is constantly updated. Double-check all information (especially reservation requirements and seasonal closures) before printing.
• Consider a QR code: Add QR codes that link to specific sections of the NPS website for real-time updates or more detailed information.
• Customize: Tailor the information to your specific target audience (e.g., families, experienced hikers).
• Distribution: Distribute the guide at visitor centers, hotels, and other locations frequented by tourists.

This comprehensive guide will help tourists have a safe and memorable experience in Rocky Mountain National Park! Remember to adapt it based on the current conditions and regulations of the park. Good luck!