Rocky Mountain NP Knowledge

[D.D.Bear]

Hey y'all. I need some assistance from local folk on the Rocky Mountain NP. Here's the rundown:

Have four weeks of leave in Sept/Oct. Flying into Denver, couple of days in the front country to help w acclimation; head to Grand Teton NP. 5 days in GTNP doing 4 day hikes. Have camp (tent) reservations for all this.

Drive back to RMNP for 7 days in park w 5 day hikes. Tent site reservations are available for my timeframe at Moraine and Longs Peak (Glacier's long booked - checked in March). Understand those campgrounds are at altitude. How concerned w that should I be? I know that's person specific, but I'm from low (sea level +175) alt.

Remainder of trip FYI: after RMNP, head to Grand Canyon north rim for 3 nights w 2 day hikes, drive to south rim for 4 nights w 3 day hikes. Drive to Vegas. Fly home in 72 hours.

With all all the above (sorry) any knowledge the fine folk of WB can offload will be accepted w open arms. Really wondering about RMNP. I realize I can't take in a tenth of its beauty. I just need to maximize my time (and $) while there!

Thanks.

[Venchka]

What about the campground on the west side of the park?
What elevations are you talking about for the two campgrounds? I've never noticed any problems in the park coming from below sea level.
I would go with Moraine. Long's Peak is basically for the climb. Just a thought.
Wayne
Wayne


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[Venchka]

PS: All of RMNP is at altitude. After GTNP you should be fine. In a non medical sense. Nobody online can answer that for you.
Wayne


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[Venchka]

Have you read this?
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/north-rim.htm
Wayne


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[D.D.Bear]

Thanks, V. 'Preciate the responses.

somewhere along the way, I recall reading of folk hiking above 10K and its cumulative effect on the body. What I recall may be a situation of extended time above 10K. My recollection also brings the suggestion that sleeping at night above 9K doesn't allow the body to rest and rejuvenate optimally. This is the basis of concern for me. May be unfounded. Wanted to query the collective for its insight.

I was leaning towards Moraine Park campground.

Timber Creek campground is on the west side of the NP. I'm only planning one hike requiring access from the west.

Thankfully I won't be at GCNP 'til first week of October. Hope the access roads (if needed) are open by then.

[Venchka]

My concern is that the North Rim closes October 15.
As for the altitude in RMNP, the Climbers' mantra "Carry high, sleep low" has worked for decades. National park campgrounds cater to anyone and everyone. If they were dangerous they would have been closed long ago. The drive from Denver to GTNP is a gradual gain in elevation. By the time you get to RMNP you'll be as acclimated as you're going to be. Have fun.
Wayne


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[Time Zone]

People vary in terms of how their bodies cope with altitude. I organized an easy day hike just inside RMNP for a small group of colleages last year. It started at 9000, finished at 10000 (this was Deer Mtn). The most fit person among us, a dedicated daily runner, was the only one who got altitude issues. Generally, acclimation does take a bit of time. The drive from Denver will increase your elevation from 5300 or so to 9000. Seems to me that your "acclimation clock" may need to be reset upon arriving at RMNP. In other words, I wouldn't count on being in Denver prior to save you from needing a couple days at 9000 ft + to get used to it.

But you may be fine! Everyone is different. Good luck, it's really quite scenic.

[Venchka]

I reread your trip plan.
"couple of days in the front country" You aren't very specific. I suggest that you head for Laramie, WY via US 287 from Ft Collins, CO. Head west from Laramie through Centennial to the Medicine Bow National Forest. There are several Campgrounds near the highway between Centennial and Saratoga. From Saratoga there are a couple routes to GTNP. Either is good. Return by the other route.
In GTNP, hike to Amphitheater Lake. If you can do that hike without difficulty you'll be fine in RMNP.
Have a great trip.
Wayne


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[Venchka]

Moraine Park Campground.
8,160 feet.
After a week in Wyoming, no worries.
Wayne


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[Venchka]

Amphitheater Lake. GTNP.
https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/sho...?i=48211&c=683
Thanks mapman!
Wayne

[No Directions]

We just spent a week in RMNP. Nights were spent in Estes Park at about 7500'. All of our hikes were 10,000'+. Even after a few days in the park we were getting light headed hiking at altitude but I found that an occasional deep breath helped a lot. Btw, check out the Sky Pond Trail. Beautiful.