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Rocky Mountain National Parka photo of little pink elephant flowers
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Rocky Mountain National Park
Natural Features & Ecosystems
 
Nature and Science

(NPS-RMNP)

Paradise Park

Here are more than sixty peaks over 12,000'. Here are the headwaters of the Colorado and other rivers, as well as dozens of magnificent alpine lakes. Here are permanent small glaciers overlaying rock that is often granite more than a billion years old. Rocky Mountain is the highest national park in the US, with elevations from 7860' to 14,259'. More than one-third of the park is above treeline (11,200-11,500'), and tundra is a primary protected resource of the park. Forests range from relatively moist subalpine spruce and fir through open ponderosa and aspen stands. Great meadows lie adjacent to moraines on broad valley floors. Some valleys, like that of the Fall River, are classic glacial shapes.
 
Mama Cabin in the Holzwarth Historic District  

Did You Know?
The Holzwarth Historic District is a former guest ranch on the Colorado River. Open to visitors during the summer, the property features a dozen small cabins including the Mama cabin, named after Sophia Holzwarth, who ran the rustic resort.

Last Updated: November 27, 2006 at 16:45 EST