On top of the world in the Rocky Mountain National Park

To see the Rockies at their most spectacular and accessible, Rocky Mountain National Park is easily the best place to head. Unlike much of the range, which is bulky and broad-shouldered, the mountains here are characterized by steep peaks shooting skyward from valley floors.

But more even impressive than the terrain is the landscape around the summits. Having risen out of mountainsides cloaked in forests of aspen, pine, spruce and fir - where herds of elk, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain lions and brown bears roam - this wildflower-flecked alpine tundra is spectacular for its bleak beauty.

And, best of all, you can explore all this along hundreds of miles of exceptional hiking trails, dotted with peaceful backcountry campsites which encourage overnight backpacking.