Download free topo maps of Rocky Mountain National Park. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the Colorado maps you need.
Rocky Mountain National Park in the state of Colorado was originally established to preserve its scenic and natural resources; however, as time passed it became clear that the Park contained numerous historical resources as well as wondrous awe-inspiring panoramas capable of overwhelming the visual senses. The region contains cultural resources dating back thousands of years, beginning with the indigenous peoples that occupied this immense area in addition to the more recent events during the 20th century. The Park is filled with archeological finds, ancient trails, Indian hunting grounds in the form of game drives, cattle ranches and the beginnings of the "tourist trade" almost a century ago, when ranchers began to build lodges, "havens" for the new tourism that arose. Consequently there are over 600 buildings that are presently listed, or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places due to either their architectural significance or their early origins as ranches and their relationship to tourism prior to being purchased to become part of the National Park System. Most of the buildings are rustic in style, conveying a sense of the time, including some buildings constructed during the early 1900s by the Park superintendents and later by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s New Deal work program. Rocky Mountain National Park is a veritable treasure trove of trails, most of which are related to historical themes. There are several Visitors Centers that can inform you concerning the 400 prehistoric and 600 historic archeological sites within the Park; some have exhibits, geology and plant specimens, films and ranger-led activities available. There are many recreational activities including fishing, camping, biking, horseback riding, backpacking, skiing and other winter activities. Whether seeking history, indigenous cultural aspects, nature, wildlife or the magic of the magnificent Rocky Mountain scenery, it will more than fulfill your expectations.