Corder's Corner

Hiking in the National Parks of the Rocky Mountain States

The sun peaks out from under the horizon earlier each morning as the mid-April air hangs heavy with the aroma of campfire from the local farmers preparing their stubble fields for spring seeding. A country drive reveals intense green winter wheat fields contrasted against brown hillsides slowly fading along with the winter season. Birds fill the air with melodious tunes and the sky pierces the day with its sapphire blue hues. Everyone is anxious to get outside and get the dead leaves cleared away to make way for new life. The sunshine persuasively lures out the outdoor adventurers basking in the rays and looking to brave the muddy mountain roads in hopes of witnessing the wildflowers peppering the trails and fish the alpine creeks. Equipped with a backpack, granola bars, and plenty of water, it’s time to create treasured memories and hike! The states in which Corder and Associates serves as trusted real estate agents possess breathtaking scenery among several national parks.

It’s only appropriate that I introduce you to the “Crown of the Continent” to begin with. Glacier National Park is the 10th most visited park in the country. The picturesque scenes that are experienced in Glacier can be described as life-changing. You’ll be mesmerized by the jaw-dropping landscapes and snow-capped peaks. With over 1 million acres, Glacier National Park is visited by tourists from all over the world desperately seeking serenity from behind a clicking camera phone. GNP has over 700 miles of hiking trails. In addition to hiking, there is also boating, fishing, star gazing, bicycling, guided excursions, and wildlife watching. These hikes highlight some of the park’s best features and all it has to offer: Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier, Pitamakan-Dawson Loop, Iceberg Lake, Ptarmigan Tunnel, Siyeh Pass, Fishercap Lake-Redrock Falls, St. Mary and Virginia Falls, and Avalanche Lake.

Headed south from Glacier National Park through the Treasure State, we find the oldest National Park in the US. Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 as the first national park in the world. In 1871, geologist Ferdinand Hayden explored the region and shared the region’s wonders including the geysers, hot springs, and colorful mineral terraces. After Congress heard of the distinctiveness, they passed legislation to create Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, rafting, exploring the rocks and fossils, and witnessing incredible wildlife diversity. The park is home to more wildlife than anywhere else in America! Yellowstone also boasts the most active geyser field in the world. Check out these hikes for experiences like no other: Mt. Washburn, North Rim Trail, Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake Loop, Avalanche Peak, Fairy Falls, Storm Point Nature Trail, Trout Lake, Pebble Creek, Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail, and Beaver Pond’s Loop.

Wyoming shares Yellowstone National Park with Montana but has Grand Teton National Park all to itself. To protect the Teton Range and the surrounding lakes, Grand Teton National Park was established on February 26, 1929. The park encompasses 242 miles of hiking trails. These trails make the cut for some of the best in the park: Taggart Lake Loop, Amphitheatre Lake Trail, Paintbrush Canyon and Cascade Canyon Loop, Table Mountain Trail, and Goodwin Lake Trail.

Colorado has four national parks. One park, Rocky Mountain National Park, covers 415 square miles and spans the continental divide. The park has over 300 miles of hiking trails and these are a few of the must-sees: Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, Alpine Ridge Trail, Gem Lake, Tombstone Ridge, Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes, Deer Mountain, Twin Sisters, Odessa and Fern Lakes, Mills Lake, and Black Lake.

It’s wild out there! Diverse landscapes of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra with fields of wildflowers and meadows with wildlife wandering through. If you’re considering moving to one of these versatile and beautiful states with national parks, browse our listings on our website! Adventure awaits!

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