ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

national park, in north central Colorado, U.S., established in 1915. Enclosing part of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, it is 262,191 ac (106,109 ha) in area. The park contains numerous high peaks exceeding 10,000 ft (3,000 m), including Longs Peak (14,256 ft), as well as broad valleys, gorges, alpine lakes, and plunging streams. Ice Age glacial deposition is evidenced by meadows and rolling moraines. A great variety of plant life can be seen, with more than 700 known species. The tundra in the park's high country is an island of arctic vegetation, surrounded by plants of lower latitudes. Animal life includes bighorn sheep, deer, mountain lions, and a variety of birds.