Rocky Mountain National Park brings the drama. It’s one of the highest-elevation parks in the United States, with peaks reaching to over 14,000 feet. All of that elevation change means exceptional scenery, too, from meadow valleys to evergreen forests to alpine tundra and even small cirque glaciers. You can hike to these awe-inspiring heights yourself or take Trail Ridge Road (only open during summer when ploughs can clear the snow) to Cottonwood Pass at 12,126 feet. Chase waterfalls, soak your feet in a crystal-clear lake, and keep your eyes peeled for elk, black bear, and bighorn sheep.