Rocky Mountain National Park vs. Great Smoky Mountains NP

[Anonymous]

We didn't think we'd be able to take a trip this summer due to some major happenings at DH's job, but things changed and he just got approved to take the week of August 19th off. Yay!

We are considering RMNP or Smoky Mountains. Which do you like better? Which is better for a moderately outdoorsy family? Kids are 10 and 6. Will the weather in both be bearable? We hate heat and want to get away from the mugginess that is DC in August.

Do you have other suggestions for a national park that will be bearable in late August and has non-stop flights from IAD or DCA?

[Anonymous]

I vote for RMNP. Easily accessible from DIA. Real Giant Mountains and great wildlife. You can drive all the way up (12,000 feet +). Cute little town to visit on the western side, as well. I would stay a night or two on the east side and a night or two on the west side. Fun!

[Anonymous]

RMNP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:RMNP

Or Acadia

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:RMNP

Or Acadia

OP here. We were at Acadia last summer and LOVED it! Someday we'll go back. But I want to try something new this time!

[Anonymous]

Hands down RMNP for August. This no question. Be careful with elevation .

[Anonymous]

GSMNP may be in the "mountains", but it will be hot and humid in August. Just go to RMNP. Be sure to hydrate to mitigate the effects of the altitude change and watch for altitude headaches in your kids over the first couple of days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hands down RMNP for August. This no question. Be careful with elevation .

Altitude sickness can be problematic and catches a lot of us from the East Coast by surprise. The kids are back in school in CO that week so i’m Hoping it will be pretty empt (we’ll be there at that time.).

[Anonymous]

Definitely RMNP. Would be really hot at GSMNP, and the mountains are so much more dramatic out west. Also, you can drive to GSMNP over spring break (just did it) vs. opportunity to fly to RMNP with more time.

Other options: Seattle/ Mt Rainer/Olympic NP. Glacier NP will not have direct flight.

[Anonymous]

Just returned from RMNP and had a great time! Also suggest a day or two whitewater rafting in Breckinridge or Buena Vista.

[Anonymous]

RMNP by a landslide


Base yourself in Breckinridge. Only 2 hours from Denver. Easy access. Gorgeous hiking. Cute town with shops and good restaurants.

While I found Acadia nice, IMO it doesn’t measure up at all to the Rockies.

[Anonymous]

Agree with Rockies. No question.

[Anonymous]

Rmnp.

[Anonymous]

Was your 10 year old a 4th grader this past year? If so, be sure to use the Every Kid iIn A Park Pass(good for all 4th graders through Aug 31, 2019. 4th graders and the rest of your family get into national parks/monuments for free.

[Anonymous]

I’ve done both with kids. Altitude was definitely an issue for my youngest at RMNP. Park is stunning but she got too sick for us to spend a lot of time up in the mountains.