Paradise Park Natural Area

Paradise Park Natural Area is a protected region featuring alpine meadows, mountain lakes, and evergreen forests in the upper Paradise Creek basin. The landscape includes varied elevations and diverse plant life typical of the Rocky Mountains.

The National Park Service established this protected area in 1983 to safeguard native ecosystems within Rocky Mountain National Park. Since then it has served as a model for managing fragile high-altitude environments.

The natural area serves as a research site where scientists study alpine ecosystems and native fish populations. Visitors can observe the direct impact of conservation efforts on the local environment.

Access is through designated hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, and visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes. Grand Lake is the nearest town with amenities and serves as a convenient base for exploring the area.

The area is home to a pure genetic strain of Colorado River cutthroat trout found in Paradise Creek that scientists consider invaluable for species preservation. These uncontaminated fish populations cannot be found at this scale anywhere else.

GPS coordinates: 40.19806,-105.71917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20