The park had five major campgrounds which can accommodate a total of approximately 600 tent or RV Sites. In 1997, approximately three million people visited the park, which is open 24 hours a day year round. The park s spectacular scenery reflects the massive grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, and 76 peaks reach elevations of 12,000 feet or more. At the highest elevations, above 11,500 feet, the tree line is the fragile arctic-like environment of the alpine tundra. Temperatures remain below freezing all winter, and frequently drop below freezing in summer.
Snow is possible year round.
Wind speeds on the tundra can exceed 150 miles per hour and winds exceeding 200 miles per hour have been recorded on the highest peaks in the park. The park is also the natural home to such animals as deer, elk, beaver, bighorn sheep, coyote, lynx, antelope and black bear. There are also more than 250 species of birds and a tremendous variety of fragile plant life. Law enforcement in under federal jurisdiction, which assimilates all local and state laws into appropriate federal law and all offenders are dealt with under federal law. Chief Jim Protto has 13 full-time commissioned rangers and 27 seasonal commissioned rangers, in addition to all of the other rangers employed at the park.