Today we headed about two hours north and west of where we are camping to the town of Estes Park Colorado, one of the gateways to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Once there we stopped at the Visitor Center to get a perspective on what road were open so we could plan our day. Here is a map of our visit to Rocky Mountain National Park:
We entered the park at Fall River Visitor Center. They told us the Trail Ridge Road was closed at Rainbow Curve, but we could drive up to that point and then turn around and come back down and head down Bear Lake Road to Bear Lake. So that is what we did. The drive was absolutely awesome! Past Sheep lakes and West Horseshoe Park. Once we reached Deer Mountain Trailhead we headed up to Beavers Pond, Hidden Valley, Many Parks Curve and finally Rainbow Curve. Breathtaking views of snow-capped Rocky Mountains. I probably took 100 pictures but we will just post a few here.
Was chilly and breezy |
On the way up to Rainbow Curve, we passed a sign that said we were two miles up. I can definitely feel the altitude and especially the dryness. It seems like we are drinking water non-stop. Steep climbs at this height cause slight shortness of breath. When we arrived at Rainbow Curve we reached 10,829 ft above sea level!
Wow! |
A little chipmunk begging for a handout - not! They strictly prohibit giving anything to any of the wildlife. |
Road closed to vehicles at Rainbow Curve but we could walk up the road to the curve in the background and the view there was spectacular. |
Beyond the "road closed" sign. Running out of trees at this point. |
The snow was deep here. I cannot imagine what it is like where the road is closed. |
We then headed back down the road and at Deer Mountain Trailhead we headed towards Beaver Meadows Entrance Station, Moraine Park, and on down Bear Lake Road ending at Bear Lake. Doreen spotted four small deer and further saw a female elk eating leaves off a tree.
At Bear Lake we turned around and headed back up the road. We stopped to check out a "babbling brook"Soon after we spotted the female again closer to the road, and a bit further we saw two males with large antlers and another female. Not far from there we saw a herd of about 15 females grazing along side the road.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful and we are so glad we were able to visit today. The day was long, departing about 0815, two hours there, fours hours driving through the park and two hours back. Temps reached the mid-80's at the FamCamp so we grilled out and watched the Giants-Cubs ballgame outside. This was really the first time we have been able to sit outside and relax. Hopefully this is the beginning of some more great weather as we head west next week.
Tomorrow we will tour Coors Field baseball park at 1000 hrs and visit a baseball museum not far from there.
Bob and I cross country skied at Estes Park in the late 70's. We haven't been back since. Your pictures make me want to go---when it is warmer!
ReplyDeleteIncredible pics! That's in my list of places to visit, for sure. Boys would love it!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome!
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