Rocky Mountain National Park
We recently packed up the truck with suitcases, bags, coolers, games and plenty of food and headed out west to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park with my parents, sisters and future brother-in-law. About half of us have been to Denver before but none of us have gotten close to the Rocky Mountains themselves. We thought spending a few days in the park would give us the opportunity! Although the days went fast and the park is really big, we got to see some beautiful sights by car and by foot.
We drove the Trail Ridge Road and the one-way dirt path of Old Fall River Road. Elevations on these park roads ranged between 7,800 feet and 12,183 feet. We got views of the alpine tundra at the Alpine Visitor's Center and Forest Canyon Overlook. The alpine tundra is the region above 11,000 feet where the trees do not grow due to cold temperatures and strong winds. It is typically about 15 degrees colder in these areas ... and we could feel the difference! Along our drive we also saw a rainbow near the Rainbow Curve Overlook.
We stopped at Hidden Valley for a picnic and some photos. The fattest chipmunk we'd ever seen came by almost immediately after we sat down. I think he is well-fed in this area of the park.
We started to hike to the summit of Deer Mountain but decided it was a little too much for our first day at the higher altitudes.
We hiked to three alpine lakes – Bear Lake, Nymph Lake and Dream Lake.
We hiked to a few waterfalls as well – Alberta Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. All of the falls were wonderful and the scenery along the way was also lovely.
We saw elk, deer, marmot, bighorn sheep, chipmunks, squirrels, trout and some interesting birds. No bears, mountain lions or moose to be found!
We stayed at a beautiful 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home in Estes Park. It was the perfect spot for the family to relax after spending the day in the great outdoors. It had a pretty nice view, too!
We went white-water rafting down Poudre River, near Fort Collins as well. The water was pretty low so our raft got stuck on boulders from time to time. Dad chatted with the guide about area trees and wildlife (go figure!).
We wrapped up our Colorado vacation with a night in Fort Collins. We stopped at five breweries – New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing Company, Snowbank Brewing, Red Truck Beer Company and Prost Brewing. Having a few craft beers together was the perfect way to end the trip!
Estes Park, Fort Collins and Rocky Mountain National Park did not disappoint. Add in quality time with my family and I consider it an exceptional trip ... and me, one lucky gal!