And then in 2006 we made a return trip to Colorado, which we had first visited in 2001.
Because there is so much to see there we added an entirely new location to the trip: Rocky Mountain National Park.
Taking a new route, we drove right through Colorado Springs, to Denver, then veered east to Estes Park to our KOA Kampground.
Our KOA Kabin’s view beheld Longs Peak.
Excitedly we got up the next morning to start our tour at the Visitor Center of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Everywhere we drove the views were stunning.
Since we had several days available to tour, my son got a Junior Ranger booklet to complete during our times out and about.
Wildlife
The first thing we did was stop at the main entrance where a park ranger was stopping cars because the bighorn sheep were crossing the road. We got out to see more and listen to the ranger talk.
During that time we saw a magpie fly nearby, and heard a mysterious animal chittering in the grass.
The ranger explained what each of the animals were and how they interacted in the park.
That knocked out a few items from my son’s ranger booklet.
Throughout the week we spread most of our time among a couple of hikes, visiting gorgeous waterfalls, taking the main road over the mountains, and taking in all the elk.
Since the morning had long passed, we enjoyed a picnic lunch near a roaring river en route to Bear Lake.
Bear Lake
Although at an elevation of 9475’, Beak Lake has an extremely easy trail.
From the lake Hallet Peak is easily seen, and the Continental Divide is a short drive.
We took our time exploring before heading back to camp.
Trail Ridge Road
Another day we drove Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in America.
Over 9 miles long its relative midpoint rises over 12,000 feet above sea level.
It’s an amazing journey to the arctic tundra with snowy glacial views.
Near the top we saw the elk resting with amazing backdrops…
We hiked to the highest point possible…
The highest visitor center provided not only warmth but also incredible views of the Lava Cliffs.
And then we crossed the Continental Divide before returning to camp.
On another day we returned to Bear Lake in order to access a trail that took us to three other lakes: Nymph, Dream, and Emerald.
Hiking to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes
Only half a mile from Bear Lake, Nymph Lake is a mere 160’ elevation gain. Full of pond lilies it bespoke a misplaced fantasy land. Hallett’s Peak was easily seen.
After some time to sit and rest to enjoy the views of Nymph Lake, we moved on to Dream Lake which was another .6 miles away with a 243’ elevation gain.
Hallett’s Peak, at 12,720’, seemed ever closer than before.
Again we rested, this time to enjoy the loveliness of the views.
From Dream Lake, we hiked .6 miles to Emerald Lake, which was an additional 297’ elevation. Though an easy hike, this entailed going through Tyndall Gorge, and walking past Tyndall Creek, a new experience emerged.
We were near the break of tree line.
Nestled against a barren mountain, the glacial lake was set so near the tops of several mountains one feels as though they could almost touch them.
Hallett’s Peak looms nearby. The ragged peaks of Flattop Mountain are right there.
The melting Tyndall Glacier provided the roaring waterfall that we heard nearby.
My favorite hike ever to this point, yet I have no idea what happened to my pictures. There are many, online though to enjoy.
