Rocky Mountain National Park

Oct 2nd, 2023: Sometimes a change brings lifetime memories to cherish. A moment that makes your maneuver a billion worth. Rocky Mountain National Park, world wide acclaimed, well known and the most desired travel destination during the Fall. I would call it Golden Mountain National Park! Why? Well, I will let you decide that when you read this blog post.

The fact that it wasn't something new to explore made it all the more attractive, as this time the conviction met the eye and made it stronger than ever before. Magical is the course of the four seasons in the year. This one is full of colors, yellow orange brown and red hovering over the evergreens. Just back from the impromptu trip of Colorado and the hang over still exists. Decided to mellow down the horses by penning this down. Have you ever tried that before? You write down to move on. But then you also write down to go back and rejuvenate the experience, isn't it? In my case, it's the latter :) as I don't mind hanging around with it :) lol....yes I don't.

Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From endless meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and the towering mountain peaks. And all along this there is ton to explore 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. Nevertheless, the Elk City...huh!

The only thing that we had planned for the trip was the timed entry, park pass and the reservation ready to barge into the wilderness. There is timed entry permit system for those who want to avoid long queues of wait and we were certainly amongst that lot.

Unlike this time, we cut short the detailed planning since our trip was only for 3 full days. We prioritized desires over wants. RMNP has so much to explore, so much to see and do on a planned trip. A calculative planning always helps! So you want to know of the desires? Undoubtedly, those were Family Friendly Hikes, Scenic Views and Wildlife.

We hit the ground running the very first morning of the trip. Exploring the forest floor and open meadows of Endovalley, Alluvial Fan Falls, followed by the scenic drive up to the Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road close to the Alpine Visitor Center

Alluvial Fan

Located off the road to Endovalley, is the Alluvial Fan. We entered the Alluvial Fan trail range from the east entrance, and there encountered a meek little deer grazing away the leaves in nostalgia. Such a delight to watch wildlife that close. The Alluvial Fan is a beautiful cascade of water flowing through a boulder field. There were breathtaking views of the Mummy Range, Horseshoe Falls and Endovalley changing foliage of Aspen...golden! As they callout something precious and expensive in Indian Culture. Meadows of Gold!

Old Fall River Road

Luck was with us when I say that, as this road was closing out for the season in the next two days. Still getting over with the awe of the mesmerizing alluvial fan, we headed out to the picnic table spot right across the Old Fall River Road. What did we eat? I have officially scripted in my head that National Parks is equal to Subway lunch. Savored the sweet onion chili chicken teriyaki sub and then headed out to hit the oldest road. Might I mention that we were accompanied by Steller's Jay almost all the time we sat to eat. Found it to be home coming. And these birds would only fly by your side trying to pick a piece of food but would never go astray. Well disciplined and so very sure! about their hunt!

Old Fall River Road is an incredible exposure to a 9-mile scenic drive beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area and ending at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet. This road is a narrow dirt road that is one-way uphill only with sharp switch backs. There is no expedition without fear. One of the baggages of all excursions. I was a bit overwhelmed with the elevation and the nature of the road, yet did not see a tiny bit of confidence fail in Nishant. I would certainly call him a Pro!

We collected stunning views of Mount Chapin and Chasm Falls as you climb through the sub-alpine and into the alpine life zones. Old Fall River Road was built over 7 years, beginning in July 1913 and dedicated on September 14, 1920.

Alpine Tundra/ Alpine Visitor Center

I don't hesitate to admit that I was a bit relived once the Old Fall River road ended. Would also call out that the elevation and the twisting switch backs must count in to grade in your trails or driveway. Not everyone is acclimated to the weather conditions at this elevation. Halted at Alpine Visitor Center, parking lot. Visited the Alpine Visitor Center, the only visitor center at the elevation of 11,400 ft amongst all the national parks in US, Succinctly above the tree line where trees cannot survive.

The wonderful experience of the Alpine Tundra completely wiped out the heat of Texas and blew us frosty and cold to the top.

Kids have their own way to enjoy the trip, Suhana came across her friend Ollie and brought her home. He is a delight to be with. She held him throughout the flight, such a furry lil nugget!

Scenic Drive over the Continental Divide

We did take the scenic drive over the Continental Divide after visiting the Alpine Visitor C

Did you know that the elevation range in Rocky Mountain National Park spans from below 8,000 feet to over 14,000 feet above sea level. Now that's almost covering one part of the RMNP. It appears to be seamless but every juncture had a prick of experience to add.

Trail Ridge Road.

Did you know that Rocky Mountain National Park has the highest paved roads in any national park in the United States? Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, cresting at an elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level. Nishant did manage to hike to a certain length when it started to drizzle and he needed to head back. His red cheeks and nose said it all but the sparkle in his eye retained that experience for a life time. Are you ready to take it in your stride? I do!

In 1931, Horace Albright, second director of the National Park Service, said "it is hard to describe what a sensation this new road is going to make... you will have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions."

I forgot to mention that there are Park Shuttle services, at regular intervals that run through the day, different bus routes to take you to stops of your choice. There are designated hops for you thought the park and you could go exploring and absorbing your bit nature as you can.

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses-and-public-transit.htm

Hidden Valley

As we wrapped up the day 1 and headed back to the Estes, we drove through the Hidden Valley. Glad we hopped into the hidden valley. The yellow and oranges and reds of the Spruce and fir trees took us by awe! The slipper orchids, the feather moss and moon fern, create a forest environment similar to that seen in Bollywood romantic movies. There was ample parking and we did not hesitate to stop at all. Or shall I say, a must stop indeed! Will let you decide that after viewing these clicks.

Estes Park & Lodging at Y

Staying at Y is like living within the mountain range, surrounding you 360 degrees, so you wake up to a view full of mountain peaks, some shining bright with the first ray of the sunrise and some darkened as if hidden away. Surprisingly we were welcomed by a group of Elks sitting on the camp grounds of the Y in the evening. It was an Elk harem that consisted of the one dominant bull elk (with antlers) and a large group of female elks. Never seen a bull (make Elk) so close. Beautiful is its body with antlers height that of 40% of the its body. They say that mid sep thru mid oct is the rut season for the Elk. This is the time when male elk are looking to mate with female elk (a.k.a cows)

An energetic community spanning across 900 acres with a lot to cover in one sentence.

If you have a dream of having your morning coffee with an ELK company, you can see that come true here at Y!

We stayed at the YMCA of the Rockies at Estes Park. It offers plethora of activities for the family along with of course the lodging. There are private cabins, rooms, yurts and camping facilities in Y. You name it and they have it. I spy I see a beautiful Rainbow.....and there it was one early morning in Y!

Trust me I don't remember how and when I fell dead on my bed in one of the cabins of the Y! Neither do Nishant or kids.

Geared up extra of the next day we headed towards the Bear Lake covering the bear lake Trail, Nymph Trail followed by Sprague Lake and the Meadows of the Rockies to see the Elk activity. Could I ever miss the downtown life of a city. Never!

Estes Park Downtown

The Estes Park offered us romantic walk by the river in the downtown with gourmet chocolates from the Rockies. I personally loved their coffee caramel truffle. Melts in mouth and kicks in what you need for the day to embark. The river walk gave us some cliche downtown appeal and since it happened to be a Sunday, we went window shopping in the farmers market too. Fun and excitement galore.

The point is, no matter how your pictures come out to be, if you can read them the same way as you lived them in the past, then it becomes a moment clasped in your fist forever.

Here's where I got my coffee caramel truffles. Store to remember!

Along with the mesmerizing river walk, I could surf through a few art pieces put on display by the local artist of the downtown. Different visualizations of the Rocky Mountains in different media depicted the human outburst of emotions in most of them. Enjoyed all of them!

I can see my self growing old on this bench by the river.

The Poppy's resturant behind them, is a very popular downtown joint. I would say just enough to satisfy dining but he river. Food was not exceptional.

Bear Lake

On route to Bear Lake....

The Bear Lake Road Corridor is a gateway to remarkable scenic views, a wide variety of hiking trails, and spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. Many camp around this area as well, however me in my niche is not ready to camp yet. Maybe yes, maybe no. I don't know yet.

The entire loop was not more than 0.7 miles and it had stumps with numbers or vista points to click pictures. Were there 24 of them? Yes indeed! Now the fascinating Pika did take our heart away, he came along on the big rock to pose with us....(nah..he wanted something to eat). Humans eat a lot ;) and animals know that too.

As we strolled through, pieces of last visit flashed in my mind. Kids were 8 years younger and traveling to a National Park was different at that time. Both from itinerary & comfort perspective for a family with small kids versus to what it was now.

There is a reason the Bear Lake Road corridor is one of the most visited areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake Road is a paved road that is 9.2-miles long. It winds and climbs in elevation from 8,200 feet above sea level (2,500 meters) at the junction with Trail Ridge Road to 9,475 feet (2888 meters) at the Bear Lake Parking Area and Trailhead. The moment we entered the trailhead, a flashback of the memories reeled in when we visited the same place 8 years ago. Can you do the comparison? How about the finding 5 differences in the two pictures besides the age factor? Lol....I recall my favorite activity of finding 10 differences in the popular kid magazine of the 80s - Nandan...(dedicated to my dad and the pan wall uncle who would stall it outside of his pan shop in the evening for families to buy during the evening stroll).... sounds like a dream...isn't it? Evening Stroll! What am I talking about? ...can you relate?

Sprague Lake

Glad we did not go with the notion that it's just another lake in the RMNP. Rockies has to offer every angle and every bit of its niche to you and it was one of the new excursion from the last visit to RMNP. Glad we did it. Adored every step into the boardwalk surrounding the lake and can you guess who this little creature is? Caterpillar? Wonder Moth? I don't know, its beauty charmed Suhana and we couldn't stop clicking it away with us.

Sprague Lake offers spectacular scenic views of the lake itself and the Continental Divide.

Sprague Lake Trail head is from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center follow Hwy 36 west to Bear Lake Road (approximately 1.3 miles). The loop is not more than 0.56 miles and you enjoy every bit of Geese spluttering their wings in the water, head down to fish. Why would they call me when they are high? If you are Alex Turner fan, the Arctic Monkeys group would definitely know why they call out when someone if high. They fish when they are high and low under water. :) Makes sense?

It is one of the popular destinations for many park visitors. There is a 0.7-mile loop trail around the lake, as well as an accessible backcountry campsite, picnic area.

And last but not the least, the furry mothy was as pretty as the fall color. What? No, I don't know if creatures changed colors during the fall!

Meadows & Alberta Falls Trail

The meadows in RMNP, give such a warm royal English country feel of living. Yep, it's the air, aroma of aspen and definitely the vibe that you travel with.

An old couple sitting on bench nearby commented that they were glad seeing humans around. Now that blew us away, was there a big foot around , what did they mean by that? Did not have courage to ask them by their demeanor. We moved on, and that's what we should do on such comments during travel. Hmm, make me think twice...Was it racist? Was it provocative? Was it worthy?

The place wiped out all those inhibitions and we were totally absorbed in the surrounding. Here is one classic from his lot.

Lily Lake

There are plethora of lakes in RMNP, it's what you catch based on your travel plan. We headed out of the RMNP towards Denver to catch our flight and planned to take a scenic route on the way back. This was sure a gem gathered that will be treasured life long. Lily Mountain Lake is beautiful lake just a few minutes outside of the Estes Park. We took views of Longs Peak and Meeker Mountain, as well as the Twin Sisters Mountain to the southeast. We walked through the moderate ridge trail as we wanted an aerial view of the lake.

Chapel on the Rock

Further down the same road we headed to the St. Catherine of Siena a.k.a Chapel on the Rock, at Camp St. Malo, Allenspark, CO.

I never stop whenever I see a church. Rooted with convent education and moral science classes till high school, I love to visit and pay respect to this holy place. Unfortunately, it's a beautiful private property on the rocks just a mile ahead from Lily Lake. A nostalgic view that could only be a dream artwork for anyone if they had not visited this time. For me it was an art come true to real life!

Roosevelt National Forest/ Indian Peaks Wilderness/ Brainard Lake

Culminating the trip with the Wilderness at the Ward. Hidden in the Roosevelt National Forest is the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Sometimes going astray from the norm brings rewarding experience that scales to infinity. And the Indian Peaks Wilderness was just one of its kind - countless in grades, infinite in its beauty. Reminded me of the Bow Valley and Bow Lake on the Icefields parkway of Banff and Jasper.

Here is some history for knowledge share of the readers. The Roosevelt National Forest is a National Forest located in north central Colorado. It is contiguous with the Colorado State Forest as well as the Arapaho National Forest and the Routt National Forest.

The forest encompasses a mountainous area of the foothills on the eastern side of the Continental Divide of the Front Range in Larimer County and Boulder County. In Larimer County it includes the upper valleys of the Cache la Poudre and Big Thompson Rivers. It includes forested areas along both sides of the Poudre Canyon and along the north and east sides of Rocky Mountain National Park.

There are six officially designated wilderness areas lying within Roosevelt National Forest that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

The reds and colors seemed like a red carpet welcome to walk through the unpaved path by the lake.

Aspen in its right takes the shape as it desires in the chilled sultry climate.

We covered the Indian Peaks Wilderness, 119.9 square miles (mostly in Arapaho NF; partly in Rocky Mountain National Park)

The Indian Peaks Wilderness is a wilderness area in north central Colorado managed jointly by the United States Forest Service and the National Park Service within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and small parts of the southern section of Rocky Mountain National Park. It borders the James Peak Wilderness to the south, and straddles the Continental Divide. The area receives high visitation due to its proximity to the Denver metropolitan area.[2]

We visited the Brainard Lake which is at the elevation of the 10,300ft. It said no motor boats allowed. However we ourselves were not ready to walk along. It was chilly but a glance at the lake was just right enough for us to pay a visit.

And that was pretty much it! Below is bulleted itinerary for a 3 day travel covering maximum vistas, lakes, trails and much much more. Plan yours soon...

Takeaway Itinerary

Day 1

• Head out to the RMNP ( Reminder: Need timed Entry, plan early to cover more)

• Enter The Falls River Visitor Center

• Alluvial Fan (0.7 miles, 87 ft elevation)

• Old Falls River Road

• Endo Valley

• Alpine Visitor Center (Activity - Souveniers, Refreshments, Alpine Ridge Trail (0.6 miles, 134 ft elevation)

• Trail Ridge Road - Near Rock Cut (Tundra Community Trail/ Toll Memorial Trail - 1.1 miles, 175 ft elevation)

• Horseshoe Park

• Continental Divide and Hidden Valley on way to Estes Park

• Estes Park

• YMCA

Day 2

Day 3

While I am now gearing up for the festive season starting in October, you do leave your feedback when you go, I know I will keep blogging. Adios!, till we meet again my friend.