Rocky Mountain High
On Sunday, we explored Rocky Mountain National Park, just an hour’s drive northwest from Boulder. Somehow I had neglected to obtain a timed entry ticket in advance, but luckily I had managed to get a ticket the previous night (using my phone, just as the opening act took the stage at Red Rocks). As we drove through the scenic mountain town of Estes Park, two funny little things happened. First, we took a wrong turn and found ourselves in front of the Stanley Hotel - the place that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to stop and explore (because of that timed entry ticket), but the hotel is reportedly still haunted. Then, as we left the town and entered the park, Steve said, “Did you see that elk?” Darn, I was so busy taking pictures that I had missed seeing it. Later, as I was reviewing my photos, there was the elk!
Bear Lake Loop and Bierstadt Lake Trail
The Bear Lake section of the park is very popular, with two entry checkpoints, but we had no issues. We parked at the Park & Ride lot and rode the shuttle bus up to the Bear Lake Trailhead. The loop trail around the lake was still covered with snow in several places, and a refreshingly icy breeze kept us cool. It was mostly level, and there were plenty of other hikers. Bear Lake was gorgeous! We stopped often to take photos of the lake mirroring the mountains and sky.
The trail to Bierstadt Lake began with a long, slow climb. Eventually, we could no longer see the mountains, and the trail leveled off, following a rushing stream that was likely snowmelt. It was a pleasant hike with very few other people. When we reached Bierstadt Lake, there were piles of snow and marsh areas that made it difficult to get close to the water. We decided to skip the loop trail around Bierstadt and walk back to the Park & Ride instead of riding the shuttle. We had that trail all to ourselves. It was mostly downhill, but very steep and rocky. We were rewarded with great views of the Glacier Basin and the stables. It was very satisfying to have completed the loop and be back at our car.
Bear Lake
Trail Ridge Road
It was a relief to take off our hiking boots and put our sandals back on. We put the top down for the drive on Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved highway on the continent. It was mid-afternoon, and clouds had rolled in. But we decided to keep driving anyway.
It was a spectacularly scenic drive. It was already June, but there was plenty of snow on the peaks and cliffs, and along the road there were tall snowbanks and waterfalls from the run-off. There was a brief sprinkle of rain as we approached the highest point in the road (elevation 12,128 feet). How awesome to be so high that we were looking DOWN at mountains and clouds! There were long, curving sections of road with steep drop-offs and no guard rails. With empty air beside us, the open sky above us, and mountains everywhere around us, it felt like flying. It was exhilarating!
We pulled over at the Alpine Visitor Center and took a short walk to soak in the incredible view. It is hard to describe the enormous scale of the Rocky Mountains. They were so huge, and yet so far away. We marveled at being able to drive on a road more than two miles above sea level. Wow!
On the way up, the clouds had moved quickly, allowing for plenty of sunshine. Going down was gloomier; we were often surrounded by clouds that completely obscured the mountains. The show was over, but it had been glorious.
Never Summer Mountains and Gore Range
As we returned to “earth” and headed back to Boulder, we felt grateful for the beautiful day and the big dose of awe from Rocky Mountain National Park.
Final tally: 15,200 steps, about 7.5 miles hiked, about 56 miles driven in the park, at elevations from 7,840 feet to 12,183 feet. Wildlife spotted: two elk, one mule deer, and several ground squirrels.
