A Day in the Rocky Mountains: Sweeping Views and Rugged Peaks

Story and Photos by John Gasawski

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado holds 40 miles of the continental divide, 71 mountains that peak more 12,000 feet and spectacular panoramic views. Besides 410 square miles of stunning wildness, the park offers 300 miles of hiking trails, 410 The Park offers spectacular panoramic views, 300 miles of hiking trails, 410 square miles of wilderness, all capped by Longs Peak at 14,256 feet. Driving from Denver and through Loveland, you begin a climb to Estes Park, CO. This alpine valley town sits about 7500 feet altitude and is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

It is easy to spend a week in the Park, especially if you enjoy hiking, wildlife, fishing and taking pictures. Whatever your stay, I recommend a stop at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Park Headquarters and Visitors Center. As many times as I have visited the Park, I still stop to find maps, guidebooks, and check the weather forecast. If you have several days to spend, quiz the park rangers about the bonfire activities and hiking trails If you only have a day to enjoy the universe's wonderful creation, use it well.

When my plans permit only a day trip, I will drive to Bear Lake and take several short hikes, or travel the Trail Ridge Road.

Bear Lake

The drive to Bear Lake is a beautiful 9-mile drive through ponderosa pine forests, aspen groves, across several icy cold streams and past many alpine lakes. After approximately one mile, stop at the Moraine Park Visitor Center and walk the very easy self-guided nature trail. I enjoy walking among the lower-elevation plants and mountain wild flowers found along this trail.

Leaving the Moraine Visitors Center, I drive across the Big Thompson River as it rumbles over and around huge boulders. Continuing my drive, I reach Sprague Lake and stop to enjoy the reflections of the continental divide in the waters of the lake. Leaving this relaxing area I follow the road around a series of sharp hairpin turns to Bear Lake. Here I park, stretch my legs, don my jacket, and head for the hiking trails.

For an easy "stroll," I hike the one-mile paved trail around Bear Lake. This trail is mostly flat and an easy walk, even in the "thin mountain air." If time permits, I hike the half-mile trek to Nymph Lake. The trail is clearly marked and a steady climb but provides a stunning view of Hallet Peak. If you hike the more rugged and rocky trail past Nymph Lake to Dream Lake, you are rewarded with even better views of the surrounding peaks. If you have time and energy, continue on to Emerald Lake. Along this stretch of trail you will find the crowds thin along with the mountain air. Emerald Lake is a place to enjoy a snack and the solitude of this wonderful area before returning to civilization.

Trail Ridge Road

For the armchair adventurer, this day trip is made to order. Filled with awe-inspiring views of Longs Peak and the continental divide, this is the top of the continent. At 40 miles in length, Trail Ridge is the highest continuous road in the nation. It normally opens on Memorial Day and closes in mid to late October, depending on the snowfall.

Beginning at Deer Ridge Junction, Trail Ridge climbs 2200 feet to its highest point - 12,183 feet. Every 1000 feet you gain in elevation is equal to traveling 300 - 400 miles north at sea level. At its starting altitude, the road is similar in climate to Southern Canada. As the road climbs, notice the change in climate and plant life. The most obvious change is a distinctive area where the trees no longer survive. This is referred to as the "tree line" and in Colorado is near 11,000 feet above sea level.

Above tree line, the environment is similar to the Arctic. Plants grow to no more than 1 - 2 inches tall and are easily unnoticed, especially from a moving car. However, trails are available to allow for exploration of these areas. I am ever so cautious to remain on the trails, as one careless footfall can destroy many years of labored growth by these hardly little plants. Near the summit, the life that exists is similar to the northern parts of our continent. Spring comes in June, summer arrives in July, and August brings fall. The rest is winter.

After passing the highest point along the road, I soon encounter the Alpine Visitors Center. It is worth a stop for coffee, snacks, and souvenirs. If my day requires a return to Estes Park then this is where I turnaround and begin my return journey.

If my schedule permits, I continue on Trail Ridge and begin my descent toward Grand Lake. As I descend, the air becomes heavier with oxygen and my head starts to clear. Nearing the Grand Lake area I take time to marvel at the sight of the lake pressed against the skyscraping mountain peaks. Grand Lake, at 8400 feet, is reputed to be the world's highest yacht basin. It is a grand way to complete your Trail Ridge adventure.

If your vacation plans call for a trip to the Colorado Rockies, take plenty of film. Call (970)586-1206 for current information on weather and/or activites; for campground reservations call (800)365-2267.

Some useful informational web sites are:

Winter Park Guest Guide    http://www.winterparkguide.com
Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association    http://www.coloradolodging.com
National Park Services     http://www.nps.gov/romo