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Published: August 27th 2013
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August 26, 2013 - Monday Headed to Rocky Mtn. NP and Estes Park today. When leaving, the temp. was 74. At the topmost point where we went, it was 50 and really blowing. Drove through a steep and rocky canyon, granite all around and a pretty stream with fly fishermen, hopefully catching some trout. RMNP was established in 1915 and it’s in the Roosevelt National Forest. It took about an hour from our camp site to RMNP and another hour, with stops to the top. Lots of overlooks on the way and we almost stopped at each one, the views were so breathtaking. The highest peak is over 12,000’ in the Alpine Tundra – no trees growing here! After some really cold, blowing weather each time we stopped, we got to the top and wow! they had a nice Café and Will could get some hot coffee and what do you know, they had Chai Latte! We sat at a window and enjoyed the view, along with the hot drinks.
Trail Ridge Road is the name for a stretch of U.S. Highway 34 and is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. On the way down, we
saw an Alpine Beaver crossing the road and then a few miles later saw a large, female Elk just going off of the road; she had a tracking collar on. We had no way to stop for pics, for either of these critters, no stopping allowed except at the pull offs. So many Birch trees and Aspens, as well as Ponderosa Pines. So many lovely trees. And of course, with the wind blowing, the Aspens were doing their quaking.
Got into the small town of Estes Park and spent the rest of the day walking around and seeing the unique shops. Had a nice lunch at “Claire’s in the Park.” Great time being able to sit outside too while we ate.
It was pretty late til we returned to our camp site and we didn’t do much the rest of the day except some news and a movie. Tomorrow it’s on to Kansas.
About the Trail Ridge Road to the Top of RMNP Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park's heavily traveled highway to the sky, inspired awe before the first motorist ever traveled it. "It is hard to describe what a sensation this new road
is going to make," predicted Horace Albright, director of the National Park Service, in 1931 during the road's construction. "You will have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions."
The next year, Rocky Mountain National Park's lofty wilderness interior was introduced to the first travelers along an auto route the Rocky Mountain News called a "scenic wonder road of the world."
Was all this just enthusiastic exaggeration? Hardly.
Covering the 48 miles between Estes Park on the park's east side and Grand Lake on the west, Trail Ridge Road more than lives up to its advanced billing. Eleven miles of this high highway travel above treeline, the elevation near 11,500 feet where the park's evergreen forests come to a halt. As it winds across the tundra's vastness to its high point at 12,183 feet elevation, Trail Ridge Road (U.S. 34) offers visitors thrilling views, wildlife sightings and spectacular alpine wildflower exhibitions, all from the comfort of their car.
Whether they begin their journey at Estes Park or Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road travelers climb some 4,000 feet in a matter of minutes. The changes that occur en route are fascinating to observe.
A drive that may begin in montane forests of aspen and ponderosa pine soon enters thick subalpine forests of fir and spruce. At treeline, the last stunted, wind-battered trees yield to the alpine tundra.
Up on that windswept alpine world, conditions resemble those found in the Canadian or Alaskan Arctic. It's normally windy and 20 to 30 degrees colder than Estes Park or Grand Lake. The sun beats down with high- ultraviolet intensity. The vistas, best enjoyed from one of several marked road pullovers, are extravagant, sweeping north to Wyoming, east across the Front Range cities and Great Plains, south and west into the heart of the Rockies.
But for all its harshness, the Trail Ridge tundra is a place of vibrant life and vivid colors. Pikas, marmots, ptarmigans and bighorn sheep are commonly seen. About 200 species of tiny alpine plants hug the ground. Despite a growing season that may last just 40 days, many bloom exuberantly, adorning the green summer tundra with swatches of yellow, red, pink, blue, purple and white. All are seen from the Tundra World Nature Trail, a half-hour walk beginning near the parking area at Rock Cut.
Most Trail Ridge Road
travelers drive to treeline with a certain amount of urgency. They are advised not to ignore all that awaits in the verdant country below the alpine tundra. Forested moraines, great heaps of earth and rock debris left behind by melting Ice Age glaciers, rise above lush mountain meadows. The Continental Divide, where streamflows are separated east from west, is crossed at Milner Pass, located at a surprisingly low 10,120 feet elevation. Moose munch greenery in the upper reaches of the Colorado River, which flows through the scenic Kawuneeche Valley. Grazing elk greet sunrise and sunset in many of the forest-rimmed meadows found around the park.
At all elevations, the drive on Trail Ridge Road is a memorable adventure. Put aside at least a half day for the trip. Longer, if possible. The experience, as Horace Albright suggested more than a half century ago, is hard to describe.
Trail Ridge Road is one of ten America's Byways and a national designated All American Road.
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Jan Chamberlin
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Breathtaking! Looks like you timed your visit there just right! See you soon!