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RMNP, CO - Bear Lake & Trail RidgeJun 6, 2008
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Memorial for Lives Lost in Big Thompson Canyon Flood
Sculpture in Estes Park - Water in My Boot
Water Wheel along Boardwalk in Estes Park
A bright and sunny morning dawned upon us today, but it was very, very windy. We decided to get an early start and explore Rocky Mountain National Park. From our RV Park, we headed west on the winding 2-lane U.S. Highway 34. We crossed and criss-crossed the Big Thompson River several times and the raging waters were evidence of the heavy rains and snow melt in the area. Soon we entered Big Thompson Canyon whose sheer rock walls towered above the road and river. Sometimes it felt we were driving through rock slits and other sections were a little wider. Cottages, cabins, little shops, and sports outlets populated the riverside. This area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, fishermen, etc.
We had planned brunch in Estes Park and we drove through town to locate a place. Instead, we opted for breakfast food at the Big Horn Restaurant. They boast the ‘best breakfast in Estes Park’. We certainly wouldn’t dispute that and our breakfasts were definitely delicious. Estes Park is the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and is a cute little touristy town. At an elevation of about 7,500 ft., the streets are lined with stores, galleries, restaurants and the lovely Park Theater. We took Foxy for a long walk and it was not all that crowded so we all enjoyed it.
We pressed on and entered Rocky Mountain National Park and immediately saw a few mountain goats grazing off the roadway. At the Fall River Visitor Center, we learned that Trail Ridge Road was closed due to snow and ice; yes, snow and ice in June. Trail Ridge Road is one of our favorite drives in Colorado so we decided to take it anyway to the point where it was closed at Rainbow Curve; which would be about 12 miles. The ranger told us it could open within the next few days so we’re optimistic. Some call this the heavenly highway and you wouldn’t have to stretch the imagination too much to agree with that description of this lofty and spectacular road.
The road winds along Fall River and we made a stop at Sheep Lakes in Horseshoe Park. For the most part the bighorn sheep stick to the high mountains but because the soil is salty, they will sometimes come here to lick the salt. The ranger pointed out one sheep off in the distance. The road did a series of switchbacks to Many Parks Curve at 9640 ft. A boardwalk provided a safe place from which to soak in the panoramic view of the parks below, Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park. “Parks” in the Rockies are really mountain meadows which were formed when the glaciers melted. Rainbow Curve is the last turnout before tree line and, unfortunately, at 10,840 feet, the end of our trek today. The crews were working the plows so we hope it opens before we have to leave.
So we doubled back and enjoyed the vistas from the other direction. The 10-mile Bear Lake Road on the eastern end of the park was open and beckoned us. Our wildlife sightings included some elk grazing in a meadow and another herd lazily soaking up the sun off the Bear Lake Road. Sprague Lake is a great place for anglers and we saw a few guys suiting up to go wading with their fishing poles. Finally, we reached Bear Lake and had to squeeze through a narrow path through the melting ice and snow to catch a glimpse of the pristine lake. It was worth the effort but we decided against the trails because it was truly cold with a piercing wind. We returned to the warmth of the Jeep and worked our way back to Estes Park via the Beaver Meadows area. A short ride back through Big Thompson Canyon and we were home.
We had spaghetti for dinner and I tackled some laundry. We still need to find a car wash; maybe tomorrow.
