Estes Park Adventures

Looking for some adventure in Estes Park, Colorado?

Here are some ideas for you!

(Jeeping along Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park)

1) Rent a Jeep and take the dirt roads!

Backbone Adventures located at 1851 North Lake Ave. in Estes Park has a variety of rental choices from Jeeps, to ATVs, and snowmobiles. Phone: 970-235-5045

Green Jeep Tours located at 157 Moraine Ave in Estes Park provides customized, guided Jeep tours. Phone: 970-577-0034

Wildside 4x4 located at 212 E. Elkhorn Ave. in Estes Park offers a "Top of the World Tour" and "Sunset Tour." Phone: 970-586-TOUR 

(Entrance to RMNP from Grand Lake, CO)


2) Ride high in the sky along the Estes Park Aerial Tramway.

(Looking down over the town of Estes Park, Colorado.)

The Estes Park Aerial Tramway carries you up to the Observation Platform where you will also find a gift shop and tiny coffee shop.  You may have to wait in line a little while, as they run only two gondolas at a time. However, the views at the top are well worth the wait! There appeared to also be a hiking trail at the top.

Check their website for seasonal opening times/dates and prices.


3) Horseback riding in the National Park!

There are several horse rentals in the area. I will only list a few.

Rocky Mountain National Park has two stables within the park: Glacier Creek Stables and Moraine Park Stables. Their site also lists rules and other resources to be aware of.

 (Wildflowers in West Horseshoe Park in RMNP)

 

SK Horses offers several tour options on their National Park Gateway tour. They offer 2 Hour tours, half-day, and full day tours.

Jackson Stables (at the YMCA in Estes Park) has 1 hour all the way to All Day tours available.

RESERVATIONS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR JEEPING AND HORSEBACK RIDING.

All photos posted are the property of this blogger. All rights reserved. 2017.

On Top of the World: Trail Ridge Road

People and cars look as small as ants when on top of the world.

One of the most scenic drives in all of Colorado is definitely Trail Ridge Road, driving between Estes Park and Grand Lake.

 

I usually find myself singing along to the Dixie Chicks' song 'Top of the World' (toward the end where it starts to build and crescendo...more of an overcast day song) or any of James Taylor's tracks... as I traverse this high mountain road full of beauty and mountain views. Every which way you look as you approach the top, are myriads of mountain peaks, sky, and craggy open space.

 

 

This is probably my favorite drive in all of Colorado.

 

Just the facts, Ma'am:

 

• Generally takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on how often you stop for photo-ops) to drive from one end to the other.
• 11 miles of road are above treeline in the alpine tundra.
• 200 species of alpine plants. Very fragile ecosystem. Please stay on trails as these plants especially take much longer to grow back if trampled.
• Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass (elevation 10,120 feet).
• The highest point on the road is 12,183 feet (east of the Alpine Visitor Center).
• Look for wildlife such as marmots, pika, and ptarmigan who live in the arid, wintry alpine tundra environment.
• You can often see other wildlife such as deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and moose along the way.
• It is only open all the way through from late Spring to early Fall.
• To check road status call: 970-586-1222.

 

Other Highlights Along the Way:

• The Alpine Visitor Center is a nice destination once you get to the top. There is a café and snack counter if you want some refreshments, as well as, the main gift shop/souvenir center inside the park. There is a short trail just beside the parking lot if you want to stretch your legs. However, due to the altitude and wind you may prefer to chill and sip hot cocoa inside.
• Old Fall River Road is a one-way (up only) road on the east side that will take you to the Alpine Visitor Center. It generally opens around July 4th. It is a narrow, gravel road with a 15 mph speed limit. Be advised. Check road conditions to be sure road is open.
• Hike along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail or
• Take a tour of Holzwarth Historic Site, near Grand Lake. Hike about half a mile to the old cabin.
• On the east side, just after the treeline stops, walk in the footsteps of the Ute Amerindians along the Ute Trail.
• The Bear Lake Road trailheads can fill up fast in the summertime. If you don't want the hassle of trying to find a parking spot there are free park shuttle buses. Highly recommended.

 

Be Aware:

 

Due to the high elevation be sure to stay hydrated and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.

 

Even if the temperature is 80 degrees in Grand Lake or Estes it is always cool (if not cold) and generally windy up above treeline.

 

Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road are narrow, high mountain roads. Use Caution.

Be prepared for the possibility of fast moving weather systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Mountain National Park in the Fall.

Skittle-colored aspen leaves splashed amidst the evergreens. 

Elk bugles and mating rituals.

Somber. Spiritual. Reflective. 

I love Rocky Mountain National Park in the Fall. 

(photos taken 10/7/15)

Walking in the Footsteps of the Ute at 11,000 feet

I have long been fascinated with the various Native American tribes that first inhabited the Colorado territory. Upon learning that the Ute tribe frequented the area now known as Rocky Mountain National Park, I have been fascinated to retrace their steps and to try to see through their eyes. Just this week I finally got the chance to walk along the Ute Trail, which traverses heights of  over 11,000 feet. I pondered the view as if I lived in the 1800's (or beyond) and marveled that I was seeing the very same view that the Ute's saw as they hunted in this area during summer time. The hike was more of a stroll and at times I was actually being pushed along by the forceful winds that frequently blow through the high elevations. Situated off of Trail Ridge Road, the views are astounding! I will always remember this hike as I felt connected to nature and to history.

Lily Lake and Lily Mountain Trail

 

Upon a recent visit to Estes Park, a local referred me to Lily Mountain Trailhead. This mountain hike borders Rocky Mountain National Park and is right next to Lily Lake (located within the NPS borders). One of the many great things about this hike is that it is dog friendly...although your dog must remain on the leash (according to the sign). [Sidenote: I recently bought a dog and have since realized that there are not any National Parks (that I know of) where dogs are welcome due to trying to preserve the land and the safety of wildlife. So, the fact that I can hike right next to the NPS with my dog was a HUGE delight!]. Anyway, the Lily Mountain trail meanders up and around to a beautiful panoramic view of Estes Park. There are many rock outcrops and beautiful evergreen trees along the way. After you hike enjoy a picnic at Lily Lake!

 

Last year, 2012, Rocky Mountain National Park partnered with National Geographic for the annual Bioblitz. Lily Lake was one of the lakes sampled for aquatic macroinvertebrates. And of course, plenty of lively creatures thrive in this pristine lake....which makes for great fly fishing if you are interested! Apparently, the more diverse sample of aquatic species indicates the level of health of an area. Conclusion: the Lily Lake area is thriving with healthy wildlife--nature that is seen and even unseen with the naked eye.


So, the next time you visit the Estes Park area check out Lily Lake and Lily Mountain Trail.

Estes Park; My Home Away From Home.

 

I never get tired of visiting Estes Park. It is the first place I longed to visit when I first moved to Denver ten years ago. And it is the place where I continue to return.

 

 My fascination with Estes (the nickname used by many Coloradoans) began when my parents shared that it was a camping spot they used on their first road trip together back in the 70's. As a child of divorce, I treasure tiny nuggets of my parents lost nostalgia...and therefore believe I was drawn to Rocky Mountain National Park like a lost camper retracing their steps.

Nowadays, I come back month after month simply to be, to rest, to play. It is a familiar stomping ground of which I have grown quite fond of its beauty, wildlife, and amenities.

There are alot of other places in Colorado I still want to explore. But when I need a quick, refreshing, intimate getaway I continue to return to Estes Park.




Helpful Links:
http://estes-park.com/

http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

http://www.rockymtnresorts.com/

Bio Blitz 2012--Rocky Mountain National Park

National Geographic and Rocky Mountain National Park are teaming up for Bio Blitz 2012!!

 Lots of fun things to explore, discover, and learn about on August 24th and 25th. Come and help take an inventory of the various species within Rocky Mountain National Park! You can also enjoy various workshops and sights at the Biodiversity Festival! Various photography experts and scientists will be on hand for live demonstrations, live animals on site, live music and fun biology stuff!! :)

Also, take advantage of the many ranger-led opportunities going on this weekend!!

If you love nature, science, biology, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, and National Geographic---than this event is a must!!

For more details check out this website.

Great Horned Owls

I was driving through Rocky Mountain National Park recently and came upon this beautiful sight!! Gotta love Colorado wildlife!!

My Favorite Colorado Towns...and Why

Well, I have revised my list of favorite Colorado towns and will also expound more on WHY these towns are my favorite.

**(I would ask for a drum roll here but that seems a bit pretentious for such a tiny blog as this.)

My Favorite Colorado Towns:

1) Telluride
This town sits perched amidst some of the most breathtaking mountain peaks in all of Colorado. I felt like I was in the bottom of a bowl looking up... The downtown area is cute, rustic, quaint, and caters to the wealthy but also can accommodate those on a budget. I picked this town as number one because of the ambiance of the town...the feel...the vistas...the western, rustic charm...it really seemed to epitomize the Colorado experience.

2) Ouray
Of course, since I picked Telluride for the number one spot then I had to pick Ouray for the number 2 spot...since they share the same mountainous backyard basically. Ouray also is surrounded by majestic peaks on all sides it seems...has a western, rustic charm...and offers several main attractions besides the views. For instance, there is Box Canyon, Ouray ice fields (in winter), and hot springs.Ouray is nicknamed "Colorado's Little Switzerland". When you drive in you will see why...There is something for everyone in this cozy hideaway.

3)Estes Park
You can't visit Colorado and not go to Estes Park. Its just the thing to do really. Estes Park is probably one of the most visited towns in Colorado, if not THE most popular tourist town in Colorado. Mostly in part because it is the main thoroughfare for Rocky Mountain National Park. There are a ton of places to stay, eat, and play in this nature-lover's paradise.

4)Steamboat Springs
This town has it all with a little less of the ritz that perhaps Telluride may have. Steamboat Springs offers fabulous skiing and snow activities during the winter. As well as, a myriad of activities during the other seasons....such as; hiking, biking, fishing, shopping, dining, sightseeing, etc. Steamboat, like most other towns in Colorado, is absolutely beautiful and charming. It is also home to my favorite hot springs in all of Colorado; Strawberry Hot Springs.

5)Salida
This little, cozy, artsy town is a precious gem. It is quite small but it is hugely popular among Colorado fans..especially among kayakers, campers, and artists. It sits upon Colorado's most popular area for rafting...the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. It is close to some of the best four-wheeling, hiking, and outdoorsy activities around. There is so much to do in and around this town if you do your research. There are 2 hot springs less than an hour away, one old ghost town, atleast one waterfall hike nearby, and obviously tons of open space to hike or go 4x4ing. The area between Salida and Buena Vista is my favorite place during the summer...I have written about this in other blog entries.

6)Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a great summer and winter destination. The ski slopes are directly in this towns backyard...as well as the breckenridge brewery. This town is quaint, cute, and makes a great day trip from Denver. There is a main strip of shops, restaurants, and a new historical museum that rests along a rushing river that winds through downtown.

7)Colorado Springs
This town is home to Garden of the Gods and several other popular attractions. There are alot of sites to see in this town...several waterfall destinations nearby, hiking and shopping. What else I enjoy about Colorado Springs is that two other cute cities are adjacent to it...Old Colorado City (which takes about 5 minutes to drive through but has several cute, rustic shops) and Manitou Springs (a VERY cute and tiny town...alot of excellent shopping and eating...kinda has a hippie feel at times).

8)Ft. Collins
A mountain college town that has an adorable downtown strip...the town has a cute, peaceful, old-school feel about it...It feels very relaxed. It is home to the popular New Belgium Brewery; voted one of the best companies to work for in the Unites States. It is also home to the Horsetooth Reservoir; a winding lake that lies beside a rock canyon. This western-feeling town is great for summer activities and shopping.

9)Grand Lake
This secluded mountain town is basically the backdoor of Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park would be considered the front door...of course depending on where you are coming from...but Grand Lake is typically the less popular entrance...but don't take that to mean that it is not full during the summer...because it definitely gets filled up!). Grand Lake is great for summer kayaking, hiking around Rocky Mountain National Park or surrounding area, boating, fishing, shopping, etc. A beautiful drive along the way as well. Also, the Hot Sulphur Springs in Grandby is not far either.

10)Durango
This would be a great town to live in if you preferred the southwest part of Colorado. Durango feels like a family town surrounded my mountains...kinda spread out...yet not too big. It has a historical, western type of downtown section...very cute. Alot to see and do. It also is part home to the Durango-Silverton Railroad. Also, Mesa Verde National Park is not too far from Durango.

(I did not include Aspen in this list because it felt too posh for my style. But I'd say it is an interesting place to drive through if you have never been there.)