Although we have traveled to Colorado probably a dozen times, we had not yet visited this national park. I am so glad that we did!
Established in 1915 as the 10th National Park, this timeless wilderness boasts over 415 square miles, consisting of over 266,000 acres of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Just outside of Estes Park, Colorado, this quiet park offers hikers, campers, fly fishermen, bicyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts an escape from the modern world. Although the big blue buses shuttle tourists up and down the park’s trailheads and parking lots, every activity here will be on foot.
The park ‘s mountain peaks range from modest 11,000 footers to mostly 12,000 to 13,000 ft peaks, with the tallest, Longs Peak standing as the park’s only 14,000 ft peak. It is visible from almost every spot within the park.
We spent three full days exploring and hiking and enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. The elevation took a lot of adjusting but we managed. We hiked trails that encircled pristine lakes, we hoofed it up steep, dusty trails overlooking waterfalls, and we descended rocky ledges and trails that overlooked Ponderosa pine tree forests and meadowed gorges filled with elk and colorful wildflowers.
One delightful morning, we encountered a mother moose and her baby making their way back up into the woods after having just swam in the lily pad-filled lake. Later that same day, we drove past two elk off the side of the road, their large antlers appearing too heavy for their narrow heads.
One of our favorite experiences this week was our breathtakingly scary drive up the mountain on a one-way dirt road with several switchbacks and curves and 9,000 ft drop offs and sheer rocky cliffs. Our Jeep and Gary’s superb driving got us to the Alpine Visitor Center unscathed and in awe.
We explored the historic tourist town of Estes Park. One of the coolest attractions here, besides the cute boutiques, taverns, gift shops, and restaurants, was the Stanley Hotel.
Now, we decided not to pay the $40.00 per person ticket price for the grand tour of this historic grand hotel, but we did drive around and go inside to check it out. We have stayed at many grand hotels across the country, and they never disappoint. This hotel stands out because this hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King’s best seller novel (and subsequent movie) The Shinning.
In the early 1970’s, King and his wife were among the last guests to stay in the hotel before it closed for the winter season. Practically alone in the enormous hotel, in Room 217, he experienced weird phenomena and had a nightmare involving his child, and thus, a classic story was conceived.
The campground we booked was not as grand, but it was disappointing. July is a very popular month, and we had few options when booking a few months prior. So that is why we were stuck with staying at the Yogi Bear Jellystone RV and Campground.
When we pulled into our spot on Boo Boo Boulevard, we should have known we were in for a strange experience. The park is dated and designed for families who are eager to shell out top dollar for ‘Rangers’ to entertain their children. Our spot was relatively quiet and spacious compared to our neighbors who were cramped into dusty driveways on the side of a mountain.
We are off tomorrow for our next adventure in Granby, Colorado. We plan on exploring Grand Lake, a picturesque mountain town, and hope to get some more bike rides in.
Colorado never disappoints in its sheer beauty and rugged mountains, its clean air and friendly folk. Although I dislike some of the state’s political leanings, I admire its warm invitation to go outside and get into nature.