On our way out of Rocky Mountain National Park, Gary drove the RV and the dogs and I followed behind in the Jeep, winding our way first up the treacherous mountain road to the Alpine Visitor’s Center, once again, then down the mountain on our way to Grand Lake and Granby, Colorado.
The Trail Ridge Road peaks at 11, 796 feet, which is the highest visitor centers in all 63 National Parks. In fact, it sits proudly above the timberline into the tundra of the park. From this vantage point, you can see above the trees down into the valley below, catching glimpses of the herds of elk resting in the tundra meadows.
Although breathtakingly beautiful and serene, for some reason the folks in Colorado don’t appreciate guardrails along their steep highways. I’ve noticed this before when driving along the Continental Divide, on Highway 70, and Route 40, but here on this two-lane, narrow mountain pass, one would think a guardrail would be a necessity!
But alas, not so. As we made our hairpin turns, I instinctively leaned my body to the left side of the jeep – how silly of me to think that might help, but I had to try. Turns out that if Gary could manage in the 34-foot RV, then the dogs and I and our trusty jeep could manage as well. And we did.
Along the way into Grand Lake, we spotted more elk and deer. We stayed several nights at the most luxurious Sun Outdoors Campground yet. Nestled between Grand Lake and Granby, CO, this park offers spacious, leveled sites, gorgeous views of the mountains, a six-lane bowling alley, two bars/restaurants, swimming, mini golf, two lakes to fish and paddleboard/kayak, and for those who want to experience this RV life without the commitment, there are six Airstream trailers to rent, numerous modern cabins, and even six covered wagons for the more adventurous types.
Grand Lake is a wonderful historic town that boasts the state’s largest and deepest natural body of water. Settled in 1867 by miners, this charming town has retained it’s rustic, old-timey vibe through original architecture and lakeside activities.
As you walk along the boardwalk sidewalks, you can picture yourself spending a summer or two here, enjoying the lake, eating ice cream or a cold beer, listening to a jazz festival in the main town center, and just unwinding from the rest of the modern world.
We were able to visit old friends from NH who have been settled in Colorado for decades now. We have been able to keep in touch and visit throughout the years which is always such a blessing.
Gary and I biked in the town of Winter Park, CO, and had a great ride along the Fraser River, taking in the relaxing mountain views.
Colorado is often known as a winter state, offering world-class mountains to enjoy and conquer. But I only know it as a summer place, where I have beautiful memories of exciting adventures with Gary and our boys. There are just too many activities to engage in to list here. Safe to say, if you want to be in nature, if you want to experience clean air and breathtaking vistas, and if you want to go DO something fun, there are few better places than Colorado.