Rocky Mountain National Park

This was the second time for us to visit Rocky Mountain National Park and we were saddened  to see all of the damage to the forest caused by the Beetle Kill.   The temperature dropped to 62 degrees as we reached an elevation of 12,132 feet. 

Trail Ridge Road covering the 48 miles between Estes Park on the east side of the park and Grand Lake on the west side of the park is heavily traveled and known as the highway to the sky.  Eleven miles of this highway  travel above the tree line.  There were several places to pull off the highway and enjoy the different views. 

Words cannot describe the stunning views in the park.  Hopefully sharing these pictures will give one a glimpse of this magnificent park.

Our first sighting of wildlife in the park.

Beetle kill damage to the forest

Veering off Trail Ridge Road to see the Colorado River.

The wildflowers as small as they were made a big contribution to spectacular scenes in the park.

The meadow at the end of Coyote Trail shows just how many of the trees have died during the catastrophic beetle kill. 

I ask Terry to give me a count of the damaged trees.  Of course he gave me a number but I highly doubt it was correct.

As we were leaving the Coyote Trail area this moose and her little one came walking across the road in front of the jeep.



As these animals become accustomed to humans they lose their natural fear and can become aggressive.

We walked around the snow on the trail to Lake Irene.  The reflection of the trees and clouds in the water doubled the lake's beauty.  A perfect place for a picnic.

Yes he hit me with the snowball.



We stopped at Milner Pass to throw a few snowballs.

Snow bank on the side of Trail Ridge Road

Snow melt rushing from underneath the snow bank.



Seeing the wildlife in the park was exciting.

Rocky  Mountain National Park had 4.1 million visitors last year

As you look out across this range your state of being is peaceful.

Being in the top of  these mountains the connection between nature and yourself is calming.

These elk do not show any fear to humans or the automobiles.

Trying to capture the depth of the valleys with my camera is no comparison to what you actually see and feel as you look down.

Tracker on this elk.

These type sights and the feeling of tranquility in the park are the reasons so many visitors return each year. 

Winding River Resort - Grand Lake, Colorado

Sunday June 19th we left Colorado Springs and traveled to the Winding River Resort in Grand Lake, Colorado.  Berthoud Pass elevation 11,307 feet was on the route to Grand Lake. The descent with 6% grade, 20 and 25 mph hairpin turns and 30 and 35 mph curves was a first for us to travel in the motorhome.  My heart rate stayed at a normal pace until I would decide to look down and over the edge of the mountain then my heart went to pounding.  Even though I was nervous the scenery was literally breathtaking.

Our friends, Mark and Sandi Henning from Lake Charles are working at the resort for the summer.  We had a great time visiting with them and meeting some of the other work campers.

The resort borders Rocky Mountain National Park.  The wildlife is plentiful to watch from within the park and the Colorado skies can only be described as extraordinary.  The North Fork of the Colorado River winds around the park and is an excellent spot to just listen to sounds of the rushing water.

Our day trip excursions included a drive up to Walden the moose capital of Colorado, Arapaho National Recreation Area and Rocky Mountain National Park.  It is so hard to describe just how beautiful the scenery is in Colorado.

Meet our friends Mark and Sandi Henning.

This elk was in the meadow behind Mark and Sandi's camper.

The next few pictures were taken within 30 minutes.  I have never seen the sky change so many colors in such a short time.

 

The barn at the resort.

The weather was nice for hayrides.

This field of elk was seen going into the resort.

North Fork of Colorado River in the resort.

A view of Grand Lake from the Historic Grand Lake Lodge.



Arapaho National Recreation Area

Non-motorized boats in this area.

After a 10 mile drive into Arapaho National Recreation Area and a short walk we find Monarch Lake.

This doe was not bothered by being photographed at all.



Evidence of new growth in the forest.

It was so sad to see the damage to the forest from the Bark Beetle kill.

Dark clouds from a nearby thunderstorm covering the lake.

The snow capped Rockies make a beautiful backdrop for any scene in the area.

The Rand Store- the only thing we saw in this little town besides a post office. 

Display in the Rand Store.

Pronghorn seen on the way to Walden.

These little critters (white tail prairie dogs)  were everywhere and fun to watch.

Bull Moose spotted near the Illinois River in Walden

Smoke from the Beaver Creek wildfire.  More than 7,000 acres had burned over 150 firefighters from 3 different states working around the clock trying to stop its spread.

Unusual décor on this fifth wheel in the campground at Lake John.

Lake John very peaceful and located out in the wide open spaces.



We stopped in at the River Rock Café.

This sign caught my eye at the entrance into the River Rock Café.

 

Veterans Memorial Tunnels on I-70 near Idaho Springs, CO.



Berthoud Pass hairpin curves and gorgeous views.

Glad to get out of all those curves!