Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park Colorado- Rocky Mountain National Park

After leaving western Nebraska on US 6, we continued on through Greely,  Colorado and picked up US 34. This is a scenic, if winding way, to climb up to 8200 ft , via a narrow gorge, to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Our 32 ft RV with Jeep in tow, had no issues in making the trek and we were able to oblige those following us by using the numerous pullouts to let them pass by. Very Beautiful! A note of caution: you are at high altitudes throughout the Park and Altitude Sickness is a possibility. Also, while there, we experienced 19% humidity. Drink plenty of fluids!

starting into gorge on US34!

twisty but not scary - worth the drive

our site from the bank behind

not too big - Winnie fit right in

room with a view

view from our site!

Campground was full, including this beast!

We had visited RMNP on our big trip in mid July, 2018. During that visit we had camped at Glacier Basin Campground for 3 days. This afforded a beautiful of the mountain range, but beetles had killed off all the pines and had been removed leaving a very large open area. This time we stayed at Moraine Park Campground, site B188 for 5 dyas. We entered the Park at Beaver Meadows and proceded to the campground and our site. The campground is comprised of several loops, some tent only and some mixed. Ours was mixed and site B188 afforded us a magnificent view of the Rockies and were nestled in some nice tall Ponderosa Pines, combined with being almost perfectly level and right across from the drinking water and vault toilets. We could view the mountains from inside or outside and did so for many hours. The entire area is also know for its' large groves of Aspen. We were arriving at what we hoped would be a prime leaf views time not only at RMNP, but at several of our following destinations.

This Magpie liked my Jeep

not shy - Magpies come very close

Aspen turn Golden Yellow and cover large areas

CJ kickin' back at RMNP

We quickly setup, CJ occupied his outdoor bed and Cindy sat to take in the beautiful views and listen to Elk bugling nearby! RMNP is home to a large Elk population in addition to Mule Deer, Black Bear, Mountain Lions, Big Horn Sheep, Wild Turkeys and other critters. The Rut is on! Elk Bugling morning noon and night and large groups of visitors line the road sides to watch. After Dinner, we hopped in Jeep  (which was absolutely filthy from days of being towed, through several rainstorms) and headed towards town and a car wash. First though, we swung down the first turnoff to a large mountain meadow and numerous Elk, including several impressive Bulls. We like Moose, but Elk are my personal favorite. i think they are quite majestic, even if their bugling is a bit mismatched to their appearance. Jeep got a fairly decent washing and was much more presentable. We arrived back at camp just before sunset and I was able to take CJ on a walk around our loop before darkness set in.  

this Bull had a Harem of over 20 Cows

Impressive!

Our weather since arriving at RMNP has been sunny, daytime temps between 60 and 75 degrees and very low humidity. The constant breezes combined with the low humidity allow you to be quite comfortable while in the shade (no AC here as there are not any electric hookups.). This was making a very pleasant outdoor experience. I had been composing the first BLOG post for this trip and needed to get to town and the library to grab WiFi to wrap it up and insert the pics (these get emailed to me and then accessed through our Windows laptop - blogspot is not too happy with Apple iPads. Cindy went in first to update the budget and CJ and I lounged on the bench outside in the sunshine. then my turn came and we swapped placed. I got the typing transferred but the pics were causing issues. (it has been a years since I blogged). I had already been at it for an hour and a hlf and it was past my noon day feeding, so I saved where I was at and we left for camp. Lunch and sitting outside the remainder of the afternoon occasionally looking at the 10000+ ft mountains was combined with reading and walking CJ. Listening to Elk bugle nearby is a definite plus. The Elk continued on through out the evening and into the night.

The next morning was a repeat effort of going to the Library. This time I was successful in getting the pictures loaded and inserted in the blog. I hit the published button and then Cindy, CJ and I checked out downtown Estes Park. We had been here last year, even used the Library, but we stayed away from the shops as it was peak tourist season and the sidewalks and streets were jam packed. This time was different and we casually strolled the main street, checking out the stores and resisting to go into the taffy and candy shops. ( not an easy task). Then back to the Library, hop in the Jeep and head back to camp (grabbing some groceries on the way). 

shops of all kinds in Esges PArk

Evenings cool down rapidly, and the first two nights we turned on the propane furnace and set a temp of 64 degrees. It kicked in numerous times throughout the night.

We had decided to drive over the ridge tops on Trail Ridge Road (US 34), climbing above the tree line into the Arctic Tundra area of the park and then  westward and then once outside the Park at Grand View, turn North to try to see Moose.  This consumed the day and while we did not see moose, we did see some more beautiful scenery and even stopped at Steamboat Springs, the renowned ski resort town by lunchtime. Cindy researched places to meet and we decided on Backdoor Grill. It offered outdoor dining, pet friendly, beer and great burgers made from local beef! We both felt this was on of the best burgers we ever had eaten (CJ enjoyed his pieces as well). Time then to start for home as I was not wanting to have to cross back of the ridge in the days. Quite heads-up driving as it is in the day time. We arrived back at camp shortly after 5 pm. A day well spent.

great scenery on the way to Steamboat Springs

Aspen starting to turn

One of the best burgers we've ever had!!- Back Door Grill Steamboat Springs

Ridge Trail Road - built in the 1920's

up in the Alpine tundra on Ridge Road

came up this road!

Saturday morning we were out the door shortly after 7 am and heading to Sprague Lake in hopes of seeing Moose. No Moose, no Squirrel, but picturesque all the same. There were several Elk in the lake and the walk around the lake is very nice. By now we had seen well over a hundred Elk and the still impress you. Their bugling in our area has quieted down some what but they are around the area. After walking Sprague Lake, we continued on to Bear Lake, one of the most popular sites in the Park. When we arrived, around 8:30 of so, the parking lot was at capacity and we were instructed to drive through once in hopes of getting a space and moving on if we didn't. We didn't. This area is quite best accessed by catching the in park shuttle. There are others areas to see that we hadn't caught last time, so we continued on to Lily Lake. Just a few miles outside the park gates, but part of the RMNP, Lily lake affords great scenery and a nice half mile, level walk with numerous benched to sit and take in the views. No pets allowed on the walk, so Cindy and CJ sat in the Jeep and I took a hike. very nice and highly recommended. We heeded back to the Park, stopping at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, where I watched the film on the Park (  always a good, well done choice) then onward toward the entrance. The traffic entering the Park was backed up for perhaps half a mile and it took us 10-15 minutes till be got to where the lanes fanned out and we could go in the speedy lane for Passholders. We highly advise arriving at any of the National Parks as early in the morning as possible!  Later on we met two unrelated people who originally came from York, Pa. In addition, the Waman in the site next to use has a friend who lives in Reading, Pa! It's a small world we live in.

Elk in Sprague Lake, RMNP

this meadow was near our campsite- bugling abounds!

RMNP is also home to Mule Deer

The Park was full and our campground loop was quite active with groups, families, singles and retirees enjoying the great outdoors! CJ got his evening walk and as the day had been quite warm, we opted to not turn on the furnace . It was great sleeping temps, but we awoke to 52 degrees in the RV. A bit nippy. At 6 am the furnace was on the coffee was being consumed! 

Out time here has come to a close and we'll be packing up shortly to get ready to move on to our next site. 

RMNP is well worth visiting and the last time we were here we didn't stay long enough. Five days is what I would recommend. Six or more if you are going to do kayaking, horse rides or long hikes. Do the drives, walk the lakes, get to the wild life areas (the Rangers can help with those) and be prepared to get up early and get out there before the day visitors arrive! Estes Park is very touristy and has numerous shops, restaurants and all kinds of tours - Jeeps rides, rafting, horse back rides, fly fishing, etc. Be sure to book way in advance on Recreation.gov. There is a rolling 6 month window. We were a bit too early at September 15 for the Aspen leaves, but they will be here soon!

not too hard to take

take care and enjoy

CJ