When it’s mid-July and the city heat rises to the upper nineties, it’s time to get away to the mountains, to Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you are going for only a day or on an overnight camping trip, the power of the mountains is cleansing. We arrive at Fall River Pass above tree line, park our car, shoulder our packs and pick up the trail just across the road that heads off into the green tundra. We’re in no hurry to get to a given destination –no, we just amble along the trail and look across at Specimen Mountain rising a few thousand feet higher. Once we’re about a mile or so away, we take a breather and stretch out on the trail to relax and enjoy the view while sipping on some cold water and looking through our binoculars. We could go farther, but this spot has much to offer. Here we try to concentrate on the grasses of the tundra, on the sedges and tiny Parry primroses at our feet. We can see in the distance a herd of elk . Ravens squawk above us as a few thunderheads begin to develop over Mount Ida rising to almost 13,000 feet. As thunder rumbles, my wife and I get up to hoof back to Fall River Pass where it has begun to sleet. There’s a distinct chill in the air. Lightning forks the sky as we drive back to Denver that we can once again enjoy.
Sincerely,
Rocky Mountain National Park
This dramatic landscape of towering mountains and alpine lakes encompasses more than 265,000 acres - 95% of which are designated wilderness. With this intentional focus on protecting this unique landscape, there are few developed infrastructure areas in the park, which leads to traffic problems in areas including the Bear Lake Road Corridor and right off Trail Ridge Road. Alpine tundra also encompasses approximately 1/3 of the park. Alpine tundra is a fundamental and fragile resource, which requires park managers to give this ecosystem increased attention for protection.
State(s): Colorado
Established: 1915
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Greetings from Rocky Mountain National Park
"8 Facts About the Rocky Mountains The Guidebook Won't Tell You." The title caught my eye as I scrolled through the article online. "The Park is a wildlife paradise," it proclaimed, painting a picture of a world where nature reigned supreme, untamed and thriving. Eager to experience this wild haven,…
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Greetings from Rocky Mountain National Park
Quick story, ‘88 seasonal support at RMNP. Met (worked with) my wife of now 33 years. Tremendous memories of Estes Park, Trail Ridge Store, and my love.
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