“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, I set out with a group of tourists and park rangers on a trail that cut through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. The air was crisp, carrying the fresh scent of pine, while the distant murmur of rushing water winded through the valleys.
As we trekked along, a sudden movement caught my attention. There, just a few meters away, stood a deer. Her eyes locked onto mine, and I froze, my breath caught in my throat. She was so close that I could see the delicate lines of her face and the soft flicker of her ears as she tuned into the sounds of the forest. In that moment, I paused as if the entire world was holding its breath with me.
I moved slowly, careful not to break the spell, as I reached for my camera. She didn’t flinch or retreat; she simply observed me, as if we shared a mutual understanding of our roles in this silent exchange. I raised the Leica to my eye, framing her within the viewfinder. Snap. The shutter clicked softly, capturing the moment forever. As the sound faded, the deer turned and vanished into the underbrush, leaving me with the memory of our brief, yet profound, encounter.
I realized this trip had given me exactly what I’d been seeking: a genuine, unspoken connection with the wild.
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
“I support the national parks because they preserve the natural beauty and wildlife that inspire creativity and reflection. These protected spaces offer a sanctuary where the soul can reconnect with nature, providing a sense of peace and inspiration that's vital for both personal well-being and artistic expression.”
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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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