Monday, 23 Sept
The Journey from Caspar, MT to Estes Park, CO
We departed Rivers Edge RV Park in Evansville, Wyoming, around 10 a.m., heading south on Interstate 25. The journey began with stretches of rolling plains, their sparse vegetation painting a picture of Wyoming’s open landscapes. As we traveled further south, the scenery transitioned into gentle rolling hills interspersed with distinctive buttes and mesas, hallmark features of the high desert environment.
Approaching Laramie, the terrain grew more rugged as we entered the Laramie Range, a north-south stretch of mountains characterized by rocky outcrops and forested ridges. This range offered a dramatic contrast to the flatter plains we had just traversed.
Crossing into Colorado, the landscape shifted again, giving way to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Gradually increasing elevation brought denser vegetation, with stands of pine and aspen trees lining the hillsides. The rugged terrain featured rocky ridges, meandering valleys, and a sense of anticipation as the peaks of the Rockies loomed in the distance.
We stopped for gas just north of Fort Collins, then continued south to Loveland. From there, we turned onto US-34, embarking on a scenic drive through the Big Thompson Canyon. This section of the journey was particularly striking, as the road wound alongside the Big Thompson River, nestled between steep canyon walls and towering rock formations. The climb into the Rocky Mountains brought increasingly dramatic views, culminating in our arrival at Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes Park
Estes Park, at 7,500 feet in elevation, is a scenic mountain town surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains. As the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, it thrives on tourism. It offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and outdoor adventure services, making it a popular destination for exploring the park and its surrounding natural beauty.
Manor RV Park
When we arrived at the campground and 3 pm, we were greeted outside at the office and given our paperwork. The park was on a steep hill sloping down the Big Thompson River, and the road to our site was full of ruts. We had a back-in site that backed up to a small swampy area, and it was just large enough for our trailer. We had a concrete patio, but we had to park our trailer to avoid the collapsed corner that would have certainly tripped us up as we stepped down the stairs.
After we set up the camper, we poured ourselves a couple of margaritas and walked down to the river. Other campers and sites blocked access to the river, but some sites were still empty, so we found a picnic table at one of them to relax. While there, we watched an elk casually walk by on the other side of the river. Eventually, we had to leave the site when a camper arrived, so we headed back to the camper to prepare for the next day.
Tuesday, 24 Sept
Wildside 4×4 Tours
We booked a 4-hour tour with Wildside 4×4 Tours, which uses custom convertible 4×4 vehicles to explore the park off-road. Given the mix of dirt and paved high mountain roads, I felt Lisa would be more comfortable with an experienced driver, and it also allowed me to fully enjoy the sights without focusing on driving.
After checking in at their office in Estes Park, we had some time to walk around the square, admiring the statues and taking in the surroundings.
Our guide, “Dan the Man,” greeted us and introduced us to our vehicle, a custom Toyota 4×4 nicknamed “The Beast.” The tour company operated two vehicles, and we happened to get the older one, which we later learned had a broken canopy that couldn’t be used. While the bucket seats were comfortable, accessing them was a bit tricky due to the narrow aisle and single entrance door.
The Stanley Hotel
Our first stop was the Stanley Hotel, a landmark built in 1909 by Freeland Oscar Stanley, co-founder of the Stanley Motor Carriage Company. Originally designed as a luxurious mountain retreat for wealthy travelers, the hotel later gained fame as the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel The Shining after his stay there in 1974. Its intriguing history and reputation for ghostly tales have added to its allure.
Unfortunately, tour vehicles were not permitted to approach the hotel directly, so we had to settle for glimpses of its elegant Georgian architecture through the trees.
Old Fall River Road
We turned onto Old Fall River Road shortly after entering the park. This historic 11-mile dirt road, constructed between 1913 and 1920, was the first route to connect the lower valleys with the park’s alpine regions. The narrow gravel road climbs roughly 3,000 feet to a peak elevation of 11,796 feet, featuring numerous switchbacks and no guardrails, making it a challenging yet scenic drive.
Open only from early July to mid-September, the road’s accessibility depends on weather conditions. Just two days before our visit, snowfall forced its closure, but fortunately, it reopened in time for our tour. One of the main reasons we opted for this tour was so I could fully enjoy the stunning scenery without the need to focus on navigating the road.
Horseshoe Park
Our first stop was Horseshoe Falls, a striking waterfall located in Horseshoe Park near the Alluvial Fan area. This scenic feature was shaped by the devastating 1982 Lawn Lake Flood.
The Lawn Lake Dam, constructed high in the mountains in 1903 before the area became part of Rocky Mountain National Park, suddenly failed on the morning of July 15, 1982. The collapse unleashed approximately 6 billion gallons of water down the Roaring River into Horseshoe Park, sweeping away trees, boulders, and infrastructure in its path. The flood continued along Fall River into Estes Park, causing $31 million in damages, destroying roads and bridges, and tragically claiming three lives. The event dramatically reshaped the landscape, carving new channels in Fall River and depositing a massive alluvial fan of boulders, which created the waterfall we see today.
Horseshoe Falls cascades 25-30 feet down the Roaring River, tumbling over large boulders and rocky outcrops left behind by the flood. We walked along the paved path through the impressive boulder field and river to reach the falls. Along the way, we admired the surrounding views of high mountain peaks and the vibrant aspens in bloom. Our guide also encouraged us to smell the bark of one of the towering Ponderosa Pines, which emitted a delightful scent reminiscent of butterscotch or vanilla.
Old Fall River Road (cont)
As we ascended Old Fall River Road, the dense trees and steep rock walls flanking the route often limited our views. However, our guide found a few spots where the trees opened up, allowing us to pause and take in the scenery. Through these gaps, we caught glimpses of snow-dusted peaks and the vibrant golden hues of the Aspens. As we climbed higher, the dense forest gradually gave way to subalpine terrain, eventually transitioning into the open, rugged beauty of the high alpine tundra.
Alpine Visitor Center
Old Fall River Road ends at the Alpine Visitor Center, perched at an impressive 11,796 feet above sea level, making it the highest visitor center in the U.S. National Park system. This was only a 20-minute stop, and unfortunately, we used most of our limited time waiting in the long lines for the restrooms. The smell of the facilities while we were waiting, given the heavy use and high altitude, was less than ideal.
Despite the rush, we managed to reach the nearby viewpoint before it was time to re-board. The vantage point offered breathtaking views of the park’s alpine tundra and the surrounding mountain peaks. At this altitude, the scenery felt otherworldly, with rugged landscapes stretching out in every direction under the vast, open sky. The brisk air and panoramic vistas were unforgettable, even if our time there was brief.
Trail Ridge Road
From the Alpine Visitor Center, we traveled back toward the East Entrance via Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States. The initial stretch of the drive took us through the alpine tundra, a unique ecosystem that spans about one-third of the park. Here, harsh conditions of low temperatures and strong winds prevent trees from growing, offering expansive views of rugged terrain, surrounding peaks, and the valleys below.
We spotted a coyote moving across the tundra during the descent near Beaver Meadows. Our guide also pointed out the Ute Trail, an ancient path that winds through Rocky Mountain National Park, tracing routes originally used by the Ute people long before European settlers arrived in the region. This ancient trail system served as a vital link for the Utes, connecting lower valleys to higher mountain areas and facilitating seasonal migrations, hunting expeditions, and trade. The trail’s high-altitude sections offered access to alpine tundra, where the Utes hunted game and gathered medicinal plants unique to these elevations.
Returning to the alpine zone, we encountered several “bachelor groups” of mule deer bucks, a fascinating sight in the high-altitude landscape.
Estes Park
When we returned to Estes Park, we walked around downtown for about an hour since we had a parking spot.
The downtown shopping area of Estes Park is a charming mix of historic and modern storefronts set against the Rocky Mountains. There were boutique shops, art galleries, outdoor gear, locally made crafts, and plenty of Rocky Mountain-themed souvenir junk. Estes Park is known for its sweet shops, featuring homemade fudge, saltwater taffy, and gourmet ice cream. Various restaurants and cafes ranged from casual eateries serving burgers and pizza to fine dining establishments with mountain views. Many establishments had outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals while soaking in the alpine scenery.
We primarily shopped for a national park magnet for our camper refrigerator but did not find any we liked. After walking multiple blocks, we returned to the truck and headed back to the camper to eat lunch and remove all the extra clothing we had put on for the tour.
Bear Lake
After lunch, we headed back to Rocky Mountain National Park to explore Bear Lake Road. We had a timed entry pass for the 2-4 pm window and arrived at the Bear Lake Road entrance around 3 pm. Though the road is only about 9 miles long, it’s one of the park’s most popular routes due to its incredible scenery and access to several well-known trails.
As we drove toward the Bear Lake parking lot, it was clear why the road was so heavily traveled—it was crowded, but we were lucky enough to find a spot. The lake was just a short walk from the lot.
The lake sits at an elevation of 9,475 feet and is surrounded by towering peaks, including Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. The clear, emerald waters of the lake are fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque, reflective surface that mirrors the surrounding landscape. The aspen trees lining the shores were brilliant shades of yellow and orange, adding a magical touch to the picturesque landscape.
We walked the 0.6-mile dirt track loop around Bear Lake and took plenty of photos, soaking in the beauty of this beautiful lake.
Alberta Falls
After completing our easy walk around Bear Lake, we decided to take a slightly more challenging hike to Alberta Falls. The trail to the falls is a one-mile trek, with the first two-thirds of the hike descending steeply and the final stretch ascending even more steeply. The incline was challenging and gave us a good workout.
The path to Alberta Falls took us through a beautiful forest of pines, aspen, and other alpine vegetation. The trail and the surrounding landscape became more rugged the further we walked, with exposed roots, large boulders, and rock outcroppings adding to the scenic beauty.
The last part of the trail followed the rocky gorge up to the falls. The falls themselves were stunning. Alberta Falls is a 30-foot waterfall located on Glacier Creek, known for its powerful, cascading water that crashes over the rocks. I climbed the small trail that went to the top of the falls, but I could not see much because I was too timid to walk close enough to the edge to peer down.
After enjoying the views and taking some pictures, we learned that there was a shuttle stop near the falls, making it a convenient option for those who prefer not to hike back up. Since I wanted to complete the hike back to the truck, Lisa waited at the shuttle stop while I made my way back up the steep incline to the parking area. The climb was a bit strenuous, but it was rewarding to reach the top and drive back to pick her up at the shuttle stop.
Evening Deer and Elk
As we headed back to the camper, we started noticing more wildlife, particularly deer and elk, beginning to appear as the day turned to evening. The rutting season was in full swing, and the park’s wildlife was becoming more active as the cooler temperatures of late afternoon set in.
One of the larger elk herds we saw was grazing right in front of a house just a few miles from the campground. The sight was incredible. A majestic bull, his large and impressive antlers, stood proudly among the herd.
The elk herds were not shy, grazing near homes and along the roads. Seeing the elk so close to human habitation was fascinating, with the bulls on high alert, ready to protect their territory.
Wednesday, 25 Sept
Trail Ridge Road – East
Today, we decided to take a scenic loop that took us completed around RMNP.
We had to enter RMNP before 9 a.m., or we would need a timed entry pass, so we left the RV Park around 8 a.m. The line at the entrance was over ten vehicles deep, but it only took us about 15-20 minutes to get past the entrance. Once inside, we stopped to watch a large mule deer buck before continuing Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine Visitor Center.
Today, we decided to take a scenic loop that would take us completely through and up the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).
We left the RV park around 8 a.m. to avoid the timed entry pass, ensuring we got to the park entrance before the 9 a.m. cutoff. The line at the entrance was already long, but the wait was only about 15-20 minutes. Our first stop was to watch a young mule deer buck grazing nearby.
We then continued on Trail Ridge Road, one of the most iconic routes through the park. Trail Ridge Road is a scenic drive and the highest continuous paved road in North America, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet at its highest point, known as the “Rocky Mountain National Park High Point.” The road stretches for 48 miles and offers access to some of the most spectacular views in the entire park, crossing through diverse ecosystems from lush forests to alpine tundra.
As we ascended the road, the landscape transformed dramatically. The lower sections of the road were lined with dense forests of aspen and pine trees, while the higher elevations revealed sweeping views of the jagged mountain peaks and expansive valleys as the road wound through alpine meadows and over rocky ridges.
Trail Ridge Road was built in the early 20th century and traversed some of the most challenging terrains in the park. The road is open seasonally, typically from late June to mid-October, as snow and harsh weather conditions make it impassable during winter. The drive along this high-altitude road is not just a chance to see some of the most stunning vistas but also a unique opportunity to experience the transition between different mountain ecosystems as the road climbs from dense forests to barren tundra.
As we continued along the road, we marveled at the changing landscape and the towering peaks around us.
Alpine Visitor Center
One of the highlights of our drive through Rocky Mountain National Park was the Alpine Visitor Center, perched at an elevation of over 11,700 feet. The center offers some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, providing a stunning vantage point of the park’s alpine landscapes. During our previous tour, we hadn’t had much time to explore the area, so I was eager to spend more time there and fully take in the scenery.
We arrived at the Alpine Visitor Center before 9 a.m. and found a parking spot, which would have been difficult shortly. We discovered that the visitor center didn’t open until 9:30, and the store and restaurant didn’t open until 10 a.m., which was disappointing because hot cocoa would be the perfect way to stay warm while we waited.
The morning light was casting beautiful hues across the peaks. While we waited for the center to open, I took advantage of the opportunity to hike the Alpine Ridge Trail, which begins right at the parking lot. This short 0.6-mile trail climbs to the top of the highest hill near the center, providing one of the best views in the park. The initial part of the trail consists of a series of steep steps, and as I made my way up, I quickly understood why the trail is sometimes referred to as “Huffer’s Hill.” The high altitude of 11,796 feet made the climb more challenging than it appeared, and I had to stop a few times to catch my breath. The air was thinner, and each step seemed to take more effort than I anticipated, but the effort was absolutely worth it. When I reached the summit, I was rewarded with unobstructed, 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys that were simply breathtaking.
The descent was much easier, and by the time I returned to the visitor center, it was 9:30. Lisa and I went inside, where we bought a Rocky Mountain National Park magnet for our camper refrigerator, a little memento of our adventure. We also took some time to explore the displays, which offered fascinating information about the park’s wildlife and plant life. The exhibits gave us a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystems within RMNP, and we found the detailed signs about the animals and fauna especially interesting.
After browsing the displays, we returned to the truck and continued our journey along Trail Ridge Road, heading toward the park’s west side.
Trail Ridge Road – West
Trail Ridge Road quickly descended to the valley floor, where the aftermath of past forest fires was strikingly evident. The park’s west side has been affected by several significant wildfires, including the East Troublesome Fire, which began on October 14, 2020, and burned approximately 19,346 acres, making it one of the largest wildfires in Colorado’s history.
The west side of the park is the least visited area. It is drier, with a landscape that features alpine lakes, steep cliffs, and expansive wilderness areas. This side has an abundance of lodgepole pines but lacks Ponderosa pines. The headwaters of the Colorado River are located here, and while the eastern side is home to elk, deer, and black bears, the west side offers more opportunities to spot bighorn sheep and marmots. The ecosystem here also includes more alpine tundra and higher-elevation habitats. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any wildlife during our drive.
Trail Ridge Road spans 48 miles, but the portion from the Alpine Visitor Center to the south entrance is only 31 miles, so our drive through the west side was relatively short. We made a stop at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, which had a few informative displays, before continuing our journey south.
Grand Lake Lodge
Built in 1920, the Grand Lake Lodge retains much of its original charm while offering modern amenities for visitors. Nestled on a hill overlooking Grand Lake, the largest natural lake in Colorado, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Grand Lake spans about 2.0 square miles, with a maximum depth of 265 feet, and is located at an elevation of 8,369 feet, making it a stunning focal point of the area. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, particularly a dense ring of aspens, which were vibrant yellow.
We began our visit by walking to the lodge’s overlook, which offered expansive views of the valley and lake below. The panoramic vistas captured the full scope of the landscape, from the shimmering waters of Grand Lake to the rugged peaks towering in the distance. After taking in the stunning scenery, we headed inside the lodge to explore its historic lobby, which still retains much of its early 20th-century character, with rustic wooden beams, large stone fireplaces, and vintage decor.
Several antique vehicles, likely from the lodge’s early days, were displayed in front, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past. With its blend of historical charm and natural beauty, the lodge had the rustic elegance of a classic mountain retreat.
Lake Granby
After leaving Grand Lake Lodge, we could see clear evidence of the recent forest fire’s proximity to the area. Charred tree trunks and areas of scorched earth marked the landscape, a stark reminder of the destructive power of wildfires. Fortunately, much of the surrounding environment had begun to recover, but the effects were still visible everywhere.
We continued south on US-34 for a short distance, following the winding road that eventually brought us to Lake Granby. As one of Colorado’s largest reservoirs, Lake Granby spans about 7,250 acres and sits at an elevation of approximately 8,100 feet. This vast body of water, framed by the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area to the east, provided a stunning contrast to the rugged, wildfire-affected areas we had just passed.
The lake’s deep blue waters shimmered under the sun, surrounded by pristine forests and dramatic mountain slopes. As we drove along the shoreline, we marveled at the clear reflections of the surrounding mountains on the lake’s surface, with only a few boats dotting the water, making it feel even more peaceful.
Debbie’s Drive-In
We decided to stop at Debbie’s Drive-In in Granby for lunch, drawn in by its classic 1950s-style charm. The drive-in had the perfect retro vibe, with neon signs, chrome accents, and a vintage car parked in front, evoking the feeling of stepping back in time. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with old-school jukeboxes playing lively 50s music in the background, completing the nostalgic experience.
The waitress at the register was exceptionally friendly and took her time to walk us through the menu, sharing some of her favorites. I opted for Debbie’s Original Burger paired with a White Chocolate shake. Lisa went for the Turkey and Cheese sandwich, served on a hoagie roll with a Salted Caramel shake. We shared an order of crispy, golden fries to round out the meal.
As we enjoyed our lunch, we enjoyed the retro dining area, surrounded by vintage memorabilia and 50s-style decor. The walls were lined with colorful signs and photos from the past. The upbeat 50s music added to the atmosphere, making it an enjoyable and memorable stop.
Berthoud Pass
After we left the diner, we continued south on US-40 toward Idaho Springs, enjoying the scenic drive through some of Colorado’s most picturesque landscapes. As we made our way along the highway, we passed through the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and their natural beauty. The drive took us through the expansive Pawnee National Grasslands, where the vast, open prairie stretched out as far as the eye could see, creating a striking contrast to the forested mountains we had just come from.
Along the way, we drove through the charming ski towns of Tabernash, Fraser, and Winter Park, each with its own unique alpine character. These towns are popular for winter sports and beautiful views of snow-capped peaks and scenic valleys.
The elevation started to climb as we approached Berthoud Pass, a mountain pass that stands at 11,307 feet, crossing over the Continental Divide. The road wound through rocky terrain, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains. At the top of the pass, we made a quick stop at a rest area to stretch our legs. The rest stop had only chemical toilets, which were far from pleasant. There were also some informational signs about the area’s history and geology.
After our brief stop, we continued our descent down the pass, passing through the small town of Empire and eventually reaching Idaho Springs.
We then took I-70, which cut through the heart of the town and along Clear Creek. The high cliffs on either side of the highway attested to the challenges encountered during its construction in the 1950s through the 1970s. The creek helped make the drive picturesque despite the pavement and heavy traffic.
Central City
We stayed on I-70 for only about 10 miles before exiting onto Central City Parkway, an 8.4-mile scenic highway opened in 2004 to provide convenient access to Central City.
Central City, founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush, was a thriving mining town in its heyday. It boasted thousands of residents, bustling saloons, hotels, and businesses at its peak. However, as the gold deposits were gradually depleted, the town’s fortunes began to decline in the early 20th century, leading to a significant population decrease. In 1991, Central City experienced a resurgence when Colorado legalized limited-stakes gambling. Along with nearby Black Hawk, it became one of the state’s few destinations for casino gaming, revitalizing the local economy through tourism and development.
Today, Central City offers a blend of historic charm and modern attractions. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark District, the town retains many of its original 19th-century buildings. Visitors can enjoy its casinos, explore its rich mining history through tours of preserved mines, and admire its well-preserved historical architecture. We took time to drive through the downtown areas of Central City and Black Hawk, appreciating their unique character, before continuing north on Colorado 119, also known as the Peak to Peak Byway.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, established in 1918, holds the distinction of being Colorado’s oldest designated scenic byway. This historic two-lane road winds its way through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state, offering unparalleled views of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, the rugged Continental Divide, alpine meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers, and dense forests of pine and aspen.
The byway’s route is filled with dramatic changes in elevation, ranging from approximately 7,500 feet in the valleys to over 9,000 feet in the high mountain passes. Along the way, we traversed sharp curves and stretches flanked by steep, rocky outcrops and exposed cliffs, particularly in areas such as Allenspark and Nederland. These sections of the road offered exciting driving and revealed sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Passing through the small mountain town of Nederland, a quirky community known for its outdoor recreation and artsy vibe, we continued north on CO-72. This section of the route gradually transitioned to CO-7, which led us toward Estes Park. Along the drive, we enjoyed glimpses of shimmering streams, small mountain lakes, and even patches of golden aspens that brightened the landscape with their autumnal hues.
St Catherine Chapel on the Rock
Near Allenspark, we encountered St. Catherine of Siena Chapel, famously known as the Chapel on the Rock. This historic Catholic chapel is perched strikingly on a massive rock formation, which inspired its iconic nickname. Built in 1935 in the Gothic Revival style, the chapel serves as the centerpiece of a retreat center, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the Rocky Mountains.
The chapel gained international fame in 1993 when Pope John Paul II visited during his trip to Denver for World Youth Day. During his visit, he blessed the chapel and spent time praying there, solidifying its significance as both a spiritual sanctuary and a cultural landmark. Its picturesque setting and historical importance continue to make it a popular destination for visitors and pilgrims alike.
We stopped to explore the chapel, discovering that it was open to visitors. Inside, we admired its simple yet reverent interior, which featured beautiful stained glass and rustic wood beams. A guide was present to provide insights about the chapel’s history, its connection to the retreat center, and the details of Pope John Paul II’s visit. The serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains made our visit a memorable and peaceful experience.
Lily Lake
About 6 miles south of Estes Park, we stopped at Lily Lake, which is part of RMNP but outside its main entrance. This lake had an easy, flat, half-mile walk that circled it. It was not as beautiful as Bear Lake, but it was nice walking around it after sitting so much on our long drive. We did see several muskrats on the walk, though.
About six miles south of Estes Park, we stopped at Lily Lake, a serene destination that is part of Rocky Mountain National Park but located outside its main entrance. Unlike the bustling trails near Bear Lake, Lily Lake offered a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by picturesque views of the nearby mountains and pine forests, creating a peaceful setting for a stroll.
We walked the easy, flat, half-mile trail that circled the lake. While Lily Lake didn’t have the dramatic alpine beauty of Bear Lake, it had its own charm. The path was well-maintained and accessible, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk after sitting for much of the day during our long drive.
One highlight of the walk was spotting several muskrats swimming and darting along the shoreline. The trail also offered a few benches where visitors could sit and take in the peaceful surroundings, making it a perfect stop to stretch our legs and recharge before continuing our journey.
Mary’s Lake
Just outside Estes Park, we made an impromptu stop at Mary’s Lake when something unusual caught our attention—a large pipe gushing water into the lake with the force and appearance of a giant hydrant. Curious about its purpose, we discovered that the pipe was part of the infrastructure designed to supply water from nearby Estes Lake to Mary’s Lake. This water transfer is part of a broader system of reservoirs and canals in the region that supports water management and energy production.
Further exploration revealed that Mary’s Lake also plays a key role in hydroelectric power generation. Adjacent to the lake, we noticed components of a hydroelectric plant. Estes Park and the surrounding area have long utilized hydroelectric systems, some of which date back to the early 20th century, to generate renewable energy for the community.
Evening Elk in Estes Park
As we entered Estes Park, we saw a large bull elk blocking our lane with several other elks along the side of the road. He eventually moved toward the side of the road when suddenly he charged a bicyclist driving by. The bicycle rider was able to move away without being hurt, but it was shocking to see.
As we approached Estes Park, a majestic bull elk with an impressive rack of antlers stood confidently in the middle of our lane, effectively halting traffic. Several other elk lingered nearby along the roadside, seemingly indifferent to the growing line of cars.
After a few moments, the bull elk began to amble toward the side of the road, allowing traffic to start moving again. Just as we thought the spectacle was over, an unexpected and dramatic turn unfolded. Suddenly, the bull lowered his head and charged a bicyclist riding past. The biker, clearly startled, managed to swerve out of the way just in time, avoiding what could have been a serious incident.
The event served as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance, particularly during the rutting season when bull elk are more aggressive. As we drove away, we viewed the bicyclist still challenging the bull elk by stopping a short distance away. Fortunately, the bull elk returned to his group on the roadside, resuming his watchful presence.
Sheep Meadow
As the evening began to settle over Estes Park, we decided to venture back into Rocky Mountain National Park to observe some elk rutting rituals. This time of year, the annual elk rut is a major attraction, with male elk, or bulls, competing for dominance and mating rights through bugling, displays of strength, and occasional sparring. The Wildside tour guide had mentioned that Sheep Meadow, a picturesque open area in the park, was one of the best locations to witness these fascinating behaviors.
We made our way toward Sheep Meadow, navigating the narrow, rutted dirt road that led into the area. The road was challenging to drive, with deep grooves and uneven surfaces, and it was evident that this was a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Cars were parked along the sides of the road, and groups of people had gathered with cameras and binoculars, hoping to catch a glimpse of the action.
As we slowly drove through the meadow, scanning the open grassland and the tree line for signs of activity, we were disappointed that the meadow seemed unusually quiet. We spotted a solitary bull elk in the distance, but there was no sign of the dynamic rutting behaviors we had hoped to see. The lack of activity, crowded conditions and the rough road, made us rethink our plans.
After a brief discussion, we decided not to linger. While it was still a privilege to witness the serene beauty of the meadow at dusk, the peaceful stillness was a contrast to the dramatic scenes we had envisioned. We turned the truck around and carefully made our way out of the meadow, leaving behind the throngs of visitors still hoping to glimpse the elk’s evening rituals.