I started the 80 odd mile drive, from the Denver airport area slightly after 9 am. A halt for breakfast, then another at a grocery store in Boulder Colorado and the ocassional slowness in traffic resulted in me getting to Estes Park close to noon. The drive on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains gave an idea of the relatively gentle slope on that side leading to the plains. The western edge of the mountains are steep and rise high from the desert below. Lake Estes seemed to be buzzing with leisure activity. Traffic through the hills on the way to Estes Park increased as speeds slowed down due to the mountain drive, and it was also an indicator of this being a long weekend.
I tried checking into the hotel but apparently the rooms were not ready. I did get the room keys but left for the National Park without moving my luggage into the allotted room. The small town seemed crowded for the weekend and traffic had slowed down. A few miles into the park from Beaver Meadows Entrance Station a hold up in traffic suggested some animal sighting. A lone elk was grazing in the meadow by the sides and that was enough to hold traffic in both directions.
It was partly cloudy given it was early in the afternoon, a time that storms usually develop in the high mountains in summer days. At a short distance is Hidden Valley where I spent some time eating the snacks I was carrying.
Just beyond is the "Many Parks Curve" point offering splendid views of Moraine Park in the valley below. Beyond the valley was a chain on mountains, topped by Long's Peak that rises to a height of 14,259 feet above sea-level. This is a challenge to climb requiring a hike of 8 miles from the closest trailhead. The climb to the top is a technical one for most of the year except a brief period in summer when one can get to the top of this mountain without actual climbing gear. the mountain top is as big as a football field and reaching the top is a sense of achievement for many a mountain climber. Quite a few fatalities have occurred in ascents to the top of this mountain over the years.
CO-34 passes through the park and is a stretch of 48 miles requiring 2 hours to go through. The section of the road known as the Trail Ridge Road begins at the next point known as Rainbow Curve. Pretty views of the Horsehoe park are visible from this point, the highlight being the meandering stream or river flowing through the meadow below.
The treeline is just beyond Rainbow Curve and one can see the sudden decrease in vegetation. The first close views of snow on the mountain sides was visible from this spot. The climate being harsh results in only specialized plants and animals thriving at this altitude, in an ecosytem known as the Alpine Tundra.
A short distance away is the point known a Forest Canyon providing views of the Trail Ridge Road that rises further ahead by another 500 to 800 feet on one side and the couple of thousand feet of drop in the canyon below. Glaciers beyond the valley below were clearly visible and these mountains also form what is known as the Continental Divide. The Rockies stretch North-South and hence play a role in the drainage system that directs water on one side to the biggest river on the East, the Mississippi & the biggest river on the West, the Colorado. In fact, the Colorado river originates within the western part of the park. It was extremely windy in this area exposed to the elements of weather on all sides. The wind chill forced many a traveller to bring out their cold-weather attire. Those that were dressed scantily had to bear the brunt of the wind-chill. For a brief period at this point I was wondering how I always manage to leave the necessary gear like leather gloves and monkey cap at home. Not many were ready with this kind of gear and that made me feel better in terms of my ability to be prepared. This seemed to be the perfect spot for photography but the harsh wind dampened ones spirit to an extent.
Just a short drive ahead was the Tundra Communities trailhead at Rock Cut point. Although, it seemed to be the highest point on the road from the previous spot, it was clear that the actual highest point was further ahead. It got really cloudy and within a short time hail/snow started falling that sent all travellers straight into the car. This did last for about 15 minutes and was evidence that the weather in the mountains, at this altitude is very unpredictable.
Closeby is the Lava Cliffs point, from where I witnessed a rainbow in a direction towards the North. Down in the valley in the same direction, I could see some wild animals (mostly elk or mule-deer). Lava cliffs true to their name are volcanic cliffs. A small body of water below had a buildup of winter snow beside it.
The road on either side was lined with slender trunk of tall trees. Apparently, this helps in identifying the road when snow piles about 20-25 feet in the winter months. Before, I could realize it, I had passed the highest point along the road just before the turnout for Gore Range.
Beyond this point the road drops down after the Alpine Visitor Center. It was close to 5 pm and it was getting a bit cloudy on the western side. I grabbed a coffee at the visitor center and then headed on the 0.3 mile Alpine Ridge Trail. A 300 feet ascent takes one to the 12005 feet height mark providing spectacular views in all directions.
On the way back, I did stop by at a few points to observe the mountains, glaciers and valleys lit with the evening sunlight. Long's Peak was glowing in the light even though it was partly cloudy. A brief halt at Forest Canyon resulted in a sighting of a herd of elk that sat lazily after having spent the day out grazing. As I descended down into the meadows area, sightings of deer and elk increased as it was the time that they usually come out for their evening meal.
My plan for the next day was to head out to the Bear Lake area that offers plenty of opportunities for hiking.
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