Rockie Mountain National Park

The wonder of Rockie Mountain National Park

(Pictures to be added soon)

We visited Rockie Mountain National Park, Colorado, on the way from Grand Lake back to Denver on the last leg of our Colorado trip.

Grand Lake is at around 8,500 feet elevation. I thought from the map that Rockie Mountain National Park would wind slowly downhill from that elevation. What we did not realize was that it would ascend another 4000 feet before it did! Rockie Mountain National Park tops out at over 12,000 feet. 

A Massive Mountain Range

What we had not realized before visiting Rockie Mountain National Park was that the Rockie Mountains started in Alaska and cut right across the centre of America to Mexico. They cover a distance of 2,700 miles. Truly I can see now why the Rockies are called the “Backbone of America”.

The fantastic thing about Rockie Mountain National Park is that the highest parts of the Rockies are accessible by all via Trail Ridge Road. This is a paved road which is the highest paved major highway in America. 

Above the Treeline

In Rockie Mountain National Park the treeline is at 11,400 feet. This is the height above which the climate is too harsh for trees to grow. At this level only highly specialized plants will grow, due to thin soil, bitter cold, wintry winds, little available (melted) water, intense ultraviolet light and a short growing season. 

This “Alpine Tundra” area supports plants which grow very low to the ground, have small flowers, can survive a short growing season, often have waxy leaves to limit water loss and may have roots up to an amazing 6 feet long to gather rare moisture.

Accessible Alpine Tundra

The great thing for explorers amongst us is that Rockie Mountain National Park offers all access to the Alpine Tundra from simply driving a main road. In most other areas, reaching Alpine Tundra would require hours of strenuous climbing.

Approaching the Treeline

Driving from Grand Lake, you are in the Rockie Mountain National Park almost immediately. The first bit of good news is that National Parks all over the state have free entry for the weekend – so that saves us $20! We drive in. 

For a long drive we passed through trees which would normally be beautiful – but since the year 2000 these forests all over Colorado have been attacked by pine beetle so, sadly, many of them are dead. They will not be the same again for 20 years or more.

So, driving through areas where sometimes as many as half the trees are dead is, well, a little dull. 

After a few miles the road is being worked on, and we drive about 5 miles on semi-made-up road. Although we are in a 4 x 4, that makes the driving a little bumpy – so a bit less enjoyable.

However, we soon start climbing. 

The Mountain Tops

As we rise further, we are getting nearer to the tops of the snow-capped mountains which have surrounded us. Eventually the trees get thinner, and we emerge into the alpine tundra - that landscape which is all that can survive above the treeline. 

Rising further, as we look down on the forests below and across at the mountain peaks we start to see the beauty for which the Rockie Mountain National Park is known.

Wildlife Abounds

Rounding a corner, there is one of many stops for viewing. We stop. Opening the doors we are hit by a cool breeze. Back in Grand Lake the summer temperature has been in the 80s (30 degrees C). We notice a cluster of staring into a hillside field. There are a small herd of Elk – recognizable by their huge antlers. A dozen of them, all sitting – one much larger sitting at distance, presumably 'top elk'. 

Many people are taking photos – but all keeping a respectable distance. Those antlers are huge.

Further on we see a herd of perhaps 50 smaller elk – mainly without antlers. Beautiful. 

Winding through the Rockie Mountain National Park you feel on top of the world for mile after mile. Each stopping point produces more unique and lovely views.

Visitor Centre

There is a Visitor Centre where you can stretch your legs, and walk a short distance up to a peak which is marked at being at 12,000 feet. You can get refreshments at the Visitor Centre. 

There are hundreds of bikers cruising round the park, and many of them are parked at the visitor centre when we are there.

There are so many Harleys there, all of them seem different from the others. Many of the riders are in their 50s and 60s, as well as younger 'dudes'. They all look pretty cool 9my partner says). She wants to hop on the back of a bike with any of them – but I dissuade her. 

The rest of the trip through Rockie Mountain National Park is much of the same – stunning views around every corner and beautiful mountain-top scenery.

I thoroughly recommend this amazing park – another of the many in America. Do visit and enjoy the staggering views from the top of the world. 

(Limited winter access.)