Welcome to Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is a stunning destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes. Join us as we explore this beautiful park, from its picturesque valleys to its towering peaks. Brave the unpredictable weather and embark on an unforgettable adventure in this natural wonderland.
Arriving at the West Entrance
Our journey begins at the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Despite the rainy weather, we’re excited to start exploring this incredible park. Our first stop is the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, which welcomes us with information about the park, its history, and the local wildlife.
Getting Our Passport Stamps
While at the visitor center, we collect our first two passport stamps, commemorating our visit to the park. This system allows us to collect stamps from various parks, adding a fun and interactive element to our journey as we discover new places.
Alpine Visitor Center and the Highest Point
Next, we make our way to the Alpine Visitor Center, located at an elevation of 11,796 feet. This is not only the highest visitor center in the National Park system but also provides us with a completely different landscape and weather conditions.
As we climb higher into the park, the temperature drops drastically, and we experience the exhilarating feeling of being at such a high altitude. From the Alpine Visitor Center, we continue onwards to the highest point in the park – 12,005 feet above sea level. The thin air is a challenge, but the incredible views make it worthwhile.
Exploring the Holzwarth Historic Site
On our second day in the park, we visit the Holzwarth Historic Site, an old homestead that offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the area. Here, we learn about the family’s trout fishing camp, their journey into establishing the Dude Ranch in the 1940s, and the structures that remain today as a testament to their hard work and determination.
One highlight of our visit to the historic site is the opportunity to see the headwaters of the Colorado River. This powerful river begins as a small stream in the national park and goes on to shape the landscape as it winds its way through several states.
Wildlife, Hiking, and the Coyote Valley Trail
As we continue our adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, we take on the Coyote Valley Trail, a beautiful hike that offers the chance to spot some wildlife.
Although we don’t see any large animals, our walk along the half-mile trail rewards us with stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and the ever-present Colorado River. Along the way, we’re treated to informational boards and seating areas that allow us to stop and take in the natural beauty of our surroundings.
Our Base Camp in Granby, Colorado
During our time in Rocky Mountain National Park, we set up base camp at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, a resort just outside Granby, Colorado. This large and well-maintained campground offers a variety of accommodations, including RV sites, cabins, and even Conestoga wagons. Aside from its proximity to the park, we’re also within easy reach of the picturesque town of Grand Lake.
During our time at the campground, we get the chance to meet fellow traveler, Traveling Robert, who we collaborate with for a video on our channel.
Heading to Breckenridge and Concluding Our Journey
As our time in Rocky Mountain National Park comes to an end, we set our sights on our next destination: Breckenridge, Colorado. We leave the park with incredible memories of our adventure in nature, from the highest peaks to the valleys below.
For more tips and information about our visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, check out the link in the description. Until next time, safe travels, and happy camping!