Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [346]
SEASONAL EVENTS
The elk rutting season in September and October brings hundreds of elk to the lower elevations, where you can often hear the macho bulls bugle and watch them trying to keep other bulls away from their females.
If You Have Only 1 Day
This park simply begs for an extended visit—4 to 7 days would be ideal—but it offers wonderful experiences for visitors who have only a short amount of time or who are not able or willing to hike.
Those arriving in summer or early fall with only 1 day to see the park will want to stop at one of the visitor centers and then drive the fantastically scenic Trail Ridge Road, described below. Stop at the view points and take the half-hour walk along the Tundra World Nature Trail to get a close-up view of the plants, animals, and terrain of the tundra. Those returning to the east or west side will have time for little else—the 48-mile drive takes about 3 hours each way—but those passing through the park on their way to somewhere else might want to take another short hike.
Exploring the Park by Car
Although Rocky Mountain National Park is generally considered the domain of hikers and climbers, it's surprisingly easy to enjoy this park without working up a sweat. For that we can thank Trail Ridge Road, built in 1932 and undoubtedly one of America's most scenic highways. This remarkable 48-mile road rises to over 12,000 feet in elevation and crosses the Continental Divide. Along the way it offers spectacular vistas of snowcapped peaks, deep forests, and meadows of wildflowers full of browsing bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. Allow at least 3 hours for the drive, and consider a short walk or hike from one of the many vista points.
To get a close-up look at the tundra, pull off Trail Ridge Road into the Rock Cut Parking Area (elevation 12,110 ft.), about halfway along the scenic drive.
You'll have splendid views of glacially carved peaks along the Continental Divide, and on the .5-mile Tundra Nature Trail you'll find signs identifying and discussing the hardy plants and animals that inhabit this region.
Trail Ridge Road is closed by winter snows. In recent years it has usually been clear by late May and closed again between mid- and late October. But even well into June, the road can be closed for snow for hours or even days at a time.
Warning: The higher portions of Trail Ridge Road are expected to undergo repairs throughout the summer and fall of 2006 and 2007. This will cause delays on weekdays, plus closures at night, most probably Sunday through Thursday. No delays are anticipated on weekends or federal holidays.
There are two other roads within the park. Old Fall River Road, 9 miles long and unpaved, is one-way uphill only (you'll return on Trail Ridge Rd.). It's usually open from July 4 through mid-October. Bear Lake Road, the access road to Bear Lake, is open year-round.
Organized Tours & Ranger Programs
Campfire talks and other programs take place between June and September. Activities vary from talks on the park's wildlife and geology to photo walks, fly-fishing, and orienteering programs. At night, rangers periodically lead night-sky programs using the park's computerized telescopes. They also give nightly talks during the elk rutting season. Winter visitors will find a variety of activities, including moonlight hikes and snowshoe and cross-country ski trips. Check at visitor centers for current schedules.
Several companies offer van tours into the park; they include Estes Park Shuttle (☎ 970/586-5151; www.estes parkshuttle.com), which provides 2- to 3-hour guided trips. Call for rates.
Historic & Man-Made Attractions
Remnants from the area's mining and ranching days of the late 1800s and early 1900s persist in the park. Hikers will encounter the ruins of several historic cabins on the Lulu City and Eugenia Mine trails (see "Day Hikes," below). Exhibits in the Moraine Park