Colorado

Aug 28-30
UA1541 IAH-DEN, UA1212 DEN-IAH

We always enjoy vacations in the mountains and have been wanting to get to Rocky Mountain National Park for a while.  On our first visit to Denver, there had been flooding in the area, so we were anxious to focus our trip on the park this time.  The weather was great and the park did not disappoint.  We had an early start on Saturday and covered the park from the southern entrance through to the north east exit.  After a night near Boulder, we spent more time exploring the northern portion of the park before connecting with Tom’s niece, who happened to be working in the area while we were there.  

Aug 29

After staying near the airport, we set out very early to the Rocky Mountain National Park and spent the day working our way through the park from the southern entrance through the north east exit.

Looking down from the Berthoud Pass at the Continental Divide

The very humble beginnings of the Colorado River

Another perspective on the river 

Scenic view from the Trail Ridge Road near Farview Curbe

The Alpine Visitor Center

Lava Cliffs near the mountain peak

Rainbow Curve on Trail Ridge Road

Glacier Gorge trail

Scenic view along the Glacier Gorge trail

Sprague Lake Loop Trail

Posing at the end of the lake Sprague Lake trail in the late afternoon sun

After a long day in the park, we grabbed a quick meal and stayed overnight outside the park near Boulder.

Aug 30

As we were flying out later in the afternoon, we started out with an early morning trip to cover the parts of the park we missed on the north side. 

Fall at start of Alluvial Fan Trail

View across the valley from Old Fall River Road (the original highway)

Perspective of the unpaved original road (now one way)

Back to the Alpine Visitor Center and the new road

One of the many hairpin turns in the new Trail Ridge Road

Looking north from Medicine Bow Curve

Enjoying the cool morning weather along the road

Looking south from Gore Range into the Forest Canyon and the mountains beyond

Quick hike on Fern Lake Trail

When we finish in the park, we still have time to catch up with Tom's niece Margaret and take our late flights home.