PHOTO ESSAY: Embrace nature at Rocky Mountain National Park

I never tire of Rocky Mountain National Park, even though I’ve been there many times. Colorado’s crown jewel is a wondrous playground that spans the famed Continental Divide. With dramatic scenery, plentiful wildlife and resplendent hiking, the place is hallowed ground for nature lovers.

The Rockies form one of the world’s longest ranges, stretching from Alaska to below our country’s southern border. The park preserves only a small section of the range, but to visitors, its 265,000 plus acres seems extensive. 

Snow-capped peaks, dozens of which reach 12,000 feet and higher, dominate the landscape, leaving you breathless with wonder (and altitude!). And the many picturesque lakes, canyons, waterfalls and meadows complete a scene that can only be described as heaven on earth.  

With 355 miles of trails, the park is a hiker’s paradise. You have your pick of everything from easy, flat, lakeside strolls to steep ascents guaranteed to challenge experienced climbers. Personal favorites include Alberta and Fern Falls; Emerald, Mills, Fern and Cub Lakes; and The Pool. When I return, I’m setting my sights on doing Odessa Lake and Lake Helene. 

There are also scenic drives, like the Trail Ridge Road, that wind up into the higher echelons of the park for spectacular 360-degree vistas. You’ll feel as if you’re entering another world. It’s an alpine realm, where snowfields linger into summer and tiny plants hug the tundra ground. Park your car at the Alpine Visitor Center and take in the mesmerizing views spread over 400 square miles.

You’re almost guaranteed to see wildlife, especially elk and mule deer, which roam the park in abundance. Smaller critters, such as marmots and picas, are also everywhere. If you’re lucky, you might spy moose, bighorn sheep and even a bobcat or two. Birders will be in heaven, as over 270 species have been spotted in the park. 

Realizing that wildlife doesn’t appear upon command is a given. Knowing where and when certain animals tend to hang out is helpful, but there are no guarantees when you’re dealing with Mother Nature’s creatures!