Rocky Mountain Trip

Day 1

Flew from Seattle to Denver on Alaska. Picked up an Enterprise Rental Car that happened to have Washington plates. Drove to Longmont to drop Andy off to see his friend. Checked into a Comfort Inn around 6pm and looked for a bite to eat close by. Found Little Tibet within walking distance and headed out.

I became a little concerned when I walked in and saw an empty restaurant. I nearly walked out but I am so glad I didn't. The chilli chicken, garlic naan and sha-bhaley all tasted so good.

Day 2

Rose early to make the nearly hour drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Found a Starbucks just outside the park for breakfast. Inside the park I drove to the Bear Lake parking area without any real plan. Once there I saw a sign for Flattop Mountain and thought, why not? It was a good distance at 9.2 miles (including the nature trail around Bear Lake). I didn't think about whether or not the elevation would impact me and wanted to just give it a go.

During the hike, the elevation never did effect me that I noticed (maybe I am always a little lightheaded). Along the way, saw Picas, Marmots, and a White-tailed Ptarmigan. At the peak, I ran into a man and a woman both of whom had passed me on the way to the top. They seemed local from the conversation so I asked for recommendations on best Vistor Center for souvenirs for the family. I am glad I did because she recommened the Moraine Park Discovery Center. After comparing the other Vistor Centers, I completely agree this was the best choice. It was larger and had more variety of options than the other ones I went to.

After the hike, I had lunch/dinner at Estes Park Brewery.

Day 3

Found a Dunkin Donuts for breakfast then drove to Eldorado Canyon. It was a beatiful hike with a surprising number of warnings. I would say it is a moderate hike with a lot of ups and down with a beautiful falls at the end. At the start of the trail is a visitor center where hummingbirds gathered at the feeders.

Afterward, I met Andy and his friend at Mountain Sun Pub for lunch. Cash only so if you go be prepared.

Day 4

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Returned to Rocky Mountain National Park. Hiked a number of the short popular hikes around Bear Lake area. Ended up with a total of 12.7 miles including Alberta Falls, Mill Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Nymph Lake. I was impressed by the people who clearly not in shape challenging themselves to see lakes.

After, I ate an early dinner at the Sink, the oldest restaurant in Boulder.

This was my last day in the area. I was ready to return home the next day. All in all, it was a good trip for hiking with some decent food options. It was interesting to see how Estes Park just outside the park was built up compared to the towns around Mount Rainier.