A Perfect Road Trip: Part 3 - Rocky Mountain National Park

 I departed from the "Small Acre Farm" around 4 PM. After crawling in traffic through Estes Park, and still ending up in the wrong lane 2 times, I arrived in the Glacier Basin campground around supper time. Estes Park was a cross between Leavenworth and Las Vegas. What a contrast to the park, minutes later! And, yes, that is a power line coming straight through my campsite!


It turned out that Glacier Basin is right at the hub of two bus lines. Despite 90º heat, I was determined to have a short hike. I took the northern bound bus to the end of the line at Morraine Park. It was still a 3/4 mile hike to the trailhead. I enjoyed the valley floor scenery, but I gladly accepted a ride back to the bus stop. Too hot!!!




After breakfast in my tent due to a small rain shower, I headed for the other bus line. The most popular destination was South to Bear Lake. It was crowded, but it did not impress me. So back to my car and off to cross the park to my campsite on the west side.  It was interesting how they created "dry walls" with local stone.



I decided to take a 1920's one lane dirt road up to the Alpine visitor center - from 8000 ft. to 11947 feet! Incredible to go from trees and meadows to level with the glaciers! At the top of the road you were level with the mountain tops -- not much of a pass! And when you turned around, you could see where you had come from - only 9 miles and, who knows how many hairpin turns, away! At the top I was greeted by a marmot, and then down the other side - elk!
















I had reserved a campsite at the west entrance to the park. But when I got there, it was impossible for me to use it. The driveway was just a strip in a parking lot for 3 sites and barely longer than my car. The ranger was very sweet and gave me 5 other sites to look at (administrative sites), but it was the same problem. Finally he confessed there had been a cancelation. It was a perfect site - he just didn't know if it had been picked up on-line. Fingers crossed, I settled in. The next morning would be "on the road again."

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