J's uncle got married in Boulder, CO yesterday. Since we had to be here for the wedding and it is 4th of July weekend, we thought we would take a few extra vacation days and visit a park that both of us had enjoyed as kids.
We entered the park today around noon and spent the day making the Old Fall River Rd/Trail Ridge Rd. loop. Both roads top out at almost 12,000 feet - above the treeline and are some of America's only alpine roads. The scenery is spectacular. We took some short hikes off the road to higher points of interest. I've forgotten how hard it is to hike at elevation. But, hopefully, our short jaunts today helped us acclimate for the rest of our hikes.
I remember taking this Trail Ridge Rd. when I was about 13. However, we didn't make the whole drive. My dad got spooked at about the treeline and we turned around and went back. I assume the road has been improved in the last 26 years, because, while there are great heights, the road is mostly protected by trees and boulders.
Given the holiday weekend, the park is packed with visitors. We are staying at a condo just outside the gate that gives us a nice view of some of the foothills, but you can't see the real peaks from here. Nonetheless, after the typical afternoon showers, the sun glistens off the trees.
Comments