Escape to Rocky Mountains
Catch me as I fall to make a “Snow Angel”
No words can describe the breathtaking and spectacular snapshots of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Our hiking trip was packed with snow-filled trails, frequent sightings of wildlife, and lots of laughter.
Our vacation home was located at the top of the mountain at 9,000 elevation feet, in the Windcliff subdivision on Cedarcliff Drive in Estes Park. Below is the beautiful and serene view from our balcony.
Each day, we had planned an itinerary of hikes starting with a moderate 7.5 mile trek from Gem Lake Trail and Lumpy Ridge Loop located near Estes Park. The trail was partly icy, but the weather was magnificent with the sun shining and a cool, crisp wind.
The next day, we attempted to hike the Deer Mountain Trail which is more than 5 miles. The wind was ferocious and the temperatures were cold. Part of the trail was clear, but as you ascend, the snow/ice made it necessary to wear micro-blades on our boots. Amazingly, the deer were plentiful, roaming freely throughout the trail and the views were awe-inspiring.
Hiking past Dream Lake on the way to Emerald Lake
Our third day reminded me of a “winter wonderland.” We headed to the Emerald Lake Trail which is about 3.1 miles, including stopping at Nymph and Dream Lake. The path was snow-packed which required the micro spikes, but the trail was mild with beautiful views of pristine frozen lakes and rocky peaks including Flattop Mountain and Glacier Gorge. While hiking, you could smell the pine and birch trees. I couldn’t stopped myself from dropping to the ground for a “snow angel.”
On our last day of hiking, we went back to the Rocky Mountain National Park and hit Bierstadt Lake Loop trail which is 3.2 miles and 626 elevation gain (starting at 8800 to 9500 elevation). The weather was perfect with crystal blue skies. As we ascended the mountain, the temperatures went from high 50’s to low 40’s. In the midst of the forest, the trail was packed with snow and lined with birch trees. The smell of cedar and pine was prevalent. All were surrounded by the beauty of nature and the feel of winter.
Bierstadt Lake
On the final day of our vacation in the Rocky Mountains, we had a visit from a family of deer. These particular species are called “mule deer” because of their large ears. The group of deer was smelling our breakfast, and perhaps would have come inside, if the screen doors had been open. What a wonderful way to end a memorable, and physically-challenging vacation.