2023 - West - Rocky Mountain NP - Emerald Lake hike (Bear, Nymph, & Dream Lakes) - August 6

 August 6 - Today was special. You have to have timed entry permits to visit the Bear Lake area of Rocky Mountain NP.   Bear Lake and Emerald Lake hikes are the most popular in the park. Lots of people, little parking, and shuttle buses dropping off lots of people every 20 minutes. Luckily we got there around 8AM and we were able to drive directly to the lake.

Our first hike was around the perimeter of Bear Lake. Afterwards we started on the Emerald Lake hike but only made it to Nymph and Dream Lakes. The hike was an uphill highway of people. Rewards were great with lakes and streams and waterfalls. 

I love when the water is still and the light is perfect so you see the reflection in the water.

Bear Lake - 

Chipmunks are definitely not afraid of humans here. They even pose for pictures. 

Nymph Lake - 

and finally Dream Lake. We stopped here and did not continue to Emerald Lake. We reached our limit in how far we were willing to climb. We were already approaching the clouds.

I could not resist this twisted old tree.

Vaughan and Jim standing in the clouds.

 

2023 - West - Rocky Mountain NP - Ouzel Falls - August 5

 August 5 - Vaughan, Jim & Jill hiked to Ouzel Falls. Seeing it was over 6 miles and my knee was still swollen from the bike accident I stayed back at camp. Sorry I missed it seeing I love a good waterfall.

2023 - West - Estes Park, CO - August 3-4

 August 3 - Drove from Grand Junction to Estes Park CO. This was a long, miserable drive across I70 to Denver then north to Estes Park. It would have been a pretty ride seeing much of it was along the Colorado River, through Vail, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain - too much construction and delays. When we arrived in Estes Park the town was filled with so many tourists it was difficult to drive two large RVs through. 

Later we decided to drive up into Rocky Mountain National Park to view the sunset. Beautiful!

August 4 - Today made up for yesterday's travels. We drove through Rocky Mountain NP. We climbed the mountains with a change in elevations from 7700' up to 12210'. 

Here we are above the tree line - up on the tundra. Amazing views.

A beautiful long lake down below - 

Two more lakes - 

Snow melting into a pool of ice

Jill & I back down where it was a little warmer - 

This marmot just sat there watching the tourists go by.

2023 - West - Grand Junction CO - Opal Trail & East Creek Trail - August 1-2

 August 1 - Decided to do a little rock-hounding today at Opal Trail in Fruita. We found a few cool rocks but did not find any opals. Apparently you really need to dig deep for them. Still had lots of fun climbing to the bottom of this large craggy hill.

See if you can spot me in the picture - 

We saw our first (& second) Eastern Collared Lizard which made the hike worth it.

August 2 - East Creek Trail in Unaweep Canyon - an easy hike along a small muddy stream.

A shelter from the past -