While it was too early in the season for Rocky Mountain N P to be fully open, I decided to drive over and have a look at what was available. Besides, I had great memories of driving through St. Vrain Canyon and making many stops to photograph the waterfalls and cascades in the creek. It turns out that development over the past seventeen years has hidden much of the creek from the casual traveler. I only found one spot to pull off and get a photo of St. Vrain Creek due to the many houses now lining it.
The town of Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain N P, and it is one of the nicest "tourist traps" found anywhere. Despite all the obvious gift shops, jewelry stores and eateries, this colorful town somehow manages to feel "nice" to all its visitors. Views of the town across Lake Estes show how it is nestled up against the mountains.
One of my favorite locations here is the magnificent Stanley Hotel, made famous as the setting for the Jack Nicholson movie The Shining. Breakfast or lunch is a real treat here whenever staying in Estes Park. New ownership has decided to increase revenue by the addition of a new building called The Pavilion, a $10 million venue for year-round events such as concerts, plays, weddings, etc.
The main road through Rocky Mountain N P was only open for seven miles, but offered splendid scenery of the snow capped mountains. I had hopes of seeing some wildlife, but was disappointed in that regard.
Bear Lake Road was completely open and a full parking lot indicated its popularity for the many hikes that start there. I didn't take the hike around the lake, settling for the great view of surrounding mountains.
Moraine Park was a good stop for a short walk along the Big Thompson River and a close encounter with a cooperative black-billed magpie.
Back in Longmont the next day, I visited a few more open spaces and enjoyed a variety of birds.
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| Western Kingbird |
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| American Robin |
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| American Kestrel |
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| House Finch |
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| European Starling |
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