USA 2024 Day 16 – Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

The alarm breaks the peaceful sleep at 5am. Yes, this is not a mistake. We set our alarms to be out of bed just after 5, to be on the road by 5:30, and at our destination by 6 am.

This timetable, for this day, was set exactly one month ago today.

Today we started in – Estes Park, Colorado
We finished in – Estes Park, Colorado
Miles travelled today – 40
Miles so far this trip – 2406
Tonight we are staying at – Blue Door Inn, Estes Park

You see, as mentioned yesterday, some National Parks in America have a Timed Entry system, which means you have to buy a ticket for a nominal fee, $2 I think, to gain access to the park at that time. It is to control the flow of traffic into the park.

Tickets are released for certain time slots, of which I think there are just over 200 of them for each time slot.

You can only order August tickets from the 1st of July, so from the UK, 1 month ago, I ordered these. I really wanted a later slot, but despite me being logged on and trying to order as soon as they were available, I could get the later slot, and eventually, was left with the 5-7 am slot.

However, after the shock of the alarm and waking poor Max up, it all went well.

First time wearing long trousers this holiday, and as it turns out, I will only be wearing them for an hour or so!

The drive in was really peaceful, just catching the sunrise so getting up at 5am is proving to be worthwhile!

Entrance timeslots to the main Rocky Mountain National Park is not needed until 9am, however, entrance to Bear Lake Road, is require from 5am.

It is after 6am, and there were no other cars infront of us at the Bear Lake Road entrance, and after showing our timed entry evidence, and our America the Beautiful pass, we headed to Bear Lake.

On the way, flashing in those lovely neon type orange road signs were signs saying parking full. Surely not. Full by 6am! We thought we would take a chance, and on arrival, a sight to behold, loads of spaces!!

We enjoy the sunrise just before heading to see Bear Lake itself.

The lake is a beautiful, tranquil place at this time of the day. Squirells scurry, ducks paddle around after one performed a composed glided landing, temporarily creating ripplpes on the smooth, almost mirrored water. The odd person comes and goes from the small overlook we find ourself on.

Despite the knee, we decided to venture on what would turn out to be quite a strenuous hike. The first hike to Nymph Lake is challenging. The next part to Dream Lake, is more so. I was out voted and we hiked further to Emerald Lake which is the toughest of them all.

We climb to firstly, Nymph Lake which is green and lush being a lower lake. Lily pads cover lots of the water surface. There are obvious places for people to stand and get their photos or selfies taken.

Occasionally smooth, slopes, then rugged rocks, then steps, then back to rugged rocks etc. We crossed paths with even earlier risers on their walk back down. The trail gets busier and busier as the day goes on. 

My camera bag is weighing me down, but I could not risk leaving a lens in the car in case an opportunity arose. It didn’t, and I could have quite easily managed with one lens.

We push on to Dream Lake. We climb further, and it is hard work. Dusty, getting warmer and tougher on the legs, particularly the knee.

Looking across the Rockies, I see angles of trees intersecting, and in the distance, misty mountains, the closer ones slightly less misty than the far, but giving great lines and depth to the photos

Often walking over man-made bridges with gurgling streams beneath, I assume one lake feeds another, at least between Emerald and Dream Lake.

We eventually reach Dream Lake which for me is better than Nymph. Rockier. Less trees. More Rock but also less Lillies, which for me, give a nicer, cleaner lake.

These Rock Mountains tower over us, and around the lakeside are rocks that make perfect platforms for that Instagram-worthy selfie. Here though, a rule is broken, someone is flying a drone, which is banned in National Parks according to the thin newspaper we were given. They either don’t know or don’t care. I hope the first, I suspect the later.

The shallow water gives everyone the opportunity for more photos, and we indulge. 

The harsh sun giving lots of light, but no atmosphere.

The climb continues, another rise and we reach Emerald Lake. Unsure where it gets its name, for the water is not emerald, but an average bluey green, as per Dream Lake.

At the end of the lake, real estate to stand is limited, so some scrambling needs to be done to get a few photos. Some seem to hog the good spots before eventually moving on.

The climb back down is easier on the lungs, but not on the knee, but we make it. I smile on the inside knowing the people walking the other way have to do it in high temperatures and more people. I imagine the roles were reversed as we passed the even earlier risers as we ascended an hour ago.

Soon, we are back in the car. The air conditioning is in full force and any liquids and food we can find are being inhaled at an alarming rate.   

The rest of the day is nondescript. A visit to the Morraine Discover Centre, where we learn a little about how the Rockies evolved, the climate, and what thrives at what altitude.

The afternoon includes a swim in the hotel pool, a walk around town and washing.

Tea is had at Poppy’s Pizza and Grill, and it is quite tasty and satisfying.

After a couple of games of Yatzhee we retire to our beds, satisfied with the day, and tomorrow we leave the scenery and nature behind, and head into Denver as our trip nears its end.

All the Days from our 2024 Rockies Road Trip

Day 1 – London to Denver
Day 2 – Lovedale to Custer
Day 3 – Custer to Lead
Day 4 – Lead to Sheridan
Day 5 – Sheridan to Cody
Day 6 – Cody to Gardiner
Day 7 – Gardiner to Yellowstone’s Canyon Village
Day 8 – Explore Yellowstone
Day 9 – Yellowstone to Grand Teton
Day 10 – Explore Grand Teton
Day 11 – Jackson to Pinedale
Day 12 – Pinedale to Vernal
Day 13 – Vernal to Glenwood Springs
Day 14 – Day Trip to Aspen
Day 15 – Glenwood Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 16 – Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 17 – Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver
Day 18 and 19 – 48 hours in Denver
Day 20 – Homeward Bound

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