Rocky Mountain NP Residency Day 3
Today I drove over to the Kawuneeche Valley and all the way down to Adams Falls. It's a nice but brief hike to the falls, so I continued on the trail for a ways, coming across a lovely meadow where the stream cuts through the tall grasses. Fabulous reflections of the mountains and trees in a couple areas where the stream opened up. I made some stops along the way, and on the return drive, checking out a few of the overlooks and such. I was largely looking to get an overview today, get to know the area. It seems sensible to hit the easier hikes first, longer hikes after several days at elevation.
Some wildlife sightings today: up above the Alpine Visitor Center there was a yellow bellied marmot poking around the rocks and while driving in Kawuneeche Valley I stopped to watch a group of moose foraging along the Colorado River. Then just after I got back on the road, a lone elk crossed in front of me and then sneezed several times. Definitely a new experience to hear that, and it was surprisingly human-like.
I'm really looking forward to the days later this week when I can get out on some longer hikes. There are a few that have been recommended by multiple rangers, which makes them a must in my book!
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| The Gore Range |
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| Mount Ida in the distance. |
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| Tundra close-ups |
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| View from the climb above Alpine Visitor Center |
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| Looking back down on the VC |
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| Another view from above the VC |
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| Kawuneeche Valley |
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| Moose! |
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| And another |
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| Gorgeous spot to stop for a drink |
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| Adams Falls |
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| The meadow past Adams Falls |
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| By the Bowen/Baker picnic area |
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| Kawuneeche Valley and the destruction done by the mountain pine beetles. All those gray trees are dead. |
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| From along Trail Ridge Road |