ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK WHIRLWIND ADVENTURE
Glorious National Parks reveal some of the most majestic views of beauty available in our great nation! ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK provides unobstructed majestic skylines that melt into the ridges and peaks of distant mountain vistas. It can be observed in the peaking early morning light of a new day with breathtaking awe!
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“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than what we could learn from books.”
~John Lubbock
Glorious sunrises will greet you in Rocky Mountain National Park!
The lessons we can receive from nature and it’s gifts of a new day dawning can soothe our weary souls if we allow it to seep into the seams of our ragged wounds from the daily battle with stress, anxiety and worry!
“We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.”
~John Muir
Take a road trip to arrive at Rocky Mountain National Park!
In 2012 and again in 2017 we embarked on the same two week road trip from Michigan through the Badlands, Custer State Park, on to Yellowstone down through the Grand Tetons and continuing south traveling through Wyoming headed to the Rocky Mountain National Park and back to Michigan. It was such an AWESOME adventure that we repeated the trip prior to my oldest son’s senior year in high school.
2012
We experienced major forest fires while in Yellowstone in 2012. It was very scary. It was “contained” as much as a wilderness forest fire over hundred of thousands of acres can be contained, but essential to the cycle of the forests. Picture below is as close as we ever were to the fires on a cut through road when departing the park.
We camped in Yellowstone for a few nights checking continually on whether our campground was going to be evacuated as you could smell the smoke from the fires. We decided to move on with our trip erroring on the side of caution. Part of the return visit five years later was to experience how the wilderness bounced back from fire devastation!
“The best view comes after the hardest climb.”
~ANONYMOUS
Keep it moving along!
So, we departed Yellowstone a few days earlier than planned on this trip exiting through the south entrance driving through the Grand Tetons and heading south towards Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a short video of what the South entrance/exit from Yellowstone through the Grand Tetons provides for an experience. Notice the hazy sky. It is the drift of smoke from Yellowstone 10 miles away towards the north.
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The Grand Tetons~
John D. Rockefeller Jr., visited the Grand Tetons in 1926 in search of a dude-ranch experience. He fell in love with this area! He purchased 35,000 acres along the Snake River, and twenty years later gave it to the government for preservation.
The original Grand Teton National Park, including the Tetons and surrounding lakes, was created in 1929 by President Calvin Coolidge. Rockefeller Jr. eventually gifted his 35,000 acres to the government. The combination of the original property and Rockefeller’s land were combined to establish the 310,000-acre park that we enjoy today.
The breathtaking awesomeness of the Grand Tetons is indescribable! You can just sit and take them in for hours. I can only imagine what the settlers must have thought as they crossed the great plains and eventually saw these mountain chains come into view on their way to the west coast…
They probably were like, “We have to get across that?” or “How is this possible to go from such flat land to such peaks?” Or how many of them just stopped and settled right there before the mountains, right? Nevermind the perilous wilderness, weather and two legged humanity attacks. I’m sure these mountains were very ominous to try to cross.
Continuing south the length of Wyoming, we headed through the mountain passes to the Rocky Mountain National Park. The Wyoming stretch was very desolate and stretched out. We finally approached the park through Granby. What a picturesque drive! So pretty!
“Never measure the height of a mountain until you reach the top. Then you will see how low it was.”
~Dag Hammarskjöld
Rocky Mountain National Park amazingness!
The trails passing through the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains were originally carved out by Native Americans. In 1803, once the Louisiana Purchase gave the land to the U.S. government, pioneers headed into the hills seeking gold. The Homestead Act of 1862 provided settlers free land.
Two towns, Grand Lake and Estes Park, were created to service the area, and in 1915 became a national park. Trail Ridge Road is a scenic byway between the park’s two towns.
More than 500 hiking trails are also available in what is today the third-most popular national park in the country with 4.5 million annual visitors.
“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.”
~Greg Child
Our whirlwind trip across country and through all of these parks became centered on the Rocky Mountain area. We were super excited to share with our boys our love of the mountains and where we spent our honeymoon in 1997.
We explored! We enjoyed! We hiked! We had an adventure! We laughed! We bonded! We learned interesting facts about the park! We revisited the historical significance of this area! We grew together as a family!
In the midst of our exploring we found Lake Irene! This had significance to us as my mother’s first name is Irene! It just felt right and good to spend time here! Have you ever visited somewhere and immediately knew you were exactly in the correct spot, as you were meant to be in, at that exact moment? That’s how I felt here in this moment!
Such a beautiful spot to enjoy! The views were magnificent. The fresh air and crystal clear blue skies intoxicating! America the Beautiful inspired!
“The way up to the top of the mountain is always longer than you think. Don’t fool yourself, the moment will arrive when what seemed so near is still very far.”
~Paulo Coelho
Rounding a bend in the road, wildlife would pop out for our enjoyment! Never a dull moment when you are exploring in nature! The wildlife was plentiful, but usually in the distance. This deer was very brave to be so close to the road.
“Great things are done when men and mountains meet; This is not done by jostling in the street.”
~William Blake
DAILY, we each get to choose our attitude and how we will proceed that day. Choose wisely. Incorporate God into that daily choice to help chart your path. Never waste a moment, time is fleeting. From the day you are born you have begun the path to your last day on earth…seize each day!
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
~ Isaiah 54:10
“Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.”
~Barry Finlay
As you descend altitude out of the park into Estes Park, CO you will drive past this resort located on the Fall River. This was a nostalgic stop for us to share with our boys. I had found this resort in a bridal magazine and just knew it was a perfect place for us to stay for a week during our honeymoon in 1997. It was amazing! Very romantic and perfectly located for us to explore the National Park area and Estes Park. We really loved it there!
The boys rolled their eyes at us, but we enjoyed stopping here and walking around to soak up the memories! It is a very popular spot and beautiful with the river flowing swiftly right outside your back balcony when you stay here!
“May your dreams be larger than mountains and may you have the courage to scale their summits.”
~Harley King
Should you find yourself in Estes Park, CO check out these accommodations! Great attention to details, fireplace and a sunken whirlpool next to balcony view of Fall River! We had booked it as a honeymoon suite, so roses, chocolates, coffees, etc. were placed in the room as added touches. It had one of the most elegant, largest walk in shower I have ever seen with more jets than we knew what to do with… I think I’m talking myself into re-booking an anniversary get-away here! Great idea!
Have you ever stayed in Estes Park, CO while exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park? Leave me a reply below with experiences you have had on any national park adventure. Have you experienced Rocky Mountain National Park? REPLY BELOW!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
ABOUT ME:
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
65 Comments
Holly
This is one of my all-time favorites of the National parks! You took some amazing pictures and shared a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing!
Misskorang
Rocky Mountain National park is such a beauty! Thanks for taking us along with you through your blog.
Christina Siwik
What a beautiful area. Thank you for sharing.
Sydney Delong
What a great trip! And I bet seeing Yellowstone after the fires was amazing to see. Nature bounces back wonderfully!
Barbara Robinson
Yes! It amazes me at how well new growth takes over!
Maggie
Majestic photos and beautiful narrative!
Tiffany Smith
How awesome to go back and see how the places had changed and developed/recovered!!!
Debbie
Love all of these beautiful areas you mentioned and the town of Estes Park. That’s so sweet that you revisted your honeymoon spot!
Barbara Robinson
It is such a beautiful area!
Beth Shields
ABOLUTELY BREATHTAKING! And I love how you incorporate God into all of this. Its amazing His creation and just baffling….so I don’t stay there very long. Just enjoy it! Thanks.
Barbara Robinson
YES!We all need that compass guiding us through life and God is my true North!
Megan
We LOVE RMNP and have been many times! It is so sad that the fires have shut it down for a while and destryoed so much. Such a beautiful place!
Bonnie
Looks like a great roadtrip and a beautiful area.
Kristin
We LOVED Grand Teton NP, and Rocky Mountain is definitely on our upcoming list!
Elaina Mogren
Yellowstone and Grand Tetons are on our list for (hopefully) next summer. The landscape looks beautiful. Being in nature is such a great way to recharge and reconnect with ourselves.
Sandi Barrett
We just returned from Utah and Colorado, it is so beautiful. We didn’t make it to Rocky Mountain National Park, but we enjoyed Zion National Park.
Barbara Robinson
I think I’m ready for Zion and Arches! They top my list since reading all of these blog posts!
Chelsea
I’ve never been to Rocky Mountain National Park, but I can’t believe how many hiking trails there are! And I didn’t know it was the 3rd most popular national park! Your photos are gorgeous. I had no idea there was so much water there, either. It looks lovely!
Georgette
We recently purchased a RV and this information is very beneficial for our upcoming travels.
Alexis Farmer
These mountains look breathtaking! I would love to go to Rocky Mountain State Park.
Ayesha Siddiqui
That’s awesome that you got to share your adventures with your kids – the scenes are so breathtaking
Lisa Manderino
Colorado is so beautiful! Those fires are so horrible!
Tricia Snow
What a gorgeous park! The US is a beautiful spot!
Karie
Breathtaking scenes. I love it. I think these are some places me and my hubby could both agree to go on.
Annette
We are very fortunate to have a National Park system. Thanks for sharing this park!
Sabrina DeWalt
I am looking forward to exploring Rocky Mountain National Park when it warms up in the spring.
Robin Buck
We look forward to seeing Rocky Mountain National Park one day. Thanks for the great pictures and information!
Justine
I’ve spent a lot of time in the Rocky Mountains but never at Rocky Mountain National Park. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Holly
As a native of the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachians), I thought I had seen mountains. The first time I saw the Rockies, though, I was floored! Pictures cannot do them justice, but you came as close as possible!
Peggy
Great post and what an adventure! RMNP is one of my favorites and Lake Irene is a little gem. It sounds like your family has a great time traveling together!
Marianne
I look forward to visiting this park!! Your pictures make the hike very tempting! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy Hann
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of my favorites. I always love watching the marmots and pika scamper around and a visit to Bear Lake is always a treat. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Alyssa
Wow looks great and sounds like another amazing trip!
Kate
Looks like a lot of fun!
Suzan | It’s My Sustainable Life
Great photos and love the quotes!
Amanda
God’s beauty is so breathtaking! Amazing photos. I appreciate your positive, inspirational posts so much.
Kendra
We love Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. Believe it or not, we actually spent our honeymoon at Boulder Brook too a little over 28 years ago when they were really new. I see they’ve changed ownership since then, but it’s wonderful to know they still have that incredible ambience! We LOVED it there so much!
Barbara Robinson
THAT is so amazing! We were there for our honeymoon in 1997! What a small world!
Danielle Ardizzone
Such gorgeous, picturesque views.
Karee
I’m so jealous! We were supposed to spend our anniversary in Estes Park but ended up being snowed in & we never made it back. Hopefully it didn’t all get ruined by the fires!
Lisa S
Such amazing picturesque views! Thank you for sharing!!
Angela
The views and the wildlife are amazing.
Taquia
What a great trip! Yellowstone is on my list! I’m adding Grand Teton to it too! The views are amazing.
Melissa Jones
That looks and sounds like a beautiful and amazing trip!!
Erin
We can’t wait to get out west, especially the Grand Tetons! Your pictures are wonderful! Thank you for sharing your fabulous adventure with us!
Taci- Life Beyond Zebra
Man! I haven’t been to the Rockies since was a kid, I would love to go back.
Leigh
Interesting reading the history and how it was tied in with Rockefeller Jr! Wish I had enough $ to think about purchasing 35,000 acres!!
kmf
Wow! So much beauty in the world. This is one road trip I would love to replicate.
Maya
Breathtaking photographs.Wow! there is so much to see & learn out there.
Cindy
Colorado is so gorgeous! I’ve been in that area a couple of times. I need to go back!
Terra Booth
Beautiful! I used to live near the mountains and really miss going on adventures like these!
Stephanie
I love Rocky Mountain National Park! The only downside are the crowds on Trail Ridge Road. There are so many spots to explore in that National Park that you could easily spend a week or two there and see something different each day. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Allison Peteet
What an awesome vacation. Beautiful area for hiking and exploring and I bet your boys loved it!
Barbara Robinson
Yes! It was a favorite!
Sabrina
Love the pictures, quotes, and video. America the beautiful. Adding this to my list. Thanks for sharing.
Alicia
What a great trip! It never gets old, even going to the same places, right? I love to travel!
Tammy Horvath
I can’t imagine being in Yellowstone when there was a fire. I don’t know how you managed to sleep. You are a lot braver than me.
KATHARINE WARMERDAM
Time for a roadtrip! <3
Keirsten
Oh man I love the Rockies. I haven’t been to this National Park but being Canadian I have had the pleasure of visiting them on our side. It’s crazy just how massive and expansive these mountains truly are. Great photos and adventurs.
Cindy
This is spectacular, and definately on the trip list when we get the time.
Elizabeth Preble
I love rocky mountain national park! I used to live in Colorado and we would go during the elk migration and enter though Estes Park. I also love the Grand Tetons, absolutely stunning. Totally worth a visit.
Kristen W Allred
Rocky Mountain National Park looks SO gorgeous. I love the pics!
Kristin
So cool that you took your kids back to experience RMNP since you spent your honeymoon there. We did the same thing last summer by taking our kids to Glacier NP. 🙂
Danielle Ardizzone
Looks like beautiful country!
Maya
Wow! Breathtaking!