On the third day of our trip we left Denver and Boulder behind and headed up the Rockies to Estes Park on the edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Heading to the Mountains
The morning hike was up the Rattlesnake Gulch trail to see the continental divide.
I wonder why they call them ‘the Rockies’?
Rattlesnake Gulch was a cake walk compared to hiking up the flat irons.
A flat trail is a welcome change of pace.
We found out hotel, they weren’t kidding about the sky lights.
Crags Hotel, a hotel halfway up the mountain that had been very popular in the 1920’s as a swinging getaway. Unfortunately it burned down and no one though to rebuild. Oddly enough, this fireplace was all that survived the flames.
A selfie at the Crags Hotel.
We (apparently) found the continental divide. Water on the right side of the panorama will drain into the Mississippi River, while water on the left side is destined for the Colorado.
The Great Continental Divide!
Don’t Jump!
On the way back in the distance we spotted a train tunnel that could have been right out of a Chuck Jones animation. As we drew closer we were lucky enough to see a very long cargo train go by.
We found a train, no Wiley Coyote in sight.
Looking forward and back I am surrounded by derps.
taking the long route to Estes Park we pass by Barker Reservoir and Nederland.
Barker Reservoir across from Nederland.
Our trusty steed.
Lots of water.
The right season to be in the forest.
Words to live by.
A little church that we found by the road.
Estes is just over the ridge and we stop for a short walk around Lilly ‘Lake’.
Walking around Lilly Lake the sun decided to join us.
It would take a few days but we eventually went up there.
Once we arrive in Estes we find that the town is beset by a plague of elk, and even worse a plague of nature photographers looking for the elk.
Look who we found in Estes.
A nature photographer, in his natural habitat.
Chocolate cake for dessert
A Clash of Coasts 