Since we were going to be in Denver for the ACVIM Forum ( Veterinary conference) we decided to go out a few days early and since we knew someone in Boulder...we kinda just showed up on her doorstep. Sorry Linda. Boulder...and for that matter Denver is really only a short drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Take CO 36 all the way to Estes Park and continue on following the signs to RMNP. Going through Estes Park you pass The Stanley Hotel on your right . It's the one used in the movie "The Shinning". The park entrance fee is $20 for the day and well worth it. The drive up Trail Ridge Road is epic. It is the highest paved road in the US. We did this in June and there are still 8' snow drifts on the side of the road. You will find many areas to stop along the way with views that are truly awe inspiring. Make sure to stop at the Tundra lookout . We walked across about 200 yards of snow to get out to the point. You can climb up several large rock deposits that give amazing looks in all directions. The height is 12,300 feet at this point and I found the air kinda thin to say the least. Going all the way up to the Alpine visitors center is worth the drive. Its all in all about 32 miles from the park entrance but its really a great drive as you can see an abundance of wildlife along the way. If you are in the Denver area this is one short trek you need to take as it can be done relatively quickly. Depart by 8-9 am and be back by 4pm.
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