WHY ROCKY?
photo and text by Dixie C. Manning
Bear Lake Road, Rocky Mountain National Park
I'll admit it right up front - I'm an RMNP junkie.  It started out as a love for any
mountains.  Mind you, I've seen a lot of them, having been to 47 out of the 50 states,
Canada, Mexico, most of Europe.  I've enjoyed them all, but as time passed I found
that nothing satisfied my cravings for them quite like the Rockies.  Eventually, I realized
I was hooked for life.  I didn't need just any mountains - I had to have MY mountains.  
That's how I think of Rocky Mountain National Park; it's mine just as surely as if I held a
deed to the place.
I also have to confess that I'm the type who likes to get others addicted.  Take my
best friend.  Every year, we go on vacation together.  Whenever the subject of
destination used to come up, I'd to say something like, "Of course, I always like to go
to Estes Park; but I won't make you go there," followed by a large sigh.  Eventually,
she agreed to go with great reluctance, convinced she would be bored out of her mind.  
It only took one visit to change that.  Now, it's a tossup as to which of us will mention
it first.
So, why Rocky?  What's there that's so great?  Why go back year after year? The
answer, like the park itself, is a diversity of experiences.  You really can just about have
it all at Rocky Mountain National Park.
As I've already said, there are the mountains.  You can experience them from the bottom looking up or from the top looking out. They are
easily accessible by Trail Ridge Road, the highway that traverses the park.  In the span of 48 miles, you will climb from meadowlands
through forest-clad slopes to stark alpine tundra and then back down again.  For those who want a more in-depth look, there are hiking
trails for every age and ability level.  Looking for a leisurely stroll?  Sprague Lake is the place for you.  Does that sound entirely too tame?  
Summit Longs Peak, the only fourteener in the park.  Like the idea of being on the trail but don't want to walk?  Even novices can take
advantages of the horseback rides offered at any of the numerous stables.  Whatever way you view the park, be sure to take a camera and
lots of film.    These mountains just beg to be photographed.

On second thought, makes that lots and LOTS of film; and keep your camera handy.  You'll find yourself grabbing it frequently to snap the
abundant wildlife.  Deer and elk own the place.  There are also moose, bears, bighorn sheep, coyotes and marmots, just to name a few.  
Don't worry; all you have to do to find them is open your eyes - or your ears.  Don't believe me?  Just come during the fall.  There are no
words to describe the sound a bull elk in rut makes.  Birders will also find plenty to keep them occupied.  I have to say that Rocky Mountain
National Park is the only place I've ever gotten stuck in an owl jam.  More interested in aquatic wildlife?  Get a permit and go fishing.  Just
remember, the fish aren't the only things that bite here.  NEVER approach a wild animal, no matter how cute.

After all the activities of the day, you'll have no problem getting a good night's sleep.  One of my favorite indulgences is coming back to my
room, building a fire in the fireplace, and cracking a window to listen to the soothing sound of Fall River flowing just beyond the patio.  If
that's too confining for you, there are plenty of campgrounds and, for the REAL outdoor types, back county camping (permit required).  If,
on the other hand, you prefer lodging in style, check out the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, especially if you are a Stephen King fan.  
During a stay here, he was walking down the hall, noticed the fire hose, and suddenly had an inspiration.  If you like less town and more
lake, stay on the west side at Grand Lake.

Speaking of town, don't worry if you have a limit to how much nature you can endure.  Estes Park has all the amenities to keep you happy -
shopping, restaurants, galleries, cultural events, movies, amusements for the kids.  And if you really yearn for the bright lights of the big
city, Denver is just a few hours away.  In fact, if you fly in from closer to sea level (as I do), you might want to think about spending the
first night or two in Denver or Boulder, both of which are well worth visiting in their own rights and are also at a little bit lower elevation.

So, once again, why Rocky?  That's really not the right question.  With all it has to offer, why NOT Rocky?
So why do you love Rocky Mountain National Park?  Sign the guestbook to let others know.
MountainDrama
Rocky Mountain National Park
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