30th Wedding Anniversary trip to Estes Park, Colorado and the Rocky Mountains

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN

There was much debate and back and forth between Travis and myself while planning this trip. We finally agreed (without giving details……..) that this was where we would spend our 30th anniversary. With the planning help of Journeys with Jamie https://www.facebook.com/jamiebjourneys, we were scheduled to depart from Nashville at 6:00 a.m. on Friday morning, October 7th and return on October 10th, our actual anniversary.

With the flight so early, we drove up on Thursday night after work. Tried to eat at Milledgeville Cafe but didn’t realize they close at 3:00 everyday. Trip for another day. We headed on down the road and stopped in Scotts Hill, TN at Cafe Magnolia. Can’t miss it on the right at the 4 way stop. We had eaten lunch here before and weren’t disappointed with our return trip. Nice people, atmosphere, and food.

EARLY START

Quick stay at the Holiday Inn Express. And I do mean QUICK. We were showered dressed and headed to the airport by 3:30. After traveling and losing my car in the parking garage, I have learned that a snapshot of the location comes in handy when you are tired and grumpy (Travis) upon return. It’s the little things….

WHEN A CARRY-ON IS NOT A CARRY -ON

When we arrived to check Travis’s suitcase, we learned that if you had not checked in prior to arrival and they had to “do their job” and do it for you,…….you have to pay $25 each!! Then when we get to the gate we learned that only personal size items are free. I (Travis) had to pay $100 to take my carry-on size carry-on on board with me. Frontier was losing points fast with Travis.

LOVE TO FLY

However, the take off was amazing. We were able to watch the sunrise from under the clouds and then above the clouds. The shadow of the plane in the clouds was cool as well. However, I was quickly reminded when we headed back down that I should always take a wipe to clean off the window if in a window seat. That’s when the nasty smudges appeared. It was a smooth takeoff and landing. We were off the plane by 8:00 a.m. and headed to get luggage and the rental car.

GLAD FOR THE UPGRADE

After getting our luggage, we headed outside to the Hertz shuttle to get our rental. We ended up with a 2021 Ford Explorer. I’m glad we had a vehicle with a sunroof that was easy to open because I took A LOT of pictures out the top of the SUV. The nice lady gave us a discount after Travis accidentally showed her his carry permit instead of a license. Then she got super excited to share about her new gun.

WELCOME TO DENVER

After familiarizing ourselves with the SUV, we headed out to breakfast. We passed Empower Field at Mile High and got where we were going ONLY by using the Map App on the phone. There are so many roads to choose from that with one wrong turn, your off to a new destination and not by choice. I text a friend to ask about these wooden type fences all along the roads. Being from the South, I though it may be a way to keep animals from running into the traffic as often. NOPE, it is to keep the snow drifts out of the road as much as possible. Definitely not a Southern need.

DUFFEYROLLS

I had googled places to eat breakfast in Denver and DUFFEY ROLLS was the one I chose. Of course it was in part because my sister is a Duffey!!! It was in located in an area called Platt Park. I had also checked to make sure it was enroute to our nest stop. It was so WIN WIN!! https://duffeyrolls.com/

I had the Pecan Sticky Bun. Travis had the Original Cinnamon Roll and the Blueberry Roll. I may have to order some of these for the holiday and see how they turn out after shipping. I was so hungry and they looked so good that I took a bite before the picture…….

LET THE FOG BEGIN

We left DuffeyRolls and headed out to Morrison where the Red Rock Amphitheater is located. It was less than 30 minutes to drive even in the thick fog.

RED ROCK AMPHITHEATRE

I was super bummed about the thick fog. You couldn’t get a feel for what it would be like to go to a concert here. I guess that I will will have to go back. They were setting up the stage for a concert that night. People were also walking the stairs and doing exercises. It is free to the public to wander around during certain times. You can read a lot more if you google/pinterest search it. I Did !!!! https://www.redrocksonline.com/

INFO AT THE MUSEUM

After walking part of the way down, we decided to save our energy for hiking later and returned to the top for a quick run through the Museum. There were lots of interesting pieces of information in the museum. It had the dates of all the concerts and events ever performed here. They have a sunrise Easter service every year.

WORDS CAN’T DESCRIBE

The size of the rocks were amazing. I could only imagine what it would look like on a clear day. We did not have time in the schedule to go back on this trip. Maybe one day…

“HEY, HEY, HEY” WATCH THE WEATHER CHANGE

We only stayed about an hour. The fog decreased our time because it shortened my picture opportunities I guess. I have to admit, I was a little anxious about the weather for the next few days. October in Colorado can change on a dime and go either way. But it was a BEAUTIFUL TRIP!!!!!!

ESTES PARK ENTRANCE

I took my Nikon camera on this trip. I couldn’t find the charger so I ordered 2 more on Amazon. They arrived the day AFTER we left home. There is a combination of Iphone and Nikon pictures the first 2 days, then the Nikon battery DIED. There were several people taking photos and we swapped out taking pictures of each other.

TOURIST TOWN PRICES

Our first stop in Estes park was at a gas station to purchase water for the trip. Due to the higher altitude, everything I read said drink lots of water. They forgot to mention that tourist town water cost a little over $10 a case. And I am that person that takes pictures everywhere, even the gas station.

THE POST at the STANLEY HOTEL

It was too early to check in at our lodging so we headed off to the Stanley Hotel. By this time we were both hungry. I had read about several places to eat while visiting the Stanley and THE POST was our best option.

THE UNDERGROUND

We had to wait about 20 minutes so we took the time to walk to the UNDERGROUND. They advertise that “Hidden beneath the original Carriage House of the historic Stanley Hotel, there is a secret subterranean theater, where the greatest magicians in the world perform.” There are hidden entrances behind the bookshelves. We didn’t go see anything but the entrance and I was NOT into scary/weird stuff. https://www.stanleyhotel.com/aidensinclairsunderground.html to check out more.

ORDER OFF THE CODED CAN

We had a waiter assigned to us, but he basically kept our water glasses full and explained that they were trying a new way to order as they entered the off season. We had to scan a barcode on the large can and place our own order. He did bring it to us when it was completed. https://www.stanleyhotel.com/thepost.html

STROLLING THE GROUNDS

After finishing our meal we just wandered around the grounds taking pictures and absorbing the history.

INSIDE THE STANLEY

We were able to walk through the Stanley Hotel and take photos. There are so many interesting things to tell about the history of the Stanley. This is a link that tells it much better than I ever could. https://www.stanleyhotel.com/about.html It is worth a read when you have time and like history.

MORE PICTURES OUT FRONT

HEADED OUT

DISCOVERY LODGE

Look at the nicely made bed. It won’t be made again this trip. That is NOT a strength of mine. It was small, but quaint and just right for us. We spent very little time in here. If we had spent more days here, we definitely would have utilized the fire pit one night.

YOU NEED PIE! DINER AND BAKERY

Yep, that is the name of the place. I had read how amazing this pie place was on Pinterest. Since it was just a little after 6, we decided to go try it out. It was less than a half mile from our Lodge. I had Raspberry Rhubarb and Travis had Strawberry Apple. We enjoyed both!!!!

DAY ONE ON TRAIL RIDGE ROAD

We started our first day at 7:00 picking up Sausage McGriddles, coffee, and a diet coke to get us going. Since we entered the park and planned to be on trail Ridge Road before 9:00, we didn’t have to have a timed entry for today. We just showed our National Park pass and entered. There was no line at the entrance. Early entry was the best decision. I hate lines…..

ELK BUGLING

At 7:12 we were ordering at McDonalds, at 7:23 we were entering Rocky Mountain National Park and at 7:29 I was outside the vehicle taking pictures and videoing a herd of Elk, also known as Wapiti. Males can weigh up to 750 lbs. Two male elk were competing for the same group of females and they were bugling pretty loudly.

I SPY!!!!!

Travis was still the best animal spotter. He found a large elk standing in the tree line by himself. I took pictures out the top of the vehicle, out the window, and outside the vehicle when Travis stopped. We wandered our way up the Tundra and used the Gypsy Guide app as a narration for this trip. It is WORTH IT. After downloading the app you have to pay a small fee for each park you use it in, but he narrates while you are in the park. We learned soooo many interesting things from using this.

UTE TRAIL

Our first scheduled spot for the day was a hike on the UTE trail. It was supposed to be a 1.8 mile round trip but I didn’t start my Apple Watch and we ended up hiking about 3.5 miles round trip. OOPS. We have never had the opportunity to hike above the treeline. I learned about the tundra from listening to the Gypsy Guide app and https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/nature/copy-of-alpine_tundra_ecosystem.htm. We started this hike about 8:15 and got back to the vehicle about 10:15.

SNOW POLES

The tall poles on the sides of the road are VERY important. They let the road crews that are clearing the roads in the spring know where the road edges are. There are VERY steep drop offs that go straight down along the sides of the road. Slow and steady was the pace for us. Driving right through the rocks.

ALPINE VISITOR CENTER-ELEVATION 11,796 ft.

While at the Alpine Visitor Center, we hiked up Huffer Hill. I think the name is self explanatory. The view was amazing and worth the climb (and several stops we had to make). The top of Huffer Hill is 12,005 ft. above sea level. It was 39 degrees at the visitor center. The wind at the top made it much colder up higher.

START THEM YOUNG

Saw interesting and brave people with very small children out hiking. I couldn’t resist a picture of this baby and parents. Bought a long sleeve t-shirt for Travis and a couple of magnets as souvenirs.

JOURNEY TO GRAND LAKE

As we left the Visitor Center, we headed down the switch backs and out of the Tundra toward Grand Lake Village. The trees and sky were beautiful along this 22 mile stretch of the trip. Well, most of the way.

FIRE OF 2020

Then all the sudden, we were in the area that was burned in 2020. The gypsy guide explained what had happened and when. The devastation was so widespread. The fire, which started on Oct. 14, 2020, scorched 193,812 acres, about 302 square miles, in Grand County, hopping the Continental Divide and charring areas in Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park and on the edge of Estes Park.

It was such a quaint little town with shops and restaurants up and down both sides. We drove through town and headed to our next stop which was Adams Falls. Grand Lake would be were I think I would want to stay if I had small kids with me. The area seemed much more kid friendly than Estes Park.

GRAND LAKE VILLAGE

We left the Rocky Mountain National park as we headed into Grand Lake.

ADAMS FALLS

Adams Falls seemed to be a pretty popular spot, especially for families with smaller children. There were places that you could get right down into the flow if you wanted to brave the cold water. I’m thankful that we did not stop here and turn around but walked another .3 miles to the East Meadow.

FACES OF TRAVIS

Sometimes he is agreeable, sometimes goofy, and sometimes he is just grumpy.

EAST MEADOW

We had a great view of Mount Craig in the distance. I walked out into the meadow to get past the young adults enjoying some of Colorado’s legal recreational merchandise. So glad I did when I found this hidden view in the stream that offered a fantastic reflection of the mountains.

BEAUTIFUL VIEW

At 1:30 as we were headed back into town to eat, we stopped on the side of the road and were able to swap out with another couple taking pictures of each other. The trees almost didn’t seem real with the colors so spectacular. And to think, it was just a roadside stop that I actually asked Travis to make a u-turn to go back to as we passed it. Then I had to drag him out of the vehicle when someone offered to take our picture. These were the only trees this color that I saw the whole trip. Most were the yellow Aspens.

SORRY FOR THE PICTURE OVERLOAD. I COULD NOT PICK A FAVORITE!!

A WALK TO THE LAKE “VIA SHOPS” BEFORE LUNCH

I found a neat pair of earring to purchase as a souvenir of our anniversary trip. They do look cuter on than laying down. The use of aspen trees and leaves to display earrings was super creative.

CHARLIE’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL …AKA MEXICAN!!!

We were expecting more of a grill type restaurant but it was straight up MEXICAN. We had a great view of Grand Lake as we ate though.

LAKEFRONT PARK

SHORT WALK IN TOWN

This town reminded me a lot of Gatlinburg in The Smoky Mountains before it got so crowded.

HOLZWARTH HISTORIC SITE

We were back on Trail Ridge Road by 4:00. Our first scheduled stop was the Holzwarth Historic Site. It is an old dude ranch located near the Colorado River. Due to visiting after the tourist season had ended, we weren’t able to see inside the cabins but it was neat to just walk around the grounds. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/holzwarth-historic-site.htm Very interesting history about this site with pictures.

The Colorado River starts 10 miles upstream from here. It flows more than 1,400 miles to the Gulf of California.

REVERSE TRIP

As we headed back to Estes Park along Trail Ridge Road, we were able to listen to even more information from the Gypsy Guide. We also were able to see the same terrain with a totally different look. As we passed the Alpine Visitor Center at 5:00, the fog had rolled in a little and snow clouds had settled across the horizon.

PICTURES THROUGH THE WINDOW AS WE DROVE

All of these pictures were taken from inside the vehicle. Ever changing views as we rounded each bend and curve.

FOREST CANYON OVERLOOK

We took a five minute walk down the paved asphalt trail to see Forest Canyon and its tributary canyons, Hayden Gorge and Gorge Lakes. Here the erosive force of glacial ice was unmistakable. A 1,500 feet thick glacier shaped a V-shaped stream valley below. With grinding force, the ice scoured the valley into the distinctive U-shaped valley of today.

RAINBOW CURVE

Rainbow curve rests on tree line, marking the moment of passing between alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems. From this vantage point, visitors can view Horseshoe Park, Deer Mountain, the Alluvial Fan and the Mummy Mountain range. Rainbows can often be seen here after a rain, giving the location its name.

MANY PARKS CURVE

Along the Trail Ridge Road, we used this pull out to see a scenic vista of ‘many parks’, meaning low-land meadows. Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and Horseshoe Park meadows are visible with a backdrop of Deer Mountain and Longs Peak.

LEAVING THE PARK WITH AN ELK SEND OFF

As we were leaving the park for the night, we had a pretty moonlit view and an elk herd by the roadside to send us off for the night. The light was almost gone and pictures not very clear. We exited about 6:45 p.m.

PARK THEATRE

The Park Theatre in Estes Park, Colorado was built in 1913, and is the oldest operating cinema in the western United States. Designed by Clyde Anderson, it features an 80-foot-tall neon-outlined tower, added by Ralph Gwynn in 1922. Part of the neon is currently not working.

BEETLEJUICE NOW SHOWING

We did not pay to see Beetlejuice, but we did walk in to take pictures of the inside. The theatre had an “old” smell that was quite strong. Travis LOVES going to watch movies but I am so glad he did not ask me to sit through this one.

HIMALAYAN CURRY AND KEBOB

We sat outside under the white umbrella. The silver looking umbrella to the right was a much appreciated heater. We enjoyed every bite of it!!!!!!!

DESSERT

Everyone eats dessert at 8:00 right. I loved my Chocolate Chip Lava Cookie while Travis had Huckleberry Ice cream. We were so STUFFED!!!!!

SUNDAY EARLY START

Today’s pictures are all from my iPhone. You just can’t really get a bad picture of these views. The camera battery had died.

EMERALD LAKE, NYMPH LAKE, and DREAM LAKE

The entire hike to the shores of Emerald Lake is 3.3 miles. After starting out on the trailhead, we reached Nymph Lake after walking 1/2 mile.

DREAM LAKE

AROUND DREAM LAKE

These were the views we had as we continued around Dream Lake and headed toward Emerald Lake.

STEEPER CLIMB

The climb was a bit steeper to Emerald Lake The way the sun was rising and hitting the rocks and trees made the views ever changing. Seeing trees grow straight out of the rocks and roots just winding around was amazing.

QUICK SNACK BREAK WITH McDONALDS BLUEBERRY MUFFIN!!!

ALBERTA FALLS

We had to go back all the way back to the beginning of the trail head before we started to Alberta Falls. The trails heads were very close together. We restocked our backpack with water and took a quick break before heading back out. We were headed back out on the trail at 9:15 to Alberta Falls. Alberta Falls was a 30 foot waterfall and a 1.6 mile round trip hike.

BEAR LAKE

Copied from Wikipedia: Bear Lake is a scenic trailhead and destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sitting at an elevation of 9,450 feet, the alpine lake rests beneath the sheer flanks of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide at 40.31324°N 105.648222°W. Several trails, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes, start from the lake.

This is the reason Bear lake is so crowded. There is so much to do and a very popular spot for hikers of all kinds.

UNEXPECTED BUMP IN THE ROAD

As some of my pictures have shown, I had an aggravating eye issue going on. We cut today’s hikes short to head to Urgent Care. They got me treated and on medication quickly. The drug store was interesting though.

RIVERWALK

2 hours later were back at the Lodge getting ready to head into Downtown Estes park for the afternoon. We parked at the Riverwalk which was just a very short walk before you reach the more touristy part of town.

PENELOPE’S BURGER AND FRIES

I chose the Elk Burger with sweet potato fries and Travis had the Fire Cheese Burger: 1/3 lb beef topped with smoky ghost pepper jack, homemade chipotle sauce, fresh habaneros, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, and one fried jalapeño. Served with hand-cut fries. Guess who got to eat the grilled jalapeno??

AFTERNOON IN TOWN WANDERING

After eating, we just wandered up and down the main street in downtown Estes Park. Travis bought a coffee and caramel popcorn. I ate an ice cream cone from the Sugar Shack. We also did a lot of people watching!!!!!! There are all kinds of people out there.

WINDING DOWN

We arrived back at the Lodge about 6:30 p.m. to start packing for the EARLY morning trip to Denver. I checked my carry-on since it wasn’t really a carry-on anyway. Travis checked us in online to save that $50 dollars. We left the Discovery Lodge at 4:30 a.m. We were on the shuttle from Hertz headed back to Denver International Airport by 6:00 a.m. after a close encounter with an elk on the side of the road. They make deer seem so small. The terminal was covered up, but we asked a nice airport employee what we should do and he showed us a short cut. ALWAYS ask and look lost!!!!!!

Shared a a protein bowl and had a smoothie before settling in and waiting on our 9:00 flight. Arrived safely back in Nashville at 12:45 p.m.

TILL THE NEXT TIME

Using our car locator picture, we found the car and headed back home to Corinth, MS. (By way of The Loveless Cafe) but that will be another post for another day. Stay tuned for the NEXT ADVENTURE WITH THE MTNESTRS.