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Rocky Mountain National Park

postdateiconThursday, 15 March 2012 00:04 | postauthoriconWritten by Rainer Schelp | E-mail

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

 

In 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park became the tenth national park and
preserves one of the most scenic stretches of the southern Rocky Mountains.
One-third of the park is above treeline, where tundra predominates.  This
is a major reason the area was set aside as a national park early in the 20
th century.

Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses 415 square miles.  There are 114
named peaks above 10,000 feet and 147 lakes.  Approximately three million
people visit the park annually.  Rocky Mountain National Park is one-ninth
the landmass of Yellowstone National Park with roughly the same visitation.
During summer months, visitors may travel the entire 48 miles of Trail
Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in America that reaches an
elevation of 12,183 feet.  Most will stop at the Alpine Visitor Center,
located at 11,796 feet above sea level.

From the montane ecosystem in the park’s lower levels to the high alpine
tundra ecosystem, there are marked differences in wildlife and vegetation.
Ponderosa pine and juniper grow in montane areas east of the Continental
Divide.  West of the divide, lodgepole pine dominates the lower levels.
Higher up, in the subalpine ecosystem, the dominant tree species are
Douglas and subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce.  Throughout the park below
the tundra are groves of aspen.  Openings in the forest produce summer
wildflower gardens, where the Colorado blue columbine reign.  Meadows and
glades are dotted with wildflowers in season.  At the edge of the tundra
the trees are wind-sculpted, reaching the point where there are no more
trees.  Many of the park’s tundra plants are those that can survive in
arctic regions.  Scores of glacially carved alpine lakes invite park
visitors to enjoy a moment of solitude in a pristine setting.  From its
valleys to its mountaintops, Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses many
worlds.

With over 355 miles of trails, the park is a favorite destination for
hikers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, climbers and horseback riders.
Backcountry adventure and general sightseeing are also very popular.
Diverse wildlife includes elk, deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain
lions, coyotes, moose and hundreds of species of birds, among others.  Each
fall, when the aspen are in full color, tens of thousands of visitors come
to the park to witness the annual rut of the elk.

The photo can be credited:  Courtesy Rocky Mountain National Park

Kyle Patterson

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Mountain Lion

postdateiconTuesday, 21 February 2012 06:22 | postauthoriconWritten by Rainer Schelp | E-mail
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We have resided in Estes Park, Colorado over 5 years and have never seen a mountain lion. We have however seen mountain lion tracks in the snow. Mountain lions are mostly out at night. However, on rare occasions they can be observed during the day. Mountain lions most often hunt deer and elk. Based on mountain lion tracking results, a mountain lions can travel over 100 miles in a month.

People encounter mountain lions only on rare occasions. Mountain lions can be most aggressive when they have cubs or are feeding.  Never approach a mountain lion. They need a way to escape. Never run from a mountain lion. If you can back away slowly, do so and stay calm. Try to make yourself look larger to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and to leave you alone.

If a mountain lion becomes aggressive, do everything in your power to deter the lion including standing upright, waving your arms, throwing rocks and speaking firmly. If you are attacked, fight back. Remain standing and get back up if you are down.

Mountain lions are magnificent animals and should be respected.

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Have a Blast at High Altitude - Keep Your Budget at a Lower Elevation

postdateiconThursday, 02 February 2012 18:55 | postauthoriconWritten by Tiffany Grizzle | E-mail
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Hopping in the family truckster and heading off for an adventure with the whole family – remember those vacations?

The dream of getting out and exploring isn’t a thing of the past.

One of the absolute best places for the perfect family expedition is

Estes Park, Colorado.

Nestled on the front range of the Rocky Mountains just over an hour outside of Denver, the town of Estes Park is a glorious gateway to the Rockies. Bordered by the Roosevelt National Forest and the Lumpy Ridge to the north, south and east; and by the entrance to the wondrous Rocky Mountain National Park to the west, Estes Park is synonymous with adventure.  Rated one of the Top 20 Destinations in the USA (Trip Advisor), this picturesque town has limitless options for thrills, no matter who’s seeking them.

 

Fly Fishing Tours, White Water Rafting, Boating or Kayaking, Cycling, Touring the Rocky Mountain National Park, Horseback Riding, Stanley Hotel Ghosts and History Tours, Full Service Spas, ATV Rentals, Golf, Concerts in the Park, Rodeos, Snowy Peaks Winery/Wine Tasting, Snowshoeing, Snowmobile rentals, Cross Country Skiing – whatever the season, there’s never shortage of things to see or do in Estes.

While the hotels in Estes Park are lovely, it can be much more affordable and comfortable to rent a home for your stay in the mountains.

While a hotel room would offer you a bed to sleep in; a home would allow you to enjoy the views of Estes from the deck, maybe even relax in a private hot tub after a day of hiking and site seeing in the National Park.

Companies like Estes Park Central, who manage over thirty vacation homes, condos and cabins in Estes Park, can offer you the unique opportunity to take all the luxuries of home with you on vacation.

Vacation homes offer several bedrooms and bathrooms (versus sharing one in a hotel room); comfortable living rooms with couches to stretch out on in front on the fireplace as well as fully equipped kitchens to prepare meals in and gas grills to cook out on while drinking in the mountain views surrounding you.

Estes Park Central (www.estesparkcentral.com) not only offers gorgeous vacation home rentals, but also can assist you in planning your adventures in Estes with links right from their site to a variety of local outlets specializing in all things Estes.

By taking the stress out of planning your trip, your vacation truly starts the minute you make your reservation with Estes Park Central.

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