GTV First Loop: Rocky Mountain National Park

Mel here. The ride to Milner Pass beckoned, so Jeff killed it (despite warnings from the ranger that the winds were gusting to 50 mph) while Flynn and I poked along in van-style comfort, snapping photos along the way.

Hey look—a longhorn sheep! Like, right there next to you!

And he appears to have brought some friends…

Flynn wishes to herd them.

On to Bear Lake, at which point I had the bright idea to trail run from Bear Lake to Bierstadt Lake. It was an ankle-twistastic trail, for sure, but well worth it!

We pushed onward through Estes Park as the day waned, Jeff driving while I scoured the map for ideas of where to camp that night.  And, of course, snapped dashboard photos.

This area (Rts 7/72) was hit particularly hard by the recent tragic flooding, and we were a bit dubious after passing several closed FS campgrounds. However, when I saw “Peaceful Valley” on the map with the familiar tent symbol, I knew it would come through for us, and I was right. Not only was the Peaceful Valley campground open (with quite a few folks staying there), a few miles up the valley, we noticed with some obligatory giggling, was Camp Dick. How could we not check it out?
Score one for Camp Dick!

Day's Lesson: National Parks are a unique national treasure, and help to support countless local economies.