Rocky Mountain National Park
A Fresh Look at Moraine Park
We lucked out with our campsite! We camped at Moraine Park Campground, after it just reopened from a renovation project. Moraine Park is a "glacial moraine", basically a giant pile of debris left behind by a retreating glacier thousands of years ago. Sitting on that small hill with my coffee and looking out over one of the most active wildlife corridors in the park. In the fall, that valley is "Elk Central," filled with the sound of bugling, but any time of year, it's one of the best "big sky" views in the Rockies.
Timing the Storm at Bear Lake
Bear Lake is arguably the most famous spot in the park, sitting at 9,475 feet. Because of its popularity, it usually requires a dedicated "Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road" permit. When a storm rolled through and cleared the crowds, we found the "secret" window. Seeing Bear Lake without the shoulder-to-shoulder tourists is rare. Bryson was able to scramble his way out to a rock, which is a local favorite, it gives you that perfect "Lion King" perspective of the Hallett Peak reflection in the water. It really proves that in the mountains, if you wait out the rain, you get the reward.
E-Bikes and Tiny Surprises
We rode our e-bikes down to Cub Lake from Moraine Park Campground. This turned out to be the best way to see the "lower" elevations. Many people don't realize that the sunny, south-facing hillsides of RMNP are home to the Mountain Ball Cactus. They are incredibly hardy, surviving sub-zero winters and then blooming with beautiful pink flowers in the spring. We waded in the Big Thompson River in its "infant" stage. Wading in that snowmelt is a Rocky Mountain rite of passage, it’s usually about 40–50°F (and you could definitely tell!), even in mid-summer!
The Alpine Tundra and the "Alluvial Fan"
Parking at the East Alluvial Fan trailhead was the smart choice for us. Plenty of room for our big van and their is a short trail that leads from the parking lot to the stream. The massive boulder field was actually created in 1982 when an earthen dam broke at Lawn Lake, sending a wall of water down the mountain. It’s a powerful reminder of how quickly the landscape can change.
Finally, reaching the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet is a literal "breathless" experience. You’re in the alpine tundra here, a place too harsh for trees to grow. We felt winded just walking the plaza, it wasn't just the view, there is about 35% less oxygen up there than at sea level! Looking down at the Fall River winding through the valley below is the perfect "top of the world" finale.
