Rocky III

2022-07-12
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

The plan for today was to hike Mt. Ida. It's a mountain hike that includes lakes and tundra on the west side of the park. As usual we passed the gates at 6:00 AM but this time we took Trail Ridge Road around to the west side, to the Continental Divide parking lot. Along the way we saw several mule deer bucks and a few elk grazing at the side of the road.

When we arrived, a large bull elk and a smaller one were grazing next to the parking area. We couldn't resist the opportunity to take some pictures.

Damn paparazzi whenever you try to eat a meal...
Damn paparazzi whenever you try to eat a meal...
Hey, is this grass over here?
Hey, is this grass over here?
Young bucks know how to pose for a picture
Young bucks know how to pose for a picture

We started up the trail, but after a quarter mile my ankle was bothering me. I didn't feel it was safe to tackle a long and technical hike if my ankle could give way on the rough terrain. So we turned back and headed up the road to the Community Tundra Trail for a mile or so. This is another trail through the tundra, with beautiful flowers. Also the morning light highlighted the surrounding mountains.

Sun followers
Sun followers
So many varieties
So many varieties
Always more mountains to photograph
Always more mountains to photograph
That's more like a beer commercial
That's more like a beer commercial
Just a cool formation. The lichen produce an acid which slowly helps to degrade the rock as well.
Just a cool formation. The lichen produce an acid which slowly helps to degrade the rock as well.

We stopped at another overlook with lots of snow, and again the marmots were out.

Lava cliffs with snow
Lava cliffs with snow
There were at least 8 of these guys being indifferent to the tourists
There were at least 8 of these guys being indifferent to the tourists

Next, we visited the Alpine Visitors Center and checked out the exhibits. There the ranger told us that this year the tundra bloom was above normal; there were a lot more flowers than usual. I can believe it; there are a lot of flowers out there.

After our time on Trail Ridge Road, we headed back to rest up and repack for the remainder of the trip.

Driving distance: 30 miles

Hiking distance: 1.5 miles

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