A 1 Day Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park

Lauren Barrett

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I grew up in the Mountain State of West Virginia; therefore, I was accustomed to being surrounded by luscious, rolling mountains. Then, I took a trip to Colorado and saw real mountains. Towering, snow-capped mountains in all their glory. I was impressed. 
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I only spent a day in the actual park, but I spent some time in the surrounding cities of Boulder and Manitou Springs and was just as awed. I'll never forgot that while hiking in the park, we climbed to the top of a waterfall and were greeted with views for miles of mountains, trees, and valleys. I told myself that I always wanted to remember this view, so I took a mental picture of it. I can still recall that exact moment along with the view. I like to call to mind it every now and then. It gives me peace. 

The Logistics ​

• Flew to Denver and my friend picked me up 
• Traveled with my friend, Whitney, who was living in Boulder at the time
• Stayed in Boulder, CO
• Stayed in Boulder 4 nights, 3 days; Visited the park for 1 day

The Itinerary
Day 1

• Before arriving to the park, we made some pit stops along the way, including the outskirts of Estes Park and the hotel from The Shining. 
• Once in the park, we spent some time taking pictures at the base of the mountains. We saw some moose and other wildlife. 
• We then started the ascent up the winding road to one of the peaks. I am thankful Whitney was driving. 
• We stopped at the Alpine Visitor Center, Elevation 11, 796 ft. The temperature had dropped dramatically. I was thankful Whitney had an extra jacket. 
• We wandered around the snow-covered mountains, taking pictures and breathing in the cool, crisp, fresh air. 
• We drove back down the mountain, and I was once again grateful Whitney drove. I had to close my eyes at some points. 
• Once at a lower elevation, we did another hike up to Alberta Falls. 
• We went home after that. Later in the trip, we did some more hikes closer to Boulder. 

Recommendations/Suggestions

• Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the trail around the lake. It is Whitney's favorite hike in the park, 
  
• Mt. Sanitas hike in Boulder
• Chataqua Park and hike up the Flat Irons
  
• Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant in Boulder (Has a rooftop bar)
• Running/Hike Trails: Betasso Preserve, Heil Valley Ranch, and LoBo Trail
  
• Dagabi Restaurant (Spanish cuisine) in Boulder
• Laughing Goat Coffee Shop in Boulder
  
• Sweet Cow Ice Cream Shop in Boulder. They have amazing oatmeal cookie ice cream. 
  
• Head to Manitou Springs and do the Incline and take a train ride up to Pikes Peak. I did this on a separate trip and had a blast. Must be in shape for the Incline! 
  

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​My name is Lauren, and I was born in New Jersey, grew up in West Virginia, went to college in Pennsylvania, and now live and work in North Carolina. I'm a high school teacher of the deaf and hard-of-hearing by day, a cross country coach by the afternoon, a writer by night, and a full time mom to an amazing toddler. I love my faith, running, watching baseball, chocolate, scrapbooking, pretending I would actually do well on the Amazing Race, re-watching The Office, listening to Bobby Bones, and helping out all moms.