🥾💦 RMNP Pt. 2: Waterfalls, Wildlife & Winding Road
Another 5AM start because… worth it. Day 3 of our Colorado trip took us to waterfalls, moose sightings, and one of the wildest roads I’ve ever driven on 😅
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📍Morning Hike – Wild Basin Trail
🚗 Drove to Wild Basin Road — warning: the potholes are NO joke. Go early or risk a very long walk from overflow parking.
🐾 Empty at 5AM but packed by 9!
🦌 We got lucky and saw a moose 🫎 — the ranger said they spotted bears the day before 😳
💦 Hiked to 3 waterfalls:
• Copeland Falls – right at the start, great if you’re in a rush
• Calypso Cascades – my favorite of the 3
• Ouzel Falls – cool but not a must-see; trail had stepping stones and light obstacles
⛪️ On the way out: quick photo stop at St. Catherine’s Chapel, such a peaceful spot
☕️ Grabbed Ziggi’s Coffee (the Colorado Mocha 👌)
🛍️ Strolled through Estes Park shops
🌮 Lunch at Ed’s Cantina & Grill – tacos + margaritas hit the spot
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🌄 Evening Drive – Trail Ridge Road
🐏 Stopped by Sheep Lakes around 6PM (no sheep for us this time, early morning might be better!)
🚘 Took on Trail Ridge Road – the longest paved road in America
→ The views? UNREAL 😍
→ The road? NO GUARD RAILS 😅 not for nervous drivers!
🏞️ Made it to Grand Lake but honestly… wasn’t impressed. I’d recommend stopping at one of the scenic pull-offs and turning back to Estes.
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✨ One of the most adventure-packed days of the trip! Wild roads, waterfall vibes, and surprise wildlife? YES please.
#coloradoguide #Lemon8Travel #waterfall #estespark #travel Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a treasure trove of natural wonders. This scenic destination offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The Wild Basin Trail provides a fantastic route for hiking, offering close encounters with stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. Don’t miss the iconic Copeland Falls, just a short walk from the trailhead, perfect for a quick stop. The captivating Calypso Cascades is known for its picturesque views and is a favorite among visitors. For those looking for a little adventure, Ouzel Falls presents a fun challenge with its stepping stones and natural obstacles along the way. Wildlife spotting is another highlight of RMNP. Seeing a moose or other wildlife in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. To increase your chances of wildlife sightings, consider early morning hikes, as critters are often more active during these hours. While exploring, make sure to enjoy some local coffee at Ziggi’s Coffee, known for its delightful Colorado Mocha. Enjoy a meal at Ed’s Cantina & Grill in Estes Park to taste the local flavors, especially their delicious tacos paired with refreshing margaritas. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, provides unparalleled views and thrilling driving experiences. While the absence of guardrails can be intimidating for some, the panoramic views make it worth the drive. Scenic pull-offs are numerous, offering perfect photo opportunities of the majestic mountain scenery. Overall, your trip to RMNP promises not just a glimpse into breathtaking nature but also a chance to create memories through adventurous road trips, stunning hikes, and delightful wildlife encounters. Plan your visit with these highlights in mind for an adventure-packed experience you won’t forget!
Wow! Beautiful! A moose sighting is always so cool!