Memorial Day Weekend – Continued
Bear Lake
Sunday: Bear Lake Area and Alberta Falls
Bear Lake is the most popular destination in RMNP. We were warned that the parking lot would fill up early. There is an overflow park-and-ride lot about half way up the hill. We decided to take a chance, and drove directly to the lake.
We were turned around by the rangers at the entrance to the parking lot – LOT FULL…
Not to be dissuaded, we drove a short ways back down, and at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead parking lot, we circled through and tried again.
This time we were waved in and found a great parking spot.
Map of trail around Bear Lake
The half-mile hike around the lake is a well-manicured dirt trail with little altitude changes. Most people could handle it with easy. There are sections of the trail that are handicap accessible. Interpretive numbered signs that correspond to a printed guide that can be picked up at the ranger station in the parking lot provide insights.
Occasional cleared areas with platforms or large rocks highlight prime photo taking locations.
Hard to find a bad spot to take a picture
Looking away from the lake, green rocks to greener trees
Another viewing spot
Returning to our car we grabbed our picnic lunch. After getting nourished and rehydrated, we were ready for our next trek.
Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls
INSIDERS TIP: One of the volunteer rangers gave us a great tip on the easiest way to do the hike to/from Alberta Falls. Here is what we did and it saved us almost half a mile of uphill climb:
Start at the same trailhead as for Bear Lake loop. Stay to the left for Alberta Falls trail. You will hike approximately 0.5 mile, mostly downhill. Trail will fork at that point – stay to the right for Alberta Falls which is another 0.6 miles of relatively easy walking.
This is the crossroads/fork sign
Enjoy your time at the falls, then backtrack back to this sign/fork. This is the important part – instead of hiking back to Bear Lake which is mostly uphill from here, take the trail toward Glacier Gorge Trailhead/Shuttle Bus. This is almost all downhill. From there you can catch the free shuttle bus back up the road to the parking lot for Bear Lake.
Worked like a charm!
A few more pictures from the hike to Alberta Falls:
Dick, Karen, Tim and Joanne at Alberta Falls
We know better than to feed these little critters, but someone else may have missed the “Do not feed the wildlife” signs, or simply dropped a cracker. Gave me a cute photo-op none the less.
Eating and enjoying the view at the same time 🙂
Monday: Wild Basin, Copeland Falls
Our weekend was drawing to a close, but we had one more stop in mind. On our way back toward Denver, we took Hwy 7 south to the Wild Basin area of RMNP.
Wild Basin Area
We quickly found out that the dirt road was not suitable for large RV’s. Thankfully the very kind ranger allowed us to leave Dick and Karen’s rig parked at the entrance. Tim and I were able to find a parking spot at Winter Gate for Ellie Mae, and we all proceeded on from there in Jethro (tow vehicle) to the Wild Basin Trailhead.
There are numerous options and hikes to take from here including Calypso Falls and Cascades, Ouzel Falls and Lake, Thunder Lake, Lion Lake, Bluebird Lake and Finch Lake. Since we had plans for an afternoon BBQ back in Denver, we opted for the shortest hike to Copeland Falls.
There is both an Upper and Lower Copeland Falls.
We stopped at Lower Falls first.
Tim at Lower Copeland Falls
It is only a SHORT walk from there to the Upper Falls, which is more impressive and well worth the extra few minutes to get there.
Upper Copeland Falls
I case you missed our part 1, you can click here to see what we did on the first part of our visit to this gem of a National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park is enormous. We just touched the tip of the iceberg on our holiday weekend visit. We give it a “Two thumbs up”. There are plenty of things to see and do that will entertain all ages and fitness levels.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that we listened to the advice from the helpful park ranger and did not have to walk that extra half-mile uphill to get back to our car.
A Note From Abroad 
What a beautiful and inspiring place.
LikeLike
I love the diversity in each of our National Parks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Rocky Mountain National Park. So glad you were able to go there in fantastic weather. Too often it snows on memorial day weekend…
LikeLike
Fortunately for us, we hit the weather just right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely beautiful scenery! Thank you.
LikeLike
Jane, it was quite spectacular to see and enjoy. Most of our hikes were not too strenuous, and we got some exercise and natural beauty in one swoop.
LikeLike
I love Rocky Mountain National Park. If you’d like head over to my blog and check out our hike up the Ute Trail to the Alpine Visitor Center and other stories from Colorado if you are interested. https://mcgeetraveltales.com/2018/02/14/colorado-ute-trail-august-2017/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Laci.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful place as your photos so perfectly show! National Parks (and state ones, too) are a treasure beyond price (although some are rather pricey.)
janet
LikeLike
Janet, one of the best perks to getting older was getting the senior park pass. Once I hit 62, I paid $10 for a lifetime free entrance pass to all the National Parks. Best deal ever! They raised the price on them this past year however. They are now $80, but I would still do it in a heartbeat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got one, too. Actually, I ended up with two, we’ll have one for each vehicle. 😁. But I agree. Great deal even at $80.
LikeLike
Lovely sights. I’m with you, our national parks are amazing.
Chubby little critter. It looks like he finds a lot of accidentally dropped goodies. He didn’t seem to mind posing either, I see.
LikeLike
These guys look like they are quite successful getting tourist to give them a handout.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Vietnam Travel & Trade Portal .
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
There are good reasons why America established National Parks and the Rocky Mts is one of them. Beautiful photos!
LikeLike
We are fortunate to have so many gorgeous National Parks. Glad you enjoyed seeing our pictures. Thank you very much.
LikeLike
Love Rocky mountain photography
LikeLike
One could spend a lifetime taking photos in our National Parks. (I’m working on it, lol)
LikeLike
Loved the reflection photos of the lake. Great information for us as we plan our trip to Colorado.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful post and mesmerizing photography!!😊
LikeLike
Thank you very much. We appreciate you stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure is mine!!🙂
LikeLike