My National Park Series, so far, has taken us through the splendor of some of the U.S.’s most treasured spaces, including Badlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. But does it get any better than the Rocky Mountains? My visit in October of this year to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado had me seeing my first snowfall of the season against the backdrop of sweeping mountain views and abundant wildlife. The picturesque landscape is known for its hiking trails and is a favorite among artists who frequent the meadows to paint the majestic scenery. Our drive into the park took us through beautiful Estes Park to the Fall River Entrance at the northeast section of the park. Despite it being 80 degrees when we entered the park, the temperatures drastically dropped by 40 degrees as we continued up the winding mountain roads, giving way to snow and windy conditions. Here is a brief recap of the beauty we saw along the way.
Scenic overlook, RMNP
An elk at the forest’s edge, RMNP
Clouds rolling in as weather conditions rapidly change, RMNP
Snowflakes near the top of the mountain peak, RMNP
Sunny conditions return in the meadows, RMNP