Sunset @ Rocky Mountain National Park

Aug 11, 2018. Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Rocky Mountain National Park Sunset @ 12000 ft

On my arrival at Denver International Airport, I drove to Rocky Mountain National Park. Went to Fall River Visitor Center (elevation @ 8250 ft) and took the scenic route, the Trail Ridge Road, to Alpine Visitor Center, the highest point in the park (elevation @ 11796 ft). The scenic drive was, indeed, scenic, and a little nerve racking. It’s single lane on each side of the road, with sheer drops and no guard rails. There are pullout sections to enjoy the views on both sides (and to let faster and more daring drivers pass by).

At the Alpine Visitor Center, there’s a short hike to the highest point in the visitor center. It’s a quarter of a mile hike up to 12005 ft. My head was pounding, I was out of breath, and my balance was off. It was all because of the altitude. That 1/4 mile walk was like a mile hike effort. And I have to a 100 miler in this altitude next week!

I thought that was the highest point in this section of the park. It turns out, there’s another short hike going up to ~~12183 ft,~~ 12304 ft. This was at one of the parking pullouts at the Trail Ridge Road, where I decided to stop and enjoy the sunset. It was another head pounding short hike. Back to the parking lot, I stayed and enjoyed the full sunset. I was really grateful on having another sunset-watching experience, at 12000 ft!

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‘Compass’ marker at the summit of the highest elevation in Trail Ridge Rd

I only have this day to enjoy what the Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. I came to Colorado for an event next week. I included this to my itinerary because, “Why Not?”. I have to go back and stay longer. I have my mind on Longs Peak next time.

Here are some pictures I took on this drive.