Scheduled Hikes for 2010
 Rocky Mtn. Nat. Park - Alpine Visitor's Center/Hike


Above: Alpine Visitor's Center
Date:  July 10th, 2010  09:00 AM -  05:00 PM
Hike Group:  Rocky Mountain Trail Tramps
Info. URLs:  Rocky Mountain Nat. Park - National Park Service
Maps for this hike (Directions at bottom of this page.)
Local Weather Report for Alpine Visitor's Center
Location:
Rocky Mountain National Park
 Description:  Rocky Mtn. Nat. Park Alpine Visitor's Center & Short Tundra Hike

Day Drive & Brief Hike, Hike Elevation Gain: 209 feet, Things To See: - Creeks - Forest - Wildlife - Spectacular Mountain Views!, Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Short, but Steep). We may also do several other short tundra hikes in the area.


Above: Never Summer Mountains

"The alpine tundra is another world perched on the penthouse of the planet, where living is anything but posh and easy. It's a land of raging winds, fearsome electrical storms, and a nine-month winter of bitter cold and heavy snow. Yet it's home to creatures like the marmot and pika and all sorts of miniature plants, the delicate form and exquisite blossoms of which are in sharp contrast to the harshness of the setting. Flowery throughtout the summer, the show is at its height from mid-July to mid-August, with an encore of more subtle beauty beginning in early September when bright blossoms give way to rich tints of amber and russet."

"For much of the summer the alpine tundra is usually sun-soaked in the morning and overcast in the afternoon. The clouds often bring rain - not gentle showers, but thunderstorms that demand attention and respect. Even under clear skies the temperature can be 30° cooler than in Estes Park, and wind is likely to be a brisk and badgering presence throughout the day - annoying to some, but for others adding to the sense of place and excitement."

-Jerome Malitz, Rocky Moutain National Park Dayhiker's Guide


Above: Fall River Valley

Time and road conditions permitting, we'll do a loop drive by going up the Old Fall River dirt road, then return down the paved, yet partly under reconstruction, Trail Ridge Road. Expect lots of tourists this time of year, and look for elk herds that are roaming above the treeline.

As usual, we suggest that each hiker bring their own appropriate hiking gear, food, and sports drinks. Be sure to do your "carb loading" before the hike by eating a good breakfast/healthy snack and drinking liquids, avoiding dehydration and fatigue. Carb loading the day before is useful, too. And if you leave the hike early, please notify the hike leader directly, so there's no question that you may have gotten lost or injured along the way. Remember... Safety first.

This hike is located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, which charges an entrance fee. Riders, please share the cost of fees when carpooling. Because parking is limited on weekends, carpooling is recommended. Carpoolers will meet at our Loveland meeting site at 8:45 am, then depart by 9 am for the Park. We'll drive up Highway 34 to Estes Park, then proceed on into the RMNP, up the old Fall River Valley Road to the Alpine Visitor's Center, for the short hike to the summit.


This is an "introductory" drive/hike to the Rocky Mtn. Nat. Park and it's spectacular scenery, so come join us for some fun in the sun, and don't forget the sunscreen!