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Home , Dream Lake, East Inlet Trail, Fern Lake, Fern Lake Trail, High Rockies, Trail Ridge Road

The Park And The Pageant Of America . . . drive its roads . . . take its trails and climb its mountains The Face Of The Land Certain rules have been established to assure your safety ROCKY On the day John Hancock affixed his signature to the From the east. takes a winding course Day use. More than 480 kilometers (300 miles) of trails The ancestral Rockies had their beginning about 300 and that of the wild animals, and to protect park values. Declaration of Independence, Father Francisco Garces as it leaves Estes Park, reaches 3,704 meters (12,183 feet), provide access to remote sections of the park. Short trails million years ago when this area was uplifted from shallow It is unlawful to feed or molest any animal. Hunting is not was witnessing a ritual dance among the Hopi Indians of and then descends to . Take 3 or 4 hours for lead to many scenic features. Easy strolls start from the inland seas. Cycles of invasion by the seas and renewed allowed; in fact, possession of any device designed to dis­ New Spain's northern frontier. Though Father Garces this 80-kilometer (50-mile) scenic drive, stopping at the Cub Lake and trail heads. The area uplift of the land followed until the last sea withdrew, charge missiles and capable of injuring or destroying animal MOUNTAIN and the Hopis were unaware of the decisive events taking overlooks to absorb far-spreading views of Rocky Moun­ is a good starting point for short hikes to other lakes. about 70 million years ago, never to return. Alternating life is prohibited. All natural features—plants, animals, place in Philadelphia, they were a part of America in 1776. tain's peaks and valleys. As you travel along Trail Ridge Overnight trips. The backcountry of the park includes periods of uplift, volcanic activity, and erosion came next. even the rocks—are protected by law. There are no NATIONAL PARK As such, they symbolize the cultural diversity encompassed itself, above tree line, you are on the "roof of the world" all of the park outside of developed and road-accessible About 5 to 7 million years ago, forces within the earth poisonous snakes in the park; and other animals are not by both the national bicentennial and State with superlative vistas of glacier-carved peaks on every side. areas; it can be reached only by trail or across country. initiated a final broad uplift of the Rocky Mountain re­ apt to harm you if you do not approach them. centennial celebrations. For a closer look at the alpine world, walk to Forest A Backcountry Use Permit is required for; gion. In the park, the overall effect was to raise the moun­ Change came rapidly to the Southwest in the years after Canyon Overlook or take the Vi-hour round trip Tundra 1. All overnight trips into the backcountry, summer tains to their present altitudes above 3,600 meters (nearly From Mountain Men To Naturalists Father Garces' priesthood. Cultures became fragmented as Trail. Stop at (3,595 meters, or 11,796 or winter. 12,000 feet). Deep erosion followed. Shallow valleys After the acquired the through the Indian and Spaniard encountered French fur traders and feet) to visit the . The exhibits will 2. Technical climbs. All ascents involving the use of eventually became winding V-shaped canyons 200 to 450 Louisiana Purchase, explorers, trappers (the famous then American mountain men, miners, soldiers, and help you understand some of the things you have seen and technical climbing equipment (ropes, pitons, etc.). meters (about 600 to 1,500 feet) deep. "mountainmen"), and adventurers passed near the park. ranchers. Above and beyond the tides of change stood felt along Trail Ridge Road. This permit must be obtained before entering the back Signs of several periods of glacial activity are evident On October 15, 1859, Joel Estes and his son, Milton, the , their shining peaks reassuring landmarks , a section of the original road crossing country, and is available at Park Headquarters or the West throughout the park. The quarrying action of glaciers has topped Park Hill and became the first known white men to those who traveled the long, broken horizons of the West. over the mountains, is open from Junc­ Unit Office throughout the year. In the summer the permit left sheer rock faces like those on Long's Peak. Broad, to see the "park," or open, forest-rimmed valley, that now After the close of the Civil War, the Rockies themselves tion to Fall River Pass. West of Endovalley Picnic Area, may also be obtained at the Wild Basin Ranger Station U-shaped valleys denote the passing of giant glaciers bears the Estes name. The next year Estes settled his became a part of the national pageant. In 1873, the great the road is one-way, uphill. The gravel road switchbacks up and at the Ranger Station. These permits are through the V-shaped stream-cut valleys. The glacier- family in the grassy meadows here. By 1867, the Estes frontier photographer William H. Jackson awed the Ameri­ a narrow mountain valley, offering an early-day motoring issued on a "first come" basis unless a reservation is made deposited ridges, heaps, and scattered masses of unsorted family claim was acquired by Griff Evans, who later can public with a stunning photograph of the long-rumored experience. Because of the sharp switchbacks, trailers and by writing 2 weeks ahead of time. rock debris known as moraines can be clearly seen in transferred his rights to a British nobleman, the Earl of Mountain of the Holy Cross in . Within motorized vans are prohibited. A guide booklet explains Moraine Park. Chains of lakes linked by streams, such as Dunraven. The Earl kept out many enterprises that would a few years the great peaks had been climbed and mapped the history and natural history of this old road. . . . fish in its streams the Gorge Lakes (visible from Trail Ridge Road), now have seriously marred the matchless landscape and also by explorers and scientists of the Federal surveys. In 1876, Take Bear Lake Road if you have the time—an extra In the mountain streams and lakes are four species of fill depressions that were scoured out by glaciers. did much to bring the region to public attention. Colorado became a state. The Rockies, their legendry and hour or so will do it. This is one of the few paved roads trout: German brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat. In the early 1900"s, when the automobile began to prove reality, were fast becoming part of mainstream America. in the Rockies that leads to the heart of a high mountain These cold waters may not produce large fish, but the practical as a means of travel, many people urged con­ In their turn, four cultures bid for this land. Today, the basin. superb mountain scenery will enhance your experience. sideration of a plan to have the area set aside as a national and the National Park System areas Don't forget: Rocky Mountain's roads are not high-speed Trout populations are maintained by natural reproduction park. The major force behind the idea was one man— within them perpetuate the contributions of these diverse highways, but are instead designed for maximum enjoy­ without stocking. , naturalist, writer, conservationist, and philoso­ peoples and the wilderness heritage that is so much a part ment of the scenery. Speed limits and traffic laws are Remember, you must have a Colorado license. Use of pher. His years of hard work were rewarded when he of America. enforced. Please obey signs. Report all accidents to the live bait is prohibited except under certain special con­ participated in the dedication ceremonies for Rocky Moun­ nearest 'park ranger station. ditions. You should review special fishing regulations at tain National Park on September 4, 1915. To Enjoy The Park park headquarters or at the nearest park ranger station . . . stay in its campgrounds before you fish! . . . utilize its interpretive programs Five roadside campgrounds—Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, The encourages you to become Aspenglen, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek—provide an ... go horseback riding acquainted with the park through its guided walks, camp- enjoyable way to become acquainted with Rocky Mountain. Horses with guides can be hired at two locations inside COLORADO fire programs, and other activities. These programs begin Camping is limited to 3 days at Longs Peak and 7 days at the park on the east side, or from a number of liveries out­ in early June and extend into September. Pick up a schedule the other sites. In summer, campgrounds usually have been side both the east and west park boundaries. at one of the information centers. Be sure to see the orienta­ filled to capacity early each day. Organized group camp­ tion film at headquarters (open all year), and the exhibits sites, at Aspenglen and Glacier Basin Campgrounds, can be . . . see it in winter at Alpine Visitor Center (June-October) and Moraine reserved. Longs Peak is restricted to tent camping. There Winter means snow in the Rockies; and snow means skiing Plantlife To Match The Heights Park Visitor Center (May-October) Roadside exhibits are no electrical, water, or sewer connections in any of the —cross-country skiing in the lower valleys, winter moun­ As you travel from the valleys to the high peaks, you will and selfguiding trails also help to interpret the park. campgrounds. Sewer dump stations are at Moraine Park, taineering in the high country, and downhill skiing at notice changes in plantlife, due largely to increasing wet­ When you leave Rocky Mountain National Park we Glacier Basin, and Timber Creek Campgrounds. One Hidden Valley. Each type of activity has its special thrills;' ness, exposure, and coolness. At lower elevations, where the climate is relatively warm hope your experience here will go with you as a happy campground is kept open all year. A reservation system may but you must be properly equipped. and dry, open stands of ponderosa pine and juniper grow memory. You should also carry away an enhanced ap­ be in use at some campgrounds at the time of your visit. The Hidden Valley Winter Use Area is 11 kilometers on the slopes facing the sun; on cooler north slopes Douglas- preciation for nature, a sharpened awareness of the inter­ Wood fires are permitted in fire grates at campgrounds (7 miles) from the Fall River Entrance and almost 10 fir is mixed with them. The lovely blue spruce graces dependence of animals (including man), plants, soils, air, and picnic areas. A written permit is required for all fires kilometers (6 miles) from the Beaver Meadows Entrance. Enos A. Mills (left) served as chairman at the dedication of streamsides, and dense stands of lodgepole pine grow in Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915. Mills, a nationally and water, and an understanding that man is inescapably outside those areas. Wood gathering is prohibited in camp­ Access roads to Hidden Valley from the east are kept open, some places. Here and there appear groves of aspen, which known writer, lecturer, and naturalist, devoted much of his a part of this precariously balanced system. grounds and along roadsides. and provide the traveler a panorama of the high mountains. turn a golden yellow in autumn. Delighting the eye at life to the campaign for the park. With Mills were Rep. ground level such wildflowers as American pasqueflower, Edward T. Taylor (third from left) and Colorado Gov. George Rocky Mountain iris, plains erysimum (known locally as A. Carlson (right). Taylor, a skilled politician, shepherded the "western wallflower"), and penstemon dot meadows and park bill past its final congressional hurdles. glades. Above 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) or so, forests of Engle- mann spruce, subalpine fir, and limber pine take over. Openings in these cool, dark forests produce wildflower gardens of rare beauty and luxuriance. Here the blue How To Reach Rocky Mountain Colorado columbine—the State flower—seems to reach its The nearest major rail, air, and busline terminals are at best development. At the upper edges of this zone, where , 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Estes Park, and cold winds constantly blow, the trees are twisted and at Cheyenne, Wyo., 146 kilometers (91 miles) distant. grotesque, often squat and ground-hugging. Gray Line Tours makes connections with transcontinen­ Then the trees disappear and you are in alpine tundra— tal airlines, railroads, and buslines at Denver. You can open expanses of dwarf vegetation like that in arctic obtain further information from this company at P.O. Box . Here plants hug the ground closely, an adaptation 1977, Denver, CO 80202, or by telephoning 303-825-8201. to the desiccating winds, and produce seeds quickly, an adaptation to the brief summers. Grasses, mosses, lichens Accommodations and many bright-blossoming plants create patterns of end­ There are no overnight accommodations under Govern­ less variety and surprise. Trail Ridge Road snakes for 18 ment supervision in the park. A few privately owned kilometers (11 miles) through this Lilliputian plant world accommodations are available. above treeline. For information about facilities adjacent to the park, write to the chamber of commerce at either Estes Park, A Varied Wildlife CO 80517, or Grand Lake, CO 80447. As you explore this magnificent setting of valleys and high mountain peaks, forests, and tundra, occasional glimpses Safety Precautions of wildlife will add moments of excitement. Hiking and climbing precautions. Accidents in the moun­ Many small mammals seem always to be around, but tains, even minor ones, may have serious or fatal conse­ larger animals such as wapiti ("elk") and deer are generally quences. Severe storms come quickly, even in summer, with seen only just after dawn or in late evening. If you startle attendant exposure to low temperatures, rain, snow, sleet, a mule deer as you hike the trails, it will bound off charac­ and lightning. All hikers and climbers should observe the teristically touching all four feet at once. following precautions: Bighorn—the living symbol of Rocky Mountain National Never climb alone. Register before and after the climb. Park—venture out into Horseshoe Park near Sheep Lake A void steep snowfields. Don't over-extend your physical where there is a mineral lick. Please observe them from the ability. Start early. Avoid open high ridges and peaks parking lot. during lightning. Turn back in adverse weather. Move Above treeline in the tundra area, the yellowbelly cautiously on steep or rocky areas. Children should be marmot, similar to the woodchuck in appearance, suns warned not to run downhill. itself on the rocks. Another common but inconspicuous Pets are not allowed on trails or in areas not accessible animal of the tundra is the tiny, rabbitlike pika. to automobiles. In areas where they are permitted, they Administration The wild, eerie, yipping song of the coyote is familiar must be kept on a leash. Rocky Mountain National Park is administered by the on autumn and winter evenings at Moraine Park and Vehicles are not allowed on trails or off the roads. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. A Horseshoe Park. superintendent, whose address is Estes Park, CO 80517, Beaver, which are abundant in almost every stream, are Forest Fire Management Program is in immediate charge. easy to observe. All you need to do is spend a little time BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE. Fires caused by man pre­ in the evening around their ponds and lodges. They begin sent a major threat to the park's vegetation. Lightning- As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Depart­ working about sunset and continue long after darkness. caused forest fires, however, are a natural and necessary ment of the Interior has responsibility for most of our As they go about their business, they probably won't pay part of forest life. Areas subject to natural cycles of nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This any attention to you! burning and regrowth contain mixed stands of both young includes fostering the wisest use of our land and water For numbers of species and individuals seen, bird and old trees. Rocky Mountain National Park was estab­ resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the watching is the most rewarding of wildlife-observation lished in part to preserve the beautiful mixed forest of environmental and cultural values of our national parks and activities in the park. Of the more than 150 kinds regularly aspens, pines, spruce, and firs which characterize the area. historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life encountered, the most common are the familiar robin, Lightning-caused forest fires are thus being allowed to through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our bluebird, chickadee, and junco. A good field guide, some burn themselves out, providing they do not endanger human energy and mineral resources and works to assure that understanding of the distribution and habits of birds, and life and property. their development is in the best interests of all our people. good habits of observation on your part should lead to such The Department also has a major responsibility for Ameri­ exciting finds as the golden or bald eagles, white-tailed We're Joining The Metric World can Indian reservation communities and for people who live ptarmigan, Steller's jay, and dipper. The National Park Service is introducing metric measure­ in Island Territories under U.S. administration. ments in its publications to help Americans become ac­ quainted with the metric system and to improve interpreta­ National Park Service tion for park visitors from other nations. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents. U S Government Printing Office. Washington. 0 C 20402 S/N 024 005 00581 1 Trail Distances From Wild Basin to Kilometers Miles One-way trail distances from nearest approach raads Calypso Cascades 3.2 2 The National Park Service is con­ verting its publications from custom­ (distances based on nearest half mile): Ouzel Falls 5 3 ary to metric measurements. When Bluebird Lake 10.4 6.5 From Bear Lake to Kilometers Miles new materials are prepared, figures Finch Lake 8 5 1.6 appearin metrics.The Rocky Mountain Pear Reservoir 11 7 Emerald Lake 2.4 15 National Park folder represents a Thunder Lake 11 7 Lake Haiyaha 3.2 2 blending of new text and chart mater­ Sandbeach Lake (from Copeland Lake) 6.4 4 7.2 4.5 ial with a map that retains customary Grand Lake (Jet. Trail & W. Portal Rd.) via From Horseshoe Park to measurements. For the convenience N.Inlet 31.2 19.5 Lawn Lake 9.6 6 of foreign visitors, a table useful in Grand Lake (Jet. Trail & W. Portal Rd.) via Crystal Lake 12 7.5 converting customary measurements Big Meadows -.29.6 18.5 Ypsilon Lake 7.2 4.5 to the metric system is found below. 3.2 2 Deer Mountain (from Deer Ridge) 5 3 Odessa Lake 64 4 Fern Lake 8 5 From Jet. (Moraine Park) to MILES "I >

The Pool 3.2 2 B 1 6 48 64 From Phantom Valley Parking Area to I 33 8 92 11 3 179 145 Fern Lake 6.4 4 10 16 1 U 1 193 209 22 6 24 1 25 7 27 4 790 306 Lulu City site 5 3 Odessa Lake 8 5 ?0 32! 33 8 36 4 V? 38 6 40 2 4! 8 43 5 45 1 46 7 11 7 Cub Lake (from Moraine Park Rd.) 4 2.5 30 48 3 49 9 SI 5 53 1 54 1 56 3 57 9 59 5 61 2 628 Thunder Pass . . . 96 6 40 64 4 66 61 6 63 2 10 8 12 4 74 75 6 172 780 From Glacier Gorge Jet. to 50 80 3 82 i 83 1 85 3 8 4 5 98 5 90 1 91 1 93 3 95 36 6 38 2 3-3 3 101 4 103 1114 6 106 7 107 8 1119 4 11! From Grand Lake to Loch Vale 4 2.5 Shadow Mountain (East Shore Trail head) 8 5 III 7 1143 115 8 112 5 119 1 120 7 122 3 1739 1255 1271 Mills Lake 4 2.5 132 133 6 138 4 140 141 6 Cascade Falls (Jet. N. Inlet Trail with W. Portal 128 2 130 4 135 2 5368 1432 90 144 3 I486 148 1 149 7 151 3 152 9 154 5 156 1 15)7 1593 Rd.) 72 4.5 From Estes Park to too 168 9 USE THIS TABLE 0 CONVERT Mil E TO KILOMETERS Lake Nokonc (Jet. N. Inlet Trail with W. Portal Gem Lake (from Devils Gulch Rd.) 3.2 2 500 804 J READ ACROSS AND DOWN EOR EXAMPLE, 13 MILES Rd.) 20 12.5 Lake Nanita (Jet. N. Inlet Trail with W. Portal From Longs Peak Campground to Rd.) 208 13 Eugenia Mine . 3.2 2 Adams Falls ( head) 1 0.5 Chasm Lake 7.2 4.5 Lone Pine Lake (East Inlet Trail head) 9 5.5 Longs Peak 13 8 Lake Verna (East Inlet Trail head) 11 7 Twin Sisters (from Colo. 7) 5.6 3.5