The Rocky Mountains, Colorado
I love the random stuff we learn from checking out new places. This week, I learned the chip bags in The Rocky Mountains look like they are about to explode. I had to Google why, and here is the answer I got. At sea level, a lot of air is pushing down on everything (air pressure). When you go up to the mountains (The Rocky Mountains are 2 miles above sea level), there is less air pushing down (air pressure). Chip bags are filled with air. The air inside the bag wants to go where the air pressure is lower. So, it pushes the sides of the bag out, which is why they look like they will explode (and sometimes do explode). Random, I know, but I had no idea puffed-up chip bags were a thing, and I was not alone. All of us tourists were confused at the grocery store.
If you are considering a visit or want to read a few things I learned and enjoyed about the area, I’ve shared some of our personal experiences. Check it out!
Day 1
A few of many memorable moments from our first day: driving up Old Fall River Road, a nerve-wracking twisty dirt road that reaches 11,796 feet, and visiting the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest national park visitor center in America. We had the best homemade cinnamon rolls at the cafe. A tour guide sat beside us alone and told us there was a microwave at the end of the cafe and to heat the rolls for 30 seconds. I am happy he was there. It was a nice insider tip. The kids didn’t want to leave. The cafe views are unbeatable. And hiking from Adams Falls to East Meadow Overlook, taking in the beautiful scenery.
Day 2
A few highlights from day two were the Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest paved road in the US! You have to see it. Ute Trail to Timberline Pass is a challenging 4-mile hike. Joe and I completed the entire trail, while the kids returned to the car within 5 minutes due to the cold, and they thought it seemed dull, but they missed out. It gets easier and was worth the effort. Tundra Communities Trail is a 1-mile, uphill, paved trail that starts a bit challenging, but the kids enjoyed climbing the rocks at the end, and of course, those stunning views.
Ute Trail
Day 3
Ben’s 14th Birthday, so he planned the day. First up, Horseback riding - We booked a two-hour tour with Sombrero Stables. The Mountain Coster is right there, which they loved, and afternoon shopping at Estes Park, including doing an old-time photo.
Estes Park has lots of restaurants, shops, and a river walk with beautiful gardens in the back of the shops. Most of the shops are souvenir shops. My favorite shop was On Trend, and if watching Glass Blowing interests you visit Mountain Blow Glass, between 10:30 and 3:00 they are blowing glass and explaining the process.
While not on the River Walk, we found three charming shops close by that are worth a visit: White Horse Gift Shop, The Trading Post, and the Rock Shop. Be sure to explore the pond behind the Rock Shop to see the ducks.
The Stanley Hotel is also worth popping into with guided tours and various dining options. Notably, Stephen King was inspired to write his book The Shining while staying in room 217. Dumb and Dumber was filmed in the bar of the hotel.
Day 4
We enjoyed hiking to Emerald Lake and stopping at Alberta Falls on the way back. The best moose sighting was at Sprague Lake, where he spent the afternoon chilling in the pond and eating.
Check out the Dirt In My Shoes Guide if you plan to visit a national park. We followed her Rocky Mountain 3-Day itinerary. It’s a great resource!
We stayed in Colorado for a few additional days to explore Boulder and Denver, CO. An hour from the Rocky Mountains, we spent a rainy day in Boulder, CO. We hiked the Flatirons at Chautauqua Park, enjoying the Flatirons Loop Trail. The kids had fun climbing, but I had to tell them to stop going up because I didn’t know if they could get down safely. Later, we went shopping on Pearl Street.
Flatirons in the background
Kids climbing the Flatirons
After Boulder, CO we spent a few days in Denver, CO
Denver, CO Zoo
Washington Park