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July 15 — 22, 2025

Colorado Adventure

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

A week of hiking through alpine meadows, spotting wildlife, and taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas. From the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Lake to the windswept peaks of Trail Ridge Road, this journey reminded us why we travel together—to witness the extraordinary and share it with the ones we love.

7 Days
12 Hikes
156 Photos
12,183 Peak Elevation (ft)

The Journey

01 July 15

Arrival & Estes Park

  • 10:00 AM Flight arrived at Denver International Airport
  • 12:30 PM Picked up rental car and drove to Estes Park
  • 3:00 PM Checked into cabin, explored downtown Estes Park
  • 6:00 PM Dinner at Smokin' Dave's BBQ

The kids were so excited to see the mountains for the first time! We spotted elk grazing right in town as the sun set behind the peaks.

02 July 16

Bear Lake Area

  • 7:00 AM Early start to beat crowds at Bear Lake
  • 8:00 AM Hiked to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake
  • 1:00 PM Picnic lunch at Bear Lake
  • 3:00 PM Alberta Falls hike

Emerald Lake was absolutely stunning—the water was impossibly clear and the mountains reflected perfectly on its surface. Worth every step.

03 July 17

Trail Ridge Road

  • 9:00 AM Drove Trail Ridge Road to Alpine Visitor Center
  • 11:00 AM Alpine tundra walk—spotted marmots!
  • 2:00 PM Lunch in Grand Lake
  • 5:00 PM Return drive with golden hour views

Standing at 12,000 feet, watching the world stretch out below us—it felt like we could see forever. The kids couldn't stop talking about the marmots.

Reflections

The Unforgettable Moment

Watching the sunset from Trail Ridge Road while the kids spotted their first marmot. The light was golden, the air was thin, and everyone was laughing.

Best Discovery

Bird & Jim restaurant in Estes Park—their breakfast burritos became our morning ritual.

Travel Tip

Arrive at Bear Lake before 7 AM. The parking fills quickly, but the early morning light on the water is worth waking up for.

We'd Do It Again

The Emerald Lake hike—challenging enough to feel accomplished, beautiful enough to take your breath away.