Moraine Park - Rocky Mountain National Park

Loch Vale

This was a banner year for snow pack in the Colorado Rockies, which was evidenced by high drifts of snow and streams and falls running fuller and faster than I have seen in my 20+ years of living and hiking in the area.  Water falls were particularly spectacular especially at Alberta Falls and also at the Alluvial Fan region near Horseshoe Park.

Alberta Falls

The highlight of the trip was a hike to Loch Vale, a crystal clear lake nestled at the base of a rugged mountain peak and set against the baby blue Colorado sky.  In a word, "spectacular", but that doesn't even come close to doing it justice.   It is about a 3-mile (one way) hike from the Bear Lake parking lot, and it has close to 1000' of elevation gain.  The trail also passes the stunning Alberta Falls, which this year was roaring full of water due to the heavy snow melt. It is rated as a moderately difficult trail, and it sees very heavy use.  I recommend getting there very early to avoid the crowds.

We were lucky to see a wide variety of wildlife in and around Moraine Park including a red-tailed hawk soaring above the meadow, elk herds roaming across overflowing streams, a fox slyly searching for its next meal, and a speckled fawn with its mother climbing to safety up a slope of fresh green summer growth. 

Moraine Park Campground

We stayed at the Moraine Park Campground, which is one of RMNP's biggest with 245 sites.   Although it is often full on the weekends, it didn't feel crowded since the sites were well-spaced over a large area, and many of them, especially on the campground's perimeter, had exceptional views of Rocky Mountain scenery.  Cost for an RV site was $20/night plus a separate park entrance fee.   There is no electricity nor water hook ups, but some of the restrooms have flush toilets and there are water spigots located throughout the campground.   Hot showers, groceries, and restaurants can be found just minutes away in Estes Park.  Check the visitor's center in Estes Park for more information.

Buena Vista, Colorado 2011

My Favorite Colorado KOA campground

Although Buena Vista, Colorado, is known for its outdoor sports activities like white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, and fly fishing, this visit was all about relaxing, reflecting on life, and taking in the spectacular views.

We stayed at my favorite Colorado KOA campground, just a few miles S.E. of Buena Vista, on a ridge that overlooks the Arkansas River Valley with the towering Collegiate Peaks as a backdrop.  Sunsets are rich and full of color, and the starry night skies are just as spectacular.

Buena Vista sits between two great day trip destinations - Leadville and Salida.    Leadville is a historic mining town with museums and antique stores.  Salida, is more of an artist community with many studios, coffee shops and boutique stores.  Both towns are fun to explore.

We hope to return again soon to take advantage of the adventurous side of Buena Vista and check out the rafting and hiking opportunities.   This time though, Buena Vista made a perfect destination to just sit back, relax, and recharge.

If you go:

Enjoying some of the art displays in Salida

Buena Vista is located about 120 miles SW of Denver, and it is about a  2 1/2 hour drive.  We stayed at the Buena Vista KOA, which offers many amenities such as a laundry, hot showers, flush toilets, game room, horse rides, ice cream socials, breakfast canteen, and pizza on Fri and Sat nights.  The campground is mainly dirt/rock roads on a terraced and groomed hillside.   Many sites have water and electricity, and some have sewer hookups.  For the best unobstructed views that overlook the campground and the Arkansas Valley, I recommend sites B28 and B27.