Rocky
Mountain National Park
Colorado
Tundra
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Up on that windswept
alpine world, conditions resemble those found in the Canadian or
Alaskan Arctic. It's normally windy and 20 to 30 degrees colder than Estes
Park or Grand Lake. The sun beats down with high ultraviolet intensity.
The vistas, best enjoyed from one of several marked road pullovers, are
extravagant, sweeping north to Wyoming, east across the Front Range cities
and Great Plains, south and west into the heart of the Rockies. |
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But for all its harshness, the Trail Ridge tundra is a
place of vibrant life and vivid colors.
Pikas,
marmots,
ptarmigans and
bighorn sheep are commonly seen. About 200 species of tiny alpine
plants hug the ground. Despite a growing season that may last just 40
days, many bloom exuberantly, adorning the green summer tundra with
swatches of yellow, red, pink, blue, purple and white. All are seen from
the Tundra World Nature Trail, a half- hour walk beginning near the
parking area at Rock Cut. |
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Most Trail Ridge Road travelers drive to tree line
with a certain amount of urgency. They are advised not to ignore all that
awaits in the verdant country below the alpine tundra. Forested
moraines,
great heaps of earth and rock debris left behind by melting Ice Age
glaciers, rise above lush mountain meadows. The Continental Divide, where
streamflows are separated east from west, is crossed at Milner Pass,
located at a surprisingly low 10,120 feet elevation. Moose munch greenery
in the upper reaches of the Colorado River, which flows through the scenic
Kawuneeche Valley. Grazing elk greet sunrise and sunset in many of the
forest-rimmed meadows found around the park. |
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At all elevations, the drive on Trail Ridge Road is a
memorable adventure. Put aside at least a half day for the trip. Longer,
if possible. The experience is hard to describe. |
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Rocky Mountain
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Official NPS site for Rocky Mountain National
Park
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