I’ve mostly stayed away from Rocky Mountain National Park the last few years. When I go (usually to lead Sierra Club ICO trips), cars are backed up for miles from the entrance. Not an ideal way to enjoy the Park’s wonders.
The Park is now open, but on a rationed basis. You have to sign up in advance for an entry time, and the total number of cars allowed has been cut by 3/4ths. COVID has reduced the Park’s accessibility but has not reduced its beauty.
So I did the logical thing and made a reservation for 8am June 17. I planned to do a favorite hike–from Bear Lake to Moraine Park, using the Park shuttle to complete the loop. This hike has a bit of everything: forests, meadows, spectacular peaks, beautiful lakes, roaring waterfalls.
I got on the shuttle and the driver noted that the Bear Lake parking lot was already full. At 8:30. I decided to skip the madness and hopped off at the Bierstadt Lake trailhead. This added 3 miles and 800 feet of climb, but the day was young and a few extra miles were a bonus, not a penalty.
There was a fair amount of snow above the 10,000 foot level and I was glad I brought microspikes for one exposed icy traverse. Other than that there was no drama or anything of note to report. Just a great hike in beautiful country. I put a few pictures together in a short slide show. It’s no substitute for doing the hike but I hope it brings you a couple of minutes of enjoyment.