Headed to Rocky Moutains
We will be leaving the Grand Canyon on the 15th of this month and are considering heading over to Rocky Mountain National Park, Morraine Campground to do some wildlife viewing, for those that have bee...
Forum Discussion
FFWIFE50 wrote:
Thanks, we will be arriving on a Fri/Sat and hope to stay at Moraine, if they are full what else is still open this time of year?
I was just up in Estes Park last week, it's not all that crowded during the week. Moraine Park was closed for a construction project, but was slated to reopen yesterday (Thursday-10/09). Might want to give them a call to make sure they are open again -- 970-586-1206 -- will get you through to a Ranger. They will also be able to tell you whether all the loops are open, or if just "B" loop is, which is first come/first served. Also whether the water has been shut off yet for the season.
Weather has been fine up there until yesterday when the snow level dropped below 8000ft and Trail Ridge Rd was closed. This weekend and into next week are "iffy" weatherwise down in the flats, so probably more so up in Rocky. Rangers will also be able to tell you about Trail Ridge. A bit too early for it to close for the season, but it could happen depending on how much snow they got.
Alternatives? Not much in Estes Park this late in the season. Mary's Lake closes on the 12th, I think Elk Meadow is still open til the end of the month, Spruce Lake may be as well. Of the two, I recommend Elk Meadow, simply because it has some pull thrus and doesn't feel as crowded. You can reach them at 970.586.5342.
ETA: RMNP was busiest a couple weekends ago when they had the Free Saturday...now THAT was a zoo, and held over on Sunday. During the free weekend, Moraine Park was packed, Upper Beaver Meadows, not so much. And yes, good Elk viewing in downtown Estes Park, by the golf course, as well as by the Stanley Hotel.
