Estes Park

We took a day trip up to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park in September. It was the only open weekend we would have for weeks so we wanted to get up before it got to cold. We were really hoping to see some fall leaves and the mountains did not disappoint! We headed up there as soon as everyone woke up and got to the entrance of the National Park only to find it totally packed. I thought it might be busy, but all of the parking lots for the hike we wanted to do were full. It was nuts! We started driving up the mountain on the highest or maybe longest (something cool) paved road in the United States. This is where we got separated from our friends that came with us. That was bummer because nobody had service and there were SO many people. We drove up to the Alpine Tundra and got out for a little hike. We walked maybe 100 yards before Me, Jules and Abby had enough. It was so cold. It was in the low 40s and the wind was howling. Some nice lady park rangers took our family picture and laughed at how crazy we were. Then we ran back to the car and drove back down the mountain. We found a nice little place that wasn't too busy to stop and eat lunch. Then we hiked around the creek that was there. It was really pretty and relaxing. Then we decided to just go try to find a parking spot in the park and ride so that we could go do the hike that we really wanted. We saw a big herd of Elk with a huge Bull Elk on the side of the road. It was so cool! Then we totally lucked out and found 1 spot in the totally full parking lot. As we were getting out of the car we spotted Kelsey heading over to throw something away. It was a huge blessing that we spotted her. With no service it was nearly impossible to find each other. I'm so glad we reunited with them for the big hike. We hopped on the bus and all the kids were so excited. While we are the absolutely amazing hike all they wanted to do was get back to the bus. 

The hike to Alberta Falls was perfect. It was quick and easy and breathtaking. We were in the middle of a thick forest the whole way up but the view at the waterfall was amazing. The girls did a great job and were good sports about climbing all the way up the rocks to the very top of the waterfall. 

Then we hiked back down and drove down to Estes Park to have a fun dinner and get some taffy and caramel. It was so nice to be in Estes Park again. We had such a dream trip when we went there for Thanksgiving. 

Our first little hike after lunch. Years ago it used to be a very small ski resort. You could still see where the ski lift used to be. So that was cool. 

The fall leaves were so pretty! 

hiking up to Alberta Falls. 

I carried Jules all the way up and down. Not because she wanted to be carried, but because her poor little legs couldn't keep up with everyone. She was such a trooper. 

At the top of the mountain on the Alpine Tundra. It was SO cold. Abby and jules both had their heads buried in me. And of course Jane is just being cool. 

Beautiful views. This part of the drive really freaked me out. We were really high up and the road just dropped off . It was crazy. 

Our first hike again. It was nice and easy and pretty. 

Abby wanted to climb every log and boulder she saw. She is a little adventurer. I love it. 

Jules wanted to keep right up with Abby. She reminded me of little Carl from the beginning of up. When he is walking and pretending to be an adventurer. He tries to climb a stump (mount everest in his imagination) and he can't get over it so he goes around it. That was totally Jules. She would try to climb over a huge rock and end up scooting around it while holding onto it. She would get to the other side and say "I did it!" and we would cheer for her. She is so cute and never gives up. I love that about her. 

Best buds. 

We had to cross these precarious logs to keep going on the hike. It made me so nervous but everyone did it! 

The herd of Elk right off the road. Third time was a charm coming up to Estes Park. This area is famous for Elk but we have only seen a couple on the other trips we have made up there. 

At the top of the falls! 

Riding on my shoulders. It was fun to listen to her talk the entire time we hiked. 

Our champion hikers! 

The cute girls waiting for dinner to come. 

It was such a fun day! We were gone the entire day. Almost a full 12 hours. But the girls all did great. Its so fun to be able to take them on these adventures with us.