James Kaiser - Rocky Mountain National Park: The Complete Guide: (Color Travel Guide)

2021 Destination Press & its licensors

ISBN: 9781940754482

Written, Photographed, and Illustrated by James Kaiser

A very special thanks to all National Park Service employees who helped with this book, particularly Katy Sykes, who offered invaluable input. A big thanks to Kyle Patterson, Kelly Cahill, Sybil Barnes, John Meissner, and Karl Kahler. Lon Abbott and Joanna Lambert at the University of Colorado Boulder offered terrific insights into geology and ecology. Thanks also to Maria Sears, Emily Sears, Eric Reinhardt, Kevin Whitcher, Susan Smith, Bella Singh, Jason Van Taterhoven, and the Estes Park writers group.

Thanks to my family, friends, and all those who supported me while working on this book (particularly Jeff Eldridge of Liberty Puzzles who sheltered the Kaisers during the 2020 wildfires!). And a very special thanks to my wonderful wife Andrea Rincon and our baby girl Martina, who accompanied me on many adventures in the park.

All information in this guide has been exhaustively researched and all maps are based on USGS data, but information does change. If you encounter a change or mistake while using this guide, please email .Your input will help make future editions even better.

Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this guide, but the author and publisher do not assume any liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. If the rigors of nature are beyond your capabilities, do not attempt any activity in this guide.

Additional image and photography credits listed on individual pages.

I f youve purchased this book, youre going to Rocky Mountain National Park. Perhaps youre already here. If so, youre in one of the most beautiful places in Americaa rugged alpine landscape filled with dramatic geology and world-class outdoor adventures.

Colorado is famous for mountains, but few places in the state are as captivating as Rocky Mountain National Park. Straddling the Continental Divide, the parks lofty peaks tower above some of the southernmost glaciers in the Rockies. In spring, melting snow tumbles down deep canyons and feeds pristine lakes and sparkling waterfalls. Colorful wildflowers blanket alpine meadows in summer, while shimmering aspen trees light up hillsides in autumn. Abundant wildlife roams the park year-round. Towering above the rugged landscape is 14,259-foot Longs Peak, the tallest summit in the park and Colorados most iconic fourteener.

But Rocky Mountain National Park is much more than just pretty views. When I first visited the park, I was awed by the scenery. The more I learned, the more I realized its also one of Americas most remarkable outdoor classrooms. Ancient volcanoes, Ice Age glaciers, vast alpine tundra, rich native history, rugged pioneers, magnificent wildlifethe landscape is bursting with fascinating stories. And yet many visitors drive through the park unaware of the astonishing world surrounding them.

Thats where this book comes in. Whether youre climbing rugged mountains or going for a leisurely drive along Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park: The Complete Guide reveals the hidden stories of this extraordinary corner of the Rockies. From outdoor adventures to ancient geology, alpine ecology to abandoned ghost towns, my book puts the best of the park at your fingertips.

So strap on your hiking boots and grab some sunscreen. Its time to explore Rocky Mountain National Park!