In his book, The Immense Journey, Loren Eisley wrote, "Once in a lifetime, perhaps, one escapes the actual confines of the flesh. Once in a lifetime, if one is lucky, one so merges with sunlight and air and running water that whole eons, the eons that mountains and deserts know, might pass in a single afternoon without discomfort." This is Echo Park, named by John Wesley Powell in 1869 during his first scientific expedition into the Colorado Plateau. It is here that the Yampa River, the last natural flowing river in the Colorado River System, joins the Green River. This is home and critical habitat for the endangered peregrine falcon, bald eagle, Colorado pikeminnow, and razorback sucker. Indian rock art in Echo Park testifies to the allure these canyons and rivers had for prehistoric people. In 1825, William H. Ashley and his fur trappers were the first Europeans to enter Echo Park. In 1883, Patrick Lynch, a hermit, was the first to homestead in this canyon.

Address:
Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur, CO 81610-9724

Phone: Headquarters (970)3743000 Visitor Information (970)3743000

MAPS

http://www.nps.gov/carto/PDF/DINOmap1.pdf

http://www.nps.gov/carto/PDF/DINOmap2.pdf

http://www.nps.gov/carto/PDF/DINOmap3.pdf

Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weatherravaged top of Longs Peak, a visitor to the park has opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars, eagles, hawks and scores of smaller animals delight wildlifewatchers of all ages. Wildflowerlovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut (mating season). 359 miles of trail offer endless opportunities to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders. Fly fishers, birdwatchers and photographers discover the splendor that they traveled so far to find. During the winter, snowshoers and crosscountry skiers revel in the whiteblanketed tranquility of meadows and forests. 60 peaks rising above 12,000 feet challenge intrepid hikers and climbers. Anyone visiting between Memorial Day and late autumn can see many of these peaks eyetoeye by driving over Trail Ridge Road. Topping out at 12,183 feet, this is the highest, continuous, paved road in the United States. Frontcountry and backcountry campers have hundreds of campsites to choose from. Civilization and its amenities are available in the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake which flank the park on the east and west sides respectively. Rangerled activities are an entertaining way to learn more about your surroundings. Plan some time to acclimate to the high altitude and come find your adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park. BEAR LAKE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION! Access to Bear Lake by shuttle bus only during construction. Call 9705861206 for more information.

WEBCAM http://mms.nps.gov/romo/netcam.jpg

Address:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, CO 80517-8397

Phone: Visitor Information 9705861206 Visitor Information Recorded Message 9705861333 Visitor Information (TDD) 9705861319 Backcountry 9705861242 Campground Reservations 8003652267

MAP

http://www.nps.gov/carto/PDF/ROMOmap1.pdf

Phone 970-879-3922

Mailing
P O Box 750
Clark, CO 80428

Hanging Lake – Hang in there!

This trip report was posted by Don who is the Colorado State Moderator.

My wife and I and our youngest married son and his wife hiked to Hanging Lake May 26, 2007. Just to give you an idea of how much we enjoy the hike (OK, maybe not the hike, but the beauty of the hike!) this must have been our fourth trip to the lake. It was our son’s third trip and his wife’s second trip. Our son’s first trip was mostly a pack trip – he was an advanced toddler and we did most of the packing. We love the place!

The hike is not for those with heart problems, lung problems of for those really over weight; however we did meet a real pioneer spirited fellow with one leg, two ski poles and a companion. Take your time, take water and a few snacks, and it’s a wonderful hike early in the morning or late evening. Don’t forget the camera and allow some extra time for scenic photography.

The trail head is accessible ONLY from the eastbound lane of Interstate 70 approximately 10 miles east of Glenwood Springs, CO. If you’re coming from the east you’ll have to drive past Hanging Lake, exit at Grizzly Creek Rest Area and turn back east to the Hanging Lake exit.

Take advantage of the restrooms at the parking area. Take the paved bike and foot trail east for a couple hundred yards to the actual trail head. Take care on the bike trail as it is always very busy. If the information on the marker is correct, the 1.2 mile hike to Hanging Lake from that spot will rise another 1,000 feet in elevation. For those of you needing something more visual, in places it’s about as steep as the face of a cow.

The trail is rocky but well maintained with a few man-made steps in the most difficult areas and a metal hand rail for the last 200 feet up the last 45 vertical feet. Benches and low rock walls, wild flowers and the tumbling stream offer multiple opportunities to catch your breath and to enjoy the journey as well as the destination.

And there it is, literally hanging on the edge with a boardwalk along the south edge. What a great place to eat a light lunch and cool down. Allow another half hour or more to walk right to the falls (or behind if you don’t mind getting wet) and to climb the next shelf to Spouting Rock.

Just know that now you have the other end of the 1.2 miles all down hill. As we have gotten older, the hike down approaches the hour mark that it took to climb up. The knees just aren’t what they used to be.

This is a very popular hike, and you will find a steady stream both ascending and descending the trail, but almost every one has a smile, a word of encouragement, to those climbing up and an inquisitive, “How much farther is it?” to those going down.

Please be aware that the trail is posted “No dogs” and “Stay on the trail.” Cutting the switchbacks quickly erode the trail and mar the beauty for others. With all the traffic, this is not a place for racing down with youthful exuberance or macho disdain for the many children and older adults out on their own adventure.

Phone 970-276-2061

Mailing
P O Box 759
Hayden, CO 81639

Phone 970-723-8366

Park Office
56750 Highway 14
Walden, CO 80480

Phone 970-736-2436

Mailing
P O Box 98
Oak Creek, CO 80467

Phone 303-678-9402

Park Office
3525 State Highway 119
Longmont, CO 80504

Phone 970-879-3922

Mailing
PO Box 750
Clark, CO 80428

Park Office
24005 Co Rd 330
Sterling, CO 80751

Office Hours
8 AM - 4:30 PM

Phone 970-493-1623

Park Office
708 Lodgepole Dr.
Bellvue, CO 80512

Phone 970-645-2551

Park Office
26363 County Road 3
Orchard, CO 80649

Phone 303-494-3943

Park Office
9 Kneale Road, Box B
Eldorado Springs, CO 80025

Boyd Lake SRA
3720 N.County Rd. 11-C
Loveland CO 80538

Phone Park for More Information:
Information: (970)669-1739
Project Office: (970)669-1739

Established May 24, 1911, and on 20,453.93 acres, Colorado National Monument consists of geologic features including: towering red sandstone monoliths, deep, sheerwalled canyons, and a variety of wildlife (bighorn sheep, golden eagles, mule deer and mountain lions)

Address:
Colorado National Monument
Fruita, CO 81521-0001

Phone: Visitor Information 9708583617