Denver/Rocky Mountains

 

Mule Deer in the Rockies relaxing paying us no mind.

We enjoyed Denver.   Happened to be there while the Avalanche was playing the Lightning.  Went into city for dinner at sports bar and everyone was decked out in gear.  This was on Market Street fairly close to the Rockies and Avalanche stadium and arena.   Enjoyed the atmosphere.   Downtown Denver is split up into several different areas.....sports, market street (bars/restaurants), 16th street mall (enclosed road with busines both sides), and River Arts District (cool and eclectic restaurants, bar, and businesses).  We stayed in Cherry Creek State Park which is southeast of downtown Denver.   Huge campground and lake on the foothills of Rockies.   The weather was in the 70's most of the week with low humidity.  It was funny, one morning when the meteorologist said the temperature was going to get into the 80's and people were complaining of the heat.....live in VB!   

Got to to check out Rocky Mountains National Park (60 miles from Denver, close to Boulder).   Went thru Estes Park just before the entrance to Rocky Mountains National Park.  Scenic spot with large lake and nice downtown.   Very touristy and the place was packed.   Really didn't have time to visit but looked very nice.   

Once in the park, Kami and I took a 3 mile one way (got to get back) hike up, to Deer Mountain (starting elevation was 8500" and ended at 10,000').   Beautiful scenic view of Estes Park and the surrounding snow capped mountains.   The weather was pleasant, 75 degrees, for our hike.   After the hike, we drive up to 12, 200' elevation and checked out the mountain tundra area (truck said 45 degrees as we got to highest elevation). 

I can see why Denver is a popular place especially for millennials.   Lots to do with sports teams and downtown along with outdoor sports just minutes away.    

 

Cherry Creek State Park sunset from campsite and large lake and full amenities (hiking, biking, boating, swimming beach).  

Top of Deer Mountain overlooking Estes Park below

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Found another friend.   I think people have been feeding this guy.....very friendly.   He told us he'd pose for $5.     

Below he offered to touch Kami's hand in action shot for another $5.   I think he's done this before.

Other side of Deer Mountain.   Pic from trail leading to top.
 

12,200' high into the Tundra.  45 degrees and no vegetation except for small low cover plants between the rocks.


This fuzzy animal is a Marmot (large ground squirrel).   He is the size of a standard cat.   He went under the truck and tried to climb up in to the engine.  Had to start truck for him to get out.  I think this guy has been stealing people's food.

12,200 was as high as we got.  Kami has a fear of heights, so we didn't go any higher. 

Chilly!