Here is a look at Day 3 of 4 in Rocky Mountain National Park.
We finally stopped for a photo at the park entrance sign.
This was the Beaver Meadows entrance.
Seeing the animals never got old.
Driving towards the Beaver Meadows park entrance. As you can see in the distance, it was not a clear day. There was a prediction for rain and snow that day. I had a different hike itinerary but ended up changing it because of the uncertainty of the weather.
We headed back to the Moraine Park area and parked at the Fern Lake Trailhead. We started out hiking to The Pool.
hitting the trail
This trail was mostly flat and took you through a forest with a creek that ran alongside the whole trail. We loved listening to the water as we hiked. It was very peaceful.
Ben on the trail
Can you guess what happened just as we started out on the trail?
It began to snow!!! Snowflakes fell off and on the while time we were there.
I love purple!
the creek running alongside the trail
Ben
Ben climbing rocks.
1.7 miles later we arrived at The Pool
I had not really researched this trail so we did not know what to expect. It turned out to be a highlight of our trip. We loved hanging out there! The guys climbed all over the rocks and the logs over the water. Seeing the boys play and explore brought a smile to my face. We spent close to an hour there just soaking it all in. It was a beautiful area!
The Pool
The Pool
The Pool
The Pool with snowflakes falling
The Pool
The Pool
This was our anniversary eve.
The Pool
Ben at The Pool
David
The Pool
Cruz at The Pool
The bridge over The Pool
The Pool
Ben at The Pool
David and Ben playing on the logs.
David and Cruz playing on the logs.
our family enjoying the views at The Pool
This will be a hike I'm certain we'll repeat if we return.
Fern Falls was just another mile up so we decided to hike on and see it.
hiking from The Pool to Fern Falls
Fern Falls
Fern Falls
Ben at Fern Falls
Fern Falls
David at Fern Falls
Fern Falls
It did not snow on the hike up, but shortly after arriving the snowflakes began to fall.
Fern Falls
Fern Falls
our family at Fern Falls
snowing hard as we started the hike back down
It was beautiful!
If you look close, you'll see Ben up ahead on the trail.
crossing the bridge at The Pool
more rock climbing for Ben
I miss this creek and its sound.
our view as we drove back through Moraine Park
It was cold and snowy when we left the trailhead. We decided to drive and park at the Moraine Park Discovery Center and have our picnic lunch in the car. From where we parked we had a great view of the valley below.
We drove into Estes Park and visited this coffee shop for coffee and hot chocolate.
warming up at Coffee on the Rocks
Before returning to the YMCA we made a loop back through the park starting at the Fall River entrance and coming out at the Beaver Meadows entrance. The boys fell asleep so we had a nice quiet drive. It was a fun and relaxing way to end the day.
The next day was our 30th wedding anniversary and our last day in the park. I'll share about that next.
