Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Bill and I were thrilled to spend a weekend camping at Aspenglen, nestled in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. This unique spot, perched at over 8,000 feet above sea level, offers an unforgettable connection with nature. The fresh alpine air, scented with pine, mingles with the soothing sounds of the nearby Fall River. We even had some special guests— a mama deer and her fawns—who gracefully wandered near our campsite. As the sun set, the night sky lit up with a blanket of stars, welcoming us to this high-altitude wonderland.

Day 1: A Stroll Through Estes Park
After setting up camp, we drove into Estes Park for dinner at the Twisted Griffin Irish Pub, where we savored their signature fish and chips. With full bellies, we took a leisurely stroll through town, enjoying the warm evening before returning to the campground. Not quite ready to turn in, Bill and I decided to walk off our meal along the serene Fall River path. The calming sounds of the river, accompanied by the wild turkeys calling in the distance, while the moon crested over the mountains. It made for the perfect end to our first night.

Day 2: Hiking Chapin Pass
The next morning, Bill and I set out early, driving up Old Fall River Road with Chapin Pass trailhead as our destination. The crisp morning air was soon warmed by the sun as we started our hike. The trail had its challenges, with a few steep climbs, especially as we rose above the tree line, but the stunning views made it all worthwhile. Along the way, we were lucky to spot several elk bulls grazing on the hillside, their antler velvet starting to shed as they prepared for the upcoming rut season. We also saw playful pikas, marmots basking on the rocks, and deer scattered across the slopes as we crossed the rocky talus fields. The sweeping vistas were breathtaking—stretching from the Mummy Range and Chapin Valley, all the way to the distant Snowy Range. On our return, we took the lower fork of the trail, which led us down a beautiful grassy slope, offering a peaceful and scenic route back to the trailhead.

After completing the loop, we treated ourselves to lunch at the Café at Trail Ridge, next to the Alpine Visitor Center. Bill enjoyed an elk hot dog, while I opted for a burger. With full stomachs and high spirits, we took the scenic Trail Ridge Road back to camp, spotting bighorn sheep, moose, and even a mama moose with her baby relaxing in the grass. As we relaxed at camp, the mama deer and her fawns returned, with the little ones leaping and playing around the meadow—a heartwarming scene to end a full day.

Day 3: Old Fall River Road & Sprague Lake
On our final day, Bill and I set out to revisit Old Fall River Road and explore some areas we hadn’t had time for. As we passed by the rock-filled wire-mesh gabions, I was reminded of the historical rockslide that once caused significant damage to the road. Our first stop was Canoncito, or “Little Canyon”—a charming, secluded spot with waterfalls and cascades flowing through the mini-canyon. The river wound through the trees, and the sunlight streaming through the branches created perfect moments of tranquility. We even spotted a deer gracefully sipping from the riverbank, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Continuing on, we made our way to Willow Park, where we visited the historic Willow Park Ranger Station. From there, our final stop on Old Fall River Road was Marmot Point, standing at 11,909 feet. Though the climb was steep, it rewarded us with stunning panoramic views of Trail Ridge, Fall River Valley, the Mummy Range, and beyond—a breathtaking way to wrap up our Old Fall River Road drive.

From there, we headed to Kawuneeche Valley, stopping at the Colorado River Trailhead for a short half-mile hike to the Colorado River. The headwaters, located 6.5 miles from the trailhead, mark the humble beginning of the mighty river as a clear, shallow stream. After taking in the peaceful setting, we continued our journey up to Milner Pass. Situated at 10,759 feet, this mountain pass sits right on the Continental Divide, offering incredible views.

We took a scenic hike around Poudre Lake, then ventured up to the base of the Poudre Lake Spires. Along the way, we noticed a freshly rubbed tree trunk, a clear sign that we were still in elk territory. We continued further up the trail to the junction of Mt. Ida and the Ute Trail before deciding to turn back, satisfied with the day’s exploration.

With the day winding down, we decided to take one last hike around Sprague Lake. The peaceful, reflective waters of the lake made for a perfect finale to our adventure. As the sun started to disappeared behind the mountains, we headed back to Estes Park for dinner at Wapiti Colorado Pub. Just as we were finishing up, the skies opened, and rain poured down, adding a cozy, intimate touch to our final evening in the Rockies.

Reflections on Our Weekend Adventure
As Bill and I packed up the campsite on our last morning, I found myself reflecting on the beauty of the weekend. There’s something truly magical about disconnecting from the hustle of daily life and immersing yourself in the natural world. Every hike, every wildlife encounter, and every star-filled night reminded us how important it is to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the simplicity and grandeur of the wilderness.

The quiet moments—whether walking by Fall River under a moonlit sky or watching elk graze in the high meadows—were the highlights that will stay with me. Being in the mountains has a way of grounding you, helping you reconnect with yourself and the people you love. These shared experiences, especially with Bill by my side, made the trip even more meaningful.

Aspenglen and Rocky Mountain National Park will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s not just the breathtaking landscapes or the wildlife that makes it special; it’s the feeling of being fully present in such a magnificent place. We’re already looking forward to our next adventure, but for now, I’m holding onto the peace and wonder this trip gave us.