July 2022

Painting the cool greens, blues, and purples of the Northern Colorado mountains was a welcome respite from the heat of the city. Wildflowers were in full bloom in the valleys and hillsides, and deer roamed throughout the campground.

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Paintings

'Summer Aspen'

9x12

'Distant Purple Peaks'

11x14

'Hahn's Peak in July'

12x16

'Dancing Aspen'

16x20

'Wild Sunflower'

8x8

'Silvery Lupine'

8x8

'Mountain Meadow Light'

16x20

The Journey

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Rocky Mountain National Park

We spent one night to check out the campgrounds, and take the scenic route to Steamboat.

Glacier Basin Campground

Located in the east end of the park, in a valley surrounded by craggy peaks reaching over 14,000 feet.

The area was quiet, and the pine smelled fresh after an afternoon rain.

A view from the campground

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Trail Ridge Road

The highest road in any national park, it has breathtaking views of peaks all around, and in mid July the wildflowers were in full bloom.

Alpine Sunflowers

The Never Summer Mountains, where the Colorado River begins

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Tundra Communities Trail

Located east of the Alpine Visitor's center on Trail Ridge Road, this hike at 11,000 feet is well worth the effort, especially in July.

"Access to "the land above the trees" is the most distinct aspect of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road, the highest road in any national park, transports you to this realm of open sky where you'll find tiny but brilliant flowers and a harsh climate. Approximately one-third of this national park is above the limit where trees may grow in northern Colorado.

The Alpine Tundra Ecosystem starts between elevations of 11,000 to 11,500 feet, depending on exposure. This is truly a land of extremes. Strong, frequent winds and cold temperatures help limit what plants can grow there. Most alpine plants are perennials. Many plants are dwarfed, but their few blossoms may be full-sized."

https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/nature/alpine_tundra_ecosystem.htm

A close look at one of the lovely combinations along the trail

Alpine Phlox, Golden Draba, and Parry's Clover

Yellow-Bellied Marmot

Stagecoach Lake State Park

Located on the Yampa River, 43 miles south of Steamboat Lake.  We stayed one night on the way to Steamboat.

We took county roads 134 and 131 to the park, bypassing Rabbit Ears Pass.  Getting there was a beautiful drive through farmland, with aspen forests along the way. 

Stagecoach Lake is surrounded by mountain vistas.  Wildflowers were mixed in with blue-green sagebrush.

We were treated to a spectacular rainbow/sunset after a light rain. 

In the morning we hiked up Pinnacle Peak Trail to watch the sunrise.

Steamboat Lake State Park

My dad loved fishing at Steamboat Lake, and my family camped there often.  While he fished, I would hike around the lake and explore.  Back then the campsites were first come, first served, and there were not many amenities.  I remember getting ice cream at the marina.

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Sunrise Vista Campground

True to the campground's name - the view from our campsite.

Deer were abundant throughout the park.

Two Sandhill Cranes landed in the meadow every day, and gave loud rattling bugle calls.

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Painting in the Campground

Deer traveled through several times during the day, usually walking and grazing, sometimes running.