The Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park was the first road to penetrate the interior of the park. The road connected the east side of the park near Estes Park to the Grand Lake on the west side. Work on the road began in 1913 and was finished in 1920. The narrow road was partly replaced in 1932 by the Trail Ridge Road. In 1968 the National Park Service restored the road, paving the lower third. Today, Old Fall River Road is a 10 mile one-way gravel road going up to the Alpine Visitor Center. Liz and I used the road twice to reach the top of the mountain. For a gravel road it is in excellent shape. Each time we reached the top with ease with our SUV. Because of the good condition of the road most vehicles and motorcycles can also use the road.
There are several impressive waterfalls along Old Fall River Road.
Valley View
Near the top of the road is a wonderful open green area. Two days after these photos were taken we returned and set up lawn chairs near where Liz is standing below. It was a sunny day. How often can you read in total peace and quiet near a clear mountain stream? On that day we did just that.
Beyond the tree line we spotted an elk
The road is narrow with steep drop offs
Further up still...an elk herd.
snow and valleys of green
2 comments:
love these photos!
Brings back delightful memories of a week spent in Rocky Mountain, Loveland, Estes Park. Would love to go back. Thanks for sharing, Jamie and Liz. Dera and Paul
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