PHOTOS - Views of Long's Peak in Colorado

   Long's Peak can be seen from many places along Colorado's Front Range. Standing at 14,259 ft. tall, it's one of 54 peaks with an elevation above 14,000 feet in Colorado (called the 14ers) and the tallest mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mount Meeker (13,911 ft.) is located close to Long's Peak and the two are sometimes referred to as the twin peaks.

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Long's Peak and dirt road west of Berthoud, CO

Long's Peak and Mount Meeker as seen through "The Keyhole" in Devil's Backbone near Loveland, CO

Long's Peak and ice fishermen on Lake Loveland

Sunset behind Long's Peak from Buckingham Lake in Colorado

Long's Peak behind Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Mt. Meeker and Long's Peak from the path around Lily Lake near Estes Park, Colorado

Long's Peak and McCall Reservoir near Lyons, Colorado

Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park

   Alberta Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. The 30 ft. tall falls are an easy hike from the Glacier Gorge or Bear Lake parking areas on the Bear Lake Road.


A Hike to Horsetooth Falls near Fort Collins, Colorado

   Horsetooth Falls are located in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space west of the reservoir of the same name and the city of Fort Collins, Colorado. A 1.2 mile trail leads from a large parking area, with restrooms, running water, and maps, to a forty foot tall (approx.) waterfall in the foothills. The trail winds up and down gentle hills, over a wooden footbridge, and past a few benches on its way to the falls. Views of snow-capped mountains can be seen to the west and the plains and red rock cliffs can be seen to the east. The Horsetooth Falls Trail is a hiking only trail. Pets are allowed.

PHOTOS - Bighorn Sheep in Colorado

   Yesterday I shared Colorado Life Magazine's close-up photo of a bighorn sheep on Road Dog Travel's Facebook page. The picture was taken in Big Thompson Canyon, east of Rocky Mountain National Park, by a staff photographer heading to the magazine's Estes Park office on Route 34. Since I live close, I decided to take a drive into the canyon and see if I could spot the bighorns myself.

Lily Lake - An Easy, Free Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

   If you're looking for an accessible, easy, and free hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Lily Lake would be a good choice. The lake is located about five miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7. The parking area, trailhead, restrooms, picnic tables, and a fishing pier are just steps from road at about 9,000 feet above sea level. The one mile long trail hugs the shores of Lily Lake, is well maintained, flat, and wide.