While hiking around Dream Lake is the highlight of our day in the Rockies, the fact is there isn’t a bad vista in the entire park. Today’s post features some of those views — the shots I snapped en route during our 2-hour drive each way from Denver into and around Rocky Mountain National Park.

Here we are heading northwest towards Boulder. We’re not even near the park yet and the views are already impressive.

Getting closer to the Rockies…

Approaching Estes Park:

The Stanley Hotel, best known from The Shining:

And now we are officially inside the National Park! After a brief stop at the welcome center, we press on. The views keep getting better.

The remaining photos are taken after our hike around Dream Lake.

On our way out of the park, we notice a string of parked cars that can only mean one thing: wildlife is near. We follow the crowd to an enormous herd of elk (or at least I think it’s elk).

Okay, now we’re really heading out of the park. Just have to get around these guys:

Obligatory National Park sign photos:

And I think this is downtown Lyons — it’s a totally charming town not far outside the park. We are on a tight schedule but it’s worth a stop to stretch your legs or grab a snack / coffee.

More wildlife grazing on the side of the road:

Moody clouds in the rear view mirror:

Home sweet home… back to Denver!

Thanks for the tremendous scenery, Colorado. You are one remarkable state and I’m grateful I got a taste of your natural beauty during my short visit.