ROCKY MOUNTAIN Guidebook 1941

		ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK COLORADO
		OPEN ALL YEAR NOTCHTOP MOUNTAIN FROM OUTLET OF ODESSA LAKE.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN National Park includes within its boundaries 405 square miles, or 259,416 acres, of the Front Range of the Rockies in north-central Colorado, about 68 miles northwest of Denver. It was established by act of Congress on January 26, 1915, and its boundaries were adjusted by acts approved February 14, 1917; June 9, 1926; and June 21, 1930. The eastern gateway is the village of Estes Park, from which easy and comfortable access is had to the noblest heights and the most picturesque recesses of the mountains.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most accessible of our western national parks, being comparatively close to large centers of population in the East and Middle West.

LAND OF LOFTY MOUNTAINS

For many years the Front Range of the Rockies has been the mecca of the mountain lovers of this country. The name conjures up ideas of American mountain grandeur. In nobility, in calm dignity, in the sheer glory of stalwart beauty, there is no mountain group to excel the company of snow-capped veterans of all the ages which stands at everlasting parade behind its grim, helmeted captain, Longs Peak.

There is probably no other scenic neighborhood of the first order which combines mountain outline so bold with a quality of beauty so intimate and refined. To live in the valley in the ever-changing presence of these carved and tinted peaks is in itself satisfaction.

This national park reaches lofty heights. The summer visitors who live at the base of the great mountains are 8,000 feet above sea level, while the mountains themselves tower precipitously a mile or more above the base level. Longs Peak, the highest of them all, rises 14,255 feet above sea level, and most of the other mountains in the park are more than 12,000 feet high. Sixty-five named mountains within the park reach altitudes of over 10,000 feet.

LOOKING TOWARD BLACK CANYON FROM ESTES PARK. Gregg Photo.

The valleys on both sides of the Front Range and those which penetrate into its recesses are dotted with parklike glades clothed in a profusion of colorful wild flowers and watered with streams from the mountain snows and glaciers. Forests of evergreens and silver-stemmed aspen separate them.

The range lies, roughly speaking, north and south. On the east side the descent from the Continental Divide is precipitous in the extreme. Sheer drops of two or three thousand feet into rock-bound gorges carpeted with snow patches and wild flowers are common. Seen from the east-side valleys this range rises in daring relief, craggy in outline, snow spattered, awe inspiring.

In the northeast corner lies a spur from the Continental Divide, the Mummy Range, a tumbled majestic mountain mass which includes some of the loftiest peaks and one of the finest glaciers.

In Wild Basin, to the south of Longs Peak, the country grows even wilder. The range is a succession of noble snow-covered peaks.

The west side, gentler in its slopes and less majestic in its mountain massings, is a region of loveliness and wildness diversified by splendid mountains, innumerable streams, and lakes of great charm. The Continental Divide, bent from the north and called the "Never Summer Mountains," rises from the western side of the Colorado River. On every side the mountains lift bald peaks, magnificent canyons penetrate the precipices of the Divide, and beautiful streams rush down the mountain slopes to the river.

ROMANTIC LAKES

Grand Lake, at the southwestern entrance to the park, is the deepest lake In this region and one of the largest in Colorado. The North and East Inlets are the two principal rivers entering Grand Lake. Each flows from cirques under the Continental Divide. Lakes Nokoni and Nanita, among the most romantic of the park, are reached from a trail connecting with both sides of the park by the Flattop Trail. Lake Verna and her unnamed sisters are the sources of the East Inlet and are reached by trail.

FAUNA AND FLORA

The national park is a sanctuary for wildlife. Animals and birds are protected from hunting. Living trees may not be cut or injured. Flowers may not be picked. The cooperation of visitors is requested, in order that the wildlife of the park may be protected, that the flowers may continue in their present abundance, and that the forests of the park may not suffer injury from fire or other cause.

MAMMALS.—The park is the natural home of the famous Rocky Mountain bighorn or mountain sheep. This animal is much larger than the domestic sheep, and is remarkably powerful and agile, surpassing the celebrated Swiss chamois in size, grace, and handsomeness. The bighorn is capable of descending seemingly impassable slopes, breaking the fall from ledge to ledge by landing lightly on all fours, and plunging downward again until solid footing is reached. Bands are frequently seen at Sheep Lake, especially late in the season. Throughout the summer they may be glimpsed working about among the volcanic rocks of Specimen Mountain. After several years of decline these, magnificent animals now appear to be holding their own.

The beaver, whose dams and other works are found along almost every drainage in the park, are easily seen in the early evening hours by the patient observer. Elk and deer, which are rather numerous, are often observed. Coyotes and black bears are present in limited numbers, while mountain lions and bobcats are rare and infrequently seen because of their wary nature.

The more common small mammals are chipmunks and Say's ground Squirrels which abound at every parking area; Wyoming ground squirrels, or picket pins; marmots, or woodchucks; the Fremont squirrel, or chickaree; and the cony, a noisy, busy rodent of the rocky high slopes.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK FAWN.

BIRDS.—The most common species in the lower altitudes of the park are the western robin and the beautiful mountain bluebird. The mountain chickadee and the grayheaded junco are abundant at middle elevations. Above timber line the pipit and the brown-capped leucosticte, or rosy finch, are plentiful. The hermit thrush and the Townsend solitaire, among the finest songbirds in the world, are both fairly common in suitable localities. Other songsters include the purple finch, ruby-crowned kinglet, western meadowlark, and the rock and canyon wrens. The graceful violet-green swallow is abundant, and the crested jay, magpie, and nutcracker are conspicuous for their handsome appearance and vigorous flight. Among the birds possessed of curious and unusual habits are the broadtailed humming bird, water ouzel, camp robber, nuthatch, nighthawk, red-shafted flicker, and the ptarmigan. Birds of prey seen during the summer include the golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, sparrow hawk, duck hawk, and Cooper's hawk.

FLOWERS.—This park is especially notable for the presence of the blue columbine and many beautiful flowers of the gentian and primrose families, for the profusion of dwarf alpine plants on the meadows above timber line, and for the brilliance of certain species found in moist glades of the subalpine zone. Striking examples of the latter are the tall blue larkspur and monkshood of many vivid hues, and the curiously formed little red elephant.

Conspicuous and characteristic flowers of the lower altitudes are the mariposa lily, iris, wallflower, gaillardia, and numerous species of cinquefoil, pentstemon, and evening primrose. Among the less common groups, several delicate species of orchid, pyrola, violet, and anemone will delight the botanist.

TREES.—The principal trees are: Engelmann spruce and alpine fir, which form extensive primeval forests in the subalpine region; lodgepole pine, the prevailing tree of middle elevations; and the ponderosa pine, a large, spreading tree with reddish-brown trunk, occurring in open stands in the lower elevations. Limber pine is frequent in high rocky places, assuming picturesque forms at timber line, and Douglas fir, or false hemlock, is widely distributed at lower elevations. Colorado blue spruce shows conspicuously along moist stream banks at the eastern edge of the park. Rocky Mountain red cedar is present along the eastern slopes. In addition to the coniferous trees, there are three species of poplar, the most abundant and colorful of which is the aspen.

EVIDENCE OF GLACIAL ACTION

One of the remarkable features of Rocky Mountain National Park is the legibility of the record left by the glaciers during the ages when America was in the making. The evidences of a glacial action, in all their variety, make themselves apparent to even the most casual eye.

There are several remnants of these mighty ice masses which can be seen at the present time. Three of the largest ice fields, Andrews, Rowe, and Tyndall Glaciers, are visited by many people each year, while the smaller glaciers, such as Taylor and Spragues, are also interesting. One enormous moraine built up by an ancient glacier and rising with sloping sides nearly a thousand feet above the valley is so prominent that Moraine Park is named for it.

MAP OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
(click on image for a PDF version)

AUTOMOBILE TRIPS

The Trail Ridge Road, which crosses the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park, forms part of a grand circuit of Colorado's beauties that offers one of the most attractive and impressive of the scenic automobile trips of our continent.

The trip starts from Denver, crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park, reaches Grand Lake, crosses the Continental Divide again at Berthoud Pass, traverses the Denver Mountain Parks, and returns to Denver, having completed without any duplication 240 miles of comfortable travel through magnificent country.

The Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous automobile road in America. Its 4-mile section, over 12,000 feet in altitude, is probably the longest stretch of continuous highway ever built at such a height. The trip to Grand Lake on this road is an experience never to be forgotten. The road climbs to the very crest of the range and then follows the ridge.

To the south an unexcelled panorama of the most rugged portion of the Front Range is spread out, while to the north, the view is dominated by the majestic Mummy Range. Over a 350-foot cliff one may look into fascinating Iceberg Lake, a rock-bound crystal pool on which float blocks of ice. Just beyond the lake the highest point on the route—12,183 feet above sea level—is reached; the road then descends to Fall River Pass, with its commanding view of streams, valleys, forested slopes, and mountains which no longer tower above but are now close at hand. Southwest of Fall River Pass, the highway drops to Milner Pass, where it crosses the Continental Divide and continues to Grand Lake.

A 7.6 mile road from Thompson River Entrance, southwest of Estes Park, leads to Bear Lake, in the center of an amphitheater of peaks between which lie steep-walled gorges dotted with glacial lakes.

The old Fall River Road, first transcontinental divide highway in the park, is open for "up" travel only, affording a loop trip from Estes Park via Horseshoe and Chasm Falls to Fall River Pass, thence back over Trail Ridge Road.

Short secondary roads reach Wild Basin ranger station and Longs Peak campground from State Highway 7, the South St. Vrain Road.

FOREST CANYON FROM LOFTY TRAIL RIDGE ROAD.

TRAIL TRIPS

The trails offer by far the richest opportunities to see and explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors should travel at least a few of the trails into the glacial carved gorges and canyons and to the myriad lakes therein. While most of the trails can be traveled on horseback, there are a few in the more remote regions that are traversable only on foot. Trips by trail into Loch Vale, Glacier Gorge, Wild Basin and to Fern, Odessa, Lawn, Dream, Haiyaha, and Chasm Lakes offer sights of unusual beauty. For the seasoned trail traveler, trips to Black Lake, Sky Pond, Flattop Mountain, and Halletts Peak are recommended. Such strenuous trips and climbs as the ascent of Longs Peak, McHenry Peak, or Rowe Glacier, or jaunts to remote areas should be attempted only by those who are thoroughly experienced.

At Estes Park Village and the smaller settlements nearby, and at Grand Lake, horses and camping supplies may be rented. Many of the hotels rent saddle horses. There are a number of competent guides in the vicinity who will arrange special trips on foot or by saddle horse. A list of authorized guides may be obtained at the chief ranger's office.

TROUT FISHING IN THOMPSON RIVER. Rinehart Photo.

FISHING

Fishing is permitted in all streams and lakes of the park except as closed by order of the superintendent. Information regarding closed areas may be obtained at any ranger station. All of the lower streams and lakes, and many of the lakes in the higher altitudes, are well stocked with trout. The State of Colorado stocks the park waters and a Colorado State license is required for persons over 14 years of age. This may he purchased in the villages of Grand Lake and Estes Park. Fishing tackle can be purchased or rented from several stores in the village of Estes Park.

WINTER SPORTS

Rocky Mountain National Park offers unusual advantages for winter sports. Hotel accommodations are available throughout the year at the villages of Estes Park and Grand Lake, which are readily accessible by automobile, and roads are kept open to the high country where the heavy snowfall affords excellent skiing on both open slopes and forest trails. Slopes suitable for tobogganing and ashcan lid slides are accessible from the eastern entrance. Skijoring may be enjoyed at Grand Lake, and skating is available upon some of the small lakes and ponds.

ADMINISTRATION AND PARK SEASON

Rocky Mountain National Park is administered by the National Park Service, under the immediate supervision of the superintendent, whose address is Estes Park, Colo.

The post office for the park and many hotels and resorts on the east side is Estes Park, Colo. There are post offices at Allens Park and Association Camp, but letters addressed to Estes Park will be forwarded. The west side post office is at Grand Lake, Colo.

From June 15 to September 20 hotels are open, and daily transportation service through the park is available. The roads to Estes Park by way of Lyons and Big Thompson Canyon remain open throughout the year, and the village has daily transportation and mail service. Some of the hotels in the village are open all year; and the national park is never closed to visitors.

The Trail Ridge Road remains open to travel until the first heavy snowfall. This usually occurs in October, and the road is not passable again before June. Lower roads have a longer season, and even in mid-winter one may usually go by automobile for 12 to 14 miles beyond Estes Park Village before finding the roads closed by snow.

GRAND LAKE—HIGHEST YACHT ANCHORAGE IN THE WEST.

NATURALIST SERVICE

Naturalist services, conducted on regular schedules from early June until mid-September, include field trips of a few hours to a day in length, nature study walks, game stalking parties, auto caravans, moonlight and campfire hikes, daily glacier talks at the Moraine Museum, and other activities. Special attention is shown children through junior nature school, nature scout, and girl, naturalist programs. Illustrated talks and campfire programs are presented at outdoor amphitheatres, campgrounds, and lodges in the park.

A natural history museum, with wildlife exhibits, is located near park headquarters at Estes Park Village. Exhibits at Fall River Pass present geologic and alpine wildlife stories. The principal museum is in Moraine Park where Indian, historic, biologic, and geologic displays are housed.

Complete schedules of naturalist activities are posted weekly at hotels, lodges, cabin camps, and public campgrounds. Copies may be obtained at all park museums.

FREE PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS

The National Park Service maintains six free public campgrounds:

Glacier Basin Campground, on Bear Lake Road, 7 miles from Estes Park.

Aspenglen Campground, on the Fall River Road, 5 miles from Estes Park.

Endovalley Campground, on Fall River Road, 9 miles from Estes Park.

Longs Peak Campground, at the beginning of the east Longs Peak Trail near Longs Peak post office.

Timber Creek Campground, on Trail Ridge Road, about 10 miles north of Grand Lake Entrance.

Wild Basin Campground, 15 miles south of Estes Park on North St. Vrain Creek at the park boundary.

Motorists and others who bring trailers or camping equipment will find these campgrounds attractive places in which to enjoy life in the open. Both wood and water are readily available. One person or party may not camp in the park more than 30 days in one season.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND EXPENSES

The hotel and lodge operations in the park, listed below, are conducted with private capital under franchise from the Secretary of the Interior. This booklet is issued once a year, AND THE RATES MENTIONED HEREIN MAY HAVE CHANGED SLIGHTLY SINCE ISSUANCE, but the latest rates approved by the Secretary are on file with the superintendent.

BEAR LAKE LODGE offers accommodations on the American plan from $3.50 each person per day, $22 per week, in tents, to $6.50 per day, $41 per week, in cottage rooms with private bath. Twin beds are $2 per week extra for double occupancy or $36 per person. Breakfast, a la carte; luncheon, 75c to $1; dinner, $1 to $1.50.

FERN LODGE, on Fern Lake, has cabin accommodations, without bath, American plan only, at the same rates charged at Bear Lake Lodge.

FOREST INN, at "The Pool" on Fern Lake Trail, offers board and lodging in tents at $3 to $4 a day and $20 to $22.50 a week, and in cabins at $4 to $6 a day and $22.50 to $35 a week. Single meals are 75c and $1 each.

GRAND LAKE LODGE rates (American plan) are from $6.50 per person to $8, with private bath. A single room without bath, $2.25, and double room, with twin beds, $3.50 per room, European plan. Single meals are: breakfast, $1; luncheon, $1.25; and dinner, $1.50.

BRINWOOD HOTEL, at the head of Moraine Park, provides room and meals at $3.65 to $6.50 a day and $22 to $42 a week.

CAMP WOODS, at the junction of Bear Lake and Moraine Park Roads, has housekeeping cottages from $2.50 a day or $14 a week for 2 persons to $6 a day or $35 a week for 6 persons.

SPRAGUE'S LODGE, in the Glacier Basin, offers American plan rates of $4 to $7 a day and $24.50 to $45 a week.

There are numerous hotels, lodges, and camps located on private lands in or adjacent to the park. Information concerning these establishments, which are not under the control of the National Park Service, may be obtained by directing inquiries to the Chamber of Commerce, Estes Park, or the Grand Lake Commercial Club, Grand Lake, Colo.

HOW TO REACH THE PARK

The Grand Lake Entrance on the west side of the park is reached from Granby on U. S. Highway 34, which also leads to the park from the east through Loveland and Estes Park. State Highways 7 and 66 approach the park from Lyons and Longmont, respectively.

Connections with trans-continental air lines, railroads, and bus companies are made at Denver, from which the Rocky Mountain Motor Co. operates transportation lines during the travel season. The park busses, in addition to Denver, make connections with Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, and Granby from June 15 to September 20. Bus service to Denver, however, is not discontinued until September 30. All-expense tours, covering loop trips from Denver to Estes Park, over the Trail Ridge Highway and return via Granby, are offered during the summer. Special trips within the park are conducted by the company, operating under a franchise from the Secretary of the Interior. Touring car service is available at established rates. Schedules and rates for all services are available at the Rocky Mountain Motor Co. headquarters in Denver, which can be reached by mail by addressing queries to that company at 1730 Glenarm Place, Denver, Colo.

TRAIL TRIPS
(HIKERS AND HORSEBACK)

RULES AND REGULATIONS
[Briefed]

Let no one say, and say it to your shame,
That all was beauty here until you came.

THE PARK REGULATIONS are designed to protect you and your property. You, as prudent owners, will help protect the natural beauties and scenery by warning the careless and reporting infractions of the regulations. The following synopsis is for the general guidance of visitors. Full regulations may be seen at the office of the superintendent and ranger stations.

FIRES.—Fires may be lighted only when necessary and in designated places. Before leaving, KNOW your fire is out. HELP PROTECT this wonderland so all may enjoy it. Persons desiring to light fires outside of the designated campgrounds must secure a permit from the nearest ranger station.

CAMPS.—Automobile campers must camp in designated areas. Camps must be kept clean and sanitary. Burn your garbage in your camp fire; place empty cans and residue in receptacles provided for this purpose.

PUBLIC PROPERTY, TREES, FLOWERS, AND ANIMALS.—The destruction, injury, or disturbance of public property, trees, flowers, rocks, birds, animals, or other life is prohibited.

FISHING.—Fishing is permitted in all lakes and streams except as closed by order of the superintendent. All hooked fish less than 7 inches long shall be carefully handled with moist hands and returned at once to the water. Fifteen fish (not exceeding a total of 10 pounds) shall constitute the limit for a day's catch or in possession.

AUTOMOBILES.—Obey park traffic rules; drive carefully at all times; secure automobile permit, fee $1. The SPEED LIMIT is 20 miles per hour on curves, and on straight stretches of road 35 miles per hour.

DOGS AND CATS.—Must be kept securely on a leash while in the park. If you have no leash, keep the animal in your car.

PARK RANGERS.—Are for your protection and guidance. Do not hesitate to consult them. Accidents, complaints, and suggestions should be reported to the superintendent's office immediately.