Day 16: Rocky Mountain National Park - Grand Lake

This morning I convince René to turn on the generator briefly to warm up the camper. In hindsight, we realize that the generator is not needed for this, as the heating is gas-powered. This means finally no freezing tomorrow.
In the morning, we visit the Rocky Mountain National Park. I booked the entry a month ago. In this park, too, a timed entry ticket is required. First, we visit one of the visitor centers and then choose a trail for hiking. At the beginning of the park, we once again observe a large area with burnt trees. In 2020, two fires burnt down 10% of the park. Due to the wind and extreme heat, both fires merged into a large fire. It is part of the ecosystem that nature can regenerate itself. Then we stop at the historic Holzwarth and hike to the 100-year-old cabins. Once there was a lodge operated by German immigrants. We also see a group of deer. Next, we cross the Colorado River. Here it is still very small and clean. Just a few kilometers away, the river originates and flows 2,334 kilometers into the Gulf of California, passing through 5 states. Now we drive back to Grand Lake and hike to the Adams Falls, small waterfalls on the edge of the park. The trail is short, so we continue on another path that leads to a lake. Unfortunately, the 7 km one-way route is too far for us today. However, part of the path is very scenic and idyllic. The view with the forest, river, and mountains in the background is very beautiful. I would have liked to continue, but Erik is not really up for it. On our tour, we see some animals and beautiful wildflowers again. One highlight is a deer grazing a few meters away from us. After 2 hours, we are back at the car. We throw our laundry into a washing machine in town, and in the meantime, we stroll through the small town with wooden houses and many small shops. In the evening, we are back at the same campsite, warming up by the campfire.