Driving Trail Ridge Road was one of the highlights of the trip. This iconic highway, known as the “Highway to the Sky,” reaches elevations over 12,183 feet — the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Along the way, snow still clung stubbornly to the higher trail edges, even in July. The air was thin and cool, and you could see for miles across the Rocky Mountains.

From certain vantage points, distant peaks like Pikes Peak — nearly 100 miles away — were visible on the horizon. Standing up there, you felt on top of the world. It was amazing to think I was at one of the highest points you can reach by car anywhere in the lower 48 states.

Later that day, I explored the stunning Bear Lake area. Bear Lake is a short, scenic loop trail of about 0.8 miles, offering some of the park’s most accessible alpine beauty. Surrounded by towering pines and framed by jagged peaks, the water shimmered in the afternoon sun. Every turn of the trail revealed postcard-perfect views.

A short spur trail led me to Alberta Falls, one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most beloved waterfalls. The falls tumble dramatically down a rocky gorge, fueled by the summer snowmelt. The sound of rushing water and the refreshing mountain mist made it an ideal spot to pause and soak it all in.

That evening, I set up camp at Moraine Park Campground, nestled in a wide glacial valley framed by majestic peaks. It was my first night camping on this ambitious road trip, and Mother Nature made sure it was memorable. As the sun set and darkness settled, the winds began to howl fiercely across the open valley.

The gusts battered my tent throughout the night, shaking the fabric and keeping me on edge. It wasn’t the peaceful mountain slumber I had imagined, but it certainly made for a wild and authentic first night in the Rockies. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of many adventures that awaited me over the next two weeks.