Rocky Mountain National Park

My parents visited Colorado this week, so we made a quick trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park for a pair of hikes. Friday we managed about 9 miles, taking in Cub Lake and a frozen Fern Falls. Today we took an 11 mile stroll to the top of the 10,000 foot Deer Ridge. Stacey and I will definitely be returning once the weather improves to summit Longs Peak. Photo dump:

Elk filled meadows.

Cub Lake

The view of RMNP from the top of Deer Ridge.

Estes Park from Deer Ridge.

Spring! Finally!

Today I drove over to Idaho Springs with the intent of riding to Georgetown then hopefully up Guanella Pass. About a quarter mile after I started my ride in Idaho Springs, however, I saw a sign that read, "Scenic Route to Central City - 9 Miles," in front of a steep single lane road heading north from the edge of Idaho Springs. The sign sold me, and I turned to head uphill. Within a half mile, the road turned to dirt. For the next 9 miles, I saw just one car. Later I learned (from the video below) that locals call the road "Oh My God" road, presumably for its treacherousness in the winter. While I stayed on the route to Central City, there were a few off shoot roads that I'll have to go back to explore. Photos:

Don't worry, I told myself, that guard rail will protect me if my bike slips.

A few switchbacks.

A convenient bathroom break.

Central City.

I found this video surprisingly engaging, but I'm likely alone:

Some poorly-bearded guy's video footage of the climb: