After getting a haircut this morning, I made the drive down to Cheyenne where I met Noelle and Sierra for lunch at the Albany. They flew back into Denver from Florida last night and I'm glad to have them home. However, with 100-degree temperatures forecast for my days off, I opted to head up into the mountains where it is cooler. I made a camping reservation for Hermit Park for tonight and opted to go for a late afternoon hike in the Cow Creek section of Rocky Mountain National Park.
After setting up camp at Hermit Park, I made the short drive around Estes Park to the trailhead at McGraw Ranch. Parking can be difficult at the trailhead, as there is only roadside parking, and not much of it. I was able to find a good, legal parking spot, but several cars were parked illegally.
From the road, the trail starts by crossing a bridge and passing through the historic ranch and associated buildings.
Today, the property is primarily used by researchers working in the park. Soon, I came to the edge of the ranch and headed off on the trail.
As I traversed the meadows along the trail,
I was treated to a show of blooming wildflowers!
Even in the more wooded areas, flowers like golden banner were prevalent.
At the turn off for the waterfall the trail enters a shady riparian area and follows a stream.
I passed a few cascades
before arriving at the falls themselves.
After enjoying the cool of the falls for about 30 minutes, I turned around and started my way back to the trailhead. I enjoyed more wildflowers,
and a curious wren.
It was a great hike and one I wouldn't mind returning to at some point!
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