Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

First of all, Rocky Mountain National Park is about 30 degrees cooler than the city beneath it, so even though we brought jackets, I forgot to put long pants on Asher, oh well. He didn't notice. This beautiful park has 147 lakes and 473 miles of streams making it a fisherman's paradise with spectacular views all around. Right after entering the park we saw five elk grazing just off the road.

We headed straight for Bear Lake Trail, a scenic hike around an alpine lake with views all around.
It was surprising to see snow mid June, and then the ranger told us that this trail was buried under 3 feet of snow just a week before! Glad we came when we did!

The kids picked out their own hiking sticks at the store on the way to the park. 

They like them and really do hike longer with them. Yay!

Does this view look familiar? It was featured on Colorado's quarter.

Next we hiked Alberta Falls. This 1.2 mile trail winds thru an aspen and pine forest over a bridge and up to the powerful Alberta Falls waterfall.

Asher loved watching the chipmunks along the trail. 

Daddy sitting near the top, admiring the view.

Found the kids initials carved into a tree, with snow capped mountains in the background.

 They loved playing on the bridge with Daddy.