Mary Breuer
English 250
10.30.2012
Ms. White
Place Based Research Paper
Almost every summer my family and I travel to Colorado. We have been to Durango, Colorado Springs, and most recently Estes Park. I do not think I could ever get tired of winding through the scenic mountains on our drive. I was surrounded by rigid rock layers and rushing creeks. The view of lush, green trees and the outline of mountains in the distance can also be seen. As we pull up to our home away from home, I see elk grazing in an open area higher up on the mountain. Chipmunks beg for food from the tourists, although signs everywhere in the park prohibit this action. Wildlife can be found anywhere a person looks. Man-made trails and lodging in Estes Park allow common people to safely experience the scenic Rocky Mountains. The park perfectly combines man-made features and nature, enabling everyone to enjoy what the wild has to offer.
One day, my family and I decided to drive to Bear Lake in order to hike the trails. It was around nine when we arrived at bear lake because parking becomes scarce as the day goes on. We started by hiking to the closest attractions. Attractions such as Bear Lake, and other close sites to the entrance are accessible to almost all types of people. Wheelchairs are able to travel on the lower, flat trails. The paths are wide and distinct so people of any kind can enjoy the lake. Including my family.
When we started the day, I was surprised how cool it was, coming from one hundred and ten degree weather in Iowa to the cool, seventy degrees in Colorado. By this time, it was about noon and we decided to pull out our packed lunch. It consisted of a creamy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, roasted peanuts, a firm, red apple, and a refreshing bottle of water. While sitting down eating, My parents and I were visited by hungry chipmunks. Although signs all over the park prohibit feeding them, we could not resist. They stand on their hind legs and beg like little dogs.
After devouring our food we decided we had the energy to hike to a higher location on the mountain. We referenced our visitors’ map and decided Flattop Mountain would be a capable hike. My family and I have hiked before when visiting Estes Park, and Colorado in general, but we have never been able to spot a big horned sheep. With the big horn being the official state animal, we thought we would have spotted one after visiting Colorado at least five times (Colorado State Animal). These wild sheep are “seen at low elevations in late spring and early summer” (Adaptations). They travel to lower elevation because their normal high elevations do not have the minerals they need (Adaptations). In the later summer months they return to their higher elevations up on the mountain. We normally take our vacation in August, so we have yet to see even one. My dad, the person who wants to see the sheep the most, is too nervous to drive very high up on the mountain. The rails along side of the road are rusty and worn. They are not dependable and his fear of heights keeps him from traveling too high up. With all of the sharp turns, and how fast the people there drive, I cannot blame him.
Walking was the only option left. With frequent breaks, my mother and I joked about getting lost, or seeing a bear. The higher we climbed, the less interaction with people we had. The trails were not as worn and were harder to identify. With the air getting thinner, we had to slow down or stop more frequently. As we trudged on, the hike required climbing over tree branches and rocks. About halfway to our destination we reached snow. I am not a cold weather type person so being able to be in the snow, and yet still have shorts on, was about the only time I enjoy it. The snow was not very deep, but it completely covered the ground. The mosquitos in that area were unbelievable. Finding the trail again after reaching the snow was somewhat difficult, but eventually we found our way.
Next we reached a boulder field. Rocks of all sizes spread across the slope of the mountain. Here, without all the vegetation blocking your view, you could see for miles below. I made sure I was cautious about where I stepped. The slope was not extremely steep, however I still did not want to take the chance of falling. The trail across this field was thin. My parents and I did stop for a while, sitting on some of the larger rocks that were slightly off the trail. Besides the grey rocks, everything was forest green, and spread for miles and miles. The sky was a vivid blue with fluffy, white clouds sporadically placed. White, snow covered peaks from other mountains were in the distance. The abstract skyline from the mountains was picturesque and looked like a scene from the movies. Even though many people have traveled down the same trail, I felt as though we were just walking wherever we wanted. The trail blended in with the surroundings, and seemed more convenient than purposely made.
Finally we reached Flattop Mountain. From our starting point, it was a 4 and a half-mile hike (Garrick). The view was incredible. No rails, or restrictions were located at the top. Anyone could sit on the edge and over look everything below. When we started our hike to Flattop Mountain, we were at the elevation of 9,983 feet (Rocky Mountain National). At the top, the elevation was 12, 324 feet (Hike Profile for Flattop Mountain). On the way up, we questioned whether to turn around or keep going, and I am glad we chose to continue our hike. The view was worth it. Standing on the rocks edge was exhilarating.The view below was a blanket of forest green. Blue lakes were sporadically placed in the sea of green. Sitting on the edge was like a scene in a movie. Everything was calm, everything was perfect. I enjoyed the view for as long as possible. The way back down to Bear Lake seemed to go much quicker than the way up. We knew which trails to take now and going downhill was much easier.
On this trip, I learned humans do not have to destroy nature to let others enjoy it. Bear Lake was the perfect example of this. The trails were made to camouflage with nature. Of course, not everyone could have made the trip to Flattop Mountain, but there were other options which anyone was capable of doing. The overall scenic experience would not have been possible for my family and I if it were not for the trails.
Works Cited
1. Adaptations, Bighorn. "Big Horn Sheep." National Parks Service. National Parks Service, 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.nps.gov/romo/naturescience/big_horn_sheep.htm>.
2. "Colorado State Animal - Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep." Colorado State Animal - Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Colorado/animal_bighornsheep.html>.
3. Garrick, Lloyd. "Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park." Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. <http://www.colorado-hiking.net/flattop1.html>.
4. "Hike Profile for Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park." Hike Profile for Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.thespiritoftherockies.net/spirit/Hikes/FlattopMtn/FlattopHike.html>.
5. "Rocky Mountain National Park's Flattop Mountain Trail." Rocky Mountain National Park's Flattop Mountain Trail. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.resourceanalysis.com/rmnp/flattop_mtn/flattop_mtn.html>.
English 250
10.30.2012
Ms. White
Place Based Research Paper
Almost every summer my family and I travel to Colorado. We have been to Durango, Colorado Springs, and most recently Estes Park. I do not think I could ever get tired of winding through the scenic mountains on our drive. I was surrounded by rigid rock layers and rushing creeks. The view of lush, green trees and the outline of mountains in the distance can also be seen. As we pull up to our home away from home, I see elk grazing in an open area higher up on the mountain. Chipmunks beg for food from the tourists, although signs everywhere in the park prohibit this action. Wildlife can be found anywhere a person looks. Man-made trails and lodging in Estes Park allow common people to safely experience the scenic Rocky Mountains. The park perfectly combines man-made features and nature, enabling everyone to enjoy what the wild has to offer.
One day, my family and I decided to drive to Bear Lake in order to hike the trails. It was around nine when we arrived at bear lake because parking becomes scarce as the day goes on. We started by hiking to the closest attractions. Attractions such as Bear Lake, and other close sites to the entrance are accessible to almost all types of people. Wheelchairs are able to travel on the lower, flat trails. The paths are wide and distinct so people of any kind can enjoy the lake. Including my family.
When we started the day, I was surprised how cool it was, coming from one hundred and ten degree weather in Iowa to the cool, seventy degrees in Colorado. By this time, it was about noon and we decided to pull out our packed lunch. It consisted of a creamy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, roasted peanuts, a firm, red apple, and a refreshing bottle of water. While sitting down eating, My parents and I were visited by hungry chipmunks. Although signs all over the park prohibit feeding them, we could not resist. They stand on their hind legs and beg like little dogs.
After devouring our food we decided we had the energy to hike to a higher location on the mountain. We referenced our visitors’ map and decided Flattop Mountain would be a capable hike. My family and I have hiked before when visiting Estes Park, and Colorado in general, but we have never been able to spot a big horned sheep. With the big horn being the official state animal, we thought we would have spotted one after visiting Colorado at least five times (Colorado State Animal). These wild sheep are “seen at low elevations in late spring and early summer” (Adaptations). They travel to lower elevation because their normal high elevations do not have the minerals they need (Adaptations). In the later summer months they return to their higher elevations up on the mountain. We normally take our vacation in August, so we have yet to see even one. My dad, the person who wants to see the sheep the most, is too nervous to drive very high up on the mountain. The rails along side of the road are rusty and worn. They are not dependable and his fear of heights keeps him from traveling too high up. With all of the sharp turns, and how fast the people there drive, I cannot blame him.
Walking was the only option left. With frequent breaks, my mother and I joked about getting lost, or seeing a bear. The higher we climbed, the less interaction with people we had. The trails were not as worn and were harder to identify. With the air getting thinner, we had to slow down or stop more frequently. As we trudged on, the hike required climbing over tree branches and rocks. About halfway to our destination we reached snow. I am not a cold weather type person so being able to be in the snow, and yet still have shorts on, was about the only time I enjoy it. The snow was not very deep, but it completely covered the ground. The mosquitos in that area were unbelievable. Finding the trail again after reaching the snow was somewhat difficult, but eventually we found our way.
Next we reached a boulder field. Rocks of all sizes spread across the slope of the mountain. Here, without all the vegetation blocking your view, you could see for miles below. I made sure I was cautious about where I stepped. The slope was not extremely steep, however I still did not want to take the chance of falling. The trail across this field was thin. My parents and I did stop for a while, sitting on some of the larger rocks that were slightly off the trail. Besides the grey rocks, everything was forest green, and spread for miles and miles. The sky was a vivid blue with fluffy, white clouds sporadically placed. White, snow covered peaks from other mountains were in the distance. The abstract skyline from the mountains was picturesque and looked like a scene from the movies. Even though many people have traveled down the same trail, I felt as though we were just walking wherever we wanted. The trail blended in with the surroundings, and seemed more convenient than purposely made.
Finally we reached Flattop Mountain. From our starting point, it was a 4 and a half-mile hike (Garrick). The view was incredible. No rails, or restrictions were located at the top. Anyone could sit on the edge and over look everything below. When we started our hike to Flattop Mountain, we were at the elevation of 9,983 feet (Rocky Mountain National). At the top, the elevation was 12, 324 feet (Hike Profile for Flattop Mountain). On the way up, we questioned whether to turn around or keep going, and I am glad we chose to continue our hike. The view was worth it. Standing on the rocks edge was exhilarating.The view below was a blanket of forest green. Blue lakes were sporadically placed in the sea of green. Sitting on the edge was like a scene in a movie. Everything was calm, everything was perfect. I enjoyed the view for as long as possible. The way back down to Bear Lake seemed to go much quicker than the way up. We knew which trails to take now and going downhill was much easier.
On this trip, I learned humans do not have to destroy nature to let others enjoy it. Bear Lake was the perfect example of this. The trails were made to camouflage with nature. Of course, not everyone could have made the trip to Flattop Mountain, but there were other options which anyone was capable of doing. The overall scenic experience would not have been possible for my family and I if it were not for the trails.
Works Cited
1. Adaptations, Bighorn. "Big Horn Sheep." National Parks Service. National Parks Service, 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.nps.gov/romo/naturescience/big_horn_sheep.htm>.
2. "Colorado State Animal - Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep." Colorado State Animal - Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Colorado/animal_bighornsheep.html>.
3. Garrick, Lloyd. "Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park." Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. <http://www.colorado-hiking.net/flattop1.html>.
4. "Hike Profile for Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park." Hike Profile for Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.thespiritoftherockies.net/spirit/Hikes/FlattopMtn/FlattopHike.html>.
5. "Rocky Mountain National Park's Flattop Mountain Trail." Rocky Mountain National Park's Flattop Mountain Trail. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.resourceanalysis.com/rmnp/flattop_mtn/flattop_mtn.html>.