ROCKY MOUNTAIN F 782 .R59 U8 Copy 1 Nationstl Pa.rk C O lU ^ J^ T> O UNITED STATES RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION ■ '\ ■^ / iA U Copyright by WiawaU The Village of Estea Park nestles in a quiet little valley, surrounded by mountains P a g » two An Appreciation of Rocky Mountain National Park By ENOS A. MILLS. Author of "Wild Life on the Rockies," "The Rocky Mountain Wonderland," etc. Written ELspecially for the United States Railroad Administration i]HE Rocky Mountain National Park is a marvelous grouping of gentle- ness and grandeur; an eloquent, wordless hymn, sung in silent, poetic pictures; a wilderness mountain world of groves and grass plots, crags and canyons, rounded lakes with shadow-matted shores that rest in peace within the purple forest. There are wild flowers of every color, and many a silken meadow edged with ferns. Brokenness and beauty, terrace upon terrace, a magnificent hanging wild garden. Over these terraces waters rush and pour. From ice-sculptured, snow-piled peaks, young and eager streams leap in white cascades between crowding cliffs and pines. Through this wildness winds the trail, with its secrets of the centuries, where adventures come and go and where the magic camp fire blossoms in the night. In these primeval scenes the grizzly bear gives to the wilderness its master spell; the mountain ram poses on the cliff; the laughing, varied voice of the coyote echoes when the afterglow falls; the home-loving beaver builds his willow-fringed hut; the birds sing; the cheerful chipmunk frolics and never grows up; and here the world stays young. The Rocky Mountain National Park holds adventure for every visitor. In it the world is new and wild, and on the imagination it produces the explorer's stirring joys. Its mile-high, unfenced scenes give freedom — splendid landscapes of the ideal world. Here for everyone are health and hope, efficiency and joy. Not a wild animal in this or any national park is ferocious. Strong is the friendliness of nature. With it everyone has a place in the sun. Her privileges are for each and all. Nature is universal, and here the stranger makes intimate acquaintances. Prejudice ceases. Each is at his best. In this greatest wilderness meeting place the East and the West understand and become friends. Travel unites people. Into this Park through the years will pour a continuous procession of peoples to mingle and form an international conference of friends. Here flags of nations and national boundary lines are forgotten. Kinship is the spirit of Nature. tW<^ V4^V/^WJLJL^^ P (t g e three NIIMiriltlllMIII riiniiitiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiriii OMIIUllllllllllHllltlltllllU To the American People: Uncle Sam asks you to be his guest. He has prepared for you the choice places of this continent — places of grandeur, beauty and of wonder. He has built roads through the deep-cut canyons and beside happy streams, which will carry you into these places in comfort, and has provided lodgings and food in the most distant and inaccessible places that you might enjoy yourself and realize as little as possible the rigors of the pioneer traveler's life. These are for you. They are the playgrounds of the people. To see them is to make more hearty your affection and admiration for America. ^ / Rocky Mountain National Park MAGINE a giant hand with the base of the palm as Estes Park Village and the fingers extending westward toward the Divide, the fingers roughly representing the moun- tain spurs, moraines and peaks given off from the main range, and the spaces be- tween, the intermediate canyons, with their many streams, which converge at the village to form the Big Thompson River; imagine another but smaller hand to the south reaching into the park from the east towards Long's Peak and the peaks to the south, the streams from this watershed forming the St. Vrain River; then imagine the finger tips merging into the Continental Divide, each as a living glacier — and there you will have the Park's topography. Then clothe the canyons in garments of evergreen forest and the glades with the quaking aspen, floor the rocky gorges with sky-blue lakes and hang their walls with tumbling waterfalls, carpet all the open spaces — from above timber line down to the broad spreading meadows where the rivers merrily sing their way — with a huge army of brilliant hued wild flowers; then people the Arcadia plentifully with the wild life, whose natural home it is — the finned, furred and feathered — the wily trout, the beaver and the mountain sheep (to mention only a few) ; and lastly spread over all a turquoise blue sky with a dry. crystal atmosphere, shot through with brilliant sunshine, and you will have an idea of what Rocky Mountain National Park really is. The attendance figures are increasing each year far beyond the most enthusias- tic prophesies. Even though it is one of our newest national parks, it annually entertains more visitors than any of the other national parks. When it is considered that the vaca- tionist is whisked from Chicago or St. Louis to Denver, then set at the foot of one of the mightiest mountains of the Rockies' main range in about a day and a half of actual travel, it is realized how much of a public benefit was conferred when Congress in 1915 set a^ide this, the easternmost of our western national playgrounds. Not only is this national park the composite of all that is fairest, most Page {out Auto highway through the Big Thompson Canyon. The approaches to the Park are of untiring interest to the visitor, and the roads a constant delight to the motorist Page five awe-inspiring and climatically ideal in the Rocky Mountain region, but it is not far from the geographical center of the country, and is the most easily reached by a large number of people of all our national parks. This region of endless wonder and fascination is only seventy miles from Denver by auto all the way, or by rail to several different gateways, thence auto for about twenty-five or forty miles — not a long, tiring, monotonous ride through an uninteresting country, but instead it is a motor trip that ranks among the finest in Colorado. Follow- ing the rushing waters of the Big Thomp- son or the St. Vrain, over hard-surfaced roads, through deep canyons, wonderful in their coloring, the big, roomy, power- ful automobiles take the grade with such ease that one hardly realizes that he is climbing rapidly. Enraptured by the intensely interesting scenes, the traveler is all too suddenly aware of his journey's end, when the magnificent panorama of Estes Park Village and Rocky Mountain National Park unexpectedly bursts into view. Soon he is eating dinner at one of the large hotels, or at a small ranch hotel, or in a modestly appointed cot- tage, as choice may dictate. A feature of the Park is its adaptability; one may rest and recreate amid most entrancing surroundings, with a range of accommo- dations from the elaborate furnishings and service of the large city hostelry to the simplicity of the secluded log cabin or the outpost tent cottage. In short, life may be lived here in a manner to suit the taste and the purse of the individual. He may rough it or enjoy the con- veniences and luxuries of the city. The tired business man who just wants to "loaf" amid incomparable grandeur; the active, outdoor young American; the geologist, who is studying moraines and glaciers, and the botanist, all will find life enjoyable here. Another noteworthy feature is that special outfitting is unnecessary; no unusual preparation need precede the journey to the Park. The Park itself provides the entertainment. Any sup- plies considered essential can be secured at Estes Park Village, or at any one of the several Park gateway cities. Rocky Mountain National Park ex- tends approximately twenty-five miles north and south, and fifteen miles east and west, embracing about 400 square miles of territory. From the northwest corner to the middle of its southern boundary the snow-capped giants forming the Conti- nental Divide rear their grim, rocky crests in an irregular line which forms the backbone of this Park and is its commanding feature, ever present, ever changing, and ever awe-inspiring. Here are fifty-one peaks with summits more than 10,000 feet high, also unnumbered canyons, about 200 lakes, many un- named, waterfalls, glaciers, native forests and wild flowers. Exceptionally rugged and out-of-the-way places appeal espe- cially to the explorer. There is probably no mountain range more majestic than the main range of the Rockies as seen from almost any part of the Park, and one of the most striking features is the accessibility of these mountain tops. One may mount a horse after early breakfast in the val- ley, ride up Flattop to enjoy one of the great views of the world, and be back for late luncheon; or cross the Continental Divide from the hotels of one side to the hotels of the other side of the Park, be- tween early breakfast and late dinner. From early dawn, with its delicate tints of rose and amethyst, to later afternoon, with its golden sunshine and lengthening purple shadows, the range presents an ever-changing panorama. On a peak, perhaps, settles momentarily a gray snow-cloud; in yonder canyon breaks a brief-lived shower, sunshot with silvery rain as it quickly clears away; while over all, the fleece flecked sap- phire sky and dazzling sunlight hold sway. At midday, all Nature rests and in its brighter light the range seems to cower and grow small, only to reassert itself in full power and majesty as day ends with a sunset of such splendor as only the Rockies may boast. It is in its nearer and more intimate aspects, however, that the exquisite beauties of the Park reveal themselves. In the lower levels are widespread undu- lating meadows, dotted with evergreens and interspersed with the hills and ridges which thrust themselves forward in all directions from the main range to the west, and from the lesser range to the east, which completes its encircling Page 8 J X Chasm Gorge is one of the Park's wonder spots — Long's Peak in the distance protection. Thus diversified, the land- scape becomes a scenic kaleidoscope, no matter how short a distance one may wander. This constitutes not the least of the Park's many charms. Unless the visitor deliberately chooses to do otherwise, he will find his foot- steps leading unconsciously to the heights, and as he climbs and gets his first wonderful views of the surrounding country his desire to scale the more lofty crests grows in proportion as he ascends, until finally he becomes obsessed with a desire to climb that noble mountain of the rampart range, Long's Peak, from whose summit the whole world seems to lie at one's feet. But he who is mountain-wise will not make such an attainment an end in itself, or he will have missed entirely the many pleasures which lie by the way on every hand. Here a bab- bling stream with a bed of wild flowers hidden among the trees upon its bank; or along its smoother stretches an in- dustrious beaver colony. There a grove of quivering aspen. On one hand a splashing waterfall, seeming to burst from the cool shadows of the mountain side to drop forty or fifty feet to the pool below; on the other hand, an open forest of ancient cedars, or perhaps one of those exquisitely blue, forest-circled mountain lakes, carrying upon its bosom, even in midsummer, the ice which here has its permanent home. And below, the silvery, trout-filled streams wind their tortuous course, while rising from the rocky fastnesses above, may now and then be glimpsed the snowy peaks. And these are not imaginary pictures, but real scenes which may be found in the uplands almost anywhere through- out the Park. An Invigorating Climate The climate of Rocky Mountain National Park needs no extensive de- scription. Due to the altitude, which varies from 7,500 to 14,253 feet, the air is light, very dry, and has a wonderfully stimulating effect, especially upon those accustomed to the lower levels. The sunshine is genial, warm, bright and almost constant during the summer months. Very rarely is there a rainy "spell," or, in fact, a single day during which the sun does not show itself for awhile, the occasional afternoon showers being of short duration. The sunshine may be hot at midday, but always there is a cool spot in the shade. And though one may freely perspire when indulging in vigorous play or work in the sun, yet it is without discomfort. Page seven Picnicking on the shores of Lake Nanita Page eight because of the instant evaporation of moisture, due to the dryness of the atmosphere. The nights are cool, often even cold; blankets always are welcome and sound sleep is the rule. The deep breathing, which one culti- vates naturally in this rarefied atmos- phere, sends the blood coursing through the body with new life and energy, bringing rosy cheeks and bright eyes and a new interest in life. One may have come intent on idleness, but, with that splendid feeling of well being and pure joy in living which the first few days bring, comes a longing for action, and soon one is in the full swing of some out- door recreation. It is indeed quite true that the Park climate is so beneficial, both physically and mentally, that this alone offers sufficient inducement for spending a vacation in this region. Recreation Amid Inspiring and Healthful Surroundings What to do may be briefly summed up: Motoring, horseback riding, walking, mountain climbing, fishing and camera shooting for the actively inclined; and for all, the enjoyment of the many wonderful scenes with their changing lights and shadows and the health- giving mountain air. Tennis, golf, cro- quet, etc., are attractions at some of the resorts. Horseback riding, hiking and mountain climbing, however, are the favorite pastimes because of the splendid roads and trails which lead in every direction over the rolling meadows, through the canyons, along the sunlit streams — even to the apparently inac- cessible heights. Automobile roads gridiron the lower levels and reach the hotel resorts. This is not remarkable, as the natural sur- faces are smooth; suitable road material is everywhere, and good roads are easily made. Traveling leisurely, so as to fully enjoy the rare pleasures by the way, the sightseer still may traverse all the motor roads of the Park in a few days, although a favorite plan is to make one- day picnic trips, going as far as possible in a given direction by motor and spend- ing the remainder of the day in climbing and exploring the upper wilds which are reached only by trail. Even though a different trip is planned for every day, weeks may be profitably spent in this way. Automobiles may be rented at reasonable rates in the village. Horseback riding is pre-eminently the most popular sport m the Park, due to the number and variety of rides that are possible. For, with good trails leading in every direction, and the almost count- less attractions, the visitor may ride day after day and week after week and yet never take the same ride or visit the same destinations twice. Almost everybody rides — the young, the old, the middle-aged; and all derive lasting benefits. Good saddle horses may be obtained at the various liveries and at all the outlying resorts. They are well broken and reliable, and accustomed even to the most difficult mountain trails. Most of the streams in the Park and many of the lakes are well supplied with native and rainbow trout, and the fisher- man will here find ample reward for his skill and patience, especially in the Big Thompson River and its tributaries. A local fish hatchery annually supplies the streams of the Parkwith millions of trout, thus insuring the upkeep of the supply. There are golf courses. Worthy of particular mention is the 1 8-hole course of the Estes Park Country Club, adja- cent to the village. Club house and course are available to the public. The Stanley hotel has a course laid out in the meadowlands skirting the Big Thompson River. The winters in the Park are not severe; generally the snowfall is not heavy on the lower levels. Back in the mountains where the snowfall is heavy, but within easy reach of Estes Village, conditions are ideal for winter sports. Two ski courses and two toboggan slides have been completed, and several of the resorts arrange accommodations for a limited number of winter parties. The Park in Detail Although having only a small per- manent population, Estes Park Village is well supplied with stores, schools, churches, garages, liveries, etc., and is always prepared to meet the needs of the summer visitor. The village is picturesquely situated among a cluster of hills rising about 1 ,200 feet on all sides, at the confluence of the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers. Page nine Lake Mills is one of the beautiful lakes in the wild Loch Vale section of the Park In Estes Park Village are the Hupp, Josephine and Estes Park hotels, the Brown Tea Pot Inn and Prospect Inn, while the Lewiston overlooks the village from a rocky eminence just to the north. Outside, to the east, and adjacent to its golf course and the Big Thompson meadow, is the largest hotel, the Stanley, while a short distance to the west on the Fall River is Elkhorn Lodge. To the south, near the Big Thompson River and within plain view of the village, is the Crags. A short distance below and to the west, on the banks of the river, is the Big Thompson hotel. Five miles northeast from the village of Estes is the fascinating region sur- rounding Lester hotel. One of the best of the longer horseback trips from this point is to Hallett Glacier. Another is that to Lost and Husted Lakes at the foot of the Mummy Range, a spur extending northeast of the Continental Divide with numerous peaks rising over 13,000 feet. The remainder of Rocky Mountain National Park falls into a series of topo- graphical divisions or districts, begin- ning at the north with the picturesque diversity of Horseshoe Park, and ending with that wild confusion of precipices and lakes known as the Wild Basin, south of Long's Peak and east of the Continental Divide. Horseshoe Park (seven miles up the Fall River road) and its immediate surroundings form a rare combination of flower-carpeted meadows, forest-clad mountains, streams and waterfalls. Here are Horseshoe Inn and Fall River Lodge. Horseshoe Park is the point of departure for two of the most interesting trips — to Lawn and Crystal Lakes and Hallett Glacier in the Mummy Range; also the main trail across the Continental Divide to the Grand River. On the shore of Lawn Lake is the Lawn Lake Lodge. Long's Peak Inn, the Columbines and Hewes-Kirkwood Inn, nine miles south of Estes Park Village, are starting points for the trail to the summit of Long's Peak. Horses may be used as far as Timberline Cabin at the edge of Boulder Field, from where the most difficult part of the ascent, extending about two miles, is made on foot. After crossing the huge boulders of Boulder Field, comes the climb through the Keyhole, a curious opening which separates the east and west slopes, and through which a glorious view of Glacier Gorge and the country beyond is obtained. Long s Peak summit is reached at an elevation of 14,255 feet. This is the giant peak of the entire Rocky Mountain National Park, and from it is spread out in all directions a jumbled confusion of peaks, P a £ e ten gorges, moraines, lakes, distant valleys and snow-capped ra-nges, forming a series of views of unsurpassed sublimity. Long's Peak Inn is the home of Enos A. Mills, the well known author, natur- alist, and interpreter of the outdoors, with special reference to its flowers, forests, rocks, bird and animal life. Mr. Mills first established himself at the base of Long's Peak in 1 884. On the road from Long's Peak resorts to the village is Lily Lake hotel, at- tractively situated on Lily Lake. One- half mile from Lily Lake, on the main road to the village, is Baldpate Inn. Nearer the village is Rockdale hotel, near Mary Lake. To the south of Long's Peak is the Wild Basin country, noted for its many lakes and waterfalls, wild gorges and rocky peaks, most of the latter more than 13,000 feet high. This district may be best reached from the Long's Peak resorts or from Copeland Lodge on Copeland Lake or from National Park Hotel in Allen's Park Village. Moraine Park, from five to six miles southwest of Estes Park Village, is the open valley of the Big Thompson, with an extensive glacial moraine to the south. Here are located Stead's, Mo- raine Lodge and the Brinwood, Fern Lodge, on Fern Lake, and Forest Inn at the Pool may well be made the headquarters for such trips as lead into the more remote parts of this heart of the wilderness. By many, the Loch Vale and Glacier Gorge sections, just northwest of Long's Peak and known as the Wild Gardens, are considered the surpassing scenic section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Sprague's hotel in Bartholf Park is the nearest resort to this region. A day's trip from here is west to Loch Vale Lake and across to Andrew's Glacier and up to the Continental Divide. Bierstadt, Bear and Dream Lakes are all charming spots, most easily reached from Sprague's or Moraine Park. On the shore of Bear Lake is Bear Lake Lodge. Y. M. C. A. Camp and School An important feature of the Park is the Annual Conference and Summer School of the Young Men's Christian Association. Established almost ten years ago, it has grown to be a very important institution, with an invest- ment of over $100,000 in grounds, per- manent buildings and equipment, in- cluding gymnasium, assembly hall, din- ing room, class rooms, tennis courts, baseball diamond and athletic field. The conference and school bring a large number of visitors to the park and many speakers of national reputation. Hallett's Glacier — an amphitheatre of snow and ice Page eleven ROCKY MOUNTAIN NA affords an opportunity for of outdoor recreation an motoring, boating, horset golf and tennis vie with P a i e twelve P a i e thirteen P a 6 e fourteen Classic pines and waters. Grand Lake — western entrance to the Park Beautiful Grand Lake Region Grand Lake is the western gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is reached by rail from Denver to Granby, thence by stage. Grand Lake is situated in the valley of the North Fork of Grand River, and is the largest lakein the vicinity of the Park, and here each year is held a regatta for a Lipton cup. It is the center of a growing cottage and hotel population, and is destined to become a place of much importance upon the completion of the Fall River motor road, which will connect the east and west sides of the Park. An excellent road encircles the lake, and from it trails penetrate the wilder- ness to various points and over the Continental Divide. The two trails from the summit of Flattop Mountain to Grand Lake and that from Fall River Canyon to the North Fork of the Grand River at Camp Wheeler ("Squeaky" Bob's Resort) offer trips of unusual interest. Living Glaciers Among the most widely known glaciers that still remain in the Park are Hallett, Tyndall, Andrews and Sprague's. One of the remarkable features of Rocky Mountain National Park is the legibility of the record left by the glaciers during the ages when America was in the making. The evidences of glacial action in all its variety are apparent to even the most casual eye. In fact, there is scarcely any part of the eastern side of the park where some great moraine is not in evidence. One enor- mous moraine, built up by ancient parallel glaciers and rising with sloping sides nearly a thousand feet above the surrounding valley, is so prominent that a region of the Park is named for it. The Park itself is a primer of glacial geology, whose lessons are so simple, so plain to the eye, that they immediately disclose the key to one of Nature's chief scenic secrets. Animals, Birds and Wild Flowers Rocky Mountain National Park is a natural home for bear, deer. Rocky Mountain sheep, beaver and other wild animals, as well as numerous species of birds. Under government regulations the wild animal life in the Park is fully protected. The bighorn or Rocky Mountain sheep, with their curious circling horns, are seen in increasing numbers every year, and frequently they may be ap- proached sufficiently near to photo- P a 6 o fifteen Camping at Bear Lake graph. To see them jumping from crag to crag, graceful and agile, or dropping off a sheer precipice, is a sight long to be remembered. They congre- gate during the summer months on Specimen Mountain, where they often may be seen from the trail. The beaver are increasing rapidly, and their industrious colonies may be found along the quieter reaches of the streams, bordered by groves of white trunked quaking aspen, whose tender bark con- stitutes the beavers' principal food. The beaver themselves are seldom seen, except as reward for the greatest patience, but well engineered dams and snug dome-shaped homes are the sure evidence of their presence. There are more than 1 50 elk in the Park, and they are frequently seen. Deer are increasing and are occasion- ally seen. Bear and mountain lions rarely are visible. There are many woodchucks and squirrels; it is easy to make friends of the chipmunks. There are more than a hundred species of birds to be seen in the Park. Among them are the robin, bluebird, wren, hermit thrush, humming bird, white- crowned sparrow and that marvelous singer, the solitaire. The ouzel, Rocky Mountain jays, chickadee, the wood- pecker and the magpie are all-year dwellers. The ptarmigan and the rosy finch are prominent residents in the heights above timber line. Among the wild flowers of the Park are more than a thousand species, including the fringed blue and several other gentians; the numerous colum- bines, blooming at the lower levels in June and on the heights in Septem- ber; mertensia, phlox, primroses, Mari- posa lilies, daisies and larkspurs; Indian paint brush, ranging from dark crimson through all the shades to a white; asters, marigolds and many others. Many flowers grow above timber line — in fact, almost everywhere — and the Alpine buttercup pushes its blooms up through the melting snowdrifts. The tree growths consist principally of Douglas spruce, lodge pole and yellow pine and aspen, while up near timber line are found the Englemann spruce, limber pine, cedar, Arctic willow and black birch. Timber Line, with Its Dwarfed and Twisted Trees Timber line occurs at about I 1 ,000 feet altitude. Here the low winter temperatures and the fierce icy winds make it impossible for trees to grow tall. Page sixteen and occasionally a great spruce lies flat on the ground like a vine; presently trees give place to low birches, which in their turn are succeeded by small piney growths, and finally come the strangling grasses, hardy mosses and tiny Alpine flowers. Grass grows in sheltered spots, even on the highest peaks, which is fortunate for the mountain sheep seeking these high, open places to escape their special enemies, the mountain lions. The sights above timber line never lose their charm, however often seen. Ice Cold Lakes and Flowered Gorges A distinctive feature of the Park is its great number of precipice-walled can- yons, lying between the very feet of the loftiest mountains. Their beauty is romantic. Like all the other spectacles of this favored region, they are readily accessible from the valley by trail, either afoot or on horseback. Almost invariably lakes are found in these gorges, rock embedded, and ice cold streams wander from lake to lake, watering wild flower gardens. By Auto or Trail to Cloudland and Back Automobile roads radiate in almost every direction from the village of Estes Park. The most popular trips are the Fall River Drive, the High Line Drive and Long's Peak Inn Drive. Trails to less accessible points are for use of the foot traveler and the horseback rider. Among the popular trails are those to Flattop Mountain, Fall River, Trail Ridge, Iceberg Lake, Poudre Lakes and Milner Pass, Lawn Lake, Wild Gardens, Fern and Odessa Lakes, Bear Lake, romantic Loch Vale, Glacier Gorge, to Long's Peak and to Wild Basin and across the range to Grand Lake. Camps and Camping Grounds Several permanent hotel camps are located within the borders of the Park, and camping grounds have been provided for those who choose to travel with their own camping outfit. Personally Conducted Saddle and Pack Trips off the Beaten Paths A most enjoyable way of seeing the Park is to join an all-expense horseback camping party, conducted by experienced guides, authorized by the Government to personally escort such excursions. For the names and addresses of the licensees and other information concerning these "Rough- ing-it-in-Comfort" trips, apply to National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington. D. C., or Bureau of Service, National Parks and Monuments: or Travel Bureau — Western Lines, 646 Transportation Building, Chicago. 111. Information within the Park Information concerning trail trips, camping grounds, etc., may be obtained from the Super- intendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, whose office is conveniently situated in the village of Estes Park. When to Visit the Park The season is May I to November 1 , but the Park is accessible throughout the year, each season having its particular attractions. Sum- Horseback riding in the mountains is always an exhilarating sport P a ^ e seventeen The Fall River Road Drive, part of the automobile highway across the Continental Divide (now under construe tion) — one of the most popular auto roads in the Park Page eighteen mer is of course recommended to the vacationist, but he who waits until autumn has tinted the foHage and perhaps added a Hght covering of fresh snow enjoys views of beauty reserved especially for the late comer. The many winter sports equally appeal to those interested. How to Reach the Park The Rocky Mountain Parks Transportation Company maintains an excellent motor service via three routes into EstesPark Village: The Big Thompson Canyon route, the St. Vrain River route and the Allen's Park route. From Loveland and Ft. Collins the traveler approaches via the Big Thompson Canyon route. The road winds quietly across the plains, through the foothills and enters suddenly into the rocky canyon which towers hundreds of feet above either side of the Big Thompson River. For miles it climbs through the gor- geous canyon, twisting and turning as it crosses and recrosses and follows the rock-hewn banks of this turbulent stream, until, rounding the last turn, it leaves the canyon as suddenly as it entered, and the smiling expanse of Estes Park bursts upon the view, with the panorama of the snow crowned Continental Divide as an en- circling background. Two miles across the wide-spreading flower dotted meadow, and the village of Estes Park is reached. From Longmont and Lyons the route follows the St. Vrain River. After leaving its course along the shaded St. Vrain River the road leads toward the foothills through a rugged country. Backward and forth across sparkling stream and sunlit canyon, tortuously winding and twisting, the way is ever upward, mile after mile until finally the car pauses at the crest of Park Hill (elevation 8.500 feet), from which a spectacular scene of peaks and valley greets the eye. A short ride downward over a level stretch, then comes the welcome hospitality of Estes Park Village. The Allen's Park Auto Road parallels the Continental Divide for twenty-eight miles. This is a "cross-country" route on top of the mountains, with a wide expanse of views of the range from Long's Peak on the north to James' Peak on the south. Each of the several approaches to the Park has its own peculiar scenic charms, and the traveler is wise who enters via one gateway and departs by another. Denver, Ft. Collins, Longmont, Loveland, Lyons and Ward are the eastern railroad gate- ways to the Park. Travelers have the choice of using auto all the way from Denver or rail to any of the other gate- ways named, thence auto to Estes Park Village. Arrangements may be made to go in one way and out another. The west side of the Park may be reached from Denver by rail to Granby; from Granby stages run to Grand Lake. Summer Excursion Fares During the summer season round-trip excur- sion tickets at reduced fares are sold to Rocky Mountain National Park as a destination. Pas- sengers visiting the Park as a side-trip in con- nection with a journey to other destinations will find stopover privileges available on round-trip and one-way tickets. The fare from Denver via automobile all the way in both directions, or from Denver via rail- road to Lyons, Fort Collins, Longmont, Love- land or Ward, thence automobile to Estes Park, is $10.00, round trip. The round trip fare via automobile from Lyons, Fort Collins, Long- mont, Loveland or Ward to Estes Park is $8.00. From many sections trips may be planned to include visits to two or more of the following national parks in the Rocky Mountain region: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Yellowstone, Glacier. Auto Trips within the Park The Rocky Mountain Parks Transportation Company conducts the following sight-seeing trips from Estes Park Village into the National Park. The charges for the principal trips are: Fall River Road drive, approximately 26 miles $3.50 Fall River Road and High drive, approxi- mately 30 miles 4.00 Long's Peak Inn or High drive, 20 miles. . . . 2.50 Special arrangements may be made with the transportation company for touring cars to any point in the Park. There are 125 miles of secnic auto highways within the Park. Miscellaneous Clothing. One should bring along warm clothing, sweaters, light overcoats or wraps, stout low-heeled shoes for climbing, and "slick- ers" as a protection from sudden showers. Horses may be engaged at the liveries in the village, and at almost all the resorts; prices range from $3.00 per day to $12.50 or $15.00 per week. Pack horses, $2.50 per day. Mail. Postoflices are located at Estes Park, Long's Peak, Moraine Park, Drake, Allen's Park and Grand Lake. Telephone and Telegraph. Long distance telephone service at all resorts; telegraph service at Estes Park Village. Automobiles. May be rented at the princi- pal garages in the village, and cars are also obtainable at some of the resorts. Guides. One should not attempt the ascent of any of the higher peaks, a visit to the glaciers or a long trip over unfamiliar trails without a guide. Competent guides may be obtained at from $5.00 to $10.00 a day. Outfits. Fishing tackle, golf clubs, tennis rackets, cameras and khaki riding outfits may be purchased in Estes Park Village. Baggage. The Rocky Mountain Parks Transportation Company carries hand baggage, not to exceed 20 pounds per passenger, free; other baggage, $1.25 per hundred pounds. Hand baggage carried at owner's risk only. Baggage may be checked direct to Estes Park, Colo., but charge of $1 .25 per hundred pounds will be collected at Estes Park for auto trans- portation of baggage from the railroad terminals. Passengers using autos from Denver will be charged $1 .75 per hundred pounds. The following books pertaining to Rocky Mountain National Park attractions will be found very interesting: •The National Parks." 1919— Yard $2.50 The Grizzly"— Mills 2.00 The Story of Estes Park"— Mills 1.00 Page n/nefoen A view of Taylor Glacier at upper end of Loch Vale Page twenty "Beaver World"— Mills $1.75 "Spell of the Rockies"— Mills 1.75 "Rocky Mountain Wonderland" — Mills 1.75 "Handbook of Birds of the Western U. S." — Bailey 3.00 "Rocky Mountain Flowers" — Clements 3.00 "Our National Parks" — Muir 1.75 "Saddle and Camp in the Rockies"- — Wallace. . . . 1.75 "Old Indian Trails"— Schaffer 2.00 "Highways and Byways of the Rocky Mountains" — Johnson 1 .50 "Guide to the National Parks of America"- — Allen 1.00 "History of the Birds of Colorado" — Schlater . . 5.00 "The Mammals of Colorado" — Warren 2.00 "Your National Parks" — Mills 2.50 "Out Where the West Begins" — Chapman 1.25 U. S. Government Publication* The following publications may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents. Govern- ment Printing Office, Washington, D. C, at prices given. Remittances should be by money order or in cash. "The Geologic Story of Rocky Mountain National Park," by Willis T. Lee; 89 pages. 45 plates. 30 cents. "Mountaineering in the Rocky Mountain National Park," by Roger W. Toll; 48 illustrations, 2 maps. "Panoramic View of Rocky Mountain National Park"; 14 by 1 7 ' 2 inches. 25 cents. "National Parks Portfolio," by Robert Sterling Yard; 260 pages, 270 illustrations, descriptive of nine national parks. Pamphlet edition, 35 cents; book edition, 55 cents. The following may be obtained from the Direc- tor of the United States Geological Survey, Washington, D. C., at price given. Map of Long's Peak Quadrangle, which includes the greater portions of the Rocky Mountain National Park; 13 ,'2 by 17 '2 inches. 10 cents. The following publications may be obtained free on written application to the Director of the National Park Service, Washington, D. C, or by personal application at the office of the Superintendent of the Park. Circular of General Information regarding Rocky Mountain National Park. Glimpses of Our National Parks; 48 pages, illustrated. Map showing location of National Parks and National Monuments and railroad routes thereto. U. S. R. R. Administration Publications The following publications may be obtained free on application to any consolidated ticket office; or apply to the Bureau of Service, National Parks and Monuments; or Travel Bureau — Western Lines, 646 Transportation Building. Chicago, Illinois: Arizona and New Mexico Rockies. California for the Tourist. Colorado and Utah Rockies. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. Glacier National Park, Montana. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Hawaii National Park, Hawaiian Islands. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Northern Lakes — Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michi- gan, Iowa and Illinois. Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Petrified Forest National Monument, Arizona. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Sequoia and General Grant National Parks, California. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho. Yosemite National Park, California. Zion National Monument, Utah. It is not unusual to find flowers and snowfields in close proximity Page twenty-ono Rocky Mountain sheep are often seen by Park visitors The Following are the Principal Hotels, with Capacity, Manager and Rates for Room and Board. Note — The rates given are published for the information of the public, but th« United States Railroad Administration assumes no responsibility for their correctness. NAME Baldpate Inn Bear Lake Lodge. . . Big Thompson The Brinwood Brown Tea Pot Inn. Camp Wheeler The Columbines. . . . Copeland Lodge. . . . The Crag ^rags Elkhorn Lodge. Elstes Park Hotel . Fall River Lodge Fern Lodge Forest Inn Hewes- Kirk wood. . . . Horse3hoe Inn Hupp Hotel Josephine Hotel rCauffman House. . . . Langles Hotel Lawn Lake Lodge. . . Lehmans Hotel Lesters Hotel Lcwiston Hotel Long's Peak Inn .... Moraine Lodge Narwata Hotel National Park Hotel Prospect Inn Rapids Lodge Rockdale Sprague's Lodge A. El. Sprague Stanley Hotel Address Manager Steads Ranch and Hotel Address Manager Timberline Cabin Enos A. Mills. . MANAGER Address Manager. A. E. Brown Address (Manager . C. L. Reed & Sons Address Manager. "Squeaky iBobs" . . C. H. Alexander. . Address Manager. Joe Mills Address Manager. A. D. Lewis. . . ... D. J. March F. W. Byerly F. D. Tecker C. E. Hewes Bradley & Patrick Address Manager. A. D. Lewis Address Manager. Address Manager. Bradley & Patrick Address Manager. Address Manager. A. D. Lewis Enos A. Mills. . . Mrs. W. D. McPherson Address Manager Address Manager Address Manager Address Manager A. D. Lewis Postoffice Address (Colorado) Elstes Park Estes Park. . . Estes Park Moraine Park. . Elstes Park Grand Lake .. . Long's Peak Allen's Park Elstes Park Elstes Park Elstes Park Elstes Park Moraine Park.. Moraine Park Long's Peak . Estes Park Elstes Park . Elstes Park Grand Lake . Grand Lake Elstes Park Grand Lake Elstes Park ... Estes Park . . Long's Peak . . . Moraine Park . Grand Lake Allen's Park . . Elstes Park . Grand Lake . . Estes Park . Estes Park. . . Elstes Park Moraine Park. . . Lonu's Peak Capacity Rates Per Week 20 $28.00 40 20.00 230 $28.00 to 35.00 75 17.50 to 30.00 60 3.50 o 6.00 (Day) 20 3.00 (Day) 64 16.00 to 33.00 60 18.00 to 20.00 150 21.00 to 45.00 250 21.00 to 40.00 50 15.00 to 25.00 50 16.00 to 35.00 50 20.00 50 20.00 80 18.00 to 25.00 100 16.00 to 30.00 75 16.00 to 20.00 40 15.00 to 25.00 40 2.50 (Day) 30 2.00 (Day) 15 3.25 (Day) 25 2.00 (Day) .... 100 16.00 to 22.00 VO 22.50 to 40.00 150 21.00 to 49.00 75 16.00 to 30.00 20 2.50 (Day) 45 15.00 to 18.00 30 2.00 to 2.50 (Day) 50 2.50 (Day) 50 15.00 to 22.00 50 18.00 to 21.00 300 28.00 to 84.00 200 16.00 to 21.00 4.25 (Day) Furnished cottages may be rented from C. H. Bond. Elstes Park. Colo., and Hayden Bros.. Elstes Park. Colo., at from $15.00 per week to $1,000.00 for the season. Mrs. C. R. Berger, Estes Park. Colo., has a number of cottages and tent houses at McCreery's Ranch, furnished for light housekeeping, for rent at $75.00 to $135.00 for the season. f 9 g9 tw9nty-tW0 c The National Parks at a glance United States Railroad Administration Director General of Railroads For particulars as to fares, train schedules, etc., apply to any Railroad Ticket Agent, or to any of the following Consolidated Ticket Offices: West Lincoln. Neb 104 N. 13th St. Little Rock, Ark 202 W. 2d St. Long Beach, Cal. . . .L.A.& S.L. Station Los Angeles, Cal 215 S. Broadway Milwaukee. Wis 99 Wisconsin St. Minneapolis, Minn. 202 Sixth St., South Oakland, Cal. .13th St. and Broadway Ocean Park, Cal 160 Pier Ave. Oklahoma City, Okla. 1 3 I W. Grand Ave. Omaha, Neb. 1416 Dodge St. Peoria, 111.. .Jefferson and Liberty Sts. Phoenix, Ariz. Adams St. and Central Ave. Portland. Ore. . 3d and Washington Sts. Pueblo, Colo 401-3 N. Union Ave. St. Joseph, Mo 505 Francis St. St. Louis. Mo... 3 1 8-328 N. Broadway East Detroit, Mich.. . 13 W. LaFayette Ave. Evansville, Ind. L. & N. R. R. Bldg. Grand Rapids, Mich 125 Pearl St. Indianapolis, Ind. 112-14 English Block Newark, N. J. Clinton and Beaver Sts. New York, N. Y 64 Broadway New York. N. Y. 57 Chambers St. New York, N. Y 31 W. 32d St. New York, N. Y 1 14 W. 42d St. South Knoxville. Tenn 600 Gay St. Lexington, Ky Union Station Louisville, Ky. . . . .4th and Market Sts. Lynchburg. Va 722 Main St. Memphis. Tenn 60 N. Main St. Mobile. Ala 51 S. Royal St. Montgomery, Ala Elxchange Hotel Nashville. Tenn. Independent Life Bldg. New Orleans. La St. Charles Hotel For detailed information regarding National Parks and Monuments address Bureau of Service, National Parks and Monuments, or Travel Bureau — Western Lines, 646 Transportation Bldg,. Chicago. P a i o twenty'three Beaumont, Tex. .Orleans and Pearl Sts. Bremerton, Wash 224 Front St. Butte, Mont 2 N. Main St. Chicago, 111 I 75 W. Jackson Blvd. Colorado Springs, Colo. 119 E. Pike's Peak Ave. Dallas, Tex 112-114 Field St. Denver, Colo 601 17th St. Des Moines. Iowa 403 Walnut St. Duluth. Minn 334 W. Superior St. El Paso. Tex . . Mills and Oregon Sts. Ft. Worth. Tex 702 Houston St. Fresno. Cal J and Fresno Sts. Galveston. Tex. .21st and Market Sts. Helena. Mont 58 S. Main St. Houston. Tex 904 Texas Ave. Kansas City. Mo. Ry. Ex. Bldg.. 7th and Walnut Sts. Annapolis. Md 54 Maryland Ave. Atlantic City. N. J.. . 1301 Pacific Ave. Baltimore. Md . . B. & O. R. R. Bldg. Boston. Mass 67 Franklin St. Brooklyn, N. Y 336 Fulton St. Buffalo, N. Y..Main and Division Sts. Cincinnati. Ohio. . .6th and Main Sts. Cleveland. Ohio. . . . 1004 Prospect Ave. Columbus, Ohio 70 East Gay St. Dayton. Ohio 19 S. Ludlow St. Asheville. N. C 14 S. Polk Square Atlanta. Ga 74 Peachtree St. Augusta. Ga 811 Broad St. Birmingham. Ala 2010 1st Ave. Charleston. S. C Charleston Hotel Charlotte, N. C 22 S. Tryon St. Chattanooga. Tenn. . . .817 Market St. Columbia, S. C Arcade Building Jacksonville, Fla 38 W. Bay St. St. Paul, Minn.. .4th and Jackson Sts. Sacramento. Cal 801 K St. Salt Lake City. Utah. Main and S. Temple Sts. San Antonio, Texas, 3I5-I7N. St. Mary's St. San Diego. Cal 300 Broadway San Francisco. Cal. Lick Bldg.. Post St. and Lick Place San Jose. Cal. 1st and San Fernando Sts. Seattle. Wash 714-16 2d Ave. Shreveport. La. Milam and Market Sts. Sioux City. Iowa 510 4th St. Spokane. Wash. Davenport Hotel. 815 Sprague Ave. Tacoma. Wash. ... 1 I 1 7-19 Pacific Ave. Waco. Texas . . .6th and Franklin Sts. Whittier. Cal L. A. & S. L. Station Winnipeg, Man 226 Portage Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. . . . 1539 Chestnut St. Pittsburgh. Pa Arcade Building Reading. Pa 16 N. Fifth St. Rochester. N. Y 20 State St. Syracuse. N. Y University Block Toledo. Ohio 320 Madison Ave. Washington. D. C. . . . 1 229 F St.. N. W. Williamsport. Pa. . . .4th and Pine Sts. Wilmington. Del 905 Market St. Paducah. Ky 430 Broadway Pensacola. Fla San Carlos Hotel Raleigh. N. C 305 LaFavette St. Richmond. Va 830 E. Main St. Savannah, Ga 37 Bull St. Sheffield, Ala Sheffield Hotel Tampa, Fla. Hillsboro Hotel Vicksburg, Miss .1319 Washington St. Winston-Salem. N. C. 236 N. Main St. ■ KASON, 1019 PRESS OF FAULKNER-RYAN CO., CHICAaO vjni^oo