Gypsy Living: Road Trip 4 - Rocky Mountain National Park

I can't believe I'm putting this in print, but even after our awesome experience in Vail, our camping experience in Rocky Mountain National Trip may have been the highlight of the trip. We sadly left Vail, but knew we had to get on the road and get to our campsite before dark. Having never even opened our tent or camping stove, we wanted to make sure we weren't doing it by flashlight… We had to take a little detour because some of the roads to the park were washed out from the flooding in the area earlier in the year and were getting nervous, but even with an essential stop at the grocery store, we made it with time to spare at our campsite in Moraine Campground, just outside of Estes Park, CO.

While Oscar and I were setting up camp, the kids took off exploring the camping area and quickly found some friends. Our campsite (selected by little Oscar for the rocks) was perfect! We were set back from the road and nestled between big rocks and small hills that gave us shelter from wind and plenty of climbing opportunities.

the finished product!

Livi checking out the tent once it was up

After some hamburgers and hotdogs, we started a campfire and enjoyed some s'mores. Livi decided she really only needed the marshmallows, and while Oscar had a few s'mores he ultimately decided the Hershey's chocolate was the best part. We snuggled into our tent and while Livi promptly fell asleep, little Oscar had a giggle fit. This happened every night we were there, and was so cute!

We all miraculously slept, and the air mattresses from the McCormicks were key (Thank you Missy and Tommy!!!). The next morning, we leisurely got ready for a day of hiking and exploring. The boys checked out some multi-tools, and Livi tried her hand smashing pinecones with our tent hammer.

When we finally motivated, we hit the Trail Ridge Road - the highest continuous road in the United States with a max elevation of 12,183'. There were a bunch of scenic overlooks and spots to go hiking. Not to mention the opportunities to throw snowballs in June!! It was so beautiful it's really hard to pick just a few shots, so here are a ton of photos. Don't say I didn't warn you…

Many Parks Curve Overlook

Rainbow Curve Overlook

Awesome family hike on the beginning of the Ute Trail above the tree line

Lava Cliffs - the wind was freezing!

Throwing snowballs at the Alpine Visitors Center (they got me too)

The next day, we hiked around our campsite and took in more gorgeous scenery and beautiful weather. Did I mention I love Colorado?

Our last night building a campfire

The kids were sooo sad to leave. Livi even cried. The weather had been perfect. We'd had awesome family time and made new friends. What a fantastic first camping experience! Even I want to do it again!