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Trail Ridge -- Rainbow
Curve |
What you can see (Horseshoe Park):The distinctive fan of
light-colored boulders on the left of this picture is a relatively new feature
on the land. A high mountain dam failed on July 15, 1982, and in a matter of
hours the water violently disgorged it load on the valley floor.
What you can see from Rainbow Curve:
- Mount Chapin (12,454)
- Mount Chiquita (13,069)
- Ypsilon Mountain (13,514)
- Mount Fairchild (13,502)
- Hagues Peak (13,560)
- Mommy Mountain (13,425)
- Roaring River
- Bighorn Mountain (11,463)
- McGregor Mountain (10,456)
- Deer Mountain (10,013)
A HIDDEN VALLEY / Beaver PondsFar below lies Hidden Valley
Creek, a habitat for beaver, greenback trout, and other wildlife. This stream
once dropped directly into Horseshoe Park, until a thick glacial moraine dammed
and diverted the watercourse.
Changing ClimatesThe valley below is choked in the spires
of a sub-alpine forest--similar to the vast forest of northern Canada. But the
higher you drive, the thinner the air becomes. It holds less head, and creates
much cooler climates for plants and animals. Higher still lies the arctic-like
world of the alpine tundra, where winds are fierce and trees cannot
survive. |
Park Areas