A Race Against the Sun: Finding Life and Light in Rocky Mountain National ParkRock

A Race Against the Sun: Finding Life and Light in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park VR Getaway

My two days in Rocky Mountain National Park were a whirlwind of sublime beauty and chaotic adventure that filled my bucket so high I felt I was in heaven. The journey began at 5 AM, driving in from the west entrance as the sky lit up, with a sea of clouds filling the valleys below me. It was a magical start, made even more special by the abundance of wildlife—deer, elk, and wild turkeys—greeting me in the dawn light. This is the story of that trip: a tale of stunning reflections, slippery snow, a lost key, a frantic race against the sun, and a profound, unexpected connection that I will carry with me forever.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: The early morning drive from the west entrance (Grand Lake side). Starting before sunrise allows you to drive along the top of the mountains as the world wakes up, often with a blanket of clouds below you. It's also the absolute best time for seeing wildlife everywhere.

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE ROCKIES

This VR Nature Vacation was so special to me. It's filled with beautiful moments, from stunning lake reflections to close encounters with wildlife. It also shares a very personal "Nature Parable" that I discovered along the way. Grab your VR headset, curl up in a comfy chair, and join me on this journey to one of my dad's favorite places.

"I found a tree that was dead and hollowed out... but then it had new life coming out of this dead trunk. I knew then why I had been thinking about my dad so much. That was my nature parable!"

Adventure at a Glance

🏞️ Park: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
🚶‍♀️ Activity: Hiking, Scenic Driving, Wildlife Spotting
⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
☀️ Best For: Alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, stunning mountain vistas.
⏳ Best Time: June for a mix of snow and stunning waterfalls; September for the elk rut and fall colors.
🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: Bear Lake corridor hikes (Dream & Emerald Lake), Trail Ridge Road, spotting a moose.

My Rocky Mountain Story

My first hike started from Bear Lake, heading towards the glaciers. The morning light was perfect, and the reflections at Dream Lake were absolutely stunning. What I didn't expect was the snowy adventure to get to Emerald Lake! Even in June, the trail was covered, and without my spikes, it was a slippery, challenging, but beautiful ordeal. My plans hit a snag when I got back to my car and realized I had lost one of my two keys *inside* the car, and it wouldn't lock until I found it. Two precious hours of daylight ticked by in a frantic search before I finally found it!

With time running out, I started my race against the sun to reach The Loch. I'm not a fast hiker—I'm slow to begin with, and I often hike sections three times to set up and retrieve my camera for filming. The hike was gorgeous, and I barely made it to the lake before the light faded. It was so peaceful, but I couldn't linger. I had to rush back down the mountain to make it out before dark. The next morning, after finally finding a moose, I looked back at the mountains from a distance. Seeing the high notches I had reached the day before gave me such a wonderful sense of accomplishment. My two days were packed with adventure, ending with more wildlife sightings—a Pika, marmots, and a coyote—as I drove back out of the park, my heart full.

Nymph Lake

Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

♦️ Enter from the West: For a truly special sunrise experience and amazing wildlife opportunities, enter the park from the Grand Lake (west) side and drive Trail Ridge Road east as the sun comes up.
♦️ Check Trail Conditions: Even in early summer, high-elevation trails like the one to Emerald Lake can have significant snow. Be prepared with spikes (microspikes) for your boots if you're hiking in May or June.
♦️ Wildlife is Everywhere: The best times to see animals are early in the morning and late in the evening. Drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled. The west side of the park is particularly famous for moose sightings.
♦️ My Google Maps List: I've compiled my favorite spots from this trip into a Google Maps list to help you plan your own adventure! You can find it here: GoogleMapList of Rocky Mountain National Park

VR Video Treasure Hunt!

🔎 Dream Lake Reflection: Can you find the stunning, glassy reflection of the peaks in Dream Lake from my early morning hike?
🔎 The "Nature Parable" Tree: Look for the shot of the dead, hollowed-out tree that has new, vibrant life growing from it.
🔎 A Moose Sighting: Find the moment where I finally spot a majestic moose!
🔎 My Marmot Friend: Can you find the shot of the cute and curious marmot I met on my way out of the park?

Conclusion

This trip was so special to me, and not just for the beautiful scenery. Being in a place my late father loved so much, I couldn't help but think of him. When I came across that hollowed-out tree, still bringing forth new life, I knew it was my "nature parable" for this journey—a beautiful reminder of the miracle of life after death. It made me cry a lot during editing, but they were tears of gratitude. I'm so thankful for the two days I had to explore this heavenly place, and I hope this immersive getaway fills your bucket as high as it filled mine.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaways