Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
11.
Winter Park
The region around Winter Park, where mountains squeeze in tight beside the Fraser River
and Rte. 40, has seen major changes since pioneers arrived here in the late 1800s. Ranch-
ing and timber were the first lures. Later on, railroad workers moved in to build the famed
Moffat Tunnel, which runs for more than six miles under the Continental Divide. (Com-
pleted in 1927, it is one of the longest railroad tunnels in the world. Rail fans and other
curious travelers can see its western portal from an overlook in Winter Park.) Now, as the
interweaving trails onthemountainside tothewestattest, WinterParkisoneofColorado's
more popular ski resorts. Today's luxurious lodges and high-tech lifts could hardly have
been envisioned when Denver inaugurated the ski area. On that day in January 1940, lift
tickets cost the grand sum of $1 each.
WILDLIFE ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN
RAMBLE
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, even in the tun-
dra area. You just have to know where to look. Among the critters you may see:
Above the Treeline
• Elk appear here during the summer and tend to feed at dawn and dusk.
• Marmots can be seen on the alpine tundra in rocky areas.
• Pikas, small, light-colored mammals, can also be seen on the tundra; visitors
often notice movement first and hear a sharp bark.
• White-tailed ptarmigans. They tend to remain still and have excellent camou-
flage.
• Clark's nutcrackers, Steller's jays, golden eagles and prairie falcons can be
seen from Trail Ridge Road.
Below the Treeline
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