Historic Old Fall River Road: An Unforgettable Experience in the High Country
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- Historic Old Fall River Road was the first road built through Rocky Mountain National Park to connect the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake which are divided by high mountains. Today this road remains much as it did in its early days. It is a 9 mile one-way dirt road that leads from the lower meadows of Rocky Mountain National Park up into the alpine tundra. It's a challenging and yet gorgeous drive.
LEARN ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK:
Learn everything you want to know about Rocky Mountain National Park at my website:
www.RockyMountainNationalPark...
ABOUT ME:
My photos of Rocky Mountain National Park can be found at: www.ImagesofRMNP.com
My books can be found at: www.RockyTrailPress.com
My personal website is: www.ErikStensland.com
Thank you, Erik Stensland, for your video! I treasured every mile and every scene of your drive up Old Fall River Road. I first explored RMNP as a child from Florida, experiencing mountains and snow for the first time! This park lives firmly in my soul - I've visited it as an adult with family as well as on solo trips - because I just can't stay away from it. Thank you for sharing this unparalleled beauty with those of us who wish to be there all the time!
You are most welcome! It sounds like you have fallen in love with this place, much as I have. :)
Thank you Erik for another WONDERFUL day trip! My favorite trip up the road was a few years ago when my son drove us up the road at night! Gave a whole new perspective of the trip. It was spooky and beautiful at the same time. We saw some deer right in front of us in the truck headlights, so that was fun, but more importantly, pay attention to what is in front of you at all times. Thank you for all you do Erik!
That sounds like a great trip up there. Not many people get to experience the park and the deep forest at night. It is really a special experience.
We couldn't make it to RMNP this year, so I'm very thankful to have found this video Erik! I'll be watching for more!
Connie, I am currently releasing a new video every other Wednesday. So, look for my next one on September 20th.
You HAVE to go see Rocky Mtn National Park! Trust me, it is the most beautiful place you will ever see! Just breathing that fine mountain air with the scent of pine will make you believe you are in heaven. Even visiting the ocean does not compare, and I LOVE the ocean! So make up an excuse and go see RMNP ASAP! But go after July 4th because some of the higher roads might still be snowed in.
You mention at the end of your video that you can continue up the road to Trail Ridge Road, and then beyond that to Estes Park. I knew there was a town down below by that name, but had not heard that there was an actual park called “Estes Park”. We went through Estes Park (the town) and found an entrance to Old Fall River Road that the local shopkeepers knew about. That day was the very best vacation we ever had. We had brought along our camping gear and tented in one of Rocky’s gorgeous camp grounds-might have been Lorraine Park. Not sure on the name. Anyway, if travelers ever have a chance to experience Rocky Mountain National Park but decide not to go, they will always regret it.
Yes, I’m referring to the town of Estes Park, not another area of Rocky Mountain National Park. So glad you were able to visit.
Thank you for this clear & informative video. We drove up Trail Ridge Road last year, but are planning on going up Old Fall River Road this morning for the first time so this video certainly helped.
Glad it was helpful!
Now that youve got a permit, cant wait for full on photography videos!
Joe, my focus will remain on helping visitors prepare for Rocky. I don’t plan to do photography videos like Thomas Heaton, Nick Page, and so many others. There are too many people taking that approach now.
Great video, my favorite drive in Rocky, and missed visiting the last 3 years. ❤ 2024 I will be back, already preplanning for a late fall stay.
Sounds great! Glad you enjoyed the video.
super helpful itinerary thanks man
Glad you liked it!
So excited to see more! :)
More to come! Thanks!
Thanks for your wonderful videos.
Glad you like them!
Thank you so much for your video s it makes me feel as if I am there. Thank you many blessings ❤❤🙏🙏
Glad you enjoyed it
I just discovered you do videos! Hurray!
Hope you enjoy the videos!!
Thank you Eric! I really enjoy your videos, very informative.
Glad to hear it! Thank you!
I have been following your photography account on Instagram for a few of years now, so I was so pretty happy to find your CZcams channel! I’m so glad you got permission to film in the park! Beautiful video. I’m looking forward to your next!
Thanks so much Rose. I haven’t done much on IG for years. I’m hoping to release a new video every other week. 🤞
Wonderful video! I’m a little too scared to do this drive myself, so I’m happy to ride along this way! 😁
You can do it. Just take it slow and pull over regularly to let faster vehicles pass you. It’s gorgeous drive.
Love this Erik! Thank you! I will be there driving up in just a few weeks! Can't wait! Fall River Road is one of my favorites.
Thank you Paula! Hope you have a wonderful trip out here!
Remarkable video, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is fun that I found this vid and your channel today, I knew about your website of your photography, and I never really thought of you also making videos, or a CZcams channel! ...I know you probably hear this everyday, but I'm your biggest fan... I got a room full of your posters and your pictures, man... Anyways I hope you get this man, hit me back, just to chat, truly yours, your biggest fan, this is Stan
Stan, so glad you found the channel! Hope you enjoy it. I have a lot of interesting content coming over the next year. Thanks for all your support!
@@ErikStenslandThanks, I'm excited that I found the channel. My favorite picture is... "Snow Morning in Estes Park." I found it in 2014, the low-res version, and it looked great on my CRT monitor, for years. Then I found the hi-res version, the cusp of 2019/2020, and it was amazing to find that! I never expected to find a new version, of the same picture... It's so clear, and perfect for modern displays. I was surprised that I had correctly guessed... probably MOST of the details, that were pretty unclear, in the low-res version... like the birds, the weather vane, benches, even the Xmas tree... What a picture!! :)
@@ErikStensland I wanted to ask if I have the best versions of this picture? I have "Snow Morning in Estes Park" JPG: 1200x800, 733 KB on disk. And I have the low-res version JPG: 564x375 (53 KB on disk). Do I have the absolute best versions?
@@JamesChessman, I have higher resolution versions of my photos, but I don't make them available lest they find their way into magazines, calendars, cards, and prints. If you ever want something larger, you can order a print from here: www.imagesofrmnp.com/photo/snow-morning-in-estes-park. Best wishes for a wonderful 2024 James!
@@ErikStensland Thanks, I’ll consider buying a print, but I mostly wanted the best digital version for my computer’s Desktop! I’d probably buy the best digital version if I could? But I understand if that’s not possible?
During the Winter, the center and concession buildings are BURIED UNDER SNOW.
Yes they are. I sometimes ski up there. You can see photos from my last trip here: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/20230414/?category=reports
Thank you for this adventure. Brought back great memories.
Glad you enjoyed it
My wife and I drove this road on 9/25/23. While there are some of the most amazing sights along the road, I’m scared to death of heights. I’m glad I did it but too much of a chicken to do it again
Glad you overcame your fear of heights so you could experience that beautiful drive.
Beautiful journey. I did that with my daughter and grandson a couple years ago, and this brought back many great memories. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it Gary!
Thanks for posting this video and letting Diane and I revisit our drive up old fall River Road two weeks ago.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for taking me up one of my favorite experiences in Rocky! This road was my first experience in the park back in 1979! It seemed a lot more intimidating back then!
Wow, that's quite a while ago now. So glad you enjoyed revisiting it!
I've been thinking about this road all summer. Now that you have shown me how beautiful and easy it is to visit I have to go before the road closes for the winter. Thanks Eric!
You should!
Excellent video and guide. We’ve done Fall River Road a few times and this brought back many memories. Best part of the road is that it is one way (up), no need to worry about opposing traffic.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so very much. I appreciate your willingness to share with us. This is and will always will be one of my favorite drives!
You are so welcome!
Just found your channel, and so glad I did. Several years ago, I purchased a print from your gallery in Estes. It still hangs in my living room and I love it as much as the day I bought it.
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing this Janice. I hope you enjoy the videos!
So good to revisit such a special place. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Loved your video!!! You did a GREAT job. Thanks for the drive.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed the trip up Old Fall River Road with you! Fabulous video, Erik!
Awesome, thank you!
I believe, top gun did some of their video in the park.
In 2019 we were working at the visitor's center when two fighter jets flew past, at shoulder level.
Thru a saddle 50 feet to the right of the VC.
I didn’t know about that. That’s crazy.
@ErikStensland you should have seen it. Unbelievable. One shot straight up from the valley old fall road. Then a second blasted by.
@ErikStensland when I watched the movie, I could see old fall river road.
Way cool, Eric! Congratulations on getting that permit, looking forward to more of your spectacular work!
Thanks Paul! I'll do my best. Hope you guys are well!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. We love this drive and haven't been able to go the past few years. Nice to see it here.
Glad you enjoyed it
Love this! 😍
Thanks Jennifer! So glad you enjoyed it!
Thank for sharing, love your videos 👍
Glad you like them!
Thanks for sharing this awesome video, Erik! Every inch of that road means so much to me.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Eric. That was the most in-depth history and tour of Old Fall River Road that I've seen on video. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Adam! I'm still in the early stages of figuring out this video stuff and trying to get comfortable turning the camera towards myself. So glad you found it informative.
And thank you for getting the commercial video permit. And thanks for paying that expense for us.
You’re welcome. :)
Gorgeous video!!
Thank you!!
Very nice video! Could you please make one driving through the Trail Ridge Road also? Will visit there in two weeks and need suggestion on which one to pick? Do you have any advice for safe driving?
Yes, it will go live in one minute. Enjoy!
Here’s the link: July Snow on Trail Ridge Road: Visitor's Guide & Highlights
czcams.com/video/HLeJTHOH420/video.html
@@ErikStensland Thanks a lot! Any caution notes? How many places are with steep valley running directly from the edge of the road?
I’m arriving tomorrow from nc for my first time visit and you made me want to drive on this road despite my fear of heights. Are the aspens starting to turn. I’m obsessed with them. Always have been. If you know of some nearby groves I can walk through please let me know.
The aspen are running well behind schedule this year, but I’m starting to see them at the higher elevations. You might want to visit Grand Lake as they seem to be further on there. Try the East Inlet and North Inlet trails. Have a great trip!
Great video! Do you need 4 wheel drive to drive up Fall River Road?
No, I drove up in my tiny electric car. You just need to have normal clearance, not a sports car and you shouldn't try it with an RV or a big trailer. They don't allow vehicles larger than 25" in length.
wow! You can do this trail on passenger tires?
Yes you can.
Hello you ❤❤❤😊
Hello 😊
Hi, Since everyone is advised to avoid the Fall River Road entrance due to construction what do you recommend to visit this beautiful place?
You can still visit Old Fall River Road even when entering via the Beaver Meadows Entrance, so I definitely recommend it even now. The reason I started from the Fall River Entrance is because this video will be embedded in the RockyMountainNationalPark.com website and will live there for many years. The construction work on the Fall River Entrance should be done next month. Also, my CZcams channel is so small and unknown right now that I'm not sure it will make any difference in visitation numbers.
I used the Fall River entrance last Friday (9/1) morning before 7 AM. If you get there early, no problem. On our exit, around 1 PM, there was a HUGE traffic backup going into the park. Of, course, it was the start of a holiday weekend. Two moose were enjoying lunch in the Sheep Ponds, so that was a bonus for those who had the patience to make it through the entrance jam.
thanks for this input, we will have timed entry passes for 8-10AM Maybe we should plan on arriving at 7AM?@@billpelzmann1030
What month did you film this?
I filmed this 2 weeks ago, so late August.
Been there, done that! But cannot be done in 16 minutes.
I didn’t think anyone would want to watch a 90 minute video. 😀
@@ErikStensland Well, when my wife and I took that “extremely scary drive” as she calls it back 5-6 years ago, it took us about an hour and 15 minutes to make it to the visitors center at the end of the road since I had to stop a couple times to convince her we would make it without going over the edge somewhere. I still make her watch one of the many videos available on CZcams to remind her it wasn’t that bad.
And whatever you do, don’t pass up anything cool without stopping because you can’t come back to it!
Good advice.
Great to see you on CZcams. I've been to your gallery many times . I own 3 of your books and maybe my favorite favorite video disc ever, "Into the Wonder". It's a true masterpiece. Looking forward to your future videos!
Awesome! Thank you!