Frommer's Review
This nature trail winds through the meadow surrounding the museum, with five interpretive stops, and benches strategically positioned to take best advantage of the scenic views. It's a good idea to explore the museum before walking the trail, to better understand some of the things you'll be seeing. The first stop, in front of the museum, allows you to observe the geology of Moraine Park and how glaciers formed it, depositing the rocks and boulders you see strewn about. Stop no. 2 asks you to imagine the glacier that inhabited this moraine some 18,000 years ago -- a mound over 1,000 feet high covering the entire valley before you, and pushing rocky debris ahead of it as it came down from the mountains above. From here you can see several glaciers in the distance: Taylor Glacier rests in a protected bowl on the southeast face of Taylor Peak; Andrews Glacier clings to the northwest flank of Taylor Peak; Tyndall Glacier lies between Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain; and Sprague Glacier appears to be hanging below Sprague Mountain. Stop no. 3 describes the role of the weather in everyone's experience in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stop no. 4 discusses several of the park's plants and animals, such as the majestic ponderosa pines that are scattered about the meadow, the elk and mule deer that frequent Moraine Park seeking food and water, and the striking mountain bluebird. The fifth stop finally gets around to humans and their impact on the area now known as Rocky Mountain National Park. The elevation here is 8,130 feet.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
