RMNP road trip 2024 - by the numbers

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 Road trip out West by the numbers

We just returned from a 2 week road trip out West. We drove over 3000 miles and saw some amazing scenery. Enjoy the pictures at the end. 

9,449 - elevation of the popular scenic trail Bear Lake, an alpine lake below Hallett Peak on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). We hiked around Bear Lake and then down to Alberta Falls our first day in the park together as a family.

7,203 - elevation of Inspiration Point that overlooks Jenny Lake, the scenic lake at the base of the Tetons, as well as Jackson Hole and the Gros Ventre Range. We hiked the 2.2 mi Cascade Canyon Trail to Hidden Falls and then up 450 ft. elevation through a conifer forest and along a steep granite ledge to Inspiration point. 

1982 - the year a breach in the earthen dam at Lawn Lake brought down the wall of water and created the Alluvial Fan in RMNP. The kids enjoyed taking off their socks and shoes and dipping their feet in the ice cold water from snow melt.

1955 - the year the Estes Park Aerial Tramway was opened by engineer Robert Heron, who also helped pioneer chair lifts for the ski industry!

1915 - the year RMNP was designated as a national park with over 250,000 acres of land, 355 miles of trails, 450 miles of streams and 156 lakes in the wilderness area

1908 - the year the Dr. G.C. Stockman House was completed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Mason City, IA. We were too early to tour it but it was cool to see.

1892 - the year the World's Only Corn Palace was originally built to showcase the rich soil of Mitchell, SD

650 - approximate mile stretch of Interstate 90 that has Wall Drug advertisement billboards (yes, we did stop to let a bad thunder storm pass) 

322 - species of birds in Grand Teton National Park. 

200 - dollars spent at the YMCA arts and craft center creating mosaic tile boxes, mosaic coasters, ceramic mugs, silk paintings of a mountain landscape and Taylor Swift, fused glass tic-tac-toe boards and night lights, beaded earrings and necklaces and more! It was very relaxing and I could spend all day in this wonderful studio!

100 - hours we listed to the excellent Guide Along App tour guide through the Black Hills, Devil's Tower, Grand Tetons and Rocky Mountain National Park. Highly recommend!!

80 - minutes Theo and I had to complete the high ropes course at YMCA of the Rockies. We managed to do the A and B courses TWICE!

'76 - name of the 3/4 mi. trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge up 1000 ft. of elevation to the top of the canyon with panoramic views

60 - minutes we spent waiting in line for the Jenny Lake shuttle boat to take us back from our hike at Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point (it would have been faster to walk the 2 miles back)

38 - holes of disc golf Seth and Theo played in Spearfish and Estes Park

19 - different animals spotted including ungulates (hoofed mammals, like pronghorns, bison, elk, mule deer, white tail deer, Bighorn sheep, moose), smaller mammals (grey fox, prairie dog, Wyoming ground squirrel, Abert's squirrel, weasel, rabbit, chipmunk, porcupine, skunk, beaver, coyote), reptiles (bullsnake), birds (bald eagle, magpies, turkey vultures, red tail hawk) and the kids favorite mammals and first time seeing: a grizzly bear!

14 - total days on our road trip

13 - number of RMNP timed park entry permits we had secured for the week. What a mess! Definitely recommend planning ahead.

11 - people staying in the 5 bedroom Rejoice Cabin at the YMCA of the Rockies (Grandma and Grandpa, Weber Family - 5, Benziger family - 4)

10 - miles we floated on the sunset Snake River Scenic Float trip and saw eagles, deer, skunk, beavers and beautiful vistas

8 - rounds of mini golf played at the YMCA

7 - states visited (MN, SD, WY, CO, NE, IA)

6 - miles to hike to Ouzel falls and on our guided Bridal Veil falls hike

5 - cities we stayed: Grandparent's home in Shoreview, MN, Spearfish Canyon Lodge in Spearfish, SD, Signal Mountain Lodge in Moran, WY, YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO, and Quality Inn in Mason City, IA 

4 - days Marit, Evie, Josie and Lucy attended day camp at YMCA

3 - junior ranger badges earned at 2 national parks (Grand Teton National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park) and 1 national monument (Devil's Tower) (and a junior naturalist patch at that National Elk Refuge)

2 - times Evie and Marit won trivia night contest at YMCA Sweet Memorial building game night

1 - stop at the car dealership in Boulder to get the water pump fixed and tires changed, which delayed the trip by only a day but we got home safe and sound.

Overall, 5 star vacation.

From start to finish (Corn Palace to Spearfish Canyon to Devil's Tower to GTNP to RMNP and home):









































































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