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[–]ImNotTenArtist 216 points217 points  (31 children)

I just want to sit here on a warm day and eat a sandwich.

[–]dpdxguy 99 points100 points  (3 children)

I have done that. You are right to want to. :)

[–]DangerSwan33 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Having also done this, yes.

It's one of my favorite memories.

[–]itsnotreal1234 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so excited to go there for the first time this may! I can’t wait. Such a beautiful state

[–]Rdbjiy53wsvjo7 37 points38 points  (0 children)

View from our deck, it never gets old: https://imgur.com/oXUiFM8.jpg https://imgur.com/xbd0xpa.jpg

As my spouse says "we just sit and watch the mountains grow"

[–]IamTheAggMan 16 points17 points  (11 children)

Get it from Scratch!

[–]OhGodNotAnotherOne 22 points23 points  (4 children)

Man, reminds me of the one time I roadtripped to CO with my dog.

Stopped at Scratch for a nice looking London Broil sub only to stop for a photo moment (which is all CO) and forget about it for 5 minutes.

5 minutes.

My dog had the best sandwich of their life that day and we were too far away to replace it.

I ate a shitty gas station hotdog an hour later.

Still, best trip of my life l, Colorado is something else.

[–]ThrashNet 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Sounds like the best trip of your dog's life as well!

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

I find it very hard to pick between UT and CO. Grew up in CO but live now in UT. Both are extremely pretty states with natural beauty beyond words. Both are very different.

[–]ShowMeYourMinerals 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Yeah, but the culture of Utah is significantly different. If you’re white and Mormon maybe it will work out for you.

But the whole beer / no weed thing is really a buzz kill for me. I don’t smoke, but I think the government has no business in how you spend your time.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It definitely is. Though demographics here are changing too. Provo has a significant pride presence now and an annual parade. The monthly summer farmers market has drag queens walking around. Medicinal Marijuana is now allowed. It's slow but it is getting better around here.

[–]anbuitachi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Came here to say this!

[–]Ferf04 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you mean snarf?

[–]cupcakewarrior69 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Mmmm. They make the best Sammie. Have you tried Antonio's pizza? It's pretty bomb also.

[–]IamTheAggMan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think so. We'll check it out!

[–]Randyd718 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Scratch kitchen?

[–]IamTheAggMan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If that's in Boulder, no. This little place is Scratch Deli & Bakery in Estes. Everything is homemade from the bread to the corned beef. The cheesesteak is insane.

[–]Itwontmatterr 5 points6 points  (0 children)

it was a high in Denver of 35F

[–]_MindOverDarkMatter_ 5 points6 points  (4 children)

There are chipmunks at this lake and they will eat anything you leave :)

[–]superlewis 6 points7 points  (1 child)

More accurately, they will literally crawl up next to you and steal anything you aren't actively protecting for a split second.

[–]HoneyBee275 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One jumped on my back and tried to climb over my shoulder to get my lunch. They have absolutely no fear of people at this lake. I think I'll eat somewhere else next time!

[–]WSDGuy 12 points13 points  (1 child)

Don't fucking feed the wildlife

[–]TheTrub 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An elk will bully you and take that sandwich.

[–]DOGO8991 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Joint beforehand

[–]hyperfat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The summer random rain there is nice. That area is great hiking.

I used to camp with my family there for years. Now I'm just an hour away. :)

If you like that, check out garden of the gods.

[–]sarkhan_da_crazy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did this hike in late May a few years ago, beautiful sunny morning. We were kinda new to the area and not used to the elevation, so we took our time eating lunch while debating how much further we wanted to hike. The clouds, meanwhile, had started to roll in from over the mountains (the right side in this pic), and next thing we know, we are getting snowed on. It didn't last very long before the sun peaked through the clouds, and we were in this marvelous location in full sun, getting snowed on. We decided to just hang out here for a while longer and headed back to the car when we were ready to leave.

[–]violentdezign 54 points55 points  (0 children)

Estes and Rocky Mountain national Park are my happy places

[–]fkk8 154 points155 points  (11 children)

Gem Lake

[–]Rubberbabybuggybum 23 points24 points  (8 children)

Great hike to get there too!

[–]show_the_maw 24 points25 points  (7 children)

You and I have a different opinion on “great”

I’m a very fat dude from Nebraska. Lived here my whole life. I love Nebraska. But Nebraska is flat. We were in town for a wedding and it was a few hours between ceremony and reception. We decided to hike Gem Lake because it was a relatively short hike. Being from Nebraska total elevation gained isn’t something I’m used to paying attention to. Well folks. We spent a good hour huffing my obese corn fed rear up there and the view was amazing but damn if I wasn’t tired.

[–]HighJoeponics 15 points16 points  (3 children)

Was it worth it tho? I met probably fatter flatter folks higher up than that and they were dying but everyone was happy to do it. I do a lot of national parks. There’s roadside people and hiking people. I cheer everyone who hikes no matter what

[–]show_the_maw 12 points13 points  (2 children)

Oh 1000% I loved the journey and to be outside. The stairs were pretty challenging for my shorter wife but we did it, ate a sack lunch with the chipmunks and headed back down. I also learned elevation changes is an important factor in picking a trail. I hope to go back again soon.

[–]noodlesoupstrainer 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It takes some time to adjust to the elevation! I wouldn't recommend anyone do any significant hiking if they've just arrived. Beautiful place, though.

[–]esizzle 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I was going to ask.

[–]adamcarrot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't stick your feet in. You'll get leeches.

[–]jonasjlp 31 points32 points  (4 children)

Gem lake?

[–]iPhilTower 12 points13 points  (3 children)

I was going to guess Sky Pond but looks like you’re right

[–]SmokinSkinWagon 8 points9 points  (2 children)

Too small to be sky pond

[–]ravenpoof 6 points7 points  (0 children)

And too close to town.

[–]jonasjlp 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah I think they are looking down from the wall that you see when you come to the top of the stairs. Cool pic. Not sure how you get up there. Not many people go beyond the lake. I went back to balancing rock from here. Lost track of time and walked out with the sun setting. Pretty creepy back there.

[–]Graphitetshirt 53 points54 points  (0 children)

Love Estes!

[–]Traditional_Art_4430 46 points47 points  (4 children)

Yeah that’s between Riften and Windhelm right?

[–]ButtIsItArt 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Looks a lot like (Mount Satori?) in BOTW. One of those mountains around there has a spring like this too.

[–]ajiang52 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Lol this milk drinker

[–]Traditional_Art_4430 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you got the gene…

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Spent a week in Estes Park 3 years ago. Was an amazing place

[–]Sm00gz 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Type of view that makes you want to set up an easle and attempt to capture in whatever medium your hearts desire.

[–]TheGonadWarrior 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Estes Park is beautiful. Emerald lake is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen

[–]Clunkbot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You gotta hit up hanging lake too! Also very picturesque

[–]tallwizrd 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Love RMNP!

[–]QuickSerenity 3 points4 points  (0 children)

😍😍

[–]PickleJarss 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Gem Lake is such an awesome hike, so easy yet such an a big reward once you get to the top.

[–]poopertrooper88 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Estes Park is my favorite place in the world. ♥️

[–]TheSpanxxx 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Estes is one of my favorite places on earth. Got out there again last year and though it's changed over the years it's still really magical for me. Love the rockies around there so much.

[–]gypsy_muse 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Stunning! I’m imagining myself there right now ❤️

[–]VeryStonedEwok 20 points21 points  (3 children)

My wife and I got married at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park (hotel the Shining is based off of) on Friday the 13th, and stayed in the most haunted room in the hotel. It will always hold a special place in my heart ❤️❤️

[–]Silound[🍰] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I went and visited the Stanley, it's a gorgeous site, and I love the buildings.

Also I didn't know I needed a steampunk beer hat, but I now own one.

[–]itsnotreal1234 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My dream wedding lol congrats!

[–]Repraht 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My wife and I got married in Estes Park as well. Della Terra. Trying to go back this summer for our 5 year anniversary! Love Estes Park.

[–]_AlreadyTaken_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That rock looks like an ancient pillow lava flow

[–]radradish19 2 points3 points  (9 children)

Eyyyy I worked up there for a summer. It'll always hold a special place in my heart.

[–]Winter_Eternal 0 points1 point  (8 children)

Heading to estes Park in a few weeks. Any advice for a nube?

[–]beaukneaus 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Drink lots of water the week leading up to it. Light effort the first day there. If you come up 36, there is a market in Lyons that makes excellent sandwiches that are perfect for eating on the trail!

[–]4500_IQ 3 points4 points  (4 children)

Take Big Thompson Canyon Road (Highway 34) into the city if possible

[–]jennaylinn 5 points6 points  (2 children)

If you take 34 PLEASE use one of the many pull offs if you're uncomfortable doing the speed limit. We understand it can be intimidating and it's pretty to look at especially if it's your first time, but please don't hold us up at 15-20mph. Sincerely a local, who drives 34 twice a day and dreads tourist season only bc of the slow traffic that refuses to use the slow moving cars pull offs.

[–]ShowMeYourMinerals 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Not a front ranger, but live in the Leadville area, the fall has become a fucking hazard with people taking photos…. It’s quite irritating.

If you want pictures, pull off the road and take pictures. Sincerely, locals.

[–]jennaylinn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't tell you how many people stand in the middle of the road in the canyon to take pictures of the rams, or come to a dead stop right around a blind corner to take pictures. Infuriating.

[–]Trollamp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stop at the cherry stand!

[–]youngrichyoung 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bring a jacket. And shorts. You never know what you're going to get in the mountains in springtime.

[–]📷daniel22457 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Plan for any weather it could be warm and sunny and a blizzard in the same day even in April depending on the elevation you're hiking get spikes trails are still icy.

[–]pianistafj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Makes me sad to see such lovely weather. Last three times I’ve gone were rainy, snowy, and blizzard. Only time I’ve gone when weather was amazing took three hours to get in because a U.S. mail truck had driven over the side and was barely hanging on from falling down the side of the mountain. Only time I got to stay in Estes at a time share for three straight days it was 100+ mph wind gusts and white out conditions. I just want to see it on a beautiful day!!!

[–]Polish_Frisbee97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey that’s Gem Lake, got engaged to my wife near those two trees to the right back in 2017! Wonderful place with a great view!

[–]jmarvs 21 points22 points  (8 children)

I have fond memories of feeding peanuts to the chipmunks in Estes Park

[–]Phillyfreak5 5 points6 points  (2 children)

You shouldn’t. That’s terrible for the wild animals and should never feed them again.

[–].CLOWNSwithyouJOKERS 8 points9 points  (4 children)

Same, dude! Riding the tramway up the mountain and nearly getting swarmed by chipmunks lol.

[–]ih8dolphins 28 points29 points  (3 children)

My guys - you gotta not do that. Last year we were in RMNP and the chipmunks were fearless. Stop it

We did it in my youth too, but it only leads to bad news

[–]SuspiciouslyElven 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Chipmunk stole my wallet for nut money last time I was there.

[–]michaelswallace 3 points4 points  (0 children)

One beat up my toddler for looking at him funny

[–].CLOWNSwithyouJOKERS 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah lol I understand fully that it wasn't in their best interest to feed them like that. This was back in the late 80s early 90s, at least for me. No doubt selective breeding of who nabbed the most peanuts led to the current situation in RMNP. All I can promise you is that it won't continue with my offspring.

[–]AddNamAndHim 4 points5 points  (3 children)

I have BEEN to Estes Park! Saw my first ever moose. It was a young calf, but a moose nonetheless.

I was also very disappointed to learn, halfway through the expensive tour, that The Shining was not actually filmed at The Stanley Hotel. The movie was filmed in the UK using a model of The Stanley. We even had a drink at "Lloyd's bar" beforehand : (

[–]beaukneaus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We saw a moose family at Bierstadt one year!

[–]Randyd718 0 points1 point  (1 child)

The exterior is an entirely different hotel in Oregon iirc

[–]AddNamAndHim 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds right. And don't get me wrong, we had a GREAT time. Delicious Old Fashions at the bar, the tour even took us down to the basement where there are tunnels, safes, vaults & such. They even showed us where people were injured or killed in the hotel!

But I obviously didn't do enough homework & had to learn the filming didn't take place here. I was kinda like, "Well then wtf are we doing here..."

Went & got sandwiches at Scratch Deli & Bakery afterwards. That was great, too.

[–]mchgndr 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lumpy Ridge Trail! Only been to Colorado once but made sure to do this hike. A fun one for sure

[–]Cik22 2 points3 points  (2 children)

I live Estes park!

[–]unclejragon 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Any tips for soon first time visitors?

[–]Cik22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Plan enough time to get to used to the elevation if you plan on hiking. The drive out is gorgeous but very windy so if you get motion sick be prepared with medication. We had a very good experience at the twin owls restaurant it’s been a few years since we were last in that part of Colorado.

[–]6nonamemanon6 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow that’s a paradise for me!

[–]WSDGuy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You all should have seen RMNP/Estes 30 years ago.

[–]log_asm -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Grandparents lived in Estes until very recently. Many a good memory of going there. I very specifically remember using the binoculars with my grandpa to watch the deer/elk across the street from their house. My only complaint is my grandma used to make ginger ale and ice cream floats, which sounds good in theory but imo is hot garbage. She acted like it was such a treat I just drank it anyways.

[–]Itwontmatterr -4 points-3 points  (1 child)

That's pollution over us

[–]coachfortner 1 point2 points  (0 children)

the aerosols dispersed even in rural areas have increasingly clouded our view of nature

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[–]GirlBrunette22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

looks like heaven on earth

[–]ewadizzle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I stopped scrolling because I thought it was hanging lake but this is close enough

[–]Hat-Trick_Swayze 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Magical place

[–]Mission_Cause368 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aww I wanted to share my Estes Park shot!

[–]papaya_boricua 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been to that spot, it's so serene. Lots of elk always nearby.

[–]Freebird_1957 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this is what Heaven might look like.

[–]Oahkery 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took this same photo except in the winter with the lake frozen and people walking on it!

[–]maconmatt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been there! Recognized it immediately.

[–]beccansc283 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lovely 😇

[–]tripacer99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Going here in a few weeks! Looks amazing!

[–]boatboy1800 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I visited there on a rainy day a few years ago. It was absolutely magical at the top. We relaxed and it started lightly snowing.

[–]Traditional_Road_267 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome photo! Definitely put the place in my bucket list now

[–]jpitelka 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wanna go back🥹

[–]Chipshotz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I stayed there many years ago. I'm sure it has changed considerably.

[–]carmium 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Och, what a lovely wee tarn!

[–]AWL_cow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Went to Estes Park one year at the end of December, it was gorgeous. The small town was like something out of a Christmas film. It was incredibly beautiful, although all the locals told us the best time to come was during the summer.

[–]nolasen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Moonstone Pond

[–]DannyJames84 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Commenting here so I can remember it for later: at first I thought this was the inspiration for a spot in the video game Horizon Forbidden West.

[–]wookofwallstreet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gem Lake, I got leeches on my feet in that water. Beautiful hike, though.

[–]Chew-Magna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In a few months I get to see that, we're moving there in June. It'll be my first time in mountains since I was a kid.

[–]SkyeMarie_1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Colorado is really such and underrated state

[–]timexband 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow - was at nearly that exact spot about half a century ago. I am amazed . . . 😲

[–]DoctorTobogggan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah that’s far cry 5

[–]theyipper 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wearing my touristy Eates Park hoodie so I understand this.

[–]white_nigrous69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can anyone here share me the lats and longs of location

[–]raphaelkdot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought its The Forest 😆

[–]tastycrust 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I fish there on Far Cry 5 all the time.

[–]redpandabear89 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beautiful spot - reminds me of happy memories with my ex. I had originally planned to go solo back in 2019, but was in a fairly new relationship at the time of booking and planning my CO road trip, and said to her if she’d like to come that would be great, and all hotels/car rental etc are already booked anyway so she would only need to pay for the flight and maybe some gas. She broke up with me a few weeks ago and this trip was brought up as an example of how she felt like an “add-on” to my life and how she never felt like she got a say. Man, it was basically a free two week holiday for her, and we had the best fucking time. Hurts.

[–]Kickthemkids 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nz’s better but ig it looks nice

[–]Kickthemkids 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great photograph work too Ka pai 👍

[–]donaldcaskiesquare 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would love to go to Colorado so stunning the “Mountain state “. I have met many Americans that say this is where they want to live and retire for many different reasons .

[–]sgcarter 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can someone make this widther with AI? Up to 5120px? (5K resolution)

[–]MAJORMETAL84 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just incredible, wow!

[–]affenjungr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Farcry 5

[–]Fappy_as_a_Clam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's a brewery in Estes Park that is in an old gas station, and it's worth checking out.

I was there in the fall and there was several deer that were just hanging out around it. Like we were on a patio drinking a beer and 10 feet away a couple deer were just doing deer things.

[–]Vespizzari 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Estes Park, a beautiful place to be a tourist or a meth head.

[–]Dry_Psychology_8055 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great hike, I got banged up there. Breathtaking in many ways.

[–]scomat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks like a still from the Far Cry series. Amazing view

[–]LeroyTheBarman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was there last year, incredible. As was the Rocky Mountain NP and the drive through the canyon heading towards Fort Collins/Loveland area

One of the most beautiful areas in the world, shame about the altitude sickness I got, too damn high for me

[–]charryvanilla 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel less of need to travel in recent years because this quality is better than my eye sight. It’s very cost effective.

[–]purrfessormeow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What time of year would this be?

[–]AmbulanceChaser12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No it isn’t, it’s the mountain that overlooks the Zora’s domain!

[–]hectorduenas86 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s a legendary buck around there, gonna warn Arthur

[–]gimpers420 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love this place, was just there last week.

[–]BaltimoresJandro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is one of my favorite hikes to take visitors to. Not too hard for this abyss at the top.

[–]funhouse7 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Used to spend my summers there at the summer camp

[–]Benedikto_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You know what would really improve the view? An eight lane highway, a shopping mall and condos as far as the eye can see

/s

[–]allhumanstogether 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love me some granite with a smattering of trees around an alpine lake!

[–]fesanb 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just want to throw a rock in the water

[–]minkin91 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Ahh good old Gem Lake. Went to Colorado for my first time 2 years ago and did this one. Really nice hike and very feasible for those who aren’t necessarily into hiking.

[–]unclejragon -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Any advice to other first timers?

[–]unclejragon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Heading here next week! Any tips?

[–]Sirerdrick64 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’ve been there - it was great!
Awesome to see zero people.

[–]FartedBlood -1 points0 points  (1 child)

Got chased by a bull elk there when I was 16. It was entirely my fault, and one of the scariest things that’s ever happened to me.

[–]ExtensionFig4572 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You should stay outta the parks that have grizzlies

[–]pressgang13 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

My birthplace:) same day the Broncos went to the SB