Tribute to Rocky Mountain National Park

Guest Blog Post by Stacey Wall

​​I’m posting my flyathlon adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park as a tribute, in hopes that the East Troublesome fire has not destroyed one of the most beautiful spots on the planet…

My flyathlete husband Dan and I spent five days in RMNP this past July, revisiting a trail we explored over a decade ago! We entered at the North Inlet and hiked a counterclockwise loop on the North Inlet and Tonahutu Creek Trail. The first day was a gradual climb to Ptarmigan, followed by an epic day two with 12 miles and 4500 ft elevation change over Flattop Mountain following a stunning high alpine trail. Just a mile or so past our next campsite was Haynach Lake, perfect for a very quick cold swim and a long fruitful morning of fishing for cutthroat! Full disclosure: I didn’t run, although I’m counting this as my flyathlon run considering the added effort of carrying my backpack! The next two days were a gradual descent past Granite Falls to Big Meadow. Along the way we encountered mountain goat, elk, marmot, moose, and countless birds. Zero humans, the perfect socially distanced wilderness adventure.

Thanks to Andrew and the Running Rivers Board, and to all of you flyathletes for contributing to the cause preserving our native trout habitat.

​Run. Fish. Beer. 6 feet apart.