Tundra

Rocky Mountain National Park is breathtaking, for lack of a less generic word.

First, there are the terror-inspiring, sheer cliff drops that I tried not to see outside of the passenger side window. Seriously, I still can't believe they just let anybody and everybody drive up there.

Second, there's also the unbelievable views. Oh the views. Every time I looked through the camera lens, I thought for sure I'd seen that exact shot on a postcard somewhere. I kept taking photo after photo, despite knowing they could never capture the sense of being there.

Driving up over Trail Ridge Road to the top of the mountains you arrive at the tundra. The tundra is incredible, particularly in contrast to the lush green forested peaks on the way up. Its starkness was almost surreal. As was standing in snow a mere one hour after picnicking outside on a sunny 80 degree day. That right there is the magic of the Rockies.