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The trail had a boardwalk for a short distance. Then there was a sign with an arrow saying go to the right, which the two RV Gypsies did. |
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On the lower part of the Rockgarden Trail, the two RV Gypsies saw moss and lichen covered boulder fields that date back to the last Ice Age. The trail led through black and grizzly bear habitat, and up to a viewpoint overlooking glaciers and the mountain barrier of Rogers Pass. The two RV Gypsies did not meet bears, thank goodness, and could not be sure where the trail was at times. |
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If you look on the upper right side of the map above, it shows rocks with the symbol in the photos below, then the trail goes into the rock area. The two RV Gypsies did not have the map with them because the brochures in the parking lot were all gone. They did not like the looks of the trail going upwards, and just weren't sure of which way to continue, so they walked back to the parking lot to look at the map on the bulletin board again. |
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Below: The two RV Gypsies went back to where the sign with the arrow pointing right was located. But this time, instead of going to the right, they headed up the steep stone staircase towards the glacier. (This is the trail to the left on the map above). |
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The upper Rockgarden Trail offered a rustic and primitive experience. It is a single file trail with rock staircases, stepping stones, slippery and steep sections and sharp cliff faces. It is recommend that hikers wear footwear appropriate for backcountry-style hiking, and that hikers keep children under their strict control. The Rockgarden trail is not recommended for pets. Below, a bit of the glacier can be seen behind Karen, although the glacier is actually a bit washed out in the photo. |
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Below: The two RV Gypsies continued up the trail and climbed over big boulders. There was one area (shown in the photos below) with a railing that was a big help. |
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Below: A glimpse of the road below. |
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Below: Another symbol in a rock, about 1/3 of the way up the trail. |
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Lee did very well on the steep trail with his new knees. |
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The Rock Garden trail wandered through an old rock avalanche area. Note in the pictures, nature hard at work eroding the rocks by growing trees on them. |
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Below: Karen Duquette is in the next four photos below. She is very proud of herself for making the climb with a bad knee. The knee brace helped a lot. |
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The trees were very tall here. Karen Duquette can barely be seen in the second photo below. |
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SURPRISE! Lee's cell phone rang. It was John and Renee calling. The two RV Gypsies were in shock that they had cell service up on top of these rocks, when they didn't get cell service most of the time in campgrounds, or while driving. |
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The two RV Gypsies made it to the top of the rocks. Then the trail went into the woods, so the two RV Gypsies decided not to go any further, because they knew that the trail went along the top of the ridge for miles. |
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Below: The two RV Gypsies took various views of the glacier as they climbed up and back down the big boulders. |
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