Trek to the highest ecosystem in Rocky Mountain National Park with Charlie Armadillo!
Rocky Mountain Trek to the Tundra – Book 2
The second story (published August 2023) in the National Parks Explorer Series takes readers to Rocky Mountain National Park, where Charlie is super excited to identify all of the zones of the mountain as he ventures to the highest point in the park, but what he really wants to find is a big horn sheep. Will Charlie find his big horn sheep in the alpine tundra, or will he discover an animal he hadn’t expected to find?
Keep reading below to learn some fun facts about ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, as well as see some of the sights that Charlie saw during his visit (all photos are from my personal experiences in the park).
REAL Landscapes from the Rockies
Every Charlie Armadillo book features REAL locations from the National Park that readers can recognize and find on their own!
The Denver Airport is the largest in the western hemisphere by land – and it’s super unique (image credit to the B1M via the Denver Airport)! The design is inspired by … you guessed it: the Rocky Mountains.
Charlie lands in Denver to kick off his Rocky Mountain adventure!
We have visited Rocky dozens of times. But, in a 2021 trip, I was certain the view at the tundra would be cloudy. To my surprise, we popped out of the cloud coverage just past Rainbow Curve to a stunning vista above the cloud line.
Charlie and his family pop out of the clouds at Rainbow curve.
The Alpine Visitor Center is the highest elevation visitor center in the park system @ 11796′. Note: Elephants are not a common sight at the Alpine Visitor Center.
Charlie learns about local flora from the Park Ranger at the Alpine Visitor Center.
It’s possible we’ve taken the “Trek to the Tundra” … once or twice. The high altitude Alpine Ridge Trail is breathtaking … literally. Be sure to stay on the trail – the tundra is one of the most delicate ecosystems on Earth.
Charlie reaches the top of the tundra!
Where can I purchase a book in person?
I am grateful to partner with the RMC for my Trek to the Tundra book to be available in Nature Stores across Rocky Mountain National Park! Please support the Conservancy during your visit and ask for a copy.