While casual visitors might not know it, Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park was once a winding, damp and biologically diverse wetland populated by an estimated 600 beavers.

The Alpine Ridge Trail is a paved, steep trail that starts at the Alpine Visitor Center, which sits at 11,796 feet above sea level. Visitors come to see the alpine wildflowers and tundra vistas, as well as the views of the Never Summer Mountains.