Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park, CO

We had a full week in the Loveland, CO area. The weather has been rather chilly and windy at times. We did get to Rocky Mountain National Park two days in a row. What beautiful scenery and wildlife to be seen.

Here is a shot taken as we traveled through the town of Estes Park to get to the entrance of Rocky Mountain NP. Estes Park is a neat little town whose prime location has it enjoying the summer tourist season for the National Park and the winter season for skiing. There is a lot of water in the area and the wildlife abound. There are signs that read "Caution" Wildlife on all roads" and you better believe it.

Within the park boundaries, we came across this stream that had ice/snow along its edges. With the fall colors, it made for a pretty picture.

It is rutting season for the Elk and we were treated to many views of the bulls with their cows. It was a thrill to see and hear the Elk bugle. This was the first time I ever heard the sounds in real time and thought it was quite special. What was a surprise to John and I were that we thought the bulls kept their cows away from the other Elk. We came across a large number of Elk in a meadow with bulls and cows separated but still in the group. There was a lot of bugling going on and the bulls were carefully watching their cows and for other bulls. It was really fascinating to watch.

One of our stops was at Bear Lake. As you can see, there was still some snow in the shaded areas. Yes, it was rather chilly sitting there.

As we drove through Estes Park returning to the RV park, there was a group of Elk laying in front of a amusement park. At first, we all thought they were bronzes but soon realized they were alive! Rick pulled over and we got several nice pictures of the group. There wasn't any stress to these guys: the cows laid down again and the bull ate the cherries that had fallen off the tree.

Another bonus on the trip home was that we also got good viewing of Big Horn Sheep. This grouping was just across the river from us. I never imagined that I would ever actually hear their clop, clop on the rocks but I did! It will be a wonderful sound that will stay with me a long time.

On our way back towards Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park the next day, we drove past this carved dead tree. There is a lot of tree carving that goes on in the area. Our campground had many carvings on the grounds; of which we didn't get any pictures.

Treated to another viewing of a couple of rams just resting in the shade of some trees.

On this trip, we took the Old Fall River Road which had been closed yesterday but was now open today to the Alpine Visitor Center. The road is a one way bumpy gravel road that takes you through three zones: montane, sub-alpine, and alpine. When you get up to the Alpine Visitor Center, you are at an elevation of 11,796 feet and that still isn't the summit. It is fascinating to consider that the drive up to the Alpine Visitor Center takes you to the Artic Circle ecologically but you are only a couple of hours from Denver.
We then headed to the west side of the park. Here is a shot of Poudre Lake that sits on the Continental Divide. Anyone ready for a dip in the lake? Brrr . . .

We made it to Grand Lake and had a picnic lunch appreciating the occasional rays of sunshine. One of the things that struck me the most on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is the devastation done by the Pine Beetle. All of the park has been hit by the Pine Beetle but vast mountainsides are dead on the west side.

On our way back up over the summit in the park, we came across this lone Elk bull. I guess he didn't get the memo that everyone else was at a lower elevation in nice meadows. As snow came in overnight to the park, maybe he decided to head down the hill.

The Rocky Mountain National Park is well worth a visit. John and I had hoped to do some hiking in the park, but it was just too darn cold and with the wind, it made it even more so. This is an area that we would love to return and visit one again. As for now, instead of heading to southern Colorado as originally planned, we are going to head to the desert warmth of Moab, Utah.