Moose, Moose, More Moose and Some Elk too

Look at those white teeth!

This is my fifth time visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the last couple of years and I have never had so many moose sightings!   I've seen moose on most of my visits and have had some great sightings, but I have never seen this many on one visit.  I was thrilled when I saw five moose the afternoon I arrived. At the time, I thought how lucky is this? I also thought those sightings may just be the only moose I would see on this visit.  But lucky for me, that has not been the case.  I have seen several moose each time I've gone into the park.  I was even lucky enough to capture that mamma moose and her calf just outside the house I'm renting.   

Clearly this one doesn't like the paparazzi

As I noted previously, I don't know why I'm so fascinated with these guys, but I can't seem to get enough of them.  They just seem so goofy and silly.  I can sit and watch them munch on leaves and twigs for hours.  Finding one bedded down in the afternoon is equally thrilling.  I watch fascinated each time I catch them walking down the road or crossing the street.   My heart soars with each sighting and has yet to get even close to getting old. 

I love spotting elk too.  Seeing a herd at the base of a mountain or roaming across the valley is exciting as well.  I also love capturing a group of them bedded down, with just their little heads popping out above the grass.   It looks like someone planted a little elk garden with the heads starting to sprout!  But as much I love seeing elk, it is not quite as exhilarating as spotting a moose.

The elk garden is starting to sprout

These gangly, awkward, goofy looking creatures just make me smile, if not laugh out loud. 

The not so majestic moose!

The Beauty of Colorado Never Ceases to Amaze

I know I've written about this before, but Colorado is so beautiful.  I come here often, not often enough, but I'm blown away by how scenic and beautiful it is every single time.  The mountains, the trees, the creeks and rivers provide a majestic backdrop to this picturesque state.   The term Colorful Colorado doesn't do justice to how truly magnificent it is.   

Scenic mountain backdrop

Something about this place connects with me on a deep, spiritual level.  I wonder if this is were I'm ultimately  meant to be.  I have a vision that goes back to my childhood of me living in a small town, surrounded by mountains, unloading boxes of fruits and vegetables from a Jeep.   Like many things from childhood, this vision is often long forgotten.  But when I'm in Colorado, it comes to the forefront of my mind.   Maybe it's a memory from a previous life, if you believe in these types of things.  Or maybe it is truly a vision of where I'm meant to be.  

For a kid that grew up in beach towns and lived near the beach most of my life, I'd expect to feel at home near the ocean or at least a body of water.   But I'm frightened of the ocean.  I have a very difficult time relaxing on a beach.  I've had a recurring dream for years of seeing a tsunami heading my way and feel the panic of being swept away by the force of the impending waves.  Again, maybe this is a memory from a past life.    But maybe these two recurring thoughts are connected.   Maybe the deep seated fear of tsunamis has led to an unconscious need to be in the mountains.

It wasn't until I went to the mountains in the southwest that I realized I loved being in the mountains.  The mountains, brought me peace and tranquility.  It calmed my soul.   I ultimately bought a modest house in a small mountain town that became my happy place.  Unfortunately I lost the home in a wildfire and am now forced to make a decision to rebuild there or look elsewhere.  I loved that home and did a lot to make it cozy and comfortable, so my instinct is to rebuild.   But maybe the fire was yet another sign that is leading me to where I'm ultimately meant to be, here in Colorado.

As finish writing this, I looked out the window to see a mamma moose and her calf just outside the window of the rental I'm staying at.  It makes my heart soar to see these two so close. 

Back to Rocky Mountain National Park

 Rocky Mountain National Park has become one of my faves.   I love visiting here in May just before Memorial Day and late September to avoid the summer crowds.  I have developed an obession with moose.  Not sure why they fascinate me so, but these goofy looking creatures do.   Colorado is fairly close to visit and Rocky Mountain National Park provides a great opportunity to spot moose, along with elk, fox and other wildlife.   I first came here two years ago and have been coming back 2x a year since.    There's nothing like spotting that first moose of the trip.  It's thrilling every time and has yet to get old for me.

Where to Stay?

It really depends on what you're looking for.  I have stayed in both Grand Lake and Estes Park.  Grand Lake is a smaller, quieter town than Estes park and there's only one entrance to the park from Grand Lake. However, while Estes Park, has lots to see but I prefer the quietness of Grand Lake.  It has more of an small old lake town.

When to Come?

If you come before Memorial Day weekend, the Trail Ridge Road will most likely be closed, so you don't get to see the whole park. But I do think you have a great chance at spotting moose closer up.  And if you're really lucky, you might even see a mamma moose and her calf!  Keep in mind in May, moose and elk won't have their antl
ers yet.   They will most likely just have some stubs starting to grow.

In the late September/early October, which is rut season, the moose and elk will have their antlers.  And if you come at just the right time, you'll be able to see the beautiful fall colors of Colorado!  It is really hard to time optimal "peep leafing" but if you get lucky, you'll see why Colorado is called Colorful Colorado. 

I have yet to come in the depths of winter, but I imagine it would be beautiful and there would still be plenty to do.  As for summer, I try to avoid as much of the summer crowds as possible.  It's hard to find places to stay and don't forget between Memorial Day weekend and mid-October, you'll also need a timed entry permit in order to access the park.  Basically you have to have a reservation, that allows you a certain window of time to enter the park.   

There's just something about Colorado that touches my soul whenever I visit.  It truly is a beautiful place and Rocky Mountain National Park is a must for me, especially when I need my moose fix!