Take the Scenic Route

 Time to head back to Colorado for a leaf peeping getaway.   Colorado is always beautiful, but when she's showing off her fall colors, she's exceptional!   The original plan was to head back last of September/early October.  However, Mother Nature is on her own time and all indications were the peak colors would be reached a little early this year.   Time to put a last minute road trip together.   Didn't want everything to planned out, but knowing it would be a popular time in Colorado, booked a place in Vail for Saturday and Sunday night. Due to getting a late start, I decided to head to Colorado Springs first and then take the scenic route up to Vail. 

After a long day in the car, it was time for me and the dogs to stretch our legs at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.  

Spots of Color

Time to head up to Vail.  Given the purpose of the trip is to see the fall foliage, decided to take the scenic route up highway 24 vs the quicker I-25 route.  As expected, the higher we climbed, the more color we started to see.   It's interesting how some mountain scapes are mainly covered in evergreen trees and are just dotted with color, while others are flooded with the colorful Aspens.   One thing is for sure, up in the mountains today, Colorado was living up to it's Colorful Colorado moniker.

In a world were we are often rushed and in a hurry to get somewhere, sometimes it pays to take the scenic route!

Dominated by Aspens

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!

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!