Rocky Mountain National Park

The family took a weekend out of our busy lives and went to the park.

Just after exiting I-70 and headed for Grand Lake we spotted some big horn sheep. The sun was setting and they were on the shady side of the mountain. They just wouldn't give me a face shot. Must have been dinner time.

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A little further up the road I spotted some running water and decided to get the tripod out for a few shots.

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We stayed at our friends cabin who had invited us to come for the weekend. Before heading out the next day I noticed a lot of humming birds in the area. I caught this guy with a 50mm. Not the best shot, but its my first hummer.

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We decided to take a little hike before the heat of the day and we found this meadow.

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After a nice lunch we headed into the park. Where we saw a few moose...

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Plenty of elk....

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The big surprise were the mountain goats, which I have never seen there before. They were at about 11,000 feet.

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As you go up to the top of the highest paved road, you will see scenes likes this. When we reached the top it was snowing. I didn't take any pictures at the top of Trail Ridge because I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.  

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Back at the cabin we had a nice dinner and spent time with our good friends until bed time. The next day meant it was time to head for home. Before we left the kids wanted to do a few more things.

Like fishing....

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and going to a guest ranch to feed and pet the horses.

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We had a great time and I hope you enjoyed the short story.:smile:

 

It was a very good trip. We need to do more of this.

The kids love animals. This was Logans first close encounter with elk. He thought they were some kind of horse and wanted to ride them. LOL

It is a lovely place. Next time, maybe we will come from the other side and get the rest of the park.

You should. There was a lot of elk.:wink:

 

You would think I would be there more often with it being so close. Its really only a day trip for us, yet we only go a couple of times a year.:redface:

Everyone needs to drive to the top of Trail Ridge Road, and then try to go for a jog. Just to feel that altitude. :smile:In the fall when the bull elk start to bugle would be my choice, but I don't have to fight the crowds for a camping spot or hotel room.:biggrin:

That is the canal that connects the lakes. Near rainbow bridge. There is a little parking area, and a couple of those little decks to fish from. We have never caught anything large from there, but Amanda did catch her first fish there a few years ago. It's a nice place for the kids to wet a line.:wink:

 

Thanks Mike. There is a lot of bettle kill pine trees standing. I hope there isn't a fire like Yellowstone had.

 

I wish he wouldn't say those things when I am taking a drink. 

If I had the time I probably would be there too.

They were thinking that the next odd noise they heard they would all run up into the trees. Someone slammed a car door shortly after I took this shot. 

 

Thanks. Even a blind dog can find a bone once in a while.