Colorado Review

Can you spot the wild animal in this picture?

Check out the lower right hand corner. That’s a female moose (cow moose) grazing off the side of the road in Rocky Mountain National Park last June.

Two friends and I were on a mini road trip at this national park northwest of Denver. We actually entered the park on Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the continental U.S., topping off at 12,183 feet) on the west side near Grand Lake, with our scenic drive finishing on the east side near Estes Park.

To say the views were stunning is an understatement. Now, in the fall, with the glorious autumn foliage, I’m sure the vistas are breathtaking. And wildlife viewing is plentiful.

It’s mating season for elk, so if you visit now, you’ll likely hear the male elks’ mating call–a bugle sound–especially in the early evening. When wildlife is spotted, cars pull over and line up on the side of the road. Be sure to drive carefully on the winding roads.

Here’s a shot of us taking a short hike up to 2.3 miles above sea level. This point is reached via a steep path from the Alpine Visitor Center (11,796 feet). Don’t do as I did; wear sturdy hiking shoes! Snow remains on the ground year round there, and I traipsed through lots of slush to reach the top. (That’s me on the far left.) Chilly feet!

Rocky Mountain National Park, moose, Colorado