Estes Park and Elk

As warmer seasons begin to fade into winter, I have redoubled my efforts to see Colorado mountain areas before they become buried in snow.  One of the places that made Colorado my 'must go to state' is Estes Park.   It is located a couple hours drive north of the Denver area.  The last time I was there was about a decade ago and it was love at first site.  Glorious Rocky mountain scenery and abundant wildlife lit a fire in me that burns even now.

This time around I went up later in the season instead of mid summer like my last visit.  I made the trip with my friend Leanne and her son, Jackson.  It is Elk mating season and I have video that in some circles would be considered 'elk porn'.  Definitely an educational experience watching the mating 'flirting' ritual, which involved a surprising amount of tongue wagging in the air at each other.

Here are some elk on the Estes Park golf course.

We found a few different spots where herds gathered.  Interestingly, there would be about 20 females and only on big ol' frisky feeling Male.
And, as before, I was able to get remarkably close.  Seems elk are not nearly as skittish as deer.

We were treated to the giant males 'bugling', a high pitch sound that resemble a bugle.  All part of the courtship dance.
Here is one big boy attempting to hide from photographers.

Elk wasn't the only wildlife we saw.  I saw my first coyote in the wild.  He was perfectly colored to match in with the surrounding vegetation.

We also came across the most aggressively demanding chipmunks I have ever seen.  They were at the pinnacle of the Rocky Mountain National Park.  When I walked to the wall I was accosted by greedy little rodents on speed.

Leanne showed me a very well designed two story cabin built by skiers that was up on the side of a mountain off of an unmarked trail.  It was complete with sleeping bags and mattresses.  Awesome little find.

And of course, no trip to Estes Park is complete with out checking out the Stanley hotel made famous by the movie 'The Shining'.

It was another great Colorado adventure.  I do so love having all of these outdoor activities so close.  I will be posting video of this trip soon.