One of our favorite spots in the park is Moraine Park. We put our fishing skills to the the test in the Big Thompson River that snakes its way through here. I wasn't experienced enough to outwit the fish.
But John was able to fool three of them into taking the bait. This was not easy to do because this stretch of the river is heavily fished and everything caught must be released. This beautiful brown trout was the largest of the three he landed.
We saw more elk this time than we ever have before. A herd of about 50 were grazing nearby while we fished. I didn't notice them until I heard the calves calling for their mothers. Look carefully and you'll see them in the foreground of this picture.
Later, as we were driving through the park we saw this magnificent elk. He was causing a traffic jam as everyone was pulling over to take his picture.
Trail Ridge Road took us above the tree line to the snow-capped mountain peaks.
The drifts at the Alpine Visitor Center are still quiet high. And the temperature is still on the cold side. Can you tell I'm shivering?
We didn't catch any fish at Lily Lake to take photos of, but this ground squirrel was kind enough to pose for me.
And this duck swam right by my fishing spot, so I took his picture too.
Everywhere you turn there is something beautiful to see. It's easy to fall in love with this place.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a true mountaintop experience.
It was our year to see the park. I hope to see it next year. Look at all the snow!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful and brought back great memories of my last trip there. Especially the elk!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! Amazing that you were able to get so many good pictures of the wildlife!
ReplyDeleteRocky Mountain National Park is one of our favorite places to visit. As gorgeous as the photos are, there's nothing like being there. :-)
ReplyDeletelovely photos. The elk are amazing creatures, aren't they :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of a beautiful place! That big elk is a show stopper for sure.
ReplyDeleteWow the scenery is great. I would love to move someplace like that. The city is closing in on us! Trees and four seasons would be great. I love that you catch and release.
ReplyDeleteSnow just what I needed to see with the heat that we have. What a beautiful trip and the fish it looks like a perfect fish.
ReplyDeleteWow! Everything looks so fresh and beautiful! I'm sure this is a great place to vacation:~D
ReplyDeleteIve never been to Colorado....it's beautiful! You and John go to some of the best places!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! I remember one of the first times we were in Colorado with our kids. Kai thought that the snow was white rock up on the mountains. He just couldn't believe there could still be snow.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I feel like I have been on a mini vacation via my computer.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of you next to the mountain of snow! How fun!
I agree it is a very special place..You have a great camera perspective.
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