Mary is from Denver (Golden) Colorado, so we visit at least once a year.  Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its elevation.  Most of the Park is above 7,500 feet and the Trail Ridge Road, which crests at over 12,000 feet, is the highest paved road in the country.  We spent a long weekend there during the Elk rut.  Here is what you might see.

The Elk rut was really fun and interesting.  There is a lot of fighting, but few injuries.  The distinguishing characteristic of the rut is the bugling that the males do to attract females, but also might start a fight.

You also have to drive the Ridge Road.  There are numerous lookouts and the temperature may change as much as 40 degrees.  We started our drive in sunshine and drove right into a summer snow storm.

One of the really nice hikes takes off from Bear Lake and you can hike up to Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake.

There is always water running somewhere.  We found a few small waterfalls that were really fun.

On our last morning we went out for sunrise.  It was almost spectacular, but the light never really popped.  We spent some time at Marys Lake.

We will definitely go back to RMNP.  There is so much to see and do.  We did not have the best conditions and best light.  Nonetheless, we had a great experience.  To see more of our photographs, please go to www.pamphotography.com.