As an elementary art teacher, I rarely have the opportunity to travel in the fall. But when our dear friend’s daughter announced her wedding would be in Estes Park, Colorado, my husband and I jumped at the chance to share their special day and to visit beautiful Colorado in the fall!
From the moment we headed north on Highway 25 from Denver to Estes Park, the astounding beauty of Colorado began to fill my soul with a peace and serenity that is often difficult to find. The beauty of the fall colors mixed with the Rocky Mountain backdrop was everything and more that I had hoped to see.
Our friends recently bought an amazing cabin ( really it’s a beautiful home ) just at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. The views from their back porch are simply stunning!
The first morning after our arrival we were awoken by the sound of bugling by the “Great Prince” elk as he kept his “harem” together. Imagine walking onto your back porch to find some 50 odd elk passing by about 50 feet away.
My husband took this photo of a “Great Prince” elk in town. October is rutting season for elks. The male elk ( or as we like to call him the “Great Prince” ) gathers as many female elks as possible into his “harem”. The “Great Prince” is clearly in command and does not easily welcome any “competitors” near his “harem.”
Before the wedding, we had a day to explore Rocky Mountain National Park! The only word I know to describe the views is breathtaking! I have had the good fortune to visit this incredible place before and I promise it never disappoints.
Travel Tip: October is an incredible time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The air is crisp and the birch trees are turning a beautiful yellow gold. It’s hard to miss the harems of elk as they travel into town and inhabit the local golf course. The crowds of summer have begun to thin, but there are still many visitors to the park on the weekend. We arrived on a Tuesday and were able to take advantage of the park before the many weekend visitors. The weather was cold the day of our arrival, so pack you jacket, but warmed up to a very pleasant 70 degrees over
To Create Sunshine 
So pretty….great pictures.
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Thank you. It was a wonderful trip!
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I have never been to CO in the fall, only in the summer. And, once at spring break when I accompanied the Austin High School orchestra and band on a trip to Breckinridge. I love CO and need to plan another trip soon, maybe even this fall. You have great travel log pictures
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Thank you. It is so beautiful I think any time of year would be delightful! I hope to go back soon!
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