Elk lounging around near where we parked

I was going back over some trips that we had taken in the last few years when I came across a trip we took with my parents from Kansas to Colorado.  There were a lot of fun activities and adventures from that trip so I thought I would share a little bit with you and maybe you will see something you might want to do with your family.  I grew up going to Colorado for summer camp and vacation so I have made a few trips through the Rocky Mountains.

On this particular trip it was the girls first time in the Colorado Rockies.  They loved it and thought it was amazing the number of animals that we saw on the side of the road and near where we were walking around.  All of these animals were in their native wildlife settings, however, some were pretty close to local towns and hiking trails.  They didn’t seem disturbed at all by us taking their pictures.  We did keep a safe distance away just in case (we didn’t want to upset any of the animals).

The one on the left is the same one as in the first picture, but if you look closely to the right under the tree is another elk.  These were spotted next to the parking lot where our car was in near Estates Park.

 Mountain goat must have found something tasty to eat on the side of the road.

 He looked up briefly to look at us and went back to eating again.

 This little bird was making all kinds of noise on our hike and picnic.

 There are chipmunks everywhere.  You are not suppose to feed them, but they are very commonly seen around picnic areas scavenging for bits of food.

 Two chipmunks hanging out on a ledge together

 The girls want to pet or pick these little cute chipmunks up, but they are not tame and it wouldn’t be safe either.  They were fun to watch scurrying around.

 Elk sitting at the edge of the mountain looking down on the valley.  It didn’t even turn to look at us.

 Two elk eating food near where we were hiking.

 Several hours later after our hiking, exploring, picnic, and other adventures we came back down the mountain and it looked like the same goat was still eating from the same area near the road.  He must have found a lot of good food in that area!

A lot of places in the area have hummingbird feeders.  If you want a few minutes you will see them coming and going.  They are fast and pretty neat to watch.

The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!