A spectacular scenic drive stretches from the old mining town of Silverton, to the town of Ouray, along what is called the Million Dollar Highway. This is a 46-kilometer two-lane highway that hugs the mountainside in places and looks out over jaw-dropping cliffs and across valleys to inspiring mountain peaks. It is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in Colorado. If you have time, you can extend this into a longer route and drive the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The Skyway is a full-day trip that you will want to do in good weather, but can be done in winter or summer.
Stay in 1 of our 5 renovated riverfront cabins for a romantic atmosphere away from daily routine. With a private hot tub overlooking Fall River & a jetted spa tub for 2 in the living area, fireplace, full kitchen & gas grill on the deck, you can rest & reconnect. Nestled among tall Ponderosa pines just 1 mi. west of downtown, with easy access to RMNP. Fall River Cabins Details
Explore the nearby great outdoors at the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space or get your adrenaline pumping by rafting on Cache La Poudre River with the Mountain Whitewater Descents Company. Visit Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures to learn about folk art from all over the world. Take the kids to the Farm at Lee Martinez Park to learn about the farm life and play with baby farm animals.
Located off Lift 8 on Hook em’ Horns, the Ginny Lee Cabin offers skiers & snowboarders a place to hang out on the far north side of the mountain. Newly built in 2014 and named after Virginia Upham, Ginny Lee is quickly becoming one of the favorite cabins on the mountain. Be sure to check out the new Tommyknocker’s Ginny Lee IPA brewed only for Loveland Ski Area.
Located 17 miles from the Winter Park ski resort and 16 miles from Vail, Frisco is the perfect small-town getaway. You can relive life as a miner in the Old West at Frisco’s historic park and museum or take a mountain bike ride that takes you over 55 miles of paved pathways. Strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis for a turn around the Frisco Nordic Center. During the summer, paddle or motor out to the Sentinel Island from the Frisco Bay Marina. Rent a cozy condo at Mountainside, or consider renting a lovely house on the Blue River. Warm up the evening with delicious farm-to-table fusion fare Italian-style at Bagalis Frisco.
The mountain biking trails around Fruita are some of the top-rated trails in the state. Most notably are the 18 Road Trails, with the infamous Zippity Do Da trail, and the Kokopelli Loops. This is desert terrain, with trails that run along the tops of ridges and everywhere in between or alongside cliff ledges with views over the Colorado River. This area has, for many mountain bikers, become an alternative to Moab, Utah. During the spring, you can even combine sports; mountain biking in Fruita one day and skiing at Beaver Creek or Vail - just over two hours away - the next.
That was not my intention. We planned a trip from Florida to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for one of my freelance writing projects, and originally scheduled a day in Denver (at 5,280 feet in elevation) to acclimate. Frontier Airlines had a different idea. I heard alternatively that our plane had a mechanical issue, that weather in the Midwest grounded the flight, and that the crew went on strike. Regardless, the airline cancelled our original flight.
No matter what time of year you choose to stay in Estes Park, you will find pleasant weather to suit the outdoor activities of the season. The coldest month is January, with an average high of 38 degrees – excellent skiing and snowboarding weather. July tends to be the warmest month of the year, with average highs reaching 78 degrees. This warmth, combined with the region's low humidity, makes for the perfect climate for hiking, biking, boating, and more.
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Located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs has multiple attractions, ranging from museums and parks to trains and a zoo. It is within close proximity to Pikes Peak, a landmark in the Pike National Forest. The Garden of the Gods park is also located in Colorado Springs and features red sandstone formations and stunning mountain views.
Be the first to stay in one our NEW Estes Park cottage cabins! This Estes park cabin rental is a one bedroom cabin with a queen bed in the bedroom and loft with one queen and two twin mattresses. Don’t worry about the linens, we’ve got that covered at our lovely new Estes park cabin. There is a bathroom with toilet and shower. Satellite TV/DVD player. Full kitchen with oven, fridge, microwave, coffee pot ,along with dishes, pots and pans. Also enjoy a pic a nic table, fire pit and grill just outside your front door.
My mind calm, the knitting absorbed any excess energy and left my senses free to absorb the stunning surroundings. Feeling no need to move, I watched the silhouettes of fish moving upstream, hummingbirds zip over my head, and a northern harrier cruise over the grassland, looking for prey. Months later, I can imagine every detail of that spot on the bank anytime I close my eyes.
Endless mountain landscapes and sunny weather, Colorado is the perfect place to pack your backs and escape to for a few days. With an abundance of natural splendor, Colorado boasts a myriad of cities worthy of exploring. From luxury ski resorts to charming small towns and the world-famous Rocky Mountains, travelers are spoiled for choice with outdoor adventures. Get off the grid and soak in the crisp mountain air, where depending on the season, nature enthusiasts can hike through beautiful trails, go swimming in natural hot springs or hit the slopes. Cities filled with diverse wildlife and natural wonders, here are ten of the best weekend getaways in Colorado.
While January isn’t typically busy, Murdock said that in December 2017, the park had 112,000 visitors. Visitors have shown up every day since the shutdown began, even though recent snowstorms and unplowed roads have made the park essentially off limits to vehicles. Anyone can still walk in, though, and Murdock has seen proof that that’s happening.
Estes Park is home to the headquarters of the Rocky Mountain National Park, and for many visitors, it’s the first stop en route to a Rocky Mountain vacation. Find yourself passing through to pick up maps and check trail conditions, or stay for a weekend getaway that offers unbeatable access to the Rockies, meaning you can hike all day and dine and unwind at night. The lively town has plenty of entertainment like the downtown Riverwalk, Aspen and Evergreen Gallery, and the historic Stanley Hotel.
The highest you can hike is Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet, the highest in the Rockies. With so much great climbing opportunities, Colorado Springs is a great place to learn to rock climb. Front Range Climbing Company and First Ascent Mountain School offer classes for any skill level. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site offers a glimpse into the past with the 1860 log cabin and the 1880 farm house. Western Museum of Mining & Industry tells the story of the mining in the area and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a home to more than 950 animals, 30 of them endangered.
The nearest airport is Denver International Airport[91] and the closest train station is the Denver Union Station. Estes Park may be reached by rental car, shuttle or RTD bus.[91][98] During peak tourist season, there is free shuttle service within the park and the town of Estes Park provides shuttle service to Estes Park Visitor Center, surrounding campgrounds, and the Rocky Mountain National Park's shuttles.[91]
An excellent vacation destination for visitors who are ready to hit the slopes, winter enthusiasts flock to Telluride every year for its 1,700 skiable acres that cater to both experts and novices alike. Visitors flock to Town Park on the southeast edge of town for its abundance of activities available, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fishing ponds and campgrounds that are popular for the city’s annual festivals and events. Bear Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls offer a variety of scenic hiking trails, while the Telluride Historical Museum and Historic Sheridan Opera House are two cultural attractions that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Idyllically pinned between the crags and currents of Little Prospect Mountain and Big Thompson River, This Mountain Life makes for a serene setting to call basecamp. Open your windows to clean crisp air, bluebird skies and sights and sounds of a winding snow-fed alpine river. Watch wildlife from Mountain Chickadees to Colorado Chipmunks and Wapiti Elk. Sleep like a log. Step out your haven in Historic Downtown to easily access top Estes Park shops, attractions and venues — from river walks to fishing spots, sweet shops to best restaurants, from care-free strolls to heart-pounding treks.
Popular during both the winter and the summer, Crested Butte offers year-round activities that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Soak in the crisp mountain air after taking the Silver Queen lift up to 11,875 feet up to see Crested Butte from above, visit the pedestrian-friendly city center with its myriad of locally owned shops, or choose your pick between summer and fall mountain biking and the area’s numerous trails. Those with little ones can head to the Trailhead Children’s Museum, Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum or find swimming and hiking at Meridian Lake in the summer.
Head to Denver, Colorado where you can see shows, visit museums and sample new flavors at gourmet restaurants. The Curtis – a DoubleTree by Hilton is a boutique hotel with 336 innovative accommodations, a retro dining experience and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The Bigger Better Deal Rooms offer 350 square feet of living space and views of downtown Denver. There are three types of suites to choose from: a KISS Suite, a Rolling Stones Suite and a suite dedicated to the Spice Girls. Guests can also stay in a “Hyper Themed” room on each of the 13 themed floors, such as the Jimmy Buffett Suite and the Ghostbusters Suite.
Imagine taking a trip on a train with your partner, very Old World romantic, isn’t it? The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers several options for guests who are looking for romantic getaways. The railroad runs between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. There are several trips available for you to choose including a full-day trip, a half-day trip, a sunset trip, and galloping goose #5. The sunset trip is probably the most romantic option of all. Depending on the route you choose, the fare starts from 95.75 USD.
The town has a lively arts and culture scene, reflected by several galleries and a busy live theater schedule. Outdoors, the fun never stops; you can hike over 70 spectacular trails, have fun on a Jeep, snow-mobile or OHV tour, bike the Ridgway Area Trail System or go rock climbing, canyoneering, fishing, skiing, and hot air ballooning. Keep reading for more Colorado points of interest. Things to Do in Ouray
The land that now houses the cozy Rustic River Cabins was originally declared a homestead of 160 acres in the Big Thompson Canyon in 1903. Through a series of owners, name changes and new buildings, it became Rustic River Cabins in 2003 and now has seven all-season, pet-friendly cabins which sleep between two and eight guests and feature a fireplace, a full kitchen and private hot tubs in five. They were originally built in the mid-1940s and offer a cozy charm that’s perfectly suited for a mountain getaway.
Every summer, Aspen gets taken over by classic music lovers during the renowned Aspen Music Festival and School with more than 300 concerts. Learn about Aspen from Dean Weiler during one of his popular Aspen Walking Tours and pay respect to John Denver at the John Denver Sanctuary you will pass by while hiking the picturesque Rio Grande Trail. Next read: best Aspen restaurants.
Adventure Ridge is the big news at Vail and mid-summer, the resort will implement several new activities, including a four-line 1,200-foot long zip line, two aerial ropes courses, and a kids zip line as well as a kids ropes course, climbing wall, rebound trampoline. Gore Creek Mini Golf offers family-friendly putting atop the Lionshead base area for the second summer season. Grab your family and try the FREE bean bag toss, horseshoes or the new slackline park where kids of all ages can test their balance at a variety of levels. If your kids are age four and older, they can use digging tools and a map to uncover dinosaur bones and learn about prehistoric creatures. The FREE Bud Light Hot Summer Nights Concert Series on Tuesdays June 12-August 21 has become the social event of the season. If you have aspiring adventurers, the 4th annual KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race on August 10 and 11 lets kids ages 6 through 14 experience the thrill of adventure racing with mountain biking, hiking, tubing, archery, a low ropes course, a zip line, a climbing wall, a Tarzan swing, a giant slip-n-slide and more.
Most Coloradoans know about hiking and camping in glorious Rocky Mountain National Park, biking around Lake Estes, checking out the darling shops on Elkhorn Avenue and tearing around the go-cart tracks. But most don’t know about the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, which offers a variety of half-day courses for kids and grown-ups alike such as geo-caching, animal tracking, stargazing and art sketching as a travel souvenir. Festivals abound in Estes Park during the summer–the Fishing Derby (June 1, 2013) and Wool Market (June 8-9) is free and fun for kids. Featuring many animals, performances and sheep-sheering, this event is especially ideal for tactile learners and kids with special needs. Estes Park’s Rooftop Rodeo in July 9-14 not only has all the staples of a great Western time but the parade features horses, trick riders, cowboys and more.
Solitude Cabins offers a rate to fit every budget and time of year, whether you want to get away in the winter for a snowy adventure, or your prefer to enjoy the colorful hiking trails of the summer. We do offer discounts and package specials, so please contact us well ahead of your trip to learn more. Our cabins comfortably house up to six guests.
Lawn Lake Trail climbs to Lawn Lake and Crystal Lake, one of the parks deepest lakes, in the alpine ecosystem and along the course of the Roaring River. The river shows the massive damage caused by a dam failure in 1982 that claimed the lives of three campers. The trail is a strenuous snowshoe hike in the winter.[42] Ypsilon Lake Trail leads to its namesake as well as Chipmunk Lake, with views of Longs Peak, while traversing pine forests with grouseberry and bearberry bushes. The trail also offers views of the canyon gouged out by rampaging water that broke loose from Lawn Lake Dam in 1982. Visible is the south face of Ypsilon Mountain, with its Y shaped gash rising sharply from the shoreline.[42]
Region 2 is the alpine region of the park with accessible tundra trails at high elevations—an area known for its spectacular vistas.[35] Within the region are Mount Ida, with tundra slopes and a wide-open view of the Continental Divide, and Specimen Mountain, which has a steep trail and the opportunity to view bighorn sheep and marmots. Forest Canyon Pass is near the top of the Old Ute Trail that once linked villages across the Continental Divide.[40]
Just a 5-minute stroll from downtown Estes Park, Fall River Village offers 66 luxury accommodations, including 60 two bedroom and two bathroom condos, a honeymoon suite, four three bedroom and four bathroom townhomes and a four bedroom townhome with panoramic views of the Continental Divide. Property amenities include a heated, outdoor pool, year-round, outdoor hot tubs, a community room, fire pit and grill areas as well as an outdoor recreation area with yard games and a hammock.
Get away for a weekend of pampering, relaxation and fun outdoor activities at one of these great hotels, inns and lodges near Denver, Colorado. Quick weekend trips from Denver include Estes Park, Evergreen, Minturn, Idaho Springs, Niwot and other beautiful Colorado towns. You may also like: Boulder, Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Aspen, CO.
Head to Denver, Colorado where you can see shows, visit museums and sample new flavors at gourmet restaurants. The Curtis – a DoubleTree by Hilton is a boutique hotel with 336 innovative accommodations, a retro dining experience and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The Bigger Better Deal Rooms offer 350 square feet of living space and views of downtown Denver. There are three types of suites to choose from: a KISS Suite, a Rolling Stones Suite and a suite dedicated to the Spice Girls. Guests can also stay in a “Hyper Themed” room on each of the 13 themed floors, such as the Jimmy Buffett Suite and the Ghostbusters Suite.
The 179 guest rooms are furnished in a relaxed Rocky Mountain style, featuring overstuffed leather chairs, suede pillows, wool throws, and leather tabletops. For guests who require additional space, the hotel offers two Presidential suites and 11 One-bedroom suites. The Club Floor, accessible by key-activated elevator, provides guests with additional privacy, complimentary food and beverage presentations, and personal concierge service.
Cushion plants have long taproots that extend deep into the rocky soil. Their diminutive size, like clumps of moss, limits the effect of harsh winds. Many flowering plants of the tundra have dense hairs on stems and leaves to provide wind protection or red-colored pigments capable of converting the sun's light rays into heat. Some plants take two or more years to form flower buds, which survive the winter below the surface and then open and produce fruit with seeds in the few weeks of summer. Grasses and sedges are common where tundra soil is well-developed.[73]
Spring Break is here and Rocky is getting visitors from all over the country. Maybe that's why these Sandhill Cranes decided to stop by out in Moraine Park! They are probably Grus canadensis tabida, or "Greater Sandhills," and part of the Rocky Mountain population. These birds winter in New Mexico and then move on up into NW Colo, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana (but not Nebraska). Good thing they had a nice protected place to stop and take a break! (The cranes at Kearney Nebraska are Grus canadensis canadensis - "Lesser Sandhills") kb/ks
You can climb and slide on the dunes or test your boarding skills cruising down the sand. On hot days, children and even adults enjoy splashing around in the Medano Creek that runs along the base of the dunes. Hiking trails run through the forest on the edge of the dunes. The four-wheel drive Medano Pass Primitive Road opens up some unique terrain, and car camping sites are located along the roadside. Regular camping is available at the Pinon Flats campground, which offers both tent and RV campsites.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Solitude Cabins! We stayed in the Dalton's cabin which had very comfortable and clean accommodations with lots of room. The kitchen was complete with everything we needed. With our stay being in December, we were especially excited to see our cabin so adorably decorated for the Holidays, it was so festive! It totally exceeded our expectations! We will most definitely be back!
Split down the middle by the vast Rocky Mountains and jam-packed with national parks and wilderness areas, Colorado is an ideal travel destination for outdoor pursuits in every season. From skiing and whitewater rafting to hiking, biking and camping, outdoor activities are a way of life in the Centennial State. The state’s fun-loving culture attracts visitors looking for a laidback vacation too. After all, Colorado produces more beer than any other state and is one of only two states in the Union that has legalized marijuana for recreational use. Rich in historical and cultural attractions as well as in natural beauty, the best places to visit in Colorado have something special to offer every visitor.
Brown’s Canyon National Monument – It’s one of Colorado’s newest national monuments, and also one of it’s most beautiful. A pristine, natural canyon, Brown’s Canyon offers visitors the opportunity to hike, raft, or camp in the headwaters of the Arkansas River. Towering ponderosa pine trees and monolithic boulders greet you along this amazing stretch of white water. We may be biased, but we think the best way to see it is by raft. There is also fantastic camping along the river at various locations. Browns’ Canyon is also close to the small town of Nathrop, which offers a number of hot-springs resorts that are perfect for relaxing after a day of adventuring, including Antero Hot Springs Cabins, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, and Cottonwood Hot Springs.
Enjoy LUXURY mountain cabins at our resort with outstanding VALUE. "A Home Away from Home Getaway." 1, 2, and 3-bdrm condos available with fully applianced kitchens, living room fireplaces & private decks overlooking Fall River. Private hot tubs & spa suites are also available. Located only 1 mi. to RMNP, 3 mi. to Downtown. FREE: Stocked river fishing, Wi-Fi, local calls, movies, games, indoor & outdoor activities. Estes Park Condos Details
It may be summertime but Snowmass has returned to the Ice Age with the Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Center that features the most significant Ice Age ecosystem find in Colorado history (and it’s free). Touch a mastodon tooth, marvel at a half-sized 6-foot Wooden Mammoth Skeleton, do a dig of your own or a daily Ice Age Discovery Hike by Environment Studies. Visit the Snowmass Rodeo on Wednesday nights (June 12- August 28) and sign up your kids for the Calf Scramble and Mutton Busting. Ride the Elk Camp Gondola up Snowmass Mountain where the Elk Camp Restaurant will open for activities including downhill biking, dinner, campfires, live music, movies, Stryder Park and Kid’s Playground on Friday evenings. Try your hand at some slopeside bowling at the new bowling alley below Venga Venga Cantina featuring eight full-sized lanes, a lounge area with full bar, wood-fired oven pizzas, upscale bar food and more. Then, get inspired at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, a stellar place for kids of all ages to take workshops that include sculpture, photography, painting, beading, and mask-making.
Just a few miles from the town of Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. The soaring mountain peaks, alpine lakes and meadows, forests, and abundant wildlife showcase nature at its best. The park has more than 100 peaks over 10,000 feet, including Longs Peak, the highest in the park, at 14,259 feet.
While my grandkids were great company, my only regret about staying at the family friendly and romantic Austria Haus Hotel is that my husband wasn’t with me. Located in Colorado’s Rockies at the base of Vail Mountain, this 25-room boutique property gives guests just a taste of Europe with its Bavarian-style architecture and pedestrian-only cobbled walkway at its entrance.
Colorado Springs lies at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of over 6,000 feet and is a springboard to some of Colorado’s best hiking trails as well as many other outdoor activities. Just a few of the energetic activities you can try include white water rafting in the Royal Gorge, hiking in the beautiful Garden of the Gods Park or cycling the Barr Trail.
The montane ecosystem is at the lowest elevations in the park, between 5,600 to 9,500 feet (1,700 to 2,900 m), where the slopes and large meadow valleys support the widest range of plant and animal life,[69][70] including montane forests, grasslands, and shrublands. The area has meandering rivers[70] and during the summer, wildflowers grow in the open meadows. Ponderosa pine trees, grass, shrubs and herbs live on dry, south-facing slopes. North-facing slopes retain moisture better than those that face south. The soil better supports dense populations of trees, like Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and ponderosa pine. There are also occasional Engelmann spruce and blue spruce trees. Quaking aspens thrive in high-moisture montane soils. Other water-loving small trees like willows, grey alder, and water birch may be found along streams or lakeshores. Water-logged soil in flat montane valleys may be unable to support growth of evergreen forests.[70] The following areas are part of the montane ecosystem: Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, Kawuneeche Valley, and Upper Beaver Meadows.[70]
Use filters and find an offer matching your requirements among the 24,313 properties in Michigan. Many accommodations in Michigan provide "TVs" or "internet," which makes it a fantastic vacation destination if you never miss an episode of your favorite show or you need internet access during your vacation. You can also find a property in Michigan if you want to sweat it out in a sauna as 375 of the rentals there offer "saunas."
The park was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations in 1976 to protect its natural resources.[67][68] The park's biodiversity includes afforestation and reforestation, ecology, inland bodies of water, and mammals, while its ecosystems are managed for nature conservation, environmental education and public recreation purposes.[67] The areas of research and monitoring include ungulate ecology and management, high-altitude revegetation, global change, acid precipitation effects, and aquatic ecology and management.[67]
The Silk Pincushion is a lovely Victorian bed and breakfast in the heart of Golden that promises an unforgettable stay. Three beautifully decorated Victorian-style guest rooms exude luxury and charm with large beds dressed in homemade quilts, private bathrooms with showers, deluxe toiletries and soaps, and other modern amenities such as free wireless Internet throughout the house. Homemade breakfast is served each morning in the bright and sunny dining room, where you can relax over freshly brewed coffee and chat with the owners.
“This isn’t a furlough for us,” Oropeza said. “There are definitely folks who, if this continues into next week, they’ll have to forfeit their commitment. Some are exploring applying for other jobs. They have student loans, they have car payments and other bills. …There are ripple effects this is having down the road. Our seasonal contracts, we have to have our contracts for summer seasonal work signed soon. All these things are getting backlogged.”
An excellent vacation destination for visitors who are ready to hit the slopes, winter enthusiasts flock to Telluride every year for its 1,700 skiable acres that cater to both experts and novices alike. Visitors flock to Town Park on the southeast edge of town for its abundance of activities available, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fishing ponds and campgrounds that are popular for the city’s annual festivals and events. Bear Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls offer a variety of scenic hiking trails, while the Telluride Historical Museum and Historic Sheridan Opera House are two cultural attractions that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Breckenridge is justifiably famous as one of the best ski resorts in the country, but spending a little time seeking out the off-piste charms of the town can be extremely rewarding. You can explore the thriving arts and culture scene or learn some Breckenridge history on a tour with a local expert – popular choices include the Historic Tour, the Haunted Tour and the Gold Mining Tour. In summer you can go hiking, biking, fishing, paddling and rafting, while in winter everyone heads to the slopes to enjoy world-class winter sport activities and ride the highest ski lift in the country. Things to Do in Breckenridge
Nothing is more quintessentially Colorado than the city of Golden, which is known for two things: outdoor activities and beer. Your travel plans practically write themselves—go to Lookout Mountain or White Ranch Park for hiking and biking, and then tour the Coors Brewery (the largest single-site brewery in the world) or grab craft beers along with the locals at Golden City Brewery.
Greeley is conveniently located just 50 miles from Denver in one of the top agricultural areas of America, which is great news for foodies. You can visit various breweries, buy farm-fresh produce at the farmers’ market and dine farm-to-fork style at many restaurants in the bustling Greeley Creative District, which includes several historic buildings that now house galleries, museums and entertainment venues.
The park is home to many predatory animals, including Canadian lynx, foxes, bobcat, cougar, black bear, and coyotes. Wolves and grizzly bears were extirpated in the early 1900s. Most of these predators kill smaller animals, but mountain lions and coyotes kill deer and occasionally elk. Bears also eat larger prey. Moose have no predators in the park. Black bears are relatively uncommon in the park, numbering only 24-35 animals. They also have fewer cubs and the bears seem skinnier than they do in most areas.[79] Canadian lynx are quite rare within the park, and they have probably spread north from the San Juan Mountains, where they were reintroduced in 1999. Cougars feed mainly on mule deer in the park, and live 10–13 years. Cougar territories can be as large as 500 square miles.[80] Coyotes hunt both alone and in pairs, but occasionally hunt in packs. They mainly feed on rodents but occasionally bring down larger animals, including deer, and especially fawns and elk calves. Scat studies in Moraine Park showed that their primary foods were deer and rodents. They form strong family bonds and are very vocal.[81]
The sun made us lazy, and after following Brian as he made his way upstream I found a wider expanse of sand and gravel, promptly plopping down on a pair of flip flops I had brought in my backpack as a make-shift seat. After identifying the northern harrier hawk over my head, and the savannas sparrows and red-winged blackbirds perched precariously on reeds across the water, I took out my knitting project. I didn’t have to worry about losing Brian; in the valley I could see for miles in both directions.
