Estes Park Colorado

On our way home from South Dakota, we detoured to Estes Park.  I have been to Colorado many, many times but never to Estes.  It was magnificent.  I loved the Big Thompson River and could not seem to get enough of it!  We were there right after Labor Day and just two weeks later they are experiencing a great deal of flooding in the area. 

Some of our friends and family suggested that we check out the YMCA of the Rockies.  I was impressed with their facilities and especially the pets (see above) they had roaming around the grounds.  There were a herd of elk just wandering around the tennis and basketball courts.  This fellow just slowly made his way towards us.  I think he wanted his picture taken!

We decided to take the Trail Ridge Road up the mountain at Estes.  It was a rather long and often frightening drive to the highest point in Colorado.  The scenery was amazing, but for a girl who is afraid of heights, it was a bit overwhelming!

We finally made it to the top and were rewarded with a great view and a nice visitors' center.  Randy experienced a bit of altitude sickness, so we didn't stay long.  While we were there, we watched a herd of elk make their way up the side of the mountain.  When we left for the drive the temperature was 83, when we arrived at the top it was 54 degrees.  I loved the experience, but I was glad to get off the mountain!