Exploring West of Grand Lake

STA_0831 - STF_0836After stopping off in Grand Lake for a little lunch, we headed west into the Arapaho National Forest toward the bottom of the Never Summer Wilderness.  Much of this area has been logged at least once.  There are many interesting roads to explore.  With the summer afternoon thunderstorms, the whole place was wonderfully wet.  It felt much like being in the Cascades in Oregon.



IMG_0839Having fun with the 4runner just south of the Never Summer Wilderness.



IMG_0841A gorgeous mix of green trees, white clouds, and blue sky.



IMG_0843A species of grouse we found doing a display for us to lure us away from his lady friend who had a nest nearby.



IMG_0846Big mountains along the continental divide east of Grand Lake.

Heading Down to Grand Lake

IMG_0794After coming over the pass at the top of Rocky Mountain National Park, we headed down toward Grand Lake.  There were some big bull elk hanging out along the road above treeline.  Thunderstorms to the west were threatening.



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Big elk all over.

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IMG_0810Heather having fun with the tube doors.



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There are cow elk hiding down in the brush.

IMG_0827Looking up into the Never Summer Wilderness.



IMG_0830Down below the headwaters of the Colorado River.