12 replies to this topic

[renate1]

After my big hike with Igloo Ed (and from reading Iceberg's report of her day doing Otis), I knew I would need a nice relaxing day in the mountains as a follow-up. I started the day with a nice 90 minute massage and then headed over to the Sundeck Restaurant to meet Jen aka Grannyheart. After eating some lunch we headed up Old Fall River Road and then on to Grand Lake. About halfway over Jen suggested heading up to Adams Falls and possibly the meadow area. I was thinking the exact same thing so we were all smiles. As we neared the junction with Adams Falls some folks were coming down who told us about 5 moose on the trail a little further up. Hearing this we decided to bypass the falls and see them on the way back. As we rounded the first meadow there were the moose. 3 were milling around eating and the other 2 were laying down with only their racks showing.

After watching the moose for a little while we decided to continue on to the second meadow and then hopefully catch the moose again on our way back. I love the 2nd meadow on the East Inlet trail and could easily spend a day just relaxing there (I'm pretty sure Jen agrees) Reluctantly we left the second meadow and headed back to the trailhead. The moose were much closer to the trail this time and I know we were closer than we should have been but it was just too hard to pass up and we photographed and carefully watched the moose for any signs that they felt like we were invading there territory. After a while of watching these guys we finally decided to head to Adams Falls. It was beautiful as always but it was getting late so we headed back to Grand Lake and some supper at the Sagebrush.

After supper we headed back towards Estes via Trail Ridge Road. We laughed as we went through the Kawuneeche Valley and didn't even stop to see a Bull Moose as we were too spoiled from our encounter on the East Inlet Trail. It started raining pretty good and we wondered what the weather would be like up on top. Well as we were nearing Milner Pass the rain subsided and we got a treat of a beautiful rainbow (at one point became a double rainbow) and then once on top the sun was starting to set turning the clouds are shades of pink/red - it was glorious and Jen and I couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces (I think I was still smiling as I fell asleep that night)

It was a great day with a great friend - Jen at one point said "what more could we ask for?" my reply "well I could close my eyes and when I open them Brad Pitt could be sitting in the back seat!"

Stream on Old Fall River Road - Jen and I are thinking you could follow this upstream to Chasm Falls - we're going to check that out someday


Chasm Falls


Chapin Spires


Waterfall across the valley from OFRR


1st Meadow along East Inlet Trail


Mr. Moose


2nd Meadow on East Inlet Trail


Mount Craig from 2nd Meadow

[renate1]

Back to Mr. Moose - this time much closer to the trail


Mr. Moose Butt


Rainbow


Longs


Backside of CCY


Rock Cut Area

[Twinebender]

Nice report and photos Staci. What a treat to see those moose.
I can very easily imagine you two having a great time in RMNP.
Hiking with friends is the best.

[soatley]

Unbelievable day. Five is five more moose than we saw on the East Inlet trail, and we went to Fourth Lake.

But I had better luck in the car. I closed my eyes. When I opened them, Igloo Ed was in the back seat with me...

Sandy O

[renate1]

soatley, on 09 September 2011 - 10:37 AM, said:

Unbelievable day. Five is five more moose than we saw on the East Inlet trail, and we went to Fourth Lake.

But I had better luck in the car. I closed my eyes. When I opened them, Igloo Ed was in the back seat with me...

Sandy O

You get all the hot guys


Don't feel bad Sandy it was the 1st time I've seen Moose on that trail - I spent the day going to Spirit Lake a few years ago and my husband saw the biggest moose just wandering around that 2nd meadow sometimes you just get lucky.

[DeeCeeM]

Very nice pictures of an enjoyable day.

If that stream picture is from the second switchback below the parking area for Chasm Falls, you can definitely follow Fall River up to the falls from there. I did that last August and really enjoyed it.

[Scrapinator]

Great report. I do like the west side. There are some great hikes over there -- and odds of seeing moose are so much better! Just wish it didn't take so darn long to get there

[John]

You have some amazing photos in this post, but I especially love the one of Longs. WOW

[Monica]

I don't think I can pick a favorite in these photos! They are so great!

[Grannyheart]

Oh, Staci, it REALLY was a perfect "SUPER FUN" day!!! (Well, except for Brad Pitt NOTshowing up for you!!! lol But, for me....PERFECT!) The day just kept getting better with each passing minute and I had a blast! I can't even express what joy I experienced just hangin' out with you and seeing SO many cool things. It was AWESOME!!! I laughed and oooohed and aaaaahed SO much...I can't wait until we can do it again!!! Next time, though, we're gonna have to make sure the shoes and socks come off and we do some serious water frolicking. :)

[mwilson]

Great report and photos. That second meadow is definitely a favorite of mine too. Glad the two of you had such an awesome day.

[Allie]

What a great day you two had. The moose photos are soo good. And the falls you see from OFRR is super cool.

[NWA395]

Enjoyed the reports and the photos are spectacular