Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mature elk bulls may reach 1100lb; cows weigh up to 600lb. Both have dark necks with
light tan bodies. Like bighorn sheep, elk were virtually extinct around Estes Park by 1890,
wiped out by hunters. In 1913 and '14, before the establishment of the national park,
people from Estes Park brought in 49 elk from Yellowstone. The elk's natural population
increase since the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the NPS'
great successes, directly attributable to the removal of their principal predator: men with
guns.
COLORADO'S BEST HOT SPRINGS
From the hidden, all-natural variety that takes a full day's hike to discover to day-use private springs in historic
towns, to splashy resorts in the shadow of Collegiate Peaks, you'd do well to sink into riverside bliss.
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Conundrum Hot Springs
(
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) Aspen locals love to hike high into the mountains above town then slip
into all-natural hot springs beneath the stars.
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Strawberry Park Hot Springs
(
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) Absolutely the most laid-back hot spring in the state, Strawberry
Park Hot Springs is a place to check in and chill out.
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Springs Resort & Spa
(
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)
Set beneath the looming San Juans, the Pagosa Springs namesake is an at-
tractive private concession beloved by locals.
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Mt Princeton Hot Springs
(
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)
A splashy, sprawling resort, bubbling with hot springs in an idyllic
Collegiate Peaks location.
Other Mammals
You are likely to encounter mule deer, named for their large mule-like ears, somewhere
along your journey as they browse on leaves and twigs from shrubs at sunny lower eleva-
tions. Howling coyotes commonly serenade winter campfires - lucky visitors may spy a
coyote stalking small rodents. Other large carnivores such as the bobcat and mountain lion
are very rarely seen. Small but ferocious long-tailed weasel hunt near their streamside
dens at night.
Birds
An astounding 465 bird species have been identified in the state of Colorado. Among
them are flycatchers, burrowing owls (federally listed as threatened) and great horned
owls, crows, mourning doves, mountain plovers, chickadees, Canadian geese, bluebirds
and cranes. The newly classified and unique Gunnison sage grouse, found in the southw-
est, is listed as a Species of Special Concern and is a candidate to be placed on the federal
