Moose on the Loose

I decided to visit the Poudre River Canyon last Saturday, September 19. I’ve been wanting to hike up to Zimmerman Lake which is just below the summit of Cameron Pass. The fall colors promised to be in their glory and the weather was beautiful.

I drove nearly 65 miles up Hwy 14 following the river all the way; stopping to photograph aspen trees and an old cabin. Arriving at the trailhead, I stepped to teh bacak of my van to get my gear together when a huge bull moose passed directly in front of my vehicle, moving on west as he grazes on drying grasses. I quickly grabbed my camera and got a farily good shot.
I proceeded up the mile-long trail which is a 7% grade so I stopped often to catch my breath and look at the changing colors. About 30 minutes in, I spotted a young bull moose just ahead on the side of the trail. I stopped to wait for him to pass and took more photos. Again another 200 yards away I saw another young-looking bull moose with a fully formed yet small rack. After waiting a full 15 minutes for him to move, I decided to turn back. I was totally alone on the trail in the middle of a moose convention. They were obviously utilizing this area that morning and I didn’t want to disturb them.
I drove back down the canyon and fished the river instead, enjoying a beautiful fall day in Colorado

Zimmerman Lake Trailhead