If you read my first post--click here--about our drive to the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado, you would know we took a trip up into the Rocky Mountains at the end of September to enjoy the beautiful fall color that begins early in that part of Colorado at high elevation. We stayed in a comfortable private room in the Indian Peaks Lodge at the ranch.
My Part Two post about the ranch--click here--was about our drive that day through the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, a half-hour drive from our lodge.
Today, I'd like to show you what we did on our first full day at Snow Mountain Ranch.
We woke up to a beautiful alpenglow on the distant Rocky Mountains. There are many activities available at the ranch, but since this was our first visit to Snow Mountain Ranch, we were most interested in exploring the area to see the local scenery.
We drove past the ranch's horse stable, where one could pay to book a guided horseback ride.
.
As we drove along, we saw signs cautioning that horseback riders might be on the road...
Only it wasn't a man; it was a female moose!
She looked as surprised to see us as we were to see her!
As the moose came closer, my husband began to reverse our car, but, happily, she soon ran into the roadside willows and disappeared.
As we drove on, we could see mountains in the distance.
We came across this old gold mine excavation along the road. The placard says that the mine was dug by a man named Charlie Greitzler, who once lived nearby and who had a vision that gold would be found there. Sadly, I don't think he was successful.
Soon, we approached the Gaylord Reservoir.
Sadly, after a long year's drought, the water level was low.
Snow Mountain Ranch offers catch-and-release trout fishing at Gaylord Reservoir - no license required.
The reservoir area was very scenic...
...I loved the rugged mountain views in the distance!
We then came upon this interesting Gisela Velarde Ley Chapel at Columbine Point. According to the YMCA Snow Mountain website, the chapel has long served as a gathering place for worship, reflection, and connection with nature. Thanks to donor support through the Climbing Higher Campaign, the newly dedicated and remodeled chapel is now a beautiful place for special ceremonies.
It truly was a beautiful outdoor memorial chapel to visit!
Sheep Mountain, better known now as Snow Mountain, in the distance.
Sheep Mountain, also known as Snow Mountain, is located in Grand County, Colorado. It is the highest point in the YMCA of the Rockies' Snow Mountain Ranch. Although USGS maps officially name it Sheep Mountain, it is informally referred to as Snow Mountain in honor of the ranch. Sheep Mountain is notable for its elevation and seasonal weather patterns. It stands at approximately 13,292 feet (4,051 meters)
As we drove back to our lodge at Snow Mountain Ranch, we enjoyed more mountain views, saw one of the Yurts for rent nestled in pine trees, and noted some dead-tree wildfire mitigation.
We toured a few of Snow Mountain Ranch's recreation offerings to see the indoor heated pool, climbing wall, archery area, aerial challenge course, roller skating rink, and craft center. We ultimately decided to take it easy and play the 27-hole miniature golf course.
This time, an iron statue of a bull moose watched over us!
After dinner in the ranch's cafeteria, we relaxed in our room's patio chairs, enjoying the evening's sunset glow on the hills, which lit up the distant golden aspen trees.
It was such a wonderful day!
I can also be found on
Blogs I link with:
Nature Notes, Home Matters Linky Party, Happiness is Homemade, Monday Morning Blog Club, Senior Salon Pit Stop, Talk About It Tuesday, The Happy Now Tuesday, Happy Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday 2, Wordless Wednesday on Comedy Plus, Wonderful Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, Weekend Traffic Jam Report, Thursday Favorite Things, Skywatch Friday, Weekly Wisdoms, Fantastic Friday, Farmhouse Friday, Crazy Little Lovebirds Friday Link Up, Dare to Share, Saturday Sparks, Saturday Critters, Weekend Reflections
The scenery is absolutely stunning, especially with the golden aspens and rugged mountains in the background. What a surprise to encounter a moose on the road! I also really liked the chapel and reservoir photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful snaps. Happy Monday
ReplyDeleteI am on the linky
HERE
Much love
Hello Pat,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views of the mountains, the ranch and the gorgeous trees and the sky. The moose is a cool sight to see, great photos. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.
Those aspen trees are stunning! One of these days I need to travel to Colorado for fall. Looks like you had a bonus moose sighting.
ReplyDeleteHI Pat, Oh my gosh what beautiful photos and the moose photos are amazing! I love your Colorado travel posts!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday! laura
Such a beautiful part of your state to explore. The light and the colours are gorgeous. And the icing on the cake is seeing the moose! Such awkward looking creatures that move so gracefully.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of beautiful landscapes and amazing autumn colours. It must have been wonderful to see the moose!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and beautifuler! That moose is huge!! You two are enjoying life well! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful day exploring Snow Mountain Ranch! The mountain scenery is stunning, but the unexpected moose encounter must have been the highlight!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photography. I love the aspen gold and the moose! #MMBC
ReplyDeleteYour scenery is spectacular. I guess that's some new snow on those peaks.
ReplyDeleteThis landscape is a treasure of a wonderful nature. I read with great interest.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for sharing at MosaicMonday
Greetings by Heidrun 🎃
Oh wow! What amazing views and a fantastic place to explore! How cool to see the moose!
ReplyDeleteThis really is a spectacular place and you two have totally maxed out your time there. I have never seen a moose before. I would be in awe!
ReplyDeleteWell done! I have been to CO about 30 years ago, but not in that same area. But I do remember thinking is was stunning. We used to have moose come to town when we lived in Montana.
ReplyDeleteWow! Such stunning scenery! I am so jealous you saw a moose. Despite our many, many trips to Maine/ "moose country" we've never seen one in the wild before.
ReplyDeleteThis was such an amazing stay! You had me at the beautiful morning alpenglow -- I feel like it must have been hard to leave your lodging! But then of course what you saw made it so well worth the drive. The Rockies are so incredible and of course "Aspen Season" was the perfect time. Very interesting history in the area and the Moose was a wonderful bonus!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery and a moose!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day, indeed! Those aspens are gorgeous and the views incredible, one after another! Such a beautiful way to celebrate the autumn season and how exciting to see a moose (a real one) up close!
ReplyDeleteWow, what beautiful shots. You live in such an amazing place.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday, Pat. ♥