The first major stop on our trip was in Rocky Mountain National Park. We arrived at a very popular time, the elk rutting season, when males bugle to attract the females. The elks tend to bunch up in the open meadows and are not afraid of humans, so we got close to check out the action.

[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/-PL1D2E0RCA”]

At the park we camped in our van for the first time. While it’s a snug fit to sleep inside there, it was perfect for the cold nights the Rocky Mountains threw at us.

The majestic mountains were a perfect start to our Southwest trip.