Rocky Mountain National Park’s landscape has been shaped by the cyclical growth, recession and reconstitution of glaciers over many millennia. Glacial movement grinds the land beneath it, depositing till on its margins that accumulate on ridges called moraines. Wide, flat depressions sometimes form where glaciers end their downhill progression, ringed by the land (moraines) they’ve displaced. Moraine Park is one such place where glaciers once settled and subsequently receded, leaving a broad, level expanse in its place. Moraine Park is braided by the Big Thompson River and Cub Creek, perennial flows that support bountiful grasses and wildlife.

When alarmed, elk raise their heads, open their eyes wide, move stiffly and rotate their ears

The coyote's name is derived from an Aztec word meaning 'barking dog'

The Moraine Park Loop is one of only a few 4-season, family friendly trails on the side of the Park

During the rut, dominant bulls gather cows and calves into small groups called harems - and become quite defensive

The Continental Divide provides a dramatic background to the west of Moraine Meadows

Elk calves can weigh 200 - 250 lbs by the end of their first summer

Perrenial streams wind throughout Moraine Meadows offering year-round water to wildlife

Young bulls practice dominant behavior, but have no real chance of mating for several years

Outlets from Cub Lake and Fern Lake descend into Moraine Meadows

The Moraine Meadows ecosystem plays home to species across the food chain - from bird to mammals to reptiles

Looking west from Moraine Meadows

Coyotes are a familiar sight in Moraine Park, hunting small mammals such as rabbit, mice and badger

The scale of Moraine Meadows is vast, offering a refuge for a variety of wildlife

Wildfowers remain late in the season due to consistent water supply

Wide open views across Moraine Meadows

Two bull elk take refuge in the tall grass and brush of Moraine Meadows