The Rocky Mountain National Park is wealthy when it comes to flora (flowers, trees, and vegetation) and fauna (wildlife, fish, and birds). Here, you will find literally thousands of elk that live in and around the park. The majority reside high in the mountains but some will come down to the lower valleys and meadows in the fall months to feed.
You will also see a number of moose, which are commonly seen in the Kawuneeche Valley. Mule Deer are also abundant, keeping in the meadows close to the roads. Other interesting animals that you will see in the park include coyotes, beavers, and bighorn sheep. Black bear are also permanent residents of the Rocky Mountains. Interestingly enough, those living in this national park are not always black as the name suggests. In fact, you will find some of the black bear being brown and even blond. Having the opportunity to see a black bear is exciting since this is a rare treat. Since the park offers all the food needed, they seldom venture into campgrounds.
The mountain lion also lives in the park but they too are seldom seen since they tend to be a little on the shy side. Birds can be found all throughout the park, adding color and sweet music. Most commonly are the hummingbird, the bluebird, and the falcon although you will see hundreds of species. This national park is alive and exciting. As you explore the park, you never know what you will see. Just remember that while some of the animals appear docile such as the mule deer, none should be approached, as looks can be very deceiving.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to thousands of flowers, plants, and trees. Of all the flowers, the wildflowers are probably the most prominent, found in the meadows at lower elevations and even high into the timberline. During the late spring and summer months, you will see primrose, pasqueflower, Indian paintbrush, snow lily, blue columbine (the state flower), saxifrage, clover, coneflower, and Jacob’s ladder, among others. Then in mid-summer to early spring, flowers such as the mountain harebell, queen’s crown, asters, sunflowers, thistle, fireweed, and others are seen all over.