Our Great Moose Adventure of 2013
Dreaming of Seeing Big Bull Moose
On a sunny bright morning in September 2026, we woke with optimism. Talking, Carolyn and I decided to cruise to Allenspark for a delightful breakfast at Meadow Mountain Cafe. Just the thought reminded me of July 27, 2013, and our great family moose adventure back when Brainard Lake Recreation Area was a moose mecca. That morning we were all dreaming of seeing big bull moose.
Back then, we weren’t very moose savvy. So an hour before sunrise, my wife, Carolyn, and our young teenage sons, Jonathan and Benjamin, took off on our moose adventure.
When we arrived at Brainard Lake, the sun was just peaking up from the east. While I got my camera together, Benjamin wandered down a paved trail next to the parking lot. Moments later, I went to get him. A few feet down the trail, I saw him standing, waiting, and as I began to speak, his hand went up, pointing. I looked to my left.
Yikes. About ten feet from me, stood the largest Shiras bull moose I had ever seen. His giant antlers were sticking out from the willows. I slowly walked backward as Benjamin did the same, giving the moose more room. In its gangly walk, he crossed the path between us disappearing into more thick willows.
We were both in awe and relieved as we told Carolyn and Jonathan of the encounter. It added to our anticipation as each of us gathered our cameras while Carolyn wrapped herself in a puffy winter coat, preparing for the cold altitude.
We wandered the edge of the lake, standing with our backs to the water. Scanned the willow field, we saw no moose. There were only green willows and dark rocks. “I wonder where that big guy on the trail went?” Benjamin asked, disappointed. I shrugged, not knowing. Then a hint of movement caught my eyes.
Across the meadow, a large rock moved. Then its antlers appeared, a head waking to greet the day. Soon other rocks moved. Two beside the first one and another to our left. Then Jonathan pointed. Half way between the lake and road, a sixth large bull moose. All of the rocks came to life as six moose arose from the willows. Another, the seventh, came moseying into the field. It was the one from the trail. At the time, they were the seven largest bull moose I’d ever seen.
The sun struck each moose in bright yellows as all three of us began capturing pictures. With the cameras reacting, Carolyn kept us informed of the movement in the field. For three somewhat inexperienced wildlife photographers, it was an incredible moment. Everywhere we turned, our cameras were focusing on a beautiful shot of an enormous bull moose.
As they moved through the field, we crossed to the road. For two hours, the bull moose fed, pulling the green leaves from the willows. Every now and then, one’s eyes would lock on us making sure we were keeping an appropriate distance. All the while our cameras were in action capturing moose images we had only dreamed of.
More like-minded people joined us, a paparazzi of wildlife photographers. The moose continued to graze, giving us picture after image, creating a visual experience beyond any we’d expected. Slowly, the moose meandered up toward the road. Appearing ready to cross, the paparazzi backed away giving them ample space.
When they crossed, it was quick. They’d eaten their full, ready to rest and digest. So suddenly, one burst through the willows followed by another. Trotting, they crossed the narrow road, disappearing into the thick forest. Right behind them, the other five followed. Within minutes, seven full racked, thick bodied bull moose had miraculously disappeared into the pine forest.
The drive back toward Estes was full of excitement, reliving the experience. At Ferncliff, I turned in toward Allenpark. “Where’re you going?” Carolyn asked. I answered, “You never know, sometimes these little mountain towns have great cafes hidden in them.” The words weren’t even out of my mouth when the signature green and purple of Meadow Mountain Cafe came into view.
For two hours that morning, we sat on the deck of Meadow Mountain, ohhing and awwing at our moose pictures. This was all done over a Denver omelet with mushrooms added and a side of home fries, thick banana bread French toast in caramel sauce, Jonathan’s giant sourdough cinnamon roll, and adventurous Benjamin’s Crystal Springs skillet of mushrooms, onions, spinach and swiss.
This morning, thirteen years later, as we enjoyed breakfast at Meadow Mountain, Jenny served us with a welcome smile. Carolyn and I reminisced about that amazing moose morning of 2013 and the discovery of a wonderful little Allenspark breakfast/lunch cafe. As we talked, I pointed at the picture near the counter.
Hanging behind the wood burning stove is an 8x10 image of two huge bull moose. It is one I’d taken that morning in 2013. My small contribution to the unique environment and warm history of Meadow Mountain Cafe.
