Young Bull Elk staring at Lensworth. pic by Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Just before the official gates of Rocky Mountain National Park, about 300 yards shy of the ticket booths, a young elk buck had quietly claimed his dining spot. He was blissfully unaware that, technically, he was still outside the park boundaries. Elk, it turns out, are not big on reading maps or signs. Meanwhile, the line of cars streaming toward the gate carried tourists whose “wildlife radar” had not yet switched on. They assumed the show began only after the $30 admission fee was paid.

It was a perfect day—70 degrees Fahrenheit, 21 Celsius—sunny, calm, the kind of mountain afternoon that makes you want to breathe just a little deeper. The young elk grazed, paused, and looked up at the passing parade of SUVs and minivans, giving those of us who happened to notice a regal moment free of charge.

Being old enough and lucky enough to carry a permanent park pass, I didn’t have to fumble for the thirty bucks. And being lazy enough, I took advantage of the “late entry” loophole—rolling in at 2:45 p.m. No timed-entry pass required after 2 p.m., unless you’re aiming for Bear Lake, which has its own special restrictions.

Young elk grazing just outside of RMNP. pic by Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Estes Park, just outside the gate, is still charming but hardly cheap. Expect $18 hamburgers, $25 fish and chips, and motel rooms that once went for $100 now demanding $200 or more—if you can find one at all. My plan was to spend the night and sneak back into the park before 9 a.m. when entry is once again free and easy. But the sticker shock at the motels was enough to change my mind.

Elk are seen at all altitudes, including up and down Long’s peak. pic Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Instead, I lingered for a conversation with a bartender at one of the full motels. He treated me, a fellow local, to a strong double espresso. In return, I offered one of my Kennedy half-dollars tucked inside a red “Year of the Snake” lucky envelope—a fair exchange of goodwill. Pictures were shared, stories traded, and then I drove the hour and a half home, weaving among the flatland drivers nervously negotiating Colorado’s mountain curves.

Elk bugling season.. pic by Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Sometimes the best wildlife sighting comes before the gate, the best deal is a free espresso, and the best choice is simply to head home smiling.

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Lenny’s book of photos is on Amazon!

Lenny Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and widely syndicated blogger and author.
• Most recently published by Amazon, his first book, "Lensworth"a book of his prize-winning photos.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including starring in episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com