Workshire Lodge

06/14/2023

We've recently seen baby elk, baby moose, baby bighorn sheep......and while you kinda' want to snuggle them, that's a terrible idea.

Wildlife mamas know what they're doing, so use the rule of thumb (maybe move to a pinky, when babies are in the picture), and "aawwww" from a safe distance.

It's elk calving season in Rocky!

During this time, elk cows (female elk) are finding a quiet, secluded place to drop their young. After approximately 30 minutes, newborn elk calves can stand and nurse. Momma elk and their young will be solitary for the first 1-2 weeks after giving birth. Newborn elk are born scentless, which helps protect them from predators during this vulnerable time. When elk mommas are ready to forage for food, they will cache their young in a quiet place.

If you see a lone elk calf, do not approach! These animals have not been abandoned - their mother are nearby and keeping watch.

After this initial solitary period, elk cows will join together into nursery herds of usually 15-20 mommas with their young. These herds should be avoided. New mothers are highly protective of their young and may become aggressive. Keep back at least 100 ft, or the length of 3 buses. If an animal is responding to your presence, you are too close!

Image Credit: NPS Photo

06/05/2023

❓Did you know?

🎥 Rocky Mountain National Park has a few we**ams where you can get a peek at what things look like (more or less) right now.

Have a look at
- the Alpine Visitor Center at the top of Trail Ridge (if it looks grey, that'll probably be clouds)
- the Continental Divide, from Glacier Basin Campground
- the Beaver Meadows (main) entrance
- the Fall River entrance (just up the road from Workshire Lodge)

https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/photosmultimedia/we**ams.htm?fbclid=IwAR3xnfT7KRUXXdaPAtJOWXY6fSNMByCZtj5Z5zxLefJbfzqeON32sJt011Y

Plan ahead for weather, and traffic. Bring your patience, sunscreen, water, and camera. :)

The Alpine Visitor Center, at 11,796’, is the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park System. This we**am reveals views of Mount Chapin, Fall River Canyon, Old Fall River Road, and part of Trail Ridge. Call the Trail Ridge Road Status Line at 970-586-1222 for more information on road...

05/24/2023

📅Don't let a lack of planning put a damper on your trip to Estes Park!

And if you have your eye on the Bear Lake corridor, be sure you choose the right option when you make your reservation.
https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910

Want to go early in the morning to avoid crowds? We're just a mile from the Fall River entrance -- easy-peasy!

05/18/2023

Meet one of our neighbors --
Trailhead Restaurant at Rocky Mountain Gateway has one of the best views around. Enjoy breakfast or lunch there, before heading into the Park, or maybe on your way out. Or both.

They're just a mile from Workshire, so if you want to walk or ride your bike, that's quite feasible!

At National Park Village North, you'll find the Trailhead, a coffee shop, ice cream, an extensive gift shop, convenience/grocery store, a horse stable, and -- oh yeah -- the official National Park Visitor Center.

Stop in and see what delights await you!

04/28/2023

Construction on the Fall River entrance to RMNP began in the 1930's.....and it's nearly done.
Ba-dum-bump.🥁

Seriously, though: you'll want to plan ahead for extra time getting into the Park this summer, especially if you're using the Fall River entrance. ⏳

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fall-river-entrance-construction-project.htm

📷Rocky Mountain National Park page

04/19/2023

Time for a new spring wardrobe! 👑

This fellow was in Yellowstone, but his cousins around Workshire Lodge are also working on their new antlers for spring.

And no, we don't advise trying to find out how soft the velvet is.




📷 Neal Herbert via Yellowstone National Park Flickr page

04/12/2023

Hey! Spring is here! 🌸The snow is starting to melt, and signs of warmer days are cropping up all over.

Come on up and say "hi" to us (and the bear who greets you as you drive in).
See you soon!!

04/05/2023

A little snow doesn't mean the hike is off!

Dress in layers, and don't forget the sunscreen. Then go play!




📷 Bella tabbert via Unsplash

03/29/2023

It's National Mom & Pop Business Day!

The original owners of Workshire Lodge, Jim & Virginia Work, were actually known as "Nana & Gramps" to their grandkids and great-grandkids, and they were proud to be a family-run business, from the day they opened in 1946.

Their son Al, and his wife Donna, took over when Jim & Virginia retired, and today, their daughter and son, Tina and James, carry on the tradition of warm hospitality.

The cabins have been updated (several times), new cabins added, amenities added (hello, wi-fi), the river has changed course (twice), and the trees have grown much bigger.

But it's still the place that generations of visitors have grown to love, and there's plenty of room for you to join the Workshire family. C'mon up!

03/22/2023

Save yourself the long drive home after Bigfoot Days.

Workshire Lodge is just a few minutes' drive from the festivities. Peaceful, quiet, remote.....maybe the perfect conditions??

03/16/2023

Just waiting for spring.....

It'll be here soon. We're SO ready.




📷 Yosvany Garcia via Pixabay

03/08/2023

Did you know?

👀 Elk shed their antlers every year

👀 Antlers can grow up to an inch per day

👀 It's generally illegal for the public to remove shed antlers from refuges and parks. The elk may be done with them, but they're needed for other animals.

👀 Other critters will gnaw on shed antlers -- they're rich in nutrients like calcium phosphorus and protein (and gluten-free, though that probably doesn't matter to the chipmunks).

Up here at Workshire, the shed seems to be happening a little earlier than usual. Does that man we get an early spring? Probably not. The bigger elk probably need some extra time to grow a new pair of antlers to impress the ladies this fall.

Want to learn a little more about antlers? Of course you do. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has an article to help:
https://www.fws.gov/story/eight-points-about-antlers

📷Bryce Bradford, on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/brb_photography/