So what is the Flat Tops like? What occurs before hunters arrive? What are the yearly cycles of high altitude back countryenvironment and elk? This photo-video illustrates summer and fall seasons in the greater Flat Tops uplift area of NW Colorado. This is when hunters may be summer scoping campsites and elk hunting areas, or engaged in fall hunting. The photos are mainly from the southern Flat Tops, where there is ample road accessible hunting and access roads, and access to to road-less remote wilderness challenges. The magnificence the region is evident, but do not let the calmness and beauty fool you. More people encounter hypothermia in summer than in winter. Novices do not take extra foul weather gear, assuming warm days will never instantly and drastically change – but the days do. September hunting seasons generally start warm, and get more frigid and extreme in October. Remote terminal roads may be permanently snowed in by November. Even hunting resorts may close early to avoid winter lock-ins. Main dirt/gravel roads MAY be plowed by the county, but never count on it. Plan for contingencies, and come prepared! Parental    Warning:    This website endeavors to be family-friendly, but yet realistic. We believe in reverence for living things. “Pride” photos of hunters lauding their kills may be conventional, but do not belong on a family website. Children who view abhorrent images are not going to develop into hunters. There are two images of dead elk. Parents, please use viewer discretion and be prepared to explain that excess older elk are humanely harvested for human nutrition when elk numbers exceed their food supply. Please view at full screen on a computer to better see image details and text messages. Cell phones may not work or stream properly. Adjust to full screen with button on lower right of time bar. Adjust video volume. Video is 27 minutes.