Photo Ops in Rocky Mtn. N.P.?

I'm looking for suggested photo highlights within the Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park; especially the west side. I recall traveling from Estes Park up to the Alpine Visitors Ctr. several years ago, but have not gone any further than that. Are there any must-sees along the western R.M.N.P. road?

But I'm open to any and all suggestions for the entire park.

Thanks.

I'm by no means an expert on RMNP as I have only spent a few days there and only made it as far as you on Trail Ridge road. But i can tell you, my family and I hiked from the Bear lake trail head to emerald lake and enjoyed some of the most breath taking views we have seen. The link below has lots of info on different hikes for different things you may want to photograph. My one piece of advice would be to go early as it gets busy during peak season.

Uhlee,

Thanks for getting the ball rolling and the site for the hikes. My wife and are are 73 and not in the best hiking shape, but there still looks to be several easier ones that we might try.

By the way, we are considering an early fall trip there.

Bob

I have been to RMNP a couple of times. I would recommend the hike out to Dream lake for sunrise and Nymph lake on the way back, but there are plenty of other good hikes.

I wrote up a trip report from my visit. This may give some other ideas for photo opportunities. http://www.rbpics.com/field-report-rocky-mountain

Hope you ave a great trip.

You luck dog! Link to another thread -

Seeking info on Colorado Rockies

Kelly Cook

There are a lot of opportunities for wildlife along the Kawuneeche Valley, from the entrance to the Holzwarth Historic site trail. The Historic site trail is short and easy with photo ops along the way. Numerous great photo ops up the Trail Ridge road from there.

Thanks, ****, and others. You are all helping me a lot with my planning. Much appreciated.

Bob

RMNP is not known to be a great aspen color location, but there are pockets. The peak is usually between the last week in September and the first week of October. If you are planning your trip in this period I would recommend a spot not in the park. Less than two hours west is the Steamboat Springs area. There is great color there. Two particular spots are around Steamboat Lake and the Dunkley Pass area (see photo below) in the Flat Tops. Steamboat is a nice town as well.

If you are planning on a trip earlier or later than this period your options for photography are a bit more limited. Earlier is really the late summer: the wildflowers are mostly done and the trees haven't started turning yet. Later and the leaves are down but the beauty of the winter snows are a while away.

One thing to look for in late September through much of October is the bugling elk. There are many in RMNP and the sound they make is one you won't forget.

Have a great trip.



Dunkley Pass

--
Reid Shay
www.sawatchpub.com

Haven't done this myself but this could be an option for you.

That hike was my favorite one we did a few years back in RMNP.

Here are a couple shots from that hike:















--
God Bless,
Greg
www.imagismphotos.com
www.mccroskery.zenfolio.com
www.pbase.com/daddyo

On the west side of the park you might get a nice sunset with the Never Summer mountains. You should also be on the lookout for moose north of the westside entrance station. The western end of TRR, past the Alpine Visitor Center, is not as open to huge vistas as is the eastern side but it is nice drive.

I second the suggestion for elk. I've been to the park on numerous weeklong trips for this reason alone. Upper and Lower Moraine Park are good places to start, as well as Horseshoe Park. These places can have Disneyland kinds of crowds on the weekends though. I've also taken quite a few shots of elk high above tree line on TRR - very dramatic backgrounds.

Sprague Lake with early morning light on the front range is easy to photograph, often very dramatic and a very easy hike.

The western side is more subdued and less dramatic than the eastern side.

If you are willing to get up early, there are some good lookouts like the Fairvew Curve on the west side of Trail Ridge Road that will give you nice views of the Neverwinter Range. Getting up early will give you nice morning light.

For good autumn color, try driving to the eastern side of the park over Trail Ridge Road, and then drive back up Fall River Road to the west side.

There should be color in and around Grand Lake as well.

Try vising a ranger station when you get there and they can help you find the best spots.