Trip to Rocky Mountain NP

[gumchain]

Hello all,

I've seen several wonderful posts on this forum from and about Rocky Mountain National Park. I'm headed up there the first week of August with my camera, tripod, and tent hoping to capture some great images.

What are your favorite waterfalls to capture?
Where should I go for sunrise/sunset?
What trails are best for lack of people and plethora of wildlife?
What are your favorite trails?
Any spots that I must go to to photograph?

Keep in mind that I like to do long distance hiking and backpacking, so if you have some areas inside the park let me know. Should I try to stay on the East side of the park or is the West side worthwhile?

I am so excited about my upcoming trip as this will be my first hiking trip without a companion and I can really spend some time with the camera.

[Brady]

I used to live in Lyons... about 1/2 way between RMNP and Boulder. You will drive through there if you are headed in from the east.

There are some great locations to shoot around there. I would suggest taking the Fall River Road route to the alpine visitor's center. You might actually see some sheep.

As far as in the park, you would be much more pressed to find a place that does not offer a good spot. It really is that great. Sometimes, I would see Elk down around the Big Thompson river in the valley not far from the east entrance (Estes Park side) by the Fern Trail head.

Speaking of Estes, you might pause for a moment there and get some shots of town. Everyone shoots at the park... and do that too... but there is a great outdoor dining area behind the outdoor mall in Estes. The river runs right through it and there are some great places to photograph the area.

If you find yourself in the surrounding area, just south of the park on the east side are a few places that might be good for photographs.

Raymond is a small area that consists of some cabins and one very old store (http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.15...oid=po-6927020). There isn't too much to see, but there is a certain amount of charm. Nederland is where you want to go if you feel like taking photos of folks who have dreadlocks and their wardrobe is primarily comprised of hemp products. :)

Morrison has some great little antique shops and a few good places to sample the local fare.

On the west side, Grand Lake is an essential stop. It isn't usually as crowded as Estes and the shops are great. You can go on the boardwalk right around the lake and even rent a boat if you'd like. Also, the Aspen trees are much more plentiful on that RMNP / Arapaho National Forest border as you come out of the park on the west side.

On a side note, if it is near lunchtime on your way up, stop in Lyons and eat at Oskar Blues. A bar in the basement with live music and a great little restaurant upstairs.

It is a beautiful area. Let us know how things turn out!

[Shadow]

I like to head into the back country from the Chapin Creek trail head on the Fall River Road. From there, you can head up to Mirror lake and Comanche Peak. Permits are required for overnight stays. TONS of Elk back there. You can always find Big Horn Sheep at the start of the Fall River Road, by the Lawn lake trail head. The most popular hike in the park is from Bear Lake up to Emerald Lake, passing Nymph and Dream Lakes. If you go early, it's not as crowded. Longs Peak is terrific, but not for the faint of heart. Narrow shelves, scrambles, weather, and altitude can be a challenge. Make sure to summit by noon and leave by 1:30pm, or you'll be likely to get caught in a storm. Milner Pass offers the easiest access to the peaks along the divide on the south side of Trail Ridge Road. Arrowhead lake makes a terrific camp and is not crowded. I just got back from there 2 weeks ago. Breakfast at the Stanley Hotel in Estes is not to be missed. http://www.stanleyhotel.com/index.html

The Java Lava Cafe in Granby has insane breakfast burritos, sandwiches, soups and coffee.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Granby...e/343412922932

Estes Park


Stanley Hotel


Longs Peak




Big Horn Sheep

[lewan]

very nice trip
nice natural and landscape

thanks for share

[gumchain]

Yes! Thanks for sharing. I know there is a lot to do and a lot to photograph. Thanks for the tips. The little towns Brady mentioned sound promising.