Rocky Mountain National Park

When visiting Colorado, a stop a Rocky Mountain National Park is pretty much a requirement.  At least it should be.  The park is not exceptionally large compared to many and with some proper planning you can hit many of the major attractions within a single day.  I don't recommend doing it this way, but if a day is all you can spare you will still see plenty.

The park is best known for it's amazing views and abundant wildlife.  This makes it perfect for photographers to fill their cards up quickly.  More often than not you can get some very nice wildlife photos and even amazing vista images right from the road.  So if hiking is not part of your plans, you still will get to put your camera to good use.

 

Rocky Mountain National Park (lower areas)

Sprague Lake

Sprague Lake is a very popular place for visitors and photographers alike.  Not just for the amazing views, Snow capped rocky peaks reflecting off mirror like water, but also because it's just super easy to get to.  The "hike" from the parking area is all of a few hundred feet.

For the photographic opportunities you will want to try and get there by dawn.  Yes, that's a real pain, but it will be worth it as the West facing mountains glow with the morning light from the East.  Also the morning air is still giving the lake a perfect glass effect which will deteriorate as the air begins to warm and move.

Moraine Park

This large meadow is the very definition of serenity and calm.  The Big Thompson River flows slowly back and forth here creating opportunities galor for those "leading lines" shots as the river wanders off to the mountains peaks that fill the Western view.  As is nearly always the case, dawn and dusk are the best times to be there for your photography.   In the morning the Eastern sun will add a beautiful glow onto the mountain faces on the West side of the meadow.  In the evening the mountains create amazing silhouettes in front of colorful skies.  It's best if there are some clouds above the mountains as they will usually turn a bright red and add some depth to your photos. 

Another reason to hit Moraine Park early is to catch the Elk.  While Elk are common throughout the park, and can be found most any time of day, your images will take on a whole new presence as the elk move through morning fog without a bunch of tourists and cars getting in the way.  Also morning will find fly fisherman making use of the waters.  That can make some very nice photo opportunities.  A lone fisherman with the amazing mountain backdrops.

Not far from Moraine Park is the Upper Beaver Meadows area.  This is a good location to photograph the ever present Longs Peak which can be seen from all around the park.  This 14,000+ foot peak dominates the landscape

Alberta Falls

A short distance from Moraine Park and only a 1/2 mile hike from the road you can check out Alberta Falls.  Water Falls are always a lot of fun for photographers to shoot.  Be sure to bring your neutral density filter and tripod to help stretch out the water.  You can continue up the trail a couple miles past the falls for more photo opportunities at Glass Lake, Mills Lake and The Loche.  If you don't mind some hiking these are areas you don't want to miss.  But you will want to be prepared to work hard (and carry essentials for Colorado weather no matter how nice it seems).  Be prepared for a good ten miles of hard hiking if you want to hit all three attractions.

Bear Lake

Bear lake is located about nine miles in from the Beaver Meadows Entrance.   This is a beautiful lake and can really wow you with some amazing photographic opportunities; however, you really want to get there early.  Firstly to make use of the morning light (as is nearly always the case in scenic photography), but also to avoid the crowds.  This is one of the easiest attractions to reach in the park.  The lake is only yards away from the parking lot which happens to be the largest in the park.  So everyone and their mother comes here to stomp around the lake and see the looming peaks reflect their beauty into the water.

Don't be afraid to continue up the trail further to experience the beauty of three more lakes with a lot less people.  About 3/4 miles up the way you'll find Nymph Lake.  Another half mile or so you'll find Dream Lake, whose name pretty much sums up the photographic experience.  Finally hit the trail for another mile and check out Emerald Lake.

 

Rocky Mountain National Park (upper areas)

Chasm Falls

This attractive waterfall can be found along the Old Fall River Road.  This is a one way dirt road.   You will want to access it from the East since it's a one way road.  The falls are located along side the road itself so no hiking of worth is needed.  

Trail Ridge Road

This road is a must see in the park.  It is closed a good portion of the year due to heavy snow so don't expect to hit this in the winter.  The road will take you well above treeline as it snakes it's way along the mountain ridges.  Expect to spend a long time covering a short distance since every few turns you will want to jump out and take photographs.  And so will everyone else, so keep an eye out for tourists parked in the middle of the road as you turn corners (please don't park in the road yourself.  You are better than that right?).  Notable locations to take photos of are Gore Range Overlook and Forest Canyon Overlook.  Check your map.