Bull Elk looking out over Rocky Mountain National Park

The first park we are going to visit is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. When I think about this park one word comes to mind, powerful. There are many words to describe RMNP. Beautiful, breathtaking, magical, amazing, awe inspiring and those are just the words to describe the scenery. I chose powerful because this park is one of the main reasons why my wife and I decided to move away from the big city of Philadelphia and call Colorado home. After our first visit to the park, we were on our way to the airport and we were already planning our next trip back. After multiple visits to RMNP, we finally decided that we needed to be closer. So we both found jobs in Colorado, packed all of our stuff up, said goodbye to family and friends, and moved all the way across the country. Sounds crazy, but that is how much this place means to us.

Powerful. It is a strong yet meaningful word. When you hear that word it brings out an emotional response. That is how I view Rocky Mountain National Park. I am sure some people can relate to this feeling about the place they live in, or want to live in. So because this park is so special to my wife and I, I am going to start here in Colorado at Rocky Mountain National Park.

Photography in RMNP is special. Nature and landscape photographers from all over the world visit Rocky Mountain National Park just to say they experienced it. Every season offers something new and exciting to shoot. From the frozen lakes and deep snow in winter to the glow of Aspen trees in the fall, RMNP always has something beautiful to photograph.

Top 5 Places to Photograph

Emerald Lake. One of my favorite hikes in the Bear Lake Road region.

#1 Bear Lake Road

This 10.5 mile drive from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center starts at 7,840 ft and climbs up to Bear Lake at 9,475 ft. Continental Divide peaks tower above you. Several popular trails begin at Bear Lake. Some are short and moderate hiking for families with younger children, while others are more strenuous. It is very common to see animals roadside while you are driving Bear Lake Road so have your camera ready at all times. This road can get crowded during the summer months so park shuttle service is used. Go early to avoid crowds. This is one of my favorite areas to photograph all year long.

#2 Trail Ridge Road

Alpine animals, incredible vistas, this is a photographers dream. Trail Ridge Road spans the Park and connects Estes Park to the town of Grand Lake on the western slope. It’s the highest continuously paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet. It is open to vehicle traffic from around Memorial Day weekend until the Park Service closes it in the fall. If you are not used to the elevation, make sure you take your time and listen to your body. Photographing at the top can be tricky because the wind can be very strong. Use a sturdy tripod and hold onto your hat.

#3 Sheeps Lake

Not long after entering the park you will come upon Sheep Lake. This is a beautiful meadow surrounded by gorgeous mountains. Although the scenery hear is nice, the big treat is usually the animals in the area. Numerous birds, Elk, Deer, Moose and Big Horn Sheep frequent this area. Get your big lens out and be patient while sitting here.

#4 The West Side

About 80% of the park’s annual 4.5 million visitors enter through Estes Park which is on the east. Although some people will make the ride over to the western slope, it is nowhere near as crowded. You can access the west side of the park through the western entrance by Grand Lake, or by driving the length of Trail Ridge Road. Although the entrance is more convenient, I highly recommend taking the ride. The drive down from Alpine Visitor center is amazing. Steep turns and beautiful overlooks will lead you down to a beautiful valley where the Colorado River snakes through lush meadows. This sets up for beautiful landscape photography. But do not put away that telephoto lens. The west side is home to a large number of Moose. In late spring baby moose are born and you can see them walking around with their mothers. Be very careful. Although they look nice and a bit goofy, moose can be very dangerous.

#5 Above The Treeline

I have visited and climbed many mountains back east. Some of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi, but they do not compare to what you see and feel above the treeline in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sunrise and sunset above the clouds will give you magical photographs and memories that you will never forget. Great wide angle and panoramic shots are plentiful. On clear nights, astro-photography can not be beat here. You feel like you can reach out and touch the stars. Prior to going to RMNP I knew the scenery would be amazing at the top, but I was shocked to see the wildlife. Alpine critters are all over and not shy. Do not be shocked if you have Marmots on the rocks next to you posing for a shot.

Essential Gear And Supplies

Water- Although you may not think you need to drink, DRINK!! Dehydration and altitude sickness are real. Start drinking water as soon as you arrive in Colorado.
Telephoto Lens- Wildlife is abundant in the park. Although the animals may seem friendly and harmless, always remember to follow the rules. Stay back and give them space. Bring a lens with a good reach. My 100-400 mm lens will stay on my camera a majority of the time while I am in the park
Wide Angle Lens- Like I said above, the landscapes shots here are plentiful. Get low and get wide. Take your time and compose a good shot.
Tripod- I try to use a tripod for every picture I take.This is a good practice. In RMNP it is a necessity. The higher you get the more wind you will encounter. You do not want to miss a good shot because a gust of wind came and moved you and your camera.
Circular Polarizer Filter- If you need to shoot fast, like in a dark canyon or a night time ditch the polarizer. ... If you want reflections, like in a lake scene, use a circular polarizer. This will cut down on glare and make your clouds pop.
ND Filters- RMNP has a lot of water. Lakes, streams, rivers, etc.. Neutral density filters are great tools if you anticipate opportunities for long exposures during daylight hours, such as smoothing out water or prolonging the exposure to clouds in the sky. Not a make or break piece of equipment, but always good to have with you.
Gloves- Did I mention it can snow at the top in July? It is not a bad idea to have a pair of gloves with you, even in the summer. Early mornings and late night photo shoots can get pretty chilly.
Raincoat- Weather is ever changing in RMNP. So be prepared at all times. A pack-able raincoat is a great item to have especially if you are going on a long hike. It will help keep you and your gear dry.
Hiking Boots- I was the typical east coast city boy when I first visited RMNP. I bought a moderately priced pair of boots that looked fashionable. My feet hated me. The Rocky Mountains are ROCKY. Sturdy, comfortable and properly fitting hiking boots are essential. Whether it is a .5 mile hike, or an all day 10+ mile hike, your feet will love you. Save up some money, do research, and find the right boot for you.
Hiking Poles- Once again, my city boy mentality blocked sound judgement. I would usually laugh at people with hiking poles. Are they trying to ski on dirt?? After using them and getting comfortable with them, I will not go on a mountainous hike without them. They help keep your balance and take some of the weight burden off your body. As a photographer we usually carry a lot of gear. Some(most) we do not need, but don't want to be without it. So things get heavy. Using hiking poles helps a lot.

Rocky Mountain National Park