RMNP Sunday morning

My girlfriend and I went up to Trail Ridge for sunrise on Sunday morn and were greeted with some pretty cool clouds. Not a lot of color unfortunately, but quite dramatic anyway and NO wind!
It wasn't until after the sun came up that we realized we were above the cloud deck that was covering the plains. That's what the second shot shows. Still lots of snow up there.

Looking northeast from Rainbow Curve. This shows some of the cloud deck covering the plains.

Wow! I really like the layered look on Rainbow Curve ~ looks like something you'd expect to see in the PacNW.

Looks like a great morning. Those are some special clouds in that first one. Maybe add just a bit of contrast to make them pop just a little more? I love the layering and monochromatic feel of the second image - really cool.

I think on the second a mask over the clouds would allow you to push the contrast for better separation in the foreground. Very nice conditions to capture.

Both shots are really nice. The light in the first one is wonderful. And I love that cloud blanket in the second. Great stuff.

I love the layer effect in #2, also. I agree with Scott and Mel about increasing contrast in #1.

Killer clouds on both counts. Good captures Paul. I'm on board the contrast bandwagon too.

Great images! I like the blue in the second image alot.

where abouts on Trail Ridge was that first image?

Thanks for the helpful comments guys!
To Paul G. - the first one is from the parking area about a mile east of the Alpine Vistors center.