Posted by Larry Gloth on August 7, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Greetings to photographers of RMNP from the PNW. I will be in Denver for a wedding with the family this weekend and am looking for some areas to hit for sunrise or sunset. I have studied your archives and it seems that the areas to hit are around Indian Peaks, RMNP, and Aspen (Maroon Bells).
As I have my family with me and my time will be somewhat limited, I am looking for some areas that won't require a camp out overnight.
Maroon Lake at sunrise seems to be an option so far.
Any other more specific advice you may have to offer about the above locations would be appreciated. Interests would be wildflowers with mountain backdrops, waterfalls, mountain lakes, or any other great vistas. Thanks in advance.
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 7, 2008 at 7:59 PM
How far are you willing to go? Aspen (M. Bells) is pretty far from Denver, and you could get a whole lot of shots a whole lot closer, like IPW and RMNP, which you mentioned.
Posted by Larry Gloth on August 7, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Closer is better. What about Dream lake in RMNP and Lake Isabelle? Would these be doable with a wicked early start and a headlamp?
Also, weather is calling for 30% chance of Thunderstorms. Though there could be some interesting light, would it be better not to hit the lakes in these conditions?
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 7, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Other suggestions.
Times are from west Denver, like Lakewood or Golden and are approximate.
If you have 4WD
Fall River Reservoir is worth a sunrise visit, 45 minutes, 100 yard hike
Loch Lomond is also pretty cool and in the same area, but more drive time due to the more technical road.
If you don't have 4WD
Mt Evans is always worth a visit at sunrise or sunset. 50 minutes
Loveland Pass can be worthwhile, probably best for sunset. 60 minutes
RMNP spots like Dream Lake are nice for sunrise. 120+ minutes, 30 minute hike
Cottonwood Pass is paved to the top, sunset. 2 hours, 30 minutes
Hosier Pass can provide some nice shots of 14ers to the north or south at sunrise. 1 hour 40 minutes
Posted by Ron Leraaen on August 7, 2008 at 9:58 PM
Larry,
Mount Evans may be a good option for you. There is a paved road to the top (over 14000 ft) with many photo ops along the way. It is also only about 65 miles to the top from central Denver.
this website gives a good overview. www.mountevans.com
Posted by Larry Gloth on August 8, 2008 at 1:11 AM
Thanks for the help. Hopefully I'll find an opportunity to break away and check out some of these suggestions.
Posted by John De Bord on August 8, 2008 at 2:35 AM
If you wish to stay closer, be sure to check out Washington Park in downtown Denver, a wonderful place to shoot at both times of the day, also Chatfield and Cherry Creek Reservoir State Parks work well too
Posted by Les Barstow on August 8, 2008 at 5:15 AM
Following up on Mel's post, Lake Isabelle is probably a bit less of a drive than RMNP, but the hike is a bit longer than the one to Dream Lake, so overall figure the same basic time...
Discussion
7 repliesAs I have my family with me and my time will be somewhat limited, I am looking for some areas that won't require a camp out overnight.
Maroon Lake at sunrise seems to be an option so far.
Any other more specific advice you may have to offer about the above locations would be appreciated. Interests would be wildflowers with mountain backdrops, waterfalls, mountain lakes, or any other great vistas. Thanks in advance.
Also, weather is calling for 30% chance of Thunderstorms. Though there could be some interesting light, would it be better not to hit the lakes in these conditions?
Times are from west Denver, like Lakewood or Golden and are approximate.
If you have 4WD
Fall River Reservoir is worth a sunrise visit, 45 minutes, 100 yard hike
Loch Lomond is also pretty cool and in the same area, but more drive time due to the more technical road.
If you don't have 4WD
Mt Evans is always worth a visit at sunrise or sunset. 50 minutes
Loveland Pass can be worthwhile, probably best for sunset. 60 minutes
RMNP spots like Dream Lake are nice for sunrise. 120+ minutes, 30 minute hike
Cottonwood Pass is paved to the top, sunset. 2 hours, 30 minutes
Hosier Pass can provide some nice shots of 14ers to the north or south at sunrise. 1 hour 40 minutes
Mount Evans may be a good option for you. There is a paved road to the top (over 14000 ft) with many photo ops along the way. It is also only about 65 miles to the top from central Denver.
this website gives a good overview. www.mountevans.com
Mt. Evans is a great place to be.