One Week in RMNP with a baby!

Hey gang,

I've gotten a few ideas from photographers in the area...but just thought I'd post here as well. I'll be in RMNP for the last week of May (Memorial Day week). I've got a one year old (today actually) who will be with my husband and me. I'll probably be leaving the family back at the hotel to go do sunrise work...but as far as the rest of the day...what are some "must see" locations that do not require long treks in the mountains. Little guy just won't tolerate it I don't think. He hates the car seat and any carrier...so this could get interesting! So I'm looking for ideas on the best times of day at certain locations, good sunrise and sunset spots that I can do ALONE! ie: I'm not too keen on hiking through the wilderness that I've never been to on my own.

Thanks for any suggestions. We'll have to come back in a few years when he can carry my camera equipment instead of us carrying him! HA!

My best advice is to stop by the Images of RMNP gallery in Estes and take photos of Erik's images hanging on the walls. You can get shots that normally require tons of hiking w/out any hiking at all...

Spots that don't require much or any hiking are: Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, and Trail Ridge Road (if it's open). Nymph Lake is about 1/2 mile hike and the iconic Dream Lake is about 1 mile. Pretty much everything on the east side of the park is best at sunrise, which is why I h8 RMNP .

Take photos of Eriks images? Hmmmm, wouldn't that be copyright infringement or at the least a little unethical?

If its good enough for Richard Price and the museums and collectors paying in the millions...

Kate , Don't forget the Wild Basin area if you have time. You can get some water features close to the parking area. There will be an art show in Bond park on Memorial Day weekend.
It runs 3 days and usually is packed with photography. Just stop in and you can see the actual locations that are in the park. The Park Service usually has Trailridge road open by that weekend. If so you can get some great shots of elk etc from the road.

You go, Mom! Train him early to get up early for sunrise shots, or there is no hope when he is a teenager. I applaud your dedication and your husband's willigness to let you pursue your art. That's a healthy marriage. (Don't forget to reciprocate for him.)

I like Grant's suggestion, hadn't thought of that idea before, it'd save me getting up at the crack of dawn too
Seriously though, as Grant said the East side of the park is best at sunrise, and his suggestions are the main locations that require only a short hike. Sprague Lake is a very short hike, and with some nice clouds at sunrise is hard to beat. The 1.1 mile one-way hike upto Dream lake is also worth while, and nice at sunrise if you're dedicated to get up real early and hike it, there is likely to still be snow up on that trail however.
Some other short worthwhile hikes are Alberta falls, and Calypso cascades in the Wild basin area Don mentioned above. As far as sunset spots go, Trail Ridge road (if open) is your best bet.

One of my favorite family spots is the Alluvial Fan area. Family AND photographer friendly. The numerous small cascades and waterfalls provide limitless opportunities for intimate photographs. And it's better at midday (maybe with some cloud cover). Also try some of the tundra walks along Trail Ridge Road - especially at Rock Cut. Walking along the Big Thompson River in Moraine Park would also be fun for photographer and family as well.

Whatever you do, please go by Erik's gallery (Images of RMNP). After seeing his images, you may become even more elated about the possibilities, or more depressed about your own images.

Thanks so much for the advise everybody...this along with what Erik already suggested will help me get a good game plan for the week...weather permitting of course!
Much appreciated!
Kate