Hey folks, I'm going to be in Steamboat Springs for a conference aug 6-10, and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for places I might try going to for some sunrise/sunsets while I'm there. I'll most likely have a car.. but don't want to go more than 45 min or so out of town. Thanks!
For those of you not familiar with my photography... I like anything and everything, big mountain vistas, little elegant details, wild sheep and bears... it's all good. Actually, wildlife spots would be particularly nice, since I think I need to beef up that part of my collection.
Floris, that's not my neck of the woods, so I can't help with locations, and I guess everyone else is at Yankee Boy or American Basin right now. Or some high valley that has wildflowers. I'm sure someone will pipe in with some knowledge of the area soon.
Posted by Brent Murphy on July 15, 2009 at 12:34 PM
I just spent a week in Steamboat, but don't have many suggestions, since it was more of a family vacation than a real photo trip. I actually didn't get out at all for any photo-only excursions. But you should get in touch with Rod Hanna from this forum. He's lived in Steamboat for years, and I'm sure will have many excellent suggestions. I spoke to him a few times during my trip, but unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet up with him. Maybe next time.
I'll throw out a few other suggestions, though, if you have the time. Try the Steamboat Smokehouse for some good barbeque, and live music on Wednesday nights. And check out rodeo on Friday or Saturday night. Might not be the wildlife you're looking for, but you can get some good action shots. If you need other non-photo ideas, let me know. The photos from my trip are HERE.
Although the main Wildflower season will be winding down the fireweed and asters should just be starting up pretty good at that time.
With just car access I'd recommend Steamboat Lake north of town, Rabbit Ears Pass/Dumont Lake to the east, on Hwy. 40, for flower scenery type shots.
For some bird and other wildlife possibilities you might check out Stagecoach Reservoir (inlet area) to the south of town or Yampa River State Park to the west on Hwy. 40 between Craig and Hayden.
All locations within 45 minutes of Steamboat.
Trappers Lake is nice, though it may be a bit more than 45 minutes. Mt Zirkel Wilderness is nice, though it generally requires some hiking...Gildpin Lake would be my choice there...but the one time I planned to go I found the road was closed that day, so I've never been. The road heading north towards Hahns Peak and beyond - and all the random side roads I've driven up from there - all seem to have lots of photo ops. The road along Slater Creek is also nice.
Discussion
5 repliesFor those of you not familiar with my photography... I like anything and everything, big mountain vistas, little elegant details, wild sheep and bears... it's all good. Actually, wildlife spots would be particularly nice, since I think I need to beef up that part of my collection.
I'll throw out a few other suggestions, though, if you have the time. Try the Steamboat Smokehouse for some good barbeque, and live music on Wednesday nights. And check out rodeo on Friday or Saturday night. Might not be the wildlife you're looking for, but you can get some good action shots. If you need other non-photo ideas, let me know. The photos from my trip are HERE.
With just car access I'd recommend Steamboat Lake north of town, Rabbit Ears Pass/Dumont Lake to the east, on Hwy. 40, for flower scenery type shots.
For some bird and other wildlife possibilities you might check out Stagecoach Reservoir (inlet area) to the south of town or Yampa River State Park to the west on Hwy. 40 between Craig and Hayden.
All locations within 45 minutes of Steamboat.