Posted by Larry Hayes on April 15, 2010 at 7:58 AM
I'll be heading to Laramie Wyoming the first week of May for my son's graduation from UW and I'll have a couple days to spend around RMNP. I'm just curious how far I can drive into the park and what wildlife I'm likely to see. Any suggestions for wildlife or landscape locations would be appreciated.
That time of year you can drive up to Bear Lake, Many Parks Curve, and the Alluvial Fan. Favorite landscape locations are along the drive up to Bear Lake and along the many trails that start along that stretch of road. Light can get harsh rather quickly so don't be late for work.
I'll let others chime in about the current wildlife, but most of what you will see should be down in the meadows. While not as much as we would like, there is still plenty of snow and ice as one get's up higher.
Posted by Jack Garrett on April 15, 2010 at 10:03 AM
Larry,
If the ice is off Dream Lake, that is always an awesome sunrise shot while Bear Lake makes for good sunset captures, looking across the lake toward Longs Peak. To get to Dream Lake, you go to Bear Lake parking lot and go past the ranger building, go left and follow the signs for Dream Lake. It's just over a mile with some uphill involved. At the top of this forum, do a search for both of these locations and you should see some good stuff. You can also check out Erik Stenslands website: http://www.imagesofrmnp.com for ideas. You should make it a point to stop in at his gallery in Estes Park if you want to see some outstanding captures of the park.
As far as wildlife, I'm not really sure. Others will respond with that info.
Wildlife wise you have a lot of options. The elk and mule deer are all over, though not in their best coats. Coyotes have been out all winter and they are still in a great coat. Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels and Wyoming Ground Squirrels are out and about, along with Chipmunks. Marmots are out finally and if you can find a tammer one they can make a great subject.
Then of course there are great birds like mountain blue birds, stellars jays, magpies, and lately killdeer. If you want to find perching birds there are great opts if you get out hiking.
Posted by Don George on April 15, 2010 at 11:59 AM
One add to the wildlife opportunities. The Bighorn sheep are coming down to Sheep Lakes in Horseshoe park. The adult coats are rough but the lambs are really cute. Its a crap shoot when they appear. Also look along the high side of Fall River road as you are driving to the entrance station.
Posted by Larry Hayes on April 16, 2010 at 6:31 AM
Discussion
5 repliesLarry
Hi Larry,
That time of year you can drive up to Bear Lake, Many Parks Curve, and the Alluvial Fan. Favorite landscape locations are along the drive up to Bear Lake and along the many trails that start along that stretch of road. Light can get harsh rather quickly so don't be late for work.
I'll let others chime in about the current wildlife, but most of what you will see should be down in the meadows. While not as much as we would like, there is still plenty of snow and ice as one get's up higher.
If the ice is off Dream Lake, that is always an awesome sunrise shot while Bear Lake makes for good sunset captures, looking across the lake toward Longs Peak. To get to Dream Lake, you go to Bear Lake parking lot and go past the ranger building, go left and follow the signs for Dream Lake. It's just over a mile with some uphill involved. At the top of this forum, do a search for both of these locations and you should see some good stuff. You can also check out Erik Stenslands website:
http://www.imagesofrmnp.com for ideas. You should make it a point to stop in at his gallery in Estes Park if you want to see some outstanding captures of the park.
As far as wildlife, I'm not really sure. Others will respond with that info.
Good luck!
Wildlife wise you have a lot of options. The elk and mule deer are all over, though not in their best coats. Coyotes have been out all winter and they are still in a great coat. Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels and Wyoming Ground Squirrels are out and about, along with Chipmunks. Marmots are out finally and if you can find a tammer one they can make a great subject.
Then of course there are great birds like mountain blue birds, stellars jays, magpies, and lately killdeer. If you want to find perching birds there are great opts if you get out hiking.
Thanks for all your help.
Larry