Hey guys, I'm probably going to take in a conference in Estes Park in July and was wondering about the condition of the park, especially with regard to pine beetle damage. Its been at least 5 years since I was there last and there was a lot of damage on the west side. Also, is the Bear Lake road closed or just hindered by construction? Any help you can provide will be most appreciated. >=))>
Lots of beetle kill pines, but still lots of picturesque places to photograph.
And if the pines are too ugly, you can spend the day with the pica and marmots
The Bear Lake road will be under construction again this year. If you're on the road before 9am you will be able to drive up the road and return any time. After 9am you'll have to take the shuttle bus. On weekends, the road will be open to traffic, but delays must be expected due to one way roads with traffic control. http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/bearlakeroad_reconstruction.htm
Richard summed it up pretty well, Bill. You will definitely be shocked by the amount of beetle kill since your last visit. Particularly on the west side. But, it is still Rocky, so there is a lot of territory, and I'm sure if you e-mail Erik Stensland he will give you some great advice about areas still viable to great photography.
Let me know if you want to meet at Long Lake if you're here in July and we'll do some bodacious wildflowers together.
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2 repliesAnd if the pines are too ugly, you can spend the day with the pica and marmots
The Bear Lake road will be under construction again this year. If you're on the road before 9am you will be able to drive up the road and return any time. After 9am you'll have to take the shuttle bus. On weekends, the road will be open to traffic, but delays must be expected due to one way roads with traffic control.
http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/bearlakeroad_reconstruction.htm
Let me know if you want to meet at Long Lake if you're here in July and we'll do some bodacious wildflowers together.