Does anyone know of a good spot for shooting sunset scenes within RMNP that they'd be willing to share? Is there a time of year that is better than others? I've tried a few scenes in the past few weeks, with disappointing results - only a little glow on the peaks, no color in the sky, etc.
(OK - I'm basically too lazy to get up for the nice sunrise shots y'all post every now and then!)
Well, I always enjoy shooting the big meadows along the East Inlet Trail, with Mount Craig in the distance. That's a personal favorite, and this time of year there are a ton of moose in the area. Timber Lake offers some nice scenes as well, and is a great hike regardless of photographic possibilities. Lakes Nanita and Nokoni are also very nice, but those are both long hikes. I've also had luck parking at the Gore Range overlook up top, hiking down to the tarns below, and shooting out over Forest Canyon. You can also try hiking up to the Grand Ditch. I haven't tried this myself at sunset, but there might be some good views up there. Hell, if you've got nothing but time on your hands, try hiking back into the west side of the Never Summer Mountains. There are some hidden jewels in there!
Those are all on the west side, aside from the Gore Range Overlook, although that's pretty far west up top. I'll let the more accomplished amongst us give you some better options, possibly east side...those are just the few that popped in my head
Referring to Mark's suggestion of parking at Gore Range overlook and hiking down to those tarns, it's much more preferable to park at the Alpine Visitor Center and take the easy trail to those tarns, which sit on Forest Canyon Pass. I've shot them a few times at sunrise, but always thought sunset would be the better option. And by taking the trail, there's no lung-busting hike back afterwards!
Good point Todd. I've always parked at the overlook simply because it's closer, but after tweaking an already tweaked knee there last summer, I won't be doing it again.
Just a couple more thoughts on the tarns below the Gore Range Overlook. I walk past there this morning on my way to an overlook of the Never Summers and noticed that they are still frozen and under quite a bit of snow. Also, the trail from the Gore Range Overlook has been officially closed and is being restored to its natural state so the only real option is to come in from the Alpine Visitor Center. Hope you get a good sunset Jamie!
Discussion
4 replies(OK - I'm basically too lazy to get up for the nice sunrise shots y'all post every now and then!)
-Jamie
Those are all on the west side, aside from the Gore Range Overlook, although that's pretty far west up top. I'll let the more accomplished amongst us give you some better options, possibly east side...those are just the few that popped in my head
http://morninglight.us/cnp/2006/IMG_1592.jpg