Rocky Mountain National Park

Where Beasts and City Come Together

I like to drive. And I like the mountains. I took my truck, my camera, my camping gear and some food on a road trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in late October. This was a trip of a few surprises including elk in folks front yards and a early season snow storm that closed the Trail Ridge Road to the Alpine visitor center which I love but could not drive.

The drive to Denver was a 15 hour trip. Easy peasy. After a nights stay I traveled to Estes Park to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. Waiting for me just before the gate were a few mule deer and a herd of elk! I had to stop and snap a few shots. My go to destination is the Glacier Creek Meadow for the simple reason that I’d found this to be a great spot to photograph elk. But on this trip the elk were not there in numbers nor close to photography range. I did stumble upon a coyote and a few mule deer and that would have to suffice.

Day 2 was a driving day throughout the park looking for likely photographic opportunities. A saw a few big horn sheep then it started snowing. Since Trail Ridge Road was closed I settled on a hike on the Lumpy Ridge Trail. In heavy snow I left my camera gear behind and began hiking the trail in what is now heavy snow. I found this enjoyable. Nobody else was on the trail and it gave me a different appreciation of snow fall. I know folks are probably not hoping for hikes in a snowstorm but it really was a scene I’ll not forget.

On the next day I once again photographed the elk that were still grazing around just before the park entrance. This was for whatever reason the go-to area for elk photography. The highlight of this day was the snow. This day was bluebird clear and the early morning light on the freshly fallen snow was a delight to the eyes. The park did an excellent job on the roads and I leisurely drove the roads to higher elevations to take in the view. At the end of the day I once again photographed the elk by the park entrance along with some mule deer. Bull’s were more vocal as the light dimmed and I attempted to video this with my less than desirable hand held video camera.

In leu of camping I stayed the the Rocky Mountain Hotel and Conference Center. The price was right. Must be an October thing. Waking up early I was surprised by the number of elk walking the city roadways in the surrounding neighborhoods. Elk were literally eating on peoples porches! A quick stop to get a roll and a coffee I went see the Stanley Hotel for a moment then back to Bear Road and the Glacier Creek area.

Now at my destination the obvious opportunity photography wise was to capture the icy creek in it’s snow covered beauty. I stayed the right there for at least an hour sipping my semi-warm coffee and eating my donut. Not another soul was there and there was no wind and if there was sound it was only the gurgle of the creek water rolling over the ice. I’m not much of a landscape photographer but hopefully my photos give you an idea of what I experienced.

I’ve been to Rocky Mountain Park in summer, it’s beautiful and busy. This October trip was really an early winter adventure thoroughly enjoyed. If you are considering a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park my thought is just go. You’ll enjoy the place immensely. And if you go in October you’ll encounter lower traffic and lower prices for lodging! Oh did I mention the pizza at Antonio’s Real NY Pizza!

Rocky Mountain National Park Imagery

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