Our first day of the photo shoot would be a dark 6:00 AM rendezvous with Bear Lake on Saturday. Thursday, we thought it might be to our advantage if we knew how to get there and maybe scope out possible photo locations.
The photo workshop schedule for Saturday and Sunday called for predawn starts. Saturday I would have to hit the floor running at 4:30 AM. Feed Sheila, start a pot of coffee, walk Sheila and catch two breaths by 5:15 AM, when we would leave for Bear Lake. Sunday would be the same; but we would have 15 minutes longer since our destination, Sprague lake, was a bit closer.
On Thursday we wanted to find our way to Bear Lake and check out some of the other scenic spots along the way, so our pace was more leisurely. It was after 9:00 AM when we entered the park and started the 20 plus mile drive to the lake.
Rockey Mountain National Park encompasses three distinct ecosystems Montane, Subalpine and Alpine; Google these terms to find out more. The park entrance is at 7800 feet; Bear Lake is 9400 and the Trail Ridge Road, our Friday trip is over 12000 feet.
Driving along the curvy road to the lake takes you through stands of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and some Engelmann spruce. Dense groves of aspen grow at meadow edges and provide splashes of color on the hillsides. From Thursday the 17th through Tuesday the 22nd, we were in the park every day, and watched the aspen groves add more color daily. It seems they grow and spread overnight. The color is definitely more vivid every day.
Major roads in the park are well maintained; there are a couple of dirt roads leading to Elk viewing areas and day parks. Of course you don't have to drive within the park at all; an extensive and efficient network of buses will transport you to popular scenic spots and major trail heads.
This park is a popular destination. I don't have visitor stats; but parking lots for the most popular areas, Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge are full after 9:00 AM. Thursday, I Didn't ask anyone's advice and drove to Bear Lake. Luck was on my side and a car was leaving as I drove up. There were only a couple of spots left. Tuesday, the Glacier Gorge parking lot was full and I had to drive back a couple of miles to the park and ride area. That's why I know the busses are roomy, well maintained and move on a tight schedule, every 15 minutes.
The roadway winds through a tunnel of tall pines with occasional glimpses of mountain peaks. There are 72 named peaks above 12,00 feet; Longs Peak is the tallest northernmost peak, rising to 14,259 feet.
Bear lake isn't big if measured in area covered. It is impressive in the sense of scenic beauty.
View from West end of Bear Lake
View from East shore line.
From East shore around 7 AM.
A bit further around the East shore. Again, early in the AM.
I never would have gotten the last two shots if it weren't for the Photo Workshop. Getting up before dawn isn't one of my favorite things. But the $390.00 individual price tag was a strong stimulus to get with the program and neglect my beauty sleep. I only had to struggle with the early wake up call two days.
And finally, Johnna enjoying the view.
We spent over an hour walking around the lake, taking photos along the way. From Bear Lake, a trail winds up the mountain to nine more lakes. Nymph Lake is the closest at .5 miles; we had plenty of time so, off we went.
Half a mile, an easy mornings walk back home at 4,500 feet. Bear Lake is 9,400 feet and Nymph Lake is 225 feet higher. The trail is at least a 6 to 8 percent grade. A real, breath defying, leg weakening, huffer puffer. We made it and, of course, it was worth it.
Nymph Lake.
That ended our first day's excursion. From Bear Lake we wandered back to Estes Park for a bit of needed re-provisioning and a look at the main down town tourist areas.
ouglas fir,
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