by Cory Dudley | Jul 26, 2017 | Cory Dudley, Explore, Great Outdoors, Nature Is Neat, RMNPS eries, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park Series, The Winning Team Real Estate Group
Need to make plans for the upcoming weekend? Look no further than Rocky Mountain National Park! There's always plenty going on to entertain those venturing alone, with friends or with the family...
Friday, July 28th
Lily Ridge Hike (2 miles) - 9:30 to 11:00 am - Lily Lake
Join in on this guided hike to Lily Lake and find how trails connect various rocky ridges, forests, meadows, Longs Peak and Lily Lake.
The Great American Solar Eclipse - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm - Kawuneeche Visitor Center
Are you traveling somewhere to view the Solar Eclipse in August? Come by the park and learn how a solar eclipse happens, what you might see and how to view this natural occurrence safely.
All About Lightning - 2:30 to 3:00 pm - Alpine Visitor Center
Learn all about why lightning is so important to know about, and how you can minimize your risk of being struck by lightning.
Exploring With a Camera - 1:30 to 3:00 pm - Timber Lake Trailhead
Whether you have lots of experience with photographing in nature or are just beginning to dive in, this is your chance to learn some valuable tips and improve your skills on a guided photography walk.
Bighorn Basics - 10:30 to 11:00 am - Sheep Lakes Information Station
Did you know that the Bighorn Sheep is the symbol of the Rocky Mountains themselves? Learn about this beautiful animal near Sheep Lakes; a popular place to view them.
Glacier Basic Campground Evening Program - 8:30 to 9:15 pm - Glacier Basin Campground Amphitheater
Various topics are discussed, both informative and fun! Dress warmly.
Holzwarth Historic Site - 10:30 am to 4:30 pm - Holzwarth Historic Site Parking Area
Help the park join Holzwarth Historic Site's 100th Birthday! While you're at it, take a tour of the 1920's-era dude ranch and get a taste of early homesteading.
Astronomy in the Park - 8:15 pm - Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead
Join a park ranger and the expert team of volunteer astronomers to observe and identify different elements and constellations in the night sky. Make sure to dress warmly and bring binoculars and a flashlight. A 30 minute program will be followed by viewing.
Old Ranch Campfire - 7:00 to 9:00 pm - Holzwarth Historic Site Parking Area
Bring the family or friends and roast marshmallows by the campfire. It does require a 1 mile walk to get to the campfire site, so dress warmly! Bring your own marshmallows and come equipped with campfire stories and songs.
Saturday, July 29th
Hike through History (3 miles) - 9:30 am to 12:30 pm - Colorado River Trailhead - FREE
Make your way along Colorado River on this calm 3-mile hike where you'll discover remnants of mining and ranching history. Bring anything you'd need to be well prepared for a hike of this length.
Sprague Lake Stroll (1 mile) - 9:30 to 11:00 am - Sprague Lake Picnic Area
Managing wild places within Rocky Mountain National Park is the topic of discussion on this guided hike. Enjoy the conversation of a ranger as you make your way around Sprague Lake.
Twilight Walk - 7:45 to 9:15 pm - Sprague Lake
If you love that magical twilight hour just before night settles in, don't miss this guided walk! You'll learn all about what the natural world is going as day transitions into night. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.
Sunday, July 30th
Beyond the Falls (1 mile) - 2:15 to 3:45 pm - East Inlet Trailhead
Even been to Adams Falls? You'll enjoy this pleasant hike to Adams Falls and soak in the amazing view that lies just beyond it.
Mountain Wildflowers - 9:00 to 11:00 am - Kawuneeche Visitor Center Flagpole
A ranger will lead you & your caravan to see the best flowers that are currently blossoming and teach you all the reasons why they're so special.
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by Cory Dudley | Jul 19, 2017 | Bringing You Colorado, Cory Dudley, Great Outdoors, Nature Photographers, Outdoor Photography, RMNP, RMNPS eries, Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park Series, The Winning Team Real Estate Group
Erik Stensland, an Estes Park resident and photographer, visits Rocky Mountain National Park regularly to photograph all the beauty within; spring flowers, sunsets and waterfalls overflowing. Like many creative nature enthusiasts, Stensland prefers to wander outdoors in solitude.
"I just need silence to rethink things. It keeps me whole and sane. I need that time of personal reflection." - Erik Stensland
Though you aren't going to become his best hiking buddy, Stensland is willing to share some of his wisdom when it comes to taking photographs while venturing through the park. And it's advice you'll want to take!
Tip #1 - Timing is Everything
Aim to photograph your desired subject or area when the light is warm. If you can shoot within 15-20 minutes of sunrise or sunset, you'll be amazed by the results. More people prefer sunrise photos than sunset photos, due to the clarity during that time of day. Winds die down and urban activity slows significantly during the night, leaving a window of time just before and during sunrise that provides a more clean and clear atmosphere.
Tip #2 - What Are You Shooting?
It's easy to become distracted by everything around you and before you know it, you've taken 300 photos in the first 15 minutes of your hike and you're late for that sunrise shot you'd planned on getting! Before you head out, be very clear about what the subject of your image is. Why did you come out today? What did you hope to photograph? What was the overall feeling you wanted to convey with this image? Focus on one clear subject and you'll hike home feeling triumphant.
Tip #3 - Learn to Love Cloudy Days
Sure, it may go against your nature to hope for clouds in the sky as you pack up for a day outside. But in Stensland's opinion, if there aren't clouds in the sky, it isn't worth going out with your camera in tow. "Clouds really create the emotion in the image", he says. Subjects such as waterfalls and shadowy forested areas benefit greatly from the diffused light that grey skies bring. Clouds truly are nature's softbox, so take advantage of overcast days!
He sells his images online and in various galleries in New Mexico and Colorado. If you're more of a social media guru, he shares images daily on his Facebook and Twitter with inspiring messages attached for you to enjoy (free of charge!)
