Rocky Mountain National Park - Winter Memories
One of my favorite images during a wind storm
This past February, I had the chance to spend a full week photographing the winter landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) with a few photography friends. Even though it’s only about two hours from home, I don’t get up there nearly as often as I’d like, something I’m definitely working on changing. The trip came right after wrapping up theWomen’s Winter Conference (you can read more about that here), and it was the perfect way to decompress and reconnect with nature and friends.
Fun fact: Rocky Mountain National Park is actually the highest elevation national park in the U.S., pretty wild, right? It boasts over 60 peaks above 12,000 feet, including the towering Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. A lot of folks love the challenge of summiting it … me, not so much! I’m more about capturing this majestic peak from below with my camera.
Captured during one of those rare early morning adventures
One of the big perks of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in winter is how quiet it is. No crowds, no timed-entry reservations (which you do need during the busy summer and fall months, especially around popular spots like the Bear Lake corridor). It feels like you have the whole place to yourself, which is pretty magical.
One of our first adventures was a hike up to Dream Lake, one of the park;s most iconic destinations. The wind up there never seems to let up, which makes for some pretty fascinating ice textures when the lake is frozen, sometimes it looks like perfectly polished glass. I’ve captured some fun ice patterns on past visits like the one below.
This image was captured up on Dream Lake during one of our past visits to the park when planning the conference.
The hike to Dream Lake is relatively short, but don’t let that fool you! Your lungs will feel the elevation gain. There had been some fresh snow in the days before we arrived, so the lake was blanketed in deep, packed snow, covering the ice formations we’d hoped to photograph.
Still, standing there feels otherworldly. The snow, the ice, the silence … it’s like stepping into a black-and-white world.
The temperatures during our visit were no joke; ferocious winds that had us daydream of hot chocolate and a cozy fireplace. But as photographers, we kind of live for this stuff. Yes, we are gluttons for punishment, but those wild winter winds are exactly what create the drama we chase. Snow would whip up from the valleys and sword toward the mountains, painting the air with delicate, fleeting patterns. We looked like a pack of Michelin Men (women) bundled up, backpacks and tripods in tow, but we were grinning ear to ear the whole time.
This image was also captured during that crazy windstorm. It was fun!
Even in winter, the willows that cover much of the valley hold onto their warm hues; rich reds and golds from fall that linger into the snowy season, creating striking contrast against the white landscape.
Believe it or not, we did manage a few early mornings to catch sunrise (during those cold temperatures) and were rewarded with that dreamy, pinkish alpenglow lighting up the snow-covered peaks. Totally worth the cold wake-up call.
We also spent hours – seriously hours–photographing intricate ice patterns in creeks, marshes and lakes. I’m endlessly fascinated by them, though they can be surprisingly tough to capture well. It’s the kind of back-breaking, knee-numbing work that leaves you sore but satisfied. My camera has focus stacking capabilities, and I used to insist on doing it manually, why, don’t know. That ends now. I’ve finally surrendered to letting the camera do the job so I can actually focus on the art, not the torture.
A back-breaking experience photographing ice lace
Ice patterns on a creek after we photographed during sunrise
Weeks like this, surrounded by friends, cameras in hand, in a place that fills your soul, it’s everything! Sure, it’s about the photography, but it’s also the late (for us) night conversations, the laughter, and oh yes, the food. We’re a lucky bunch because many of us actually like cooking, so there’s always something delicious to look forward to. I really do love food. This time, we even had a hot tub at our Airbnb. Brie and I sat in it a couple of nights with snow blowing on our heads and hot water swirling around us. Pure bliss.
I came home with cold fingers, a full heart, and a full memory card. Trips like this are the perfect mix of connection, creativity, and laughter, the kind of experiences that remind me exactly why I feel in love with photography. Who news a spa day when you have snow, friends, and a camera? Well, maybe both.
Check out the full gallery from that trip here
