This year I tried something different. I invited those who follow my work on Facebook to let me know which were their favorite images from Rocky Mountain National Park during 2012. Their responses were then compiled to create the list below. The images are listed below starting with the most popular.
This morning I awoke to a dark and cloudy day. I almost decided to spend a quiet morning at home when I noticed just how low the clouds were. Realizing the possibility, I jumped into my car and raced up Trail Ridge Road to Rainbow Curve. I arrived just a few seconds before the sun came over the horizon. What a surprisingly beautiful start to the day.
Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.
It was the first morning of October. The air held a hint of crispness, mixed with the fragrance of fall leaves. The willow were dressed in their fine autumn coat, the waters of Glacier Creek gently meandering between them. High above, Hallett Peak stood tall while a dusting of snow covered nearby Otis Peak. Could anything be more perfect?
Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.
Those who climb to the highest points of Rocky Mountain National Park enjoy a world seen by few others. Here the air is thin and the views are long. This is harsh, unforgiving terrain but the beauty to be found makes the risk worthwhile. In this image Mount Meeker and Longs Peak reach skyward as the sun sets in the west.
Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.
On this April morning fog settled over the Estes Valley while gentle clouds drifted above. This type of weather rarely happens up here in our dry air. I had intended to head for the mountains for sunrise but I couldn't resist the potential provided by the fog. It took me quite a while to find a good spot to incorporate both the fog and Longs Peak with its fresh snow, but in the end I found a spot near Eagle Rock. The bird in this photo was a wonderful surprise. I had no idea he was in the photo until I saw the image later.
Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.