Open Waters

I always love seeing this sight. In a sure sign of spring which will soon enough be summer, the ice is starting to melt off the lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of it will refreeze over night but last week I was up at Bierstadt Lake for sunrise enjoying the iconic view of Otis, Hallett and Flattop as some early morning fog skirted the peaks. Technical Details: Nikon D810, Nikkor 24-70mm F2.8 AF ED

One of my favorite signs of the impending warm up and summer season in Rocky Mountain National Park is not just finding the first Pasque flowers blooming along the forest floor but the start of the spring thaw out. Ice first comes off the streams in the lower elevations first and the snow begins to recede from the hillsides. As the days get longer and the sun gets higher in the skies winter begins to loosen her grip on the mountain lakes above parks and meadows in the lower elevations of Rocky.

With a week of mild sunny days soon enough the snow has melted off the tops of the lakes and open water is once again revealed after a long winter hibernation beneath feet of snow. It’s an exciting time because it opens up lots of new possibilities for landscape photographers whom have either passed on photographing in Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter months or who’s travel is restricted by the snow and ice covering the landscape.

For me its a great feeling topping the crest of a trail and seeing open water surrounded by snow. Photographing reflections of Rocky’s iconic mountain peaks in the thawed waters is another sign that my favorite time of year in RMNP is nearly upon us again.