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Right after the aspen trees bud out in Rocky Mountain National Park, their leaves take on a lime green appearance for about a week or so. As the season moves on the leaves will become a darker green, but those first few days after budding out the leaves are almost as coloful as they are during the fall season. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1948/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoePark-DeerMountain-Sunrise.1.13.18.1.jpg Snow Glow A lone Ponderosa Pine stands out in the meadow of Horseshoe Park at sunrise on a cold January day in Rocky Mountain National Park. With Deer Mountain looming in the background, a snow shower is moving over Horseshoe Park creating a dreamy look as the long winter sunrise paints the skies over RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1947/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-RMNP-CabinWindow.2.15.18.4.jpg Green And Glass Green shutters and single pane glass window add a splash of color and contrast to this cabin in Moraine Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1946/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountIda-ForestCanyonOL.5.12.18.1.jpg Out Of The Clouds Forest Canyon is socked in with clouds. Shortly after sunrise, the clouds began to break and reveal Mount Ida. A still frozen Little Rock Lake can be seen below Mount Ida in this early season view from Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain Natinoal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1945/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver-Willows-Snow.4.6.18.1.jpg Drifting Through The Willows Fall River drifts through the red willows on a spring day in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's snowing in Horseshoe Park but Fall River is free of ice as it lazily drifts through the willows that line its banks. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1944/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoePark-Aspens.10.9.18.2.jpg Standouts A group of golden aspen trees standout against the snow covered pines in Horseshoe Park on a snowy Octboer day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The snow will soon strip these aspens of their leaves for the season, but for a few brief hours, this autumn aspen trees are the standout stars or Rocky Mountain National Park with their blazing colors in tact. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1943/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BlackBear-Horseshoe-Sheep.9.1.18.4.jpg Taking A Look-See A Black Bear pokes its head out of a Serviceberry bush for a moment to survey people driving through Horseshoe Park. Its late summer and this Black Bear is busy trying to pack on the calories for winter. Black Bears are common in Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park though they are fairly rare to see out, especially in the daytime. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1942/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BroadTailedHummingbird-CubLake.7.11.18.1.jpg A Broad Brush A Broad-tailed hummingbird zooms from paintbrush to paintbrush flower along the hillsides just above Cub Lake on a summer morning. Before you see these hummingbirds in Rocky Mountain National Park, you wil hear them buzzing past you constantly. Soon, you notice these beautiful birds are all around you. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorad0 https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1941/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mt.Ida-Cracktop-Chaley-Sunrise.9.1.18.1.jpg Ida Pink Mount Ida, and Cracktop Mountain glow with the first light as pastel clouds float above. The alpine tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park is showing its autumn colors addining to the textures and curves of the landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1940/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaberMotel-EstesPark-Colorado.2.1.18.2.jpg Haber Motel Neon Another classic example of neon signage in downtown Estes Park is the Haber Motel sign. Comprised of two green and red, it welcomes vistors with its bright and colorful light. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1939/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GrandEscapeCottages-GrandLake.3.28.18.3-1.jpg Grand Escape Night Imagine traveling through Rocky Mountain National Park on a cold winter night only to find this neon Cabin sign welcoming you into a warm cabin for the night. The signage above the Grand Escape Cottages glow on a cold night in Grand Lake. Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1938/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CarmelCrisp-Neon-ElkhornAve-EstesPark.1.26.18.2.jpg Neon Nights The Neon sign above the Carmel Crisp Ice Cream Shop in downtown Estes Park. I love photographing neon signs as they are becoming more and more of a rarity. The Carmel Crisp sign in downtown Estes Park is a great subject not only because of its design and texture but also that it has three colors of neon which makes it even more unique. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1937/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/IndianVillage-Neon-MoraineAve-EstesPark-Colorado.1.25.18.3.jpg Welcome Friends The signage above the old Indian Village store in downtown Estes Park announces 'Welcome Freinds' and had been doing so since 1935. Sadly, the store and its famous neon sign have since closed and been replaced in what was a loss of an iconic Estes Park retailer. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1936/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SkyPond-8.1.18.1.jpg Penguin Sky The lichen covered granite walls that line the edges of Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park have some interesting details for those willing to see. This part of the wall looks like a Penguin reflecting in the still water of Sky Pond on an August day in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1935/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-RMNP-CabinDoor.2.15.18.1.jpg Always At Odds A study of a cross section of a cabin door and cabin walls in Moraine Park. The vertical wood planks on the cabin door against the horizontal laying of the log walls was an interesting juxtaposition for me. Some days in Rocky Mountain National Park, in the middle of winter and when the weather is not cooperating, photographing less common subjects can be a fun challenge to keep you sharp. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1934/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunrise-Smoke-Tombstone.8.17.18.1.jpg Layered Sunrise A layered sunrise over Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildfire smoke and particulates help to acccentuate the beautiful layers the foothills east of Rocky Mountain National Park create when viewed from Tombstone Ridge at sunrise. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1933/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-Snow.Wind.3.29.18.1-1.jpg Riding The Storm Out The Kawuneeche Valley in the winter and early spring can be a unforgiving place. On this day, the snow was falling hard and a cold wind was blowing down the valley. The pines along the hillsides of the Kawuneeche were caked with snow and swayed in the wind. The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, especially during the winter months is queite and seldom explored. Conditions may be difficult for photographers, but there is a beauty in the chaos and cold of winter in the Kawuneeche. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1932/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AdamsFalls-7.27.18.1.jpg High Key Adams A rushing Adams Falls is scene crashing over the rocks. The fast moving water is rendered white due to the exposure time causing a high key like effect. Adams Falls is located just outside of Grand Lake on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Adams Falls close proximity to Grand Lake, means lots of visitors to RMNP will take the short hike to see this beautiful cascade at the mouth of the East Inlet. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1931/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake.7.5.18.5.jpg Drifting Dreams Clouds drift over Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain as viewed from the shore of Dream Lake. What a serene morning this was at one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful locations. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1930/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ArrowheadLake.6.19.18.1.jpg Canyons And Gorges Looking across Forest Canyon towards the Gorge Lakes as the low clouds clear over Trail Ridge Road. Arrowhead and Highest Lake can be seen below Julian and Cracktop as the Earth's shadow colors the western skies over Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1929/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coyote.MorainePark-BigThompson.3.23.18.4.jpg Grass Hunter A Coyote stalks the grasses of Moraine Park along the Big Thompson River searching for voles. Coyotes, which are common in Rocky Mountain National Park, can often be found working the grasses in areas like Moraine Park or Horseshoe Park looking for voles to pounce on. Often they will perch and then jump on the grasses when they detect even the slightest movement of their prey. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1928/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountStratus-Sunrise.6.19.18.1.jpg Stratus Glow Mount Stratus and the Never Summer Range of Rocky Mountain National Park glow in the pre-dawn light. The Earth's shadow, also known as Venus Belt cause the beautiful pastel colors over Mount Stratus while clouds for an inversion pickup the blue from the sky above. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1927/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Sunrise.10.11.18.3.jpg Snowday At Dream Lake The sun hits off Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain after a stormy night at Dream Lake. In fact, while I was making this image it was actually still snowing for what was one of most memorable mornings at Dream Lake. All the factors came together, sun on Hallett and Flattop at sunrise, fresh snow on the pines surrounding Dream Lake and open water to reflect the mountains in Dream Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park never disappoints, but this morning at Dream Lake, the conditions were fairy tale like. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1926/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwoRiver-Notchtop-Sunrise.9.6.18.3.jpg Notchtop Just Shines Notchtop Mountain reflects in the waters of Two Rivers Lakes. Photographing Notchtop Mountain at sunrise is always such a joy. Its smooth face just seems to shine in the mountain light and if one is lucky enough to get some great clouds and a reflection, Notchtop just looks amazing. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1925/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SkyPond-Sharkstooth.8.1.18.2.jpg On Sky Pond Morning at Sky Pond, at the end of beautiful Loch Vale. This beautiful morning in Rocky Mountain National Park, I headed to Sky Pond for sunrise. It was windless but the only clouds in the sky were to the east. I headed to the far end of Sky Pond for this somewhat unorthodox view directly back to the northeast as the sun rose over the ridge. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1924/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TerraTomah-RockCut.10.4.18.2.jpg Terra Tomah And The Hayden Spire It never ceases to amaze me all the cool things you get to witness photographing Rocky Mountain National Park. The weather, the light, the encounters with wildlife. I dont see how one coudl ever tire of spending time in RMNP. This was one of those amazing mornings when an inversion was present over Rocky. It was cloudy and rain in Estes Park and when I headed up Trail Ridge Road to see if I could get above the cloud layer, I found this beautiful gem. Terra Tomah Mountain and The Hayden Spire just above the inversion that had funneled up Forest Canyon and catching the early light on a cool fall morning above timberline. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1923/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TerraTomah-Sunrise-ForestCanyonOL.5.12.18.1.jpg Terra Romah Reveal Clouds have socked in the mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park. Standing on the edge of Forest Canyon, Terra Tomah Mountains flank makes a brief appearnace when the sun burst through and lit the granite and pines clining to the side of Terra Tomah and high above Forest Canyon. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1922/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NeverSummer-RockCut.10.4.18.1.jpg Never Summer But Sometimes Autumn The Never Summer Mountains take on a golden glow when viewed from the Rock Cut at sunrise. Autumn is in full swing on the alpine tundra and it's transformed the area around timberline to a golden hue. The Never Summer Range is actually snowless which is a rarity, but it wont be long until they are once again covered with snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1921/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-Ute-Sunset.9.27.18.1.jpg Golden Ute The last sunlight of the day is closing out another day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The alpine tundra is showing off its autumn color as the backside of Longs Peak shines in the last light of the sun. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1920/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-Sunrise-RockCut.6.19.18.1.jpg Sea Of Blue Only the top of Longs Peak and The Diamond formation are visible this morning from the Rock Cut along Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak is mostly covered by clouds from and inversion. The summit, at 14,259 ft above sea level rises above the clouds as the warm morning light illuminates Rockys most famous mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1919/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoePark-GoldenBanner.6.7.18.1.jpg Golden Horeshoe Golden Banner wildflowers bloom in the meadow of Horseshoe Park. Colouds drift over the Mummy Range and the aspens are showing off their spring green leaves in a placid day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1918/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoePark-Aspens.10.10.18.5.jpg Lucky Horseshoes It's peak fall color season in Rocky Mountain National Park, but the weather has other ideas. Snow is falling on the hillsides of Horseshoe Park and helping to highlight the beautiful golden aspen trees next to snow covered pines. While the snow will put a quick end to the fall color in RMNP, getting conditions like these always requires a little bit of luck. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1917/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bull-Elk-Lake-Irene.8.21.18.4A.jpg Just The Boys A pair of Bull Elk meet in the woods on a foggy morning on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's not quite fall yet in RMNP, but the change is in the air and these two Bulll's are starting to feel it. Their antlers have lost their summer felt and soon they will be competing with other elk for the attention of the females. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1916/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake.10.10.18.1.jpg Reflecting On Bear Snow covers one of the rocks along the edge of Bear Lake as the pines on the hillside reflect in the still waters of this iconic Rocky Mountain National Park location. Even though Bear Lake can be quite busy, on a snowy day like this one, the Bear Lake was as still and peaceful as the surface of its water. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1915/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake.7.5.18.4.jpg Summer Dreams Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain glow with the new morning as they relfect in the calm waters of iconic Dream Lake. There are many beautiful locations in Rocky Mountian National Park, but Dream Lake on a windless summer morning certainly typifies RMNP as much as any other location in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1914/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLakeTrailhead.5.4.18.1.jpg Hiking To Cub Lake A snowy day in the Rocky but the trail to Cub Lake is calling. Starting in Moraine Park, the Cub Lake trailhead is a popular place for visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park to explose Moraine Park, Cub Lake and locations and loop hikes. Snowy days like this one are even better as you are likely to be the only person out on the trail. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1913/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierGorge-Sunrise.9.28.18.1.jpg Glacier Knob Sunrise Sunrise brings pastels skies to Rocky Mountain National Park. Limber pines at the mouth of Glacier Gorge are silhouetted along with a portion of the Glacier Knob on this perfect start to the morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1912/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DeerMountain-HorseshoePark-FallRiverRd-Sunrise.1.19.18.1.jpg Winter Skies A blood red sunrise over Deer Mountain and Horseshoe Park from the start of Fall River Road. Lenticular wave clouds fill the skies over Rocky Mountain National Park and explode with color just before sunrise on a cold January morning in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1911/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigThompson-MorainePark.4.7.18.1.jpg Winding Thompson In a peaceful winter setting, the Big Thompson River winds its way through the snowy landscape of Moraine Park. The icy grip that has embraced Rocky Mountain National Park, is finally starting to loosen alowing for open water once more. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1910/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cloudiridescene-Sunrise-MoraineParkArea.3.15.18.1.jpg Iridescencent Rocky Iridesence clouds float over a loan Ponderosa Pine tree in Moraine Park. These colorful clouds are caused by small ice crystals or water droplets in the sky being struck by the light at a certain angle. While not uncommon, it's fairly unusual in Rocky Mountain National Park to have such a beautiful phenomenon occur. Sadly, this lone Ponderosa Pine was burned in the East Troublesome fire and never recovered. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1909/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aspens-HiddenValley-f2.8.10.4.18.1.jpg Flashing Lights An aspen bole stands out against the golden autumn leaves of other aspen trees in Hidden Valley. I was having fun experimenting with a small f-stop to isolate the Aspen Bole and make the rest of the scene look dream like when I photographed this one fall in Rocky Mountain National Park. In the end, I was quite pleased with how this image developed and love how the aspen leaves almost look like Christmas lights on a tree. Thats what everybody has to love about photographing fall in Rocky Mountain National Park, it seems the possiblities are unlimited. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1908/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Windy-Sunrise.3.1.18.1.jpg Unsettled Dream A windy morning on the ice at Dream Lake reveals a beautiful dreamy winter landscape at one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most iconic locations. In between blasts of wind, I was able to capture a few exposures of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain glowing with the early morning light. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1907/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-LongsPeak-10.31.18.1.jpg Blue Bear A memorable morning at Bear Lake after snow covered Rocky Mountain National Park in late October. Snow coveres Longs Peak and Bear Lake is partially frozen but still has open water to reflect Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest peak amongst its smooth surface. Snow fell hard the night before and when I first arrived at the Bear Lake parking lot, clouds still covered the skies over Rocky. At sunrise, it cleared and turned into a spectacular late fall day in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1906/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aspens-CubLakeTH.5.3.18.1.jpg Snow On Aspen Boles Snow sticks to the aspen boles located between Moraine Park and Cub Lake. A late winter snow has covered the boles of these aspens with a heavy sticky snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1905/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneeceheValley-Snow.3.29.18.1-1.jpg Kawuneeche Snow January on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park can be harsh. Cold, snow and cloudy days can be the norm. It's also quiet and serene as it was this day when the snow was falling hard on the pines of the Kawuneeche Valley. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1904/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeofGlass-Sunrise.8.1.18.1.jpg Heart Of Glass A perfectly calm sunrise at Lake Of Glass high above Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sunrise is amplified by the particulates and humidity in the air and of course having a windless morning high in Loch Vale to reflect the auburn hue of sunrise didnt hurt the cause. Lake of Glass just above The Loch and Below Sky Pond is a spectacular location. Getting up here without any wind is a little more difficult. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1903/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Three-towed-Woodpecker.NymphLake.6.29.18.1.jpg Hole In Three A Three-toed woodpecker peers out of its cavity to watch hikers on their way to Dream Lake walk on past. This Three-toed woodpecker had built its nest in the cavity of an old pine tree just off the trail near Nymph Lake. Three-toed woodpeckers are one of a handful of cavity nesting woodpeckers that live in Rocky Mountain National Park. Both their three-toes and yellow swatch on their head make them easy to indentify when you are lucky enough to see one. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1902/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Sunrise.10.5.18.8.jpg Dream On Fire One of the most dramatic sunrises I've photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park unfolds over Dream Lake. Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain look like fire as the sunrise illuminates their iconic peaks. Dream Lake is one of many gems of Rocky Mountain National Park and is an iconic location here in Colorado. Of all the times I've spent photographing Dream Lake, I dont think I've ever had light as dramatic as this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1901/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColoradoRiver-TrailRiverRanch.7.17.18.1.jpg Understated Colorado The Colorado River winds through the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The West's most iconic and famous river moves through Rocky without much pomp and circumstance. This view near the former Trail River Ranch in the Kawuneeche Valley, is beautiful, subtle and understated. The beautiful morning sunrise and the lush July grasses added rich color to this classic RMNP west side view. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1900/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LilyLake-Sunrise.7.15.18.5.jpg Lily Lake Silhouette A serene sunrise at Lily Lake. Looking northeast at sunrise, the colors of sunrise make a perfect silhouette in the calm water of Lily Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1899/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet-Sunrise.7.19.18.1.jpg East Inlet Skies A colorful sunrise unfolds over Mount Cairns, Mount Craig and Mount Westcott in the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer is certainly in the meadow on this July day, while no Moose were grazing, the grasses are green and lush and summer has arrived on the west side of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1898/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Sunrise-9.19.18.1.jpg Autumn On The Big Thomspson Autumn on The Big Thompson River in Moraine Park breaks with stunning colors at sunrise. The willows along the banks of the Big Thompson are yellow and orange and the skies filled with reds and pinks. With it late in the season, The Big Thompson is tame and running slowly as opposed to what the water levels would look like here in spring. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1897/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GorgeLake-RockCut-Sunrise.10.4.18.1.jpg Autumn Sunrise Over Gorge Lakes An Autumn sunrise unfolds over the Julian, Cracktop and the Gorge Lakes as seen from across Forest Canyon. The alpine tundra matches the golden skies and clouds from and inversion fill Forest Canyon below. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1896/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Sunrise.10.11.18.1.jpg Snowy Dream An early fall snowstorm had pass through Rocky Mountain National Park. The morning after the storm, Dream Lake looks postcard perfect as fresh snow covers the landscape. The storm was not cold enough to freeze Dream Lake so Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain are still able to reflect in the partially frozen waters. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1895/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlattopTundra-Tapestrey.9.6.18.1.jpg Tundra Tapestry Beautiful shades of autumn can be seen on the side of Flattop Mountain as fall has taken over the alpine tundra. Reds, yellows and oranges mixed in along the granite slope of Flattop Mountain make a for a beautiful tapestry of autumn color. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1894/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet-.8.16.18.2.jpg East Inlet Atmospherics Particulates in the air over the East Inlet allow for an interesting study of the layers that make up these impressive mountains. With Mount Craig as the backstop, we are looking east up the layered valley walls of the inlet. The sun topping Mount Craig back lights the Inlet and the atmposherics help to emphasize the impressive layering found in this part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1893/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Outlet-Tarn.10.11.18.1.jpg WonderLand Dream An amazing morning at the outlet of Dream Lake. A fall snowstorm has dumped nearly a foot of snow on Rocky Mountain National Park. With it still slightly snowing, the sun managed to poke through and light up Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in what was one of the most unique mornings I've spent photographing this iconic location. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1892/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestLake-BrockenSpectre-FCOL.5.12.18.1.jpg The Spectre Of Forest Lake This was an amazing morning. Trail Ridge Road had opend over 2 weeks prior to Memorial Day this year. An inversion had settled in over Rocky Mountain National Park so of course I had to head up Trail Ridge Road and see if I could get above the clouds. I walked out to the Forest Canyon overlook to as the clouds appeared to be breaking. I could see a still partially frozen Forest Lake well below starting to appear. For a few brief moments, the clodus parted revealing Forest Lake but also a Brocken Spectre that formed just over Forest Lake itself. Rocky Mountai National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1891/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SkyPond-Sharkstooth.8.1.18.1.jpg The Sharkstooth From Sky Pond It's a picture perfect morning at Sky Pond. Clouds drift overhead and the sun illuminates the Sharkstooth and allows for it to reflect in the calm water of Sky Pond. Sky Pond is popular with both rock climbers and day hikers and the Sharkstooth formation is certainly one of the iconic pieces of granite in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1890/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver-EnteranceSign.5.4.18.3.jpg Welcome To Rocky Mountain National Park A wet spring snow is falling hard as we enter Rocky Mountain National Park through the Fall River Entrance. Ponderosa Pines behind the entry sign are covered in snow but one can see how beautiful the aesthetics are with the sign blending in perfectly with the landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1889/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mule-Deer-Buck-MorainePark.2.10.20.1.jpg Dancing Through The Snow A Mule Deer buck trounces through the snow on a winter day in Rocky Mountain National Park. One can often find Mule Deer in Moraine Park and this day a group of Muley's where hanging around the west end of Moraine Park allowing me to capture some images of them working through the snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1888/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pika-Ute-Trail.7.10.20.3.jpg Dont Pick The Wildflowers! With the look of who me?, this Pika is working on building it's haystack for the long winter ahead. Just off the Ute Trail, this Pika was busy working wildflowers growing on the alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1887/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GrandLake-ShadowMtn-Jerhico-sunrise.7.28.20.2.jpg The In Between What a beautiful sight. With Baldy or Mount Craig off in the distance, sunrise brings beautiful colors to the sky and water in Grand Lake. It's placid in the channel between Grand Lake and Shadown Mountain this early in the morning but in a little while the channel will be filled with paddle boards, canoes and boats making their way in between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Resevoir. Is there any wonder why so many love Grand Lake? Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1886/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pond-Lilly-StormPass-Pond.7.16.20.1.jpg Pond-lily In Blue A Yellow Pond-lily rests on the surface of a small pond below Glacier Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is nothing to disturb the serenity of this Lily as the surface is perfectly calm, reflecting only the blue skies above in its surface. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1885/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Moraine-Sunrise.10.2.20.5.jpg A Gentle Autumn Morning On The Moraine A soft and gentle sunirse unfolds over the Bierstadt Moraine during the peak of fall color in Rocky Mountain National Park. Pastles colors fill the skies over Otis, Hallett and Flattop Mountain as the aspens on the Bierstadt Moraine show off their fall colors. Just a beautiful fall morning in RMNP with no wind and perfect conditions for hiking or photography. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1884/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holzworth-Fall-Aspens.9.29.20.4.jpg Elk And Aspens - Holzworth Ranch Autumn aspens at Holzworth Ranch on the west side of RMNP. The elk have damaged the boles of these aspen trees over time by chewing the bark during the winter months. When food is scarce, the elk knaw at the aspen trunks and leave this unique markings on the trees. Most aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park while have these marks on their trunks due to the large elk population found here. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1883/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet-Fall-Sunrise.9.25.20.2.jpg Golden East A golden autumn sunrise over the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer has passed and the grasses lining the East Meadow are now golden brown. The aspens on Mount Cairns have turned golden as well. All the elements this morning came together to form this beautiful fall scene on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1882/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lava-Tarns-Smokey-Sunrise.8.11.20.3.jpg Sunrise Over The CCY A smokey sunrise takes place over the CCY and Mummy Range. The colorful sunrise was enhanced with the smoke from western wildfires. For those unsure of what CCY means, it stands for Chapin, Chiquita and Ypsilon Mountains seen just above the alpine tarn. Many will head up Fall River Road to get and early start and hike all three of these well known peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park all in a row. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1881/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mule-Deer-Magpie-MorainePark.2.10.20.1.jpg Threes Company, Fours A Crowd Three Mule Deer, including two bucks bed down to rest on a hillside in Moraine Park on a pleasant winter day in Rocky. Not one to be left out, a Black-billed Magpie decided to join the deer and enjoy the sun with them as well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1880/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Red-Wing-Blackbird-LilyLake.6.8.20.1.jpg Spring Call A Red-winged blackbird sings on a branch along the shores of Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This beatiful June day, the birds seemed to welcome the warm sun just as much as the photographer did. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1879/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmagain-Ute-Trail.7.9.20.4.jpg Can You See Me Know? A Ptarmigan shows off its ability to hide and camoflage itself in it's habitat. The rocky hillsides and outcroppings found above treeline match this awesome birds feather patterns exactly. One can hike right on by a Ptarmigan and not even know they are there unless they look. This Ptarmigan was located just off the Ute Trail hiding right in plain sight. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1878/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Stellar-Jay-HollowellPark.2.18.20.2.jpg Stellar Jay A Stellar Jay is perched in a Ponderosa Pine tree in Hollowell Park. Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will likely recognize these birds as they are noisy, loud and tend to greet people at many of the parks turnouts and pullouts along park roads. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1877/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mule-Deer-UpperBeaver-Mdw.6.10.20.1.jpg Spring Bucks A pair of Mule Deer Bucks lounge and graze in the Upper Beaver Meadows. It's the springtime in Rocky Mountain National Park and these deer are starting to regrow their antlers which are covered in felt. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1876/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-Calf-ForestPass.7.1.20.2.jpg That New Look This was an interesting encounter for me. I was out hiking on the Ute Trail between the Alpine Visitor Center and Milner Pass one morning. As I neared Forest Pass, I did a double take at what appeared to be an Elk Calf resting a few yards off the trailhead. I took a few images and gave the newborn calf a wide berth all the while scanning every nook and cranny for the mother. Returning about an house later, the calf had moved on . Luckily I never saw the mother and I was glad to see this calf had moved off as a trail crew was working only a few hundred yards from this location. Never disturb a newborn Elk Calf and under no circumstances approach them. You do not want to have a run in with mom nor do you want to do anything that would lead to the calf being abandoned. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1875/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGraw-Ranch-Outhouse.1.13.20.4.jpg McGraw Ranch Woodwork I'm not going to lie. I find this outhouse at McGraw Ranch a fascinating subject to photograph. The attention to detail, the woodwork and of course the color they painted that shake roof is just awesome. As I tell anynoe who asks, the most beautiful outhouse in all of Rocky Mountain National Park is this one! Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1874/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/House-Wren-MorainePark.6.2.20.9.jpg House Wren On Perch - Moraine Park A House Wren takes a break on a perch right in front of the Ponderosa Pine that it has a nest with young in. These Wrens stay busy all day feeding the young and cleaning the nest. They also fill the meadow of Moraine Park up with beatiful song that is can only mean spring has arrived in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1873/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Grand-Lake-Yacht-Club.1.3.20.2.jpg Stacked For The Winter The scene at the Grand Lake Yacht Club just a few days into January. There will be no sailing out on the lake for another six months or so but I'm sure there are plenty dreaming of warmer days. The Grand Lake Yacht club, is the highest Yacht Club in the United States and making this photograph is only possible because in January, Grand Lake is frozen solid and one can walk right out in front of the club. Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1872/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ElkhornAve-MoraineAve-EstesPark.12.1.20.1.jpg Winter Night At Elkhorn Ave And Moraine A silent night in downtown Estes Park in December. Town is quiet as a mouse as downtown has the winter lights strung up for Christmas and the holidays. The storefronts are decorated for Christmas and downtown looks like something out of a Hallmark Christmas card. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1871/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ElkhornAve-EstesPark.12.1.20.1.jpg December Night On Elkhorn Ave I love photographing neon signs and downtown window fronts and other miscellaneous items when I'm not out on a 10 mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. This December night as I drove into the park, I had to stop and photograph a queit downtown Estes Park. In the summer, Elkhorn Ave. is bustling with visitors. On this quiet December night in Estes Park, the storefronts are adorned form Christmas and the winter lights are wrapped around the trees. Some of this has since changed, but the essence remains of downtown Estes Park. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1870/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DeerMountain-Ponderosa.3.13.20.2.jpg Mr. Frosty Snow is falling in Rocky Mountain National Park and these Ponderosa Pine Trees are starting to get coated in the snow and ice. The red trunks of the Ponderosa Pines located on Deer Mountain stand out against the cool blue of the ice and snow falling on Rocky this day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1869/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Frosted-Pines-Flattop-Mtn.9.9.20.2.jpg Frosted Top Near treeline on Flattop Mountain, these pines are covered with snow from a late spring snowstorm in Rocky Mountain National Park. Clouds still swirl overhead as all the trees on Flattop are caked with a heavy wet snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1868/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-DeerMt-2.19.20.1.jpg Longs Peak In Pink Longs Peak is surrounded by clouds and fog as the sunrises on a winter morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. From above Beaver Meadows, Longs Peak and The Diamond glow in red and pink in the low angle sun of a winter morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1867/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Hairy-Woodpecker-Bierstadt-Male.6.22.20.1.jpg Time For Breakfast A male Hairy Woodpecker shows up to it's cavity nest with a mouthful of grubs for the nestlings inside this aspen bole. This Hairy Woodpecker nest was located in an aspen tree high atop the Bierstadt Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1866/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MuleDeer-HollowellPark.12.10.20.5.jpg Hidding Out A Mule Deer Buck hides behind the cover of grasses and sage in Hollowell Park on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The south facing slopes of Hollowell Park often have Mule Deer grazing on them in the sun as this buck was doing this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1865/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Husted-Sunrise.7.21.20.11.jpg Rippled Husted Little No Name, Middle No Name and Girbraltar Mountain reflect in the rippled water of Lake Husted. Located above Lost Lake, Lake Husted is a spectacular spot in Rocky Mountain National Park that few will visit. It's over 10 miles one way and 3000 ft of elevation gain to get to this portion of the Mummy Range but the views are well worth it. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1864/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pink-Paintbrush-MirrorLake.8.5.20.1.jpg Mirrored Paintbrush Red and yellow paintbrush are fairly common wildflowers found during summer in Rocky Mountain National Park. Pink paintbrush is less common so finding a field of them just below Mirror Lake one afternoon was a treat for this photographer. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1863/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmagain-MedicineBow.6.26.20.5.jpg Medicine Bow Ptarmagin A Ptarmagin surveys his surroundings near Medicine Bow Curve along Trail Ridge Road. One of the better places to easily see these cool birds in around the Medicine Bow lookout in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1862/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-Royal-MorainePark.9.18.20.5.jpg Keeping A Stiff Upper Lip A huge Bull Elk bugles in the meadow of Moraine Park on an autumn morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The sounds of the rut and elk bugling is one of the most unmistakable sounds in nature. Hearing the meadows of Rocky Mountain National Park filled with the calls of Bull Elk defending their harems is one of the coolest experiences one can have in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1861/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pika-Ute.7.9.20.4.jpg Rocky Home A Pika takes refuge amongst the lichen covered rocks on the alpine tundra. Hike anywhere at or near timberline and your likely to at least hear Pika's amongst the rock announcing your arrival. Stop for a monent and you will see Pika's scurrying around the rocks and boulders. Pika's thrive in the alpine zone of Rocky Mountain National Park making photographing them something photographers do when they are up on Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1860/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mule-Deer-Does-UBM.6.10.20.1.jpg Double Doe's A pair of Mule Deer Doe's bed down in the spring grasses of Upper Beaver Meadows. These two deer who are in the process of molting into their summer coat, appear to be enjoying the mild weather of spring enough to lay down and rest. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1859/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGraw-Ranch-Outhouse.1.13.20.3.jpg McGraw Ranch Outhouse The beautiful detail in the latice work on the side of an outhouse at McGraw Ranch. I'll go on the record stating this is the most beautiful outhouse in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. The detail and care put into making this outhouse look acceptable is truly amazing. McGraw Ranch while no longer a working ranch, is a great place to explore in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1858/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGraw-Ranch-Barn-SDoor-2.1.13.20.2.jpg Into The Barn The east facing barn door to the barn at McGraw Ranch. McGraw Ranch which is part of Rocky Mountain National Park and preserved by the NPS is a fasicinating place to see what a what time dude ranch entailed. After a hike to Bridal Veil Falls or West Creek Falls, stop by McGraw and check out all the interesting building and relics of a different time. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1857/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Forest-Floor-BoulderBrook.Crop.9.28.20.4.jpg Ice Cold A frozen aspen leaf rests on a bed of frozen moss along the banks of Boulder Brook on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. A cold autumn night caused all the overspray from Boulder Brook to freeze encasing this aspen leaf in ice. Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park can be warm days and cool nights, and weather like that lends itself way to images such as this one. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1856/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marmot-MorainePark.6.2.20.6.jpg Family Day A pair of young Marmots enjoy a warm sunny day on a rock in Moraine Park. These Marmots den was under a rock outcropping and watching this family always brought a smile to my face as they were quite a cast of characters. Their den was just off the trail to Cub Lake so they were quite acclimated to hikers. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1855/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marmot-Ute-Trail.7.10.20.1.jpg Marmot Yell A Marmot lets out a bark to let everybody know theres a visitor in town. Scrambling around on the rocks along the Ute Trail, Marmots and Pikas will take turns making quite a raquet when you disturb their space. You can find Marmots at all elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park, but the easiest way to see them is above timberline and along Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1854/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-MorainePark-Sunrise.9.7.20.1.jpg Golden Bull The sun has just risen above Eagle Cliff Mountain and is backlighting the meadow of Moraine Park in a golden autumn hue. A large Bull Elk stands in the meadow watching a cow elk cross. This scene repeats itself day after day during the elk rut in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1853/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bull-Elk-MorainePark.9.21.20.2.jpg Made In The Shade A large Bull Elk takes a break in the partial shade on a warm fall day in Moraine Park. This bull has been busy all night keeping his harem together during the rut and once the sun came out he decided to seek shelter in the shade of some pines. Every Autumn in Rocky Mountain National Park, the meadows are filled with elk during the rut. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1852/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Red-Crossbill-MorainePark.2.18.20.2.jpg Double Crossed Two male Red Crossbills scavenge for seeds and other small items on the snow cover of Moraine Park. Crossbills have a unique beak which is used to remove seeds from pine cones. The small birds which are in the finch family, are very colorful and look great with a background of snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1851/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmagain-MedicineBow.6.28.20.7.jpg Tundra Camoflage A Ptarmigan hides amongst the rocks of the alpine tundra on a summer day in Rocky. Once can see from this image how the Ptarmigan's coloration blends right into the landscape making them difficult to see, especially when amongst the rocks on the tundra. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1850/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RMNP-Aspens-WestSideEnt.9.25.20.2.jpg A Majestic Entry Just before one reaches the Kawuneeche Valley entry station to Rocky Mountain National Park, there is a great little grove of aspen trees on the north side of the road. These aspens often turn a brilliant golden color in the fall and many visitors to RMNP will take a photo next to the entry sign and then head across to the aspen trees for another photo. This year, these trees turned a brilliant orange instead of yellow. Of course this drew lots of people, but who could blame them? Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1849/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-ColoradoRiver-Sunrise.7.28.20.1.jpg Summer On The Bend A beautiful July morning sunrise along the Colorado River. Many may recognize this bend in the Colorado River as it sweeps gently through the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. With a commanding view of Baker Mountain and a great place to fly fish, visitors driving by on Trail Ridge Road will likely remember this sweeping oxbow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1848/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/YpsilonMountain-Horseshoe-Deer.12.31.20.1.jpg Last Sunrise Of The Year It's New Years Eve and the last sunrise of the calendar year in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the side of Deer Mountain, looking west over Horseshoe Park we see a beautiful pastel sky light up over Bighorn Mountain and Ypsilon Mountain of the Mummy Range. Ypsilon Mountain always looks spectacular in the middle of winter due to its distinct southeast facing orientation. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1847/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tombstone-Ridge-DeerMtn-SmokeySunrise.8.24.20.1.jpg Up In Smoke Looking east from Tombstone Ridge past Deer Mountain, McGregor Mountain and Lumpy Ridge, wildfire smoke defines the layering of the ridges of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1846/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Saint-Catherines-Chapel-on-the-Rock.1.30.20.1.jpg Siena Sunrise An amazing winter sunrise unfolds above the chapel of Saint Catherine of Siena in Allenspark. Also know as The Chapel on The Rock, this is one of the most beatiful churches in all the western United States. The backdrop is stunning, as Rocky Mountain National Park and Mount Meeker rise behind Saint Catherine on the Saint Malo Conference and Retreat Center grounds. Allenspark, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1845/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmagain-Ute-Trail.7.4.20.6.jpg Ptarmigan On The Tundra A partially molted Ptarmigan is viewed amongst the wildflowers of Rocky's alpine tundra. Photograhed above Timberline, one can find Ptarmigans about the rocks and grasses if one knows where to look in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1844/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pika-Ute-Trail.7.10.20.6.jpg Who Are You And Why Are You On My Rock? If you have spent much time observing Pika in Rocky Mountain National Park you know that they can fiesty creatures. They dont like their space invaded and when a human shows up, they let every other Pika and creature know. This Pika along the Ute Trail gave me the look that says it all. Why are you here and please leave! Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1843/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mule-Deer-Buck-MorainePark.2.10.20.3.jpg Brittle Chew A Mule Deer Buck tries to make due with a snack of Brittlebrush in the middle of winter in Rocky Mountain National Park. Pickings are slim, but this deer sources what it can to make it through a long Colorado winter ahead. Moraine Park is a common location where one is likely to see Mule Deer, having varied food sources keeps Moraine Park popular in the winter not only with deer, but also elk and moose. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1842/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mirror-Lake-Mt.Ikoko-Sunrise.8.5.20.8.jpg Remote Reflections I often joke with people that there are some sunrises or sunsets where you want to be in about one hundred different locations all at once. This morning at Mirror Lake was just one of those mornings. I had been backpacking at Mirror Lake. With all the effort it takes to get the permits, prepare, hike in, wait out the light etc., you never are sure if it will pay off or not with beautiful light and conidtions for photography. This morning was one of those perfect morning. From pre-dawn until about an hour after sunrise, the light at Mirror Lake was just amazing. Overall conditions where just amazing as well as the winds remains calm, something not easily acheived in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the sun painted Mount Iokoko in beautiful light as sunrise progressed. Overall, what an amazing morning in the backcountry this was. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1841/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Cabin-Window.1.21.20.1.jpg Woodwork Taking the time to appreciate the simple, yet beautiful work that went into building one of the cabins in Moraine Park. The simplicity of design, the sourcing of local materials and the textures and colors all make these worth photographic vignettes. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1840/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holzworth-Rose-Cabin.9.29.20.1.jpg The Blue Rose Of Rocky The blue door to the enterane of the rustic Rose cabin at the former Holzworth Ranch in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of RMNP, walking around the preserved former Ranch is an interesting look at how working ranches and families managed to tough out an exisitence in an unforgiving location. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1839/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pika-Ute-Trail.7.11.20.3.jpg Pika Amongst The Wildflowers Typically you will find Pika in between the rocks and on scree slopes around timberline. When they are gathering food for their winter haystacks, they can also be found amongst the wildflowers and tundra grasses as well. You just need to be quick with your camera as they dont spend a lot of time out in the exposed areas before they scurry back to the rocks and boulders like this one out on the Ute Trail. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1838/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGraw-Ranch-Barn-NDoor.1.13.20.1.jpg Close The Barn Door A double barn door at the former historic McGraw Ranch in Rocky Mountain National Park. The textures of the wood and metal at McGraw Ranch make it a treat for photographers visiting Rocky but liking for some different subjects to photograph. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1837/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mountain-Maples-SouthLateralMoraine.9.21.20.1.jpg South Lateral Rock Garden Mountain Maples take up residence between the boulder, rocks and erratics along the South Lateral Moraine. The colorful reds and oranges mix well amongst the rocks that take on a blue hue in the early morning. There is always lots of varrying types of fall color to photograph in Rocky Mountain National Park, and some of the best happens right at ground level. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1836/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lower-BeaverMeadows-Sunrise.11.17.20.1.jpg High And Lonesome A lone Ponderosa Pine is perched atop a Rocky outcropping in Lower Beaver Meadows. A November sky is dawning pink in Rocky Mountain National Park as this tree witnesses yet another beautiful start to a day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1835/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Fall-Aspens.9.23.20.2.jpg Can You Feel The Change You can see and feel the change coming to the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk bugling in the meadows, frost on the grasses and a group of aspen trees begining to transition into their fall splendor. This group of aspens have both trees that are at peak and some yet to even turn. Even so, those green aspen leaves will soon be showing off their autumn gold. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1834/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flattop-Smokey-Sunrise.DeerMtn.8.19.20.1.jpg Smokey Blues Smoke from wildflires out west fills the valley's and ridgelines of Rocky Mountain National Park with a blue smoke. Sunrise colors the skies east of Rocky Mountain National Park in pastels as we look northeast from near the top of Flattop Mountain over Steep Mountain, Deer Mountain and McGregor Mountain. While I dont enjoy the wildfire smoke for overall photography in Rocky, it does present some interesting light and layering which can be beautiful. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1833/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-Calf-MorainePark.6.11.20.3.jpg Checking It Out A pair of newborn elk calves check out their new surrounding in Moraine Park. These calves are only about a month old or so but they are quickly getting aquanted with their new surrounding in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1832/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Broad-Tailed-Female-UBM.6.30.20.1.jpg Buzzing The Paintbrush A Broad-tailed Hummingbird buzzes from paintbrush to paintbrush in Upper Beaver Meadows. Wildflowers are filling the lower elevations meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are enjoying all the new food sources appearing in the early summer in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1831/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fairchild-Ypsilon-Desolation-LookingGlass.8.4.20.4.jpg Mummy Reflection The sun is starting to set over Rocky Mountain National Park. In a small tarn just above remote Mirror Lake, we can see Fairchild, Desolation and Hagues Peak reflecting in this beautiful tarn. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1830/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fall-River-Visitor-Center.1.27.20.1.jpg Fall River NPS Arrowhead The famous NPS Arrowhead logo attached near the front enterance of the Fall River Visitor center on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The iconic NPS Arrowhead is representative of the National Park Service's values. The Sequoia Tree represents protection of wildlife and flora, the mountains represent recreation and the arrowhead itself represents protection of archelogial sites. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1829/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elkhorn-MoraineAve-EstesPark.12.11.20.1.jpg Snowy Night In Estes It's a cold December night in downtown Estes Park. The Christmas lights are strung up and the town looks like a winter wonderland all covered in snow. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1828/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-Calf-MorainePark.6.11.20.1.jpg Fresh Look Each May, elk give birth to new calves. By June, these calves are much more visible than when first born and will be seen milling around with the herd. This elk calf is seen cautiously wandering through the meadow of Moraine Park early in the morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1827/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet-Fall-Sunrise.9.25.20.1.jpg Autumn On The East Inlet The seasons are quickly changing on the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park. Grasses that were greeen only a few weeks ago are now golden as are the aspens on the hillside. A beautiful sunrise colors the sky over Mount Craig and the East Inlet. It wont be long until snow starts to fall but the short and beautiful autumn season in Rocky is always enjoyable. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1826/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HondiusPark-Ponderosas.12.11.20.3.jpg Hondius Blue Ponderosa Pines in Hondius Park just below Horseshoe Park are covered in ice and light snow on a cold December morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1825/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marmot-Family-UteTrail.9.5.20.2.jpg Threes A Charm A mother and her two Marmot pups sun on a rock at sunrise along the Ute Trail. Every curious, the Marmot pups are not quite sure what to think of the photographer watching them warm up. Marmots are common throughout Rocky Mountain National Park but are found in abundance at or near treeline. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1824/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holzworth-Fall-Aspens.9.29.20.3.jpg Valley Backlight A colorful bunch of aspens on a hillside above the Kawuneehce Valley are backlit by the rising morning sun. Near Holzworth Ranch. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1823/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColoradoCottagesRMNP.12.18.20.1.jpg Weathered And Waiting The weathered siding on one of the temporary employee housing cabins located is seen during the quite off-season. It's the middle of winter and the cabin wont be occupied until summer crews arrive as they do each season in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1822/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cabin-MorainePark-EstesParkSecurity.1.21.20.1.jpg Security An old security service placard stapled to one fo the historic cabins in Moraine Park. While lodges such as Steads Ranch have been removed from Moraine Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, there are still private cabins sprinkled around Rocky and places such as Moraine Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1821/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-ICe.12.10.20.1.jpg Angel Hair The frozen surface of Bear Lake has interesting disections and fractures that almost appear to be flowing hair. Once Bear Lake freezes for the seaons, many will walk right over its surface without noticing all the amazing patterns and textures on the polished surface. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1820/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-Royal-MorainePark.9.17.20.3.jpg Prancer A large Bull Elk struts around the meadow of Moraine Park during the elk rut displaying his dominance to any other bulls or cows both far and near. This impressive Bull Elk is why people from far and wide head to Rocky Mountain National Park during the fall to watch impressive displays like this. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1819/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Frozen-AspenLeaf-BoulderBrook.9.28.20.6.jpg The Day Time Stood Still An aspen leaf sits frozen on top of a bed of moss along the water at Boulder Brook. The overspray from a cascade froze overnight, encasing the landscape in ice and putting a cold pause and preservation on the moss and autumn aspen leaf. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1818/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Golden-Mantled-Ground-Moraine.6.2.20.1.jpg Yeah Buddy! A Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel lounges on a rock in Moraine Park enjoying the warm weather on a June Day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1817/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidge-Snowplow-6.1.20.2.jpg Let Me See Those Teeth! One of a handful of rotary snowplows that helps to open and keep open Trail Ridge Road every season is on standby awaiting its next assignment. The teeth of the rotary plow are nicked and scraped but ready to clear large masses of compacted snow when called upon. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1816/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GrandLake-Sunrise.6.25.20.1.jpg Rippled Grand It's a beautiful summer morning out on Grand Lake. It's too early for any boats and there is little to no breeze alowing for a near perfect reflection of Mount Craig in the rippled waters. A lone White Pelican breaks the surface as it swims out into the channel of the lake. Clouds overhead glow as the sun rises in one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States just outside the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park. Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1815/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoePark-Pines-Willows.12.29.20.3.jpg Snow On Willows And Pines Snow is caked on the pines and willows of Horseshoe Park on a December day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The red and yellow willows add a splash of color to the landscape that is now dormant for the long winter ahead. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1814/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/House-Wren-MorainePark.6.2.20.3.jpg Wren Song A House Wren has setup shop in a dead Ponderosa Pine in Moraine Park. This cavity nester is filling the meadow with it's beautiful song as the mating pair attend to the hatchlings living inside the tree. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1813/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holzworth-Twin2Door-Cabin.9.29.20.1.jpg Mountain Blue A blue door to a cabin at the former Holzworth Ranch in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. The blue cabin door is inviting against the backdrop of pine siding in this rustic former cabin. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1812/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Fall-Aspens.9.23.20.1.jpg West Side Gold A stand of golden aspens line the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Every September, aspen trees in the nooks and crannies of the Kawuneehce Valley put on a magnificent display of fall color. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1811/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nuttalls-Cottontail-UBM.1.16.19.2.jpg Enjoying The View A Nutall Cottontail enjoys the view of Upper Beaver Meadow from a rocky outcropping overlooking the meadow bellow. Nutall Cottontails are common throughout much of the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1810/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Wild-Basin-Lodge.1.29.20.1.jpg Wild Basin Lodge A few hundred yards from the Wild Basin enterance station to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Wild Basin Lodge is located. Visitors to Wild Basin will pass right on by this beautiful lodge and see this sign tacked to a Ponderosa Pine directing visitors to the entry of Rocky Mountain National Park. Allenspark, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1809/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ypsilon-Mountain-Sunrise-MPC.2.5.20.4.jpg Ypsilon Dawn Ypsilon Mountain looks striking as the low angle sun of winter illuminates its famous face. A purple like hue and warm reds shine on the snow covered landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1808/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Estes-Sunrise.3.9.20.4.jpg Mount Olympus Sunrise The rises just to the side of cone shaped Mount Olympus in Estes Park. Lake Estes glimmers as fog and clouds color the skies and surface of the water this morning. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1807/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pika-Yawn-UteTrail.9.5.20.1.jpg Strech And Yawm A Pike takes a quick break from its busy day of finding food for its winter haystack to strech and yawm on a rock along the Ute Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1806/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flattop-Smokey-Sunrise.Bierstadt.8.19.20.1.jpg Bierstadt Lake From Flattop Mountain Wildfires were burning across the western United States this day. Smoke from Idaho and Montana had drifted south and covered Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park with a haze. Knowing that the smoke would hinder most photography, I headed to the top of Flattop Mountain for sunrise. I knew the smoke would help with the layering of the mountains on the east side of Rocky and the Estes Valley. Here the sun rises directly east of Bierstadt Lake as can be seen on the flat plateau it sits on east of Flattop Mountain. The blue smoke and warm sunrise made for great contrast and color on what would otherwise be a difficult morning to capture anything worthwhile. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1805/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Forest-Canyon-Pass-Sunrise.7.4.20.5.jpg Fourth Of July Nature puts on her own display of fireworks on the alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park on this July 4th. It's a perfect morning at timberline near Forest Canyon Pass as this alpine tarn reflects a beautiful sunrise while Terra Tomah and Mount Julian glow in the distance. The tundra is in mid summer form and as green as can be on this summer morning in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1804/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holzworth-Twin2window-Cabin.9.29.20.1.jpg Rusted Pine The window on the Twin2 Cabin on Holzworth Ranch stands out against the pine siding and rusted nails holding it in place. Located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, the NPS has preserved many of the former buildings and cabins of this once active ranch and lodge. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1803/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UpperBeaverMeadows-Beaver-Tombstone-PT10811.9.11.20.8.jpg Beaver Meadows Glow Sunrise over Upper Beaver Meadows. Snow has fallen, coating the sage flats and ponderosa pines with fresh powder. Beaver Mountain glows red as the sun breaks through a sliver in the clouds just east of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1802/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Whiskey-Lake-RowePk.7.21.20.1.jpg Shot Of Whiskey Rowe Mountain towers above remote Whiskey Lake. Located just below Scotch Lake, these desolate lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park are beautiful locations full of solitude. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1801/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-BierstadtMoraine-Sunrise.10.8.20.1.jpg Longs Peak From Bierstadt Moraine A golden morning on the Bierstadt Moraine on a gorgeous fall day in Rocky Mountain National Park. RMNP's tallest peak shines as it rises above the golden aspens that line the hillsides. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1800/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harbison-Meadow-Aspens.9.25.jpg Harbison Meadow Aspens Mornings in the Kaunweeche Valley can always be on the cold side. With that said, the cool Kawuneeche Valley allows for some of the earliest fall color in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here in Harbison Meadows, this stand of aspens show off their autumn gold on a September day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1799/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/East-Inlet-Sunset.7.17.20.1.jpg Goodnight Craig The sun is setting over the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park. Mount Craig, affectionately known as Mount Baldy has the last light of sunset turning its bald top red. Summer is in full swing on the west side of Rocky and the grasses are high and green along the East Inlet on a beautiful July evening. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1798/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AVC-Sunrise-FirstSnow-LavaCliffs.9.1.20.4.jpg Thin Air Timberline in Rocky Mountain Natinoal Park occurs around 11,400ft above sea level. The changes in seeason happen much earlier on the alpine tundra than at the lower elevations of Rocky. On the backside of the Lava Cliffs, the calendar still shows its summer but the weather in RMNP says otherwise. Snow has fallen on the ridge lines and the tundra is changing from green to red as an early season storm clears. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1797/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigThompson-Ice-MorainePark.1.24.20.2.jpg Frozen Grasses are frozen inside of the ice along the Big Thompson River in Moraine Park. It's the middle of winter in Rocky Mountain National Park and this relics of the previous summer will now spend the rest of the winter entomobed in ice. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1796/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Glacier-West-Pond-Sunrise.7.17.20.2.jpg Perfect Prospect A picture perfect summer morning at Prospect Pond. Clouds drift over Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain while the lilly pads bloom on the calm surface of Prospect Pond in what was a flawless morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1795/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HollowellPark-Fall-Aspens.10.9.20.2.jpg Autumn Candles An amazing display of autumn colors is displayed on a hillside above Hollowell Park. The fall season, this group of aspen trees put on a show of colors that I've yet to see as dramatic in Rocky Mountain National Park as this one. The combination of reds, orange and yellow were a sight to behold while it lasted. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1794/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Valley-Snow.1.3.20.2.jpg Big and Small Mountain Pine Beetles took a toll on many of the pine trees in Rocky Mountain National Park over the past 20 years. The west side of RMNP was particularly hard hit, especially the lodgepole pines such as these. It appears at this point that the beetle issues are subsiding and as we can see in this image, the older stands of lodgepoles are now being filed in with new saplings. Here in the Kawuneeche Valley, its the middle of winter. Heavy snows nearly cover over these small sapplings while the older lodgepole pines stand like matchsticks at the edge of the forest. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1793/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Irene-Sunrise.7.7.20.1.jpg Striped Morning A beautiful striped sunrise sky unfolds over Lake Irene on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. While Lake Irene has more of a subtle mountain beauty as it does not have the grand view that some of the other more famous lakes in Rocky have, its subtle beauty is timeless and makes it a great place to stop while driving across Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1792/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mirror-Lake-Trail.8.4.20.3.jpg On The Trail To Mirror Lake Were on our way to Mirror Lake in a section of Rocky Mountain National Park that many visitors wont experience. The summer green lines the trail as it curves and weaves its way along the hillside above the Hagues Creek drainage. Hiking in RMNP doesnt get much better than this. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1791/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MuleDeer-HollowellPark.12.10.20.1.jpg Stare Down It's late in the season for the Mule Deer rut in Rocky Mountain National Park. This handsome lucking buck is still busy keeping a watchful eye on another buck wandering the hillside of Deer Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1790/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRange-Sunrise.2.5.20.1.jpg Frosted Mummy The Mummy Range is covered with fresh snow on a cold February morning in Rocky Mountain National Park in this view just past Hidden Valley. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1789/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ScotchLake-RowePeak.7.21.20.1.jpg Have A Scotch Beautiful Scotch Lake, located far off the beaten path and visited only by a few souls each season basks in the warm summer sun. Closet to the headwaters of the North Fork of the Big Thompson, Scotch Lake is a location few visit due to the difficulty involved. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1788/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwinSister-DeerMt-Sunrise.3.14.20.1.jpg Sisters And Snow The Twin Sisters glow in the warm light created by the rising sun on a March morning after a snow fell the night before. Photographed from Deer Mountain, the Twin Sisters can be seen from much of the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Hiking to the summit of the Twin Sisters is a great adventure and will give visitors to Rocky awesome views of Longs Peak looking west and the Front Range of Colorado looking east. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1787/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tombstone-Ridge-DeerMtn-SmokeySunrise.8.24.20.2.jpg Smoke From Tombstone The sun rises through the wildflire smoke hanging over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park on a late summer morning. Photographed from Tombstone Ridge, the haze makes for a colorful sunrise as well look east towards Deer Mountain and McGregor Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1786/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Notchtop-Marigold-Sunrise.7.25.20.1.jpg Notchtop Calling Notchtop Mountain glows as a July sunrise unfolds in Rocky Mountain National Park. With it's distinct notch at summit, Notchtop is a favorite subject of photographers who visit RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1785/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Muskrat-LilyLake.6.23.20.3.jpg Muskrat Blues A Muskrat is seen swimming across Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain Naitonal Park. Muskrats, a distant cousin to the Beaver can be seen in many of the waterways of Rocky Mountain National Park. Lily Lake is a great location to observe these mammals keeping busy swimming around the lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1784/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-Calf-ForestPass.7.1.20.1.jpg Hiding Out A recently born elk calf hides out in the brush near Forest Canyon Pass. Each spring, elk calves are born in Rocky Mountain National Park. When first born they are kept out of site to protect from predators and its not uncommon to stumble upon one in the brush. Of course its best to quickly leave the area not only for the well being of the calf, but also from the danger of a protective mother. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1783/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-Hallett-Sunrise.11.21.20.1.jpg Poking The Bear Winter is late to arrive at Bear Lake. It's mid November and Bear Lake still is clear of snow on the east end and warm weather had kept some of the ice open this late into the seaons. Thats soon about to change as colder weather and snow is on the way. First light illuminates Hallett Peak as a forboding sky covers Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1782/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TimberCreek-Aspens.9.25.20.1.jpg Timber Creek Autumn Aspens along Timber Creek on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park show off their autumn gold. Late September is usually the best time to find fall color in the Kawuneeche Valley and some of the areas around Timber Creek have some of the better aspen stands on the west side of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1781/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidge-Snowplow-6.1.20.1.jpg Snow Eater A Chinook wind is a warm downsloping wind. Its a Native American term that means 'snow eater'. These blades on one of the rotary snow plows that help to remove the feet of snow that has accumulated on Trail Ridge Road perform the same function. The paint is warn from the rotary blades causing a fine polished appearened to these impressive machines. Each season, starting in April, NPS crews start plowing Trail Ridge Road, one group from the Estes Park side, and another from the Grand Lake side. With the help of multiple rotary snow plows, they will end up meeting somewhere near the Alpine Visitor Center in May. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1780/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pika-Ute-Trail.7.10.20.1.jpg Prepping For Winter A Pika takes a breif pause on a rock with a mouth full of grass and wildflowers. Even though its the middle of summer, this Pika is getting their winter cache ready. Pika's in Rocky Mountain National Park will collect grasses and seeds and build up a 'haystack' of food for the long winter. You can find Pika's amongst the rocks in the higher elevations of RMNP during the summer months. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1779/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Valley-Snow.1.3.20.1.jpg Winter In The Valley The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park gets a lot of snow during the winter months. The west side of RMNP gets significantly more snow than the east side does. Here in January, the Kawuneeche Valley is blanketed. These pines are covered with snow making for Christmas Card like setting. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1778/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Columbines-LostLake.7.21.20.1.jpg Lost Lake Columbines Columbines are probably my favorite wildflowers. Not only do they signify the height of summer has arrived in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it's always a joy to find a thick clump of them growing amongst boulders or rocks. I found this group while backpacking near Lost Lake after exploring the area. Findings this beautiful group on a windless evening was perfect. Columbines are so light and dainty that even the slightest breeze will cause them to bounce and sway making them difficult to photograph. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1777/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Colorado-River-Sunrise-Baker.8.26.20.3.jpg The Colorado Bends The Colorado River winds it's way through the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park on a perfect summer morning in the park. In this location your just as likely to find a Moose as you are a fly fisherman both of whom appreciate a summer morning like this. Rocky Mountain National Park , Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1776/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ring-neckedduck-LilyLake.5.30.20.1.jpg Cruising Lily Lake A Ring-necked Duck cruises along the water of Lily Lake. Each spring, these Ring-necked Duck's arrive in Rocky Mountain National Park and inhabit the smaller lakes and ponds. Breeding males like this one are striking when the sun hits them at the right angle. They feed on crayfish and vegetation in and around the Beaver Ponds of Lily Lake and are always a welcome sign that summer is close to arriving in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1775/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Three-Toed-Woodpecker.StormPass.7.16.20.1.jpg Three-Toed Woodpecker A Three-Toed Woodpecker is busy working the pine forests near Glacier Creek on a nice summer day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Going tree to tree looking for larvae and insects, these inconspicuous woodpeckers are always fun to watch when you have an encounter with them. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1774/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarmotPoint-Chiquita-AVC-Sunrise.9.1.20.6.jpg Marmots Rising It's September first in Rocky Mountain National Park. The first snow of the season has dusted the alpine tundra above 11,000 ft. The clouds and fog have moved away temporarily to reveal a snow covered Marmot Point just east of the Alpine Visitor Center as the sun rises over the Mummy Range to the east. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1773/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Sunrise.8.29.20.1.jpg Hallet Fire Hallett Peak basks in the warm light of a late summer sunrise from Dream Lake. With the grasses along Dream Lake tall and green, warm morning light illuminates Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1772/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marmot-Ute-Yawn.7.9.20.1.jpg Rocking It! I'm pretty sure Marmots enjoy warm summer days in Rocky Mountain National Park just as much as I do. This Marmot lets a yawn out while lounging on a rock on the alpine tundra along the Ute Trail on a July morning in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1771/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bldg-68.LittleHorseshoePark.12.28.20.2.jpg Whats Behind Those Green Doors? Its a cold snowy day in November. The doors to the maintenance area of a no longer used building in Rocky Mountain National Park remains shuttered. The cedar shake roof, no covered in light snow leads the eye to the NPS green doors of this building in Little Horseshoe Park and makes the viewer wonder, what exactly is behind those green doors? Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1770/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Beaver-Meadows-Aspens.10.9.20.1.jpg Rocky Gold A beautiful stand of aspens greet visitors near the Beaver Meadows entry station. With elk chewed bark, this group of aspens always becomes an attraction to visitors of Rocky Mountain National Park come October. Not only are the aspens beautiful in the fall, but there are often herds of elk nearby which also draw attention. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1769/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-DeerMt-Sunrise.2.19.20.1.jpg Cotton Candy And Diamonds Longs Peak shines as a moody sunrise unfolds over Rocky Mountain National Park. An inversion hangs over Moraine Park and Beaver Meadows which leaves Longs Peak sandwiched between two layers of clouds. The February sun puts a warm touch on this cool morning in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1768/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-EagleCliff-Sunrise.6.29.20.5.jpg Golden Pond The sun breaks behind Eagle Cliff Mountain and paints the landscape of Moraine Park with its warm early morning light. A small pond in Moraine Pond reflects the warm golden light on a beautiful day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1767/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/The-Needles-Lumpy.3.9.20.1.jpg Perching Needles The familiar Needles formation of Lumpy Ridge looms over Estes Park and is familiar to many as they arrive in town to hang out or visit Rocky Mountain National Park. It's part of the backdrop to the Stanley Hotel and McGregor Ranch which can be seen right from town. This morning, fog was clearing allowing the Needles to pierce through and shine in the morning light. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1766/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LilyLake-LongsPeak-Sunrise.6.8.20.1.jpg Parting With Longs Low hanging clouds lift over Lily Lake revealing Longs Peak and the Estes Cone on a spring day. The area around Lily Lake is green and full of life. These seasonal ponds are full allowing for a reflection of Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1765/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Louise-Predawn.7.22.20.2.jpg Waiting For The Sun A perfect July morning sunrise is about to unfold at Lake Louise located deep in the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park. The pre-dawn light is illuminating Rowe Peak as it reflects in the placid waters of Lake Louise. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1764/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Husted-Sunrise.7.21.20.2.jpg Burnt Orange Husted Sunrise at Lake Husted. Rowe Peak, reflecting in the calm waters of Lake Husted turns a burnt orange at the sun goes in and out of the clouds. This particular morning, clouds moved in at sunrise making for some beautiful light. Lake Husted, located deep in the Mummy Range in a remote portion of Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the most beautiful landscapes in not only RMNP, but also Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1763/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holzworth-Fall-Aspens.9.29.20.2.jpg Autumn On The Ranch Fall is in its full glory in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. On the former Holzworth Ranch, this group of aspen trees show off their gold and orange leaves on a September day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1762/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bull-Elk-MorainePark.9.22.20.3.jpg Taking A Break A Bull Elk takes a break during the fall rut to enjoy the scenery and warmth of the sun in Moraine Park. During the rut, the elk will be very active during the early morning and late afternoons. As the cool fall mornings transition to warm autumn days, the elk will head for the trees to cool down in the shade. This particular elk, decided this lone tree in Moraine Park would do the trick just as well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1761/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/East-Inlet-Sunset.7.17.20.3.jpg Baldy At Sunset Baldy, formally known as Mount Craig reflects in the East Inlet at the end of a beautiful July day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1760/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bldg-68.LittleHorseshoePark.12.28.20.1.jpg Building 68 I love photographing some of the older buildings that are still present in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many have been removed, but some remain as relics to a long gone past. Building 68 sits in Little Horseshoe Park and was used for maintenance. The shake roof, wood siding and NPS green make these fun photography subjects. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1759/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Twin-Owls-LumpyRidge.3.9.20.3.jpg Owls Revealed The Twin Owls poke through the clearing fog at sunrise on a March morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Part of the Lumpy Ridge section of RMNP, the Twin Owls are prominent features that can be seen overlooking Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1758/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mirror-Lake-Sunrise.8.5.20.1.jpg Mirror Image Morning is about to break at Mirror Lake, deep inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Mount Iokoko is glowing as the sun is about to rise and Mirror Lake is placid as can be on this summer morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1757/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GalcierCreek.Stables.4.23.25.1.jpg Cowboy Wisdom Here's a little cowboy advice found on a sign at the Glacier Creek Stables in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located at Sprague Lake, many visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park who go horse riding in the park, will leave out of the Glacier Creek Stables. Here is some 'stable' suggestions for anybody departing out of Glacier Creek Stables. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1756/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Colorado-Baker-Sunrise.7.13.20.2.jpg Stormy Kawuneeche One of the most dramatic sunrises I've ever photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park unfolds along the Colorado River on this July morning. Thunderstorms were firing off behind Baker Mountain but as the sun rose, an orange glow came over the Kawuneeche Valley. What an amazing display of light and one I won't soon forget. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1755/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coyotes-HondiusPark-12.15.20.1.jpg Teamwork A pair of Coyotes make their way through Hondius Park near the Fall River entrance station to Rocky Mountain National Park hunting voles. The pair worked together to trounce through the snow a kick up unsuspecting voles just under powder. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1754/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fairchild-Ypsilon-Desolation-LookingGlass.8.5.20.2.jpg An Amazing Spectacle Ypsilon Mountain, Desolation Peak and Hagues Peak reflect in a tarn above Mirror Lake in a remote section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Afternoon Thunderstorms bubble up over the eastern plains of Colorado making for a nice backdrop to these beautiful peaks. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1753/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Rowe-Middle-Little-NoName.7.22.20.1.jpg No Name Rowe Rowe Peak and Little No Name reflect in a small tarn above Lost Lake. This beautiful location deep within the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park has some great views of Rowe Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1752/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/N.Fork-BigThomspon-Dunraven.7.21.20.1.jpg North Fork Of The Big Thompson The North Fork of the Big Thompson River cascades down through a small rocky outcropping just downstream from Lake Dunraven. Deep in the heart of the Mummy Range, The North Fork of the Big Thompson starts as a small stream in this remote section of Rocky Mountain National Park before it joins the Big Thompson River and becomes much more formidable near the town of Drake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1751/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lost-Lake-Sunset.7.20.20.1.jpg Lost Twilight Twilight at Lost Lake as evening descends upon the Mummy Range ad Rocky Mountain National Park. Looking east over Lost Lake towards the high plains of Colorado, the Earth's shadow paints the sky pink as it reflects on the surface of Lost Lake. Watching this subtle sunset unfold from the hillside above Lost Lake, one can only contemplate on the beauty of nature and the refuge found in these remote parts of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1750/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-Flattop-DreamLakeOL.9.9.20.1.jpg After The Storm A September snowstorm has covered Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park in fresh powder. From the Dream Lake overlook along the Flattop Mountain trail we watch as the sun pokes through the cloud cover to light The Diamond formation of Longs Peak. Fog is drifting below and Mills Lake can be seen from this location just below Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1749/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Husted-Sunrise.7.21.20.1.jpg Husted And Clouds Sunrise at Lake Husted and we were lucky enough to have some beautiful clouds coast overhead. Conditions were just about perfect this morning as there was no wind, a beautiful sunrise over Rowe Peak and these great clouds. Mornings like these in Rocky Mountain National Park, make the long hikes all the more worth it. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1748/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LilyLake-EastEnd-Sunrise.6.23.20.1.jpg Parting Ways It's a serene morning at Lily Lake. Ducks float on the calm waters of Lily Lake as fog lifts from the surface of the lake just as the sun rises to the east of Rocky Mountain National Park. Within minutes, the sun would burn the fog off the lakes surface and another perfect morning settled into RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1747/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Entry-Sign-NorthernmostRMNP.8.5.20.3.jpg There Were Signs There are these great wooden trail signs all over Rocky Mountain National Park. Sometimes you find these signs in locations that you figure you would never find signs of any person. This particular signs sits off trail on a high ridge along the northern boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park. I was surprised when we stumbled on this sign along the northern boundary of the park near Commanche Peak, but it was such a cool weathered sign, alone on this desolate ridge that meant I had to get the camera out to photograph it. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1746/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bull-Elk-Bedded-LilyLake.6.8.20.1.jpg Bull In Velvet A nice size Bull Elk relaxes in the green grasses along the shores of Lily Lake on a spring day. It's antlers are covered in velvet and are growing about an inch a day this time of year. Eventually, the velvet will fall off signaling this elk is getting ready for the fall rut. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1745/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BixbyTree-UpperBeaver.12.29.20.1.jpg Watching The Sunrise A stunted Ponderosa Pine growing out of a rock above Beaver Meadows welcomes a colorful December sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1744/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Louise-Sunrise.7.22.20.1.jpg Lake Louise in Pink A beautiful pastel pink sunrise over Lake Louise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Not as visited or well known as the other Lake Louise in Banff, Canada, Rocky Mountain National Park's, Lake Louise has its own stunning beauty. Deep in a remote section of the Mummy Range, Lake Louise is a spectacular mountain location. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1743/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Colorado-Baker-Sunrise.7.13.20.1.jpg Colorado Rising Thunderstorms were sitting over the Kawuneeche Valley this morning. The prospect of getting a nice sunrise seemed unlikely as I set my tripod up along the Colorado River. In between rain showers and thunder and lighting, amazingly an orange and red glow originated behind Baker Mountain. Somehow, the sunrise east of my location, managed to put out some of the most beautiful light I've witnessed in Rocky Mountain National Park. The light was gone almost as soon as it began but what an amazing morning in the Kawuneeche Valley. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1742/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Emerald-Overlook-Flattop-Sunrise.7.24.20.1.jpg Emerald Isle Hallett Peak glows with the first light of the day as does Longs Peak across the valley. Emerald Lake can be seen below Hallett Peak in this view from the Emerald Lake overlook on the Flattop Mountain trail. Anybody hiking from Bear Lake to Grand Lake can appreciate taking a break in this spot and enjoying the spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park while resting ones legs. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1741/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HollowellPark-Fall-Aspens.10.9.20.4.jpg Hollowell Fire #1 A set of aspens on the hillside above Hollowell Park shows off its dramatic autumn colors. This particular year, this aspen grove turned a brilliant red, orange and yellow. It was one of the most colorful displays of fall aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park that I've witnessed and I've not seen this group of trees this vibrant since. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1740/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fall-River-Marmot-Chapin-Sunrise.7.14.20.1.jpg Chapin Sunrise Sunrise unfolds at timberline over Rocky Mountain National Park. Marmot Point and Mount Chapin welcome the new day while the beautiful colors of sunrise reflect in a small alpine tarn. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1739/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Moraine-Frost.3.13.20.1.jpg Stripes Frost and snow is clinging to the mix of trees along the Bierstadt Moraine on a cold March day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The split between aspen trees, and pines is evident with the aspens straddling the pines giving us a stripe like appearance. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1738/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigHorns-RockCut.6.25.20.3.jpg Ewe Got To Relax Sometimes A Big Horn Ewe lounges on the alpine tundra near the Rock Cut on an early summer day. A ram sits atop of a rock surveying the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. Even the sheep love to relax on a beautiful summer day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1737/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MirrorLake-Tarn-AbovePt12232.8.5.20.1.jpg Spectacle Lake From a ridge high above, we are looking down on a tarn above Mirror Lake. Many unoffically refer to this as Spectacle Lake as when looking at it resembles a spectacle. It's aquamarine color is striking from above and from its shores the impressive Mount Iokoko rises out. This relatively remote section of Rocky has some of the most amazing landscapes in all of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1736/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mirror-Lake-Mt.Ikoko-Sunrise.8.5.20.12.jpg Mirror Mirror Its doesn't get any better than this for a photographer. A backpacking trip up to remote Mirror Lake for a few days combined with some great weather and atmospherics at sunrise and sunset. This morning, clouds skirt over Mount Iokoko at Mirror Lake forming a near perfect reflection in Mirror Lake. This area of Rocky Mountain National Park is far from the crowds but hosts some of RMNP's most beautiful locations. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1735/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Frosted-Pines-Flattop-Mtn.9.9.20.1.jpg Cake An early season snowstorm has covered Rocky with lots of snow. I snowshoed up Flattop Mountain for sunrise and found these pines caked in fresh powder nearing the top of Flattop Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1734/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/American-Robin-UpperBeaverMdw.6.10.20.1.jpg American Robin - Upper Beaver Meadows An American Robin takes a brief respite on a juniper bush in Upper Beaver Meadows. Returning to Rocky Mountain National Park in the spring, it's always a great sign to see Robins in the meadows and lower elevations of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1733/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AlluvialFan-RoaringRiver-Bridge-12.18.20.1.jpg Walking Through The Alluvium On July 15th, 1982 the dam that was holding Lawn Lake back failed. Water from Lawn Lake rushed down the Roaring River and flooded Estes Park. When the water rushed down the Roaring River it deposited soil and rocks known as alluvium where the Roaring River meets Horseshoe Park. A similar event occurred during the floods of 2013 when starting on September 11, 2013, heavy rains caused the Roaring River again to flood and wash out the bridge over the river just south of Alluvial Fan Falls. The National Park Service over the next few years worked diligently to repair the trails and replace the bridge washed away in 2013. The work the NPS trail crews perform in Rocky Mountain National Park is nothing short of amazing. These craftsman use basic tools to install and create some beautiful structures such as the new bridge over the Roaring River. On this December morning, a light snow is falling on Rocky Mountain National Park as the sun rises to the east behind Deer Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1732/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AVC-Sunrise-FirstSnow-LavaCliffs-Crop.9.1.20.9.jpg Cold Lava The first dusting of snow has arrived on the alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park. The calendar has just flipped from August to September but light snow coats the tundra grasses that are already turning their autumn hues. In this view from near the Alpine Visitor Center, we are looking at the backside of the Lava Cliffs as the sun ducks under the cloud cover to light up the red and yellow alpine tundra at sunrise. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1731/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fairchild-Ypsilon-Desolation-MirrorLK-Crop.8.4.20.1.jpg The Fish Are Biting At Mirror Lake It's a great afternoon at Mirror Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. As the day is closing out, thunderstorms east of RMNP are building but the fish are hungry as evidenced by all the hits on the surface of Mirror Lake. Ypsilon Mountain and Desolation Peak take in the last rays of sun for the day as we close out a classic summer day in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1730/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AboveMirror-Sunrise.8.6.20.1.jpg Mount Iokoko Sunrise Mount Iokoko reflects in a small tarn above Mirror Lake in a portion of Rocky Mountain National Park that many do not often visit. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1729/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-MorainePark.5.29.19.2.jpg It's Springtime in Moraine Park Spring has settled into Moraine Park. The aspens and narrow leaf cottonwoods in the foreground are budding green and the meadows grasses are as well,. Longs Peak and The Diamond above still have a considerable amount of snow left over from the winter but one can feel summer approaching Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1728/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierLillies-FifthLake.7.16.19.1.jpg Glacier Lilies Above 5th Glacier Lilies or Avalanche Lilies grow high on the sides of mountains, often in chutes where avalanches occur. I found this beautiful group of Glacier Lilies above 5th Lake on a windless July day in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1727/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarmotFamily-UBM.7.8.19.2.jpg We See You! A family of Marmots in Beaver Meadows letting the photographer know that they see me. Mom and Dad are enjoying the sun while the little guy wanted to let out a yip to make sure everybody knew that paparazzi had arrived. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1726/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarshMarigolds-Sourdough.7.13.19.1.jpg Marsh Marigolds Say Hi! Marsh Marigolds are cool little wildflowers. These flowers will sprout up in areas immediately after the winter snow melts. In fact they love wet and saturated areas. This group which I found near aptly named Marigold Ponds, was literally growing out the stream itself. Marsh Marigolds are just one of many beautiful wildflowers that will grace Rocky Mountain National Park in the spring and summer. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1725/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-DeerMt.11.14.19.1.jpg Smoking! A thin layer of fog and clouds drifts through Upper Beaver Meadows with Longs Peak towering high above. It's late in the fall season and the sun has moved quite far south making the shadows grow long in contrast to the sunlit fog. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1724/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-LongsPeak-Sunrise.10.9.19.3.jpg Rocky Mountain Trifecta Aspens and Narrowleaf Cottonwoods at their fall peak, Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park bathed in dramatic early morning light, and finally a Bull Elk bugling in the bottom right hand side of the photo. I would say that quantifies a trifecta as just about everything was perfect this morning as I photographed this fall sunrise from Moraine Park, looking south towards Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1723/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Stables-Horseshoes.12.24.19.1.jpg Trail Worn A barrel of used horseshoes sits in a corner of the Moraine Park stables. Who knows how many miles and what beautiful locations all over Rocky Mountain National Park these horseshoes traveled. Moraine Park stables is now closed but some of the relics of the past still remain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1722/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LittleBuckaroo-BettyDick-Barn.8.14.19.1.jpg A Very Buckaroo Summer Little Buckaroo Barn shines in the summer light of a beautiful July morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. With Baker Mountain in the background, the field around Little Buckaroo Barn and the Kawuneeche Valley are at their summer best. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1721/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HouseWren-UBM.7.12.19.1.jpg Bringing Home The Bacon A pair of nest House Wrens are taking turns feeding their young fresh insects in Beaver Meadows. House Wrens arrive in Rocky Mountain National Park in the late spring and take up residence in a cavity inside of a tree. Once the young are born, these Wrens will spend all day bringing insects back to the nest and removing waste pellets as well. Locations such as Beaver Meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park are great places to find cavity nesting birds such as House Wrens. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1720/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Male-Female-Crossbill-MorainePark.12.16.19.1.jpg Male and Female Crossbill - Moraine Park A pair of Red Crossbills can be seen foraging on the forest floor of Moraine Park on a winter morning. These unique birds, are finches that have developed unique bills that make it easy to access seeds from pinecones. The male Crossbill is red, and the female is yellowish brown. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1719/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Magpie-MorainePark.4.4.19.2.jpg Black Billed Magpie - Moraine Park The venerable Black Billed Magpie is found throughout many parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can often find these boisterous birds near camp grounds and pull offs in the lower elevations and meadows of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1718/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarmotFamily-UBM.7.8.19.4.jpg Just Kidding! I was photographing a Marmot family that was living in a rocky outcropping in Beaver Meadows. It was fun to visit their rocky outpost and observe their daily habits. Eventually, the Marmots had babies and they would join in on the shenanigans. This little one is actually announcing my arrival. From the looks of this image, it appears the Marmot is stuck under the log, but that was in fact not the case. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1717/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountainBluebird-UBM.5.14.19.3.jpg Mountain Bluebird On Pine Every spring the Mountain Bluebirds return to Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of the best locations to see this beautiful birds are places like Moraine Park or as in this image, Beaver Meadows. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1716/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-UteTrail-Sunrise.7.3.19.1.jpg Ute Sunrise Sunrise from timberline along the Ute Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. A magenta sunrise unfolds over Longs Peak and Forest Canyon on a summer morning in July. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1715/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHaiyaha-Main.8.21.19.1.jpg Drifting Amongst The Rocks A calm Lake Haiyaha greets the morning sun while a group of puffy clouds skirt overhead. Lake Haiyaha, which is Ute for 'Many Rocks', is a beautiful location located near Bear Lake. Photographing here on a calm morning and taking in this spectacular view of Hallett Peak is always a memorable experience in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1714/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MilnerPass-7.15.19.1.jpg Weaving Through The Trees A small seasonal stream weaves down the hillside just west of Milner Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park. With the snow melting as the days warm, these small seasonal streams can be found all over Rocky for short durations. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1713/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TombstoneRidge-TRR.5.10.19.2.jpg Snow And Shade From Beaver Meadows, Tombstone Ridge looks amazing after snow fell on Rocky Mountain National Park and coated all the pines in a heavy spring snow. The light and shade from the fog and clouds as they move in and off the ridge make for some great sight lines this May morning in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1712/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NymphLake-PondLillies.7.26.19.1.jpg Pond Lillies Study On Nymph Lake Anybody who has hiked to Dream Lake during a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park has passed by serene Nymph Lake located just below Dream Lake. During the summer months, Nymph Lake is covered in Pond Lillies. These make a great photography subject after photographing Dream Lake at sunrise. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1711/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TombstoneRidge-TwinSisters-Sunrise.9.28.19.1.jpg Tombstone And The Sisters The clouds are scraping the tops of the ridges above timberline this morning. We are on Tombstone Ridge looking east towards the Twin Sisters in the distance. As the sun rises above the clouds, it creates a primal atmosphere on this high ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1710/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TimberLakeTrail.7.24.19.3.jpg The Trail To Timber The trail to Timber Lake is one of my favorite to hike. It's travels through deep forest, winds, bends and climbs. In the summer, its beautiful when the ground cover is green and the shade of the trees keep hikers cool. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1709/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TripleM-Divide.11.7.19.1.jpg Frosted Glow Frost has coated the Ponderosa Pines in Upper Beaver Meadows. Over the Continental Divide, Rocky Mountain National Park is waking up to a beautiful pastel sunrise with high clouds over Hallett Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1708/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpecimanMountain-MedicineBow-Sunrise.8.2.19.2.jpg Quite A Specimen Specimen Mountain towers over the Poudre River near it's headwaters as glint light illuminates the top of its smooth and rounded peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1707/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-Sunrise.6.29.19.2.jpg Summers Embrace The calendar has just turned from springtime to summertime and the Kawuneeche Valley is in full agreement. Seasonal overflow ponds have filled and helped to create a perfect reflection of Baker Mountain under a spectacular sunrise on the west side of Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1706/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ParadiseValley.7.18.19.1.jpg They Call This Paradise The light and shadows play on the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's July but there is still plenty of snow in this remote valley on the west side of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1705/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LeadMountain-NeverSummer-Sunrise.6.14.19.1.jpg Get The Lead Out Just a tiny bit of sun made it through the clouds this June morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lead Mountain and the Never Summer Mountains can be seen still covered with lots of snow as the sky turns magenta over Lead Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1704/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Stables.12.24.19.2.jpg Rusted Shut The door knob for the former Moraine Park Stables is rusted closed. The Moraine Park Stables which served riders in the park for years, is no longer in use. Thousands of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park have used these stables over the years but now they sit unused, slowly being warn down by the weather and elements. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1703/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Aspen-GoldenBanner.6.26.19.1.jpg Aspens And Golden Banner Golden Banner grows below the elk chewed aspens boles in Moraine Park. Spring in Moraine Park means bright green aspen trees and wildflowers growing in all the nooks and crannies of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1702/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-BigThompson-Sunrise.10.16.19.1.jpg Thompson Waves An electric sunrise takes place over Moraine Park and the Big Thompson River. Late fall in Moraine Park and the waves of clouds moving over the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park at sunrise made for a sight to behold. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1701/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-ColoradoRiver-Sunrise.9.15.19.1.jpg Colorado Winding The Colorado River is seen winding through the serene Kawuneeche Valley on a later summer morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. A pastel sunrise colors the skies over the west side of RMNP with beautiful pink hue's. The grasses along the Colorado River are a mix of green and brown showing off their late season coloration and frost covers them as well. Soon the summer season will turn from summer to fall, but mornings like this one will remain timeless. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1700/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RainbowCurve-SummerSunrise.6.22.19.1.jpg What A View! What an amazing morning in Rocky this was. I was guiding a photography client this morning. A late season spring storm was forecast so I was unsure what conditions would be like in the morning. Luckily for us, Trail Ridge Road was still open to Rainbow Curve even though snow had fallen on what was Memorial Day weekend. The glow to the east of Rainbow curve, combined with snow on Bighorn Mountain and McGregor Mountain as just amazing. Horseshoe Park below was socked in with fog but the Beaver Ponds can be seen in the right corner of the image, dusted with snow, aspens with green leaves. You never know what kind of conditions you are going to find in Rocky Mountain National Park and that's what makes photographing in Rocky so much fun. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1699/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley.6.14.19.1.jpg Colorado's Full Colorado is full, the Colorado River that is. Spring runoff is in full effect here in June and the Colorado River seen in the distance is overflowing it's banks and flooding parts of the Kawuneeche Valley on Rocky's west side. Baker Mountain reflects in this overflow pool just a few yards from the Colorado River making for a unique view of Rocky Mountain National Park that is only available for a short time each spring. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1698/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-ManyParks-Sunrise.4.30.19.2.jpg Snap Out Of It Longs Peak breaks out of the cloud cover and into the sun after a winter storm covered RMNP with snow and fog. This will be familiar to many as its near Many Parks Curve which is a popular first stop off for many driving Trail Ridge Road during the summer months. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1697/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-UpperBeaverMeadows-10.2.19.1.jpg Catch My Drift Longs Peak shines over Upper Beaver Meadows on an amazing October morning. Fog drifts below Longs Peak while alpenglow illuminates Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest and most recognizable mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1696/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-Sunrise.6.29.19.1.jpg Colorful Baker Baker Mountain glows as sunrise arrives on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Each spring, snowmelt fills the Kawuneeche Valley with water and runoff. These seasonal ponds and streams make the perfect locations to watch moose and or capture reflections of a colorful sunrise like this one. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1695/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-Forestcanyon.9.28.19.2.jpg First Dusting It's September and Longs Peak has its first significant dusting of snow for the season. Fog fills Forest Canyon below Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest peak and the sun makes it's way through the leftover clouds casting a warm shadow on the Diamond. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1694/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheDew-Coyote.7.22.19.2-1.jpg Kawuneeche Blues The deep blue shadows of the Kawuneeche Valley are apparent on this beautiful summer morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even in the summer months, the Kawuneeche Valley is very cool in the morning. Dew clings to the grasses and the valley begins to warm as the sun clears the ridges to the east. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1693/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-TwinSistersTH.2.23.19.2.jpg Powdered Diamonds A freshly snow covered Longs Peak catches the glint light of sunrise on its famous northeast face known as 'The Diamond'. At 14,259 ft, Longs Peak is Rocky Mountain National Park tallest peak. This particular February morning, I doubt very much anyone would like to be at Chasm Lake or the Diamond itself as the wind whipped snow would make for extreme conditions. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1692/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubCreek-Sunrise.5.27.19.1.jpg Sunrise On Cub Creek Sunrise along Cub Creek on the west end of Moraine Park. During the spring runoff, Cub Creek overflows and fills these seasonal ponds which make great reflecting pools. Moose and elk are often found in this area of Moraine Park as well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1691/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigThompson.5.10.19.1.jpg Moraine Calling The iconic view of Moraine Park looking up the Big Thompson river after a spring snow storm covered Rocky Mountain National Park in snow. Willows line the Big Thompson an add color to its banks. Moraine Park was once named Willow Park and on a morning like this one, its apparent why. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1690/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-MorainePark.9.19.19.5.jpg Fired Up What an amazing morning this was in Moraine Park. This huge bull elk was stalking the south side of the meadow this morning. This bull wasn't looking add more female elk to his harem but was in fact challenging two other large bulls who were encroaching on his harem. To say this bull was fired up would be an understatement and his agitation and focus on moving these challengers away can clearly be seen in his face and eyes. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1689/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-MorainePark.10.11.19.1.jpg Autumn Elk A young bull elk surveys his surroundings in Moraine Park. There is a lot going on for this young elk this morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. It snowed the night before, the aspens in Moraine Park are showing of their golden colors, and this bull is trying to find his place in all this. Larger bull elk are defining their harems out in the meadow while this young guy has nothing to yet to show except this great pose. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1688/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Hallett-Flattop-Notchtop.5.10.19.1.jpg Dumped On A late spring snowstorm has dumped heavy powder over Rocky Mountain National Park. The Ponderosa Pines in Upper Beaver Meadows are caked with snow as clouds break over the divide and Hallett Peak appears through the clouds. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1687/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-WE-Aspens.9.24.19.1.jpg Kawuneeche Gold A stand of aspen trees shows off their golden leaves in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. Warm, sunlit fall days in Colorado are some of the best. Hanging out under a canopy of aspens watching the sun beam through the aspen boles is about as good as it gets!. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1686/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver-Fog-Rainbow.5.8.19.1.jpg Fog And Fall River Fog is lifting from Horseshoe Park and as it does, Fall River and its bends, turns and reveal themselves. The red coloration are the willows that line this portion of Fall River. When I was photographing this scene, I loved how the red colored willows contrasted with cool blue fog hovering over Horseshoe Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1685/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GraniteFalls-8.29.19.3.jpg Water And Granite Tonahutu Creek comes tumbling down the reddish colored rocks that make up Granite Falls. Located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Granite Falls is about a 5 mile trek up above Big Meadows. Moose and elk are common on the hike up to the falls and Granite Falls itself is a great place to rest your legs after the hike in. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1684/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RainbowCurve-Sunrise.5.22.19.1.jpg Rainbow After Snow The sun rises above the Mummy Range and shines it light on the snow landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. From Rainbow Curve along Trail Ridge Road, this view is looking northeast over Horseshoe Park, McGregor Mountain, Dark Mountain and the Mummy Range. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1683/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunset-AboveFifthLake.7.16.19.1.jpg Sunset Sentinels The sun is setting on a ridge high above Fifth Lake in the Upper East Inlet section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rain drops are falling down as the sun dips behind a ridge with these stately pines looking over this beautiful and remove section on the west side of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1682/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TimberLakeTrail.7.24.19.4.jpg Bridge Over Beaver Creek A bridge spans Beaver Creek along the Timber Lake trail on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. A popular hike on the west side of Rocky, Timber Lake is a beautiful location about 5 miles from the trailhead. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1681/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pika-FlattopMountain.8.19.19.1.jpg King Of The Rock Pile A Pika survey's it's domain from atop its rock high atop Flattop Mountain. Pika are found in the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park and survive in some of the most difficult elevations and locations in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1680/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marmot-FlattopMountain.8.19.19.1.jpg Pass The Sunscreen A portly looking Marmot enjoys the great summer weather in Rocky Mountain National Park by sunning itself of a rock near the summit of Flattop Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1679/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HairyWoodpecker-Male.BeaverMeadows.7.8.19.2.jpg Hairy Woodpecker Upper Beaver Meadows A male Hairy Woodpecker takes turn with its mate bringing food to their nest and feeding their young. Aspen trees make perfect nesting sights for woodpeckers and places such as Upper Beaver Meadows where this bird was photographed are busy with many cavity nesting birds. Upper Beaver Meadows is a great spot in Rocky Mountain National Park for birdwatching and photography. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1678/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChickareeSquirel-MorainePark.9.19.19.3.jpg Treehouse Snack A Chickaree Squirrel works on a pine cone in a tree as it tries to enjoy a snack. Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park are familiar with these Pine Squirrels as they will protest loudly whenever one passes near their trees and territory. Many will also recognize the piles of pine cones and bark that can be found where they stash their food cache. These piles of food, known as middens show the resourcefulness of these active creatures. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1677/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullMoose-AboveBigMeadows-NN.8.29.19.1.jpg Backside Rocky A Bull Moose shows off his backside as he grazes on the grasses above Big Meadows on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Moose have a habit of showing photographers their best side when find them out in the wild. Regardless, this handsome Moose looked regal in the summer grasses. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1676/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tarn-AboveFifth-Sunset.7.18.19.3.jpg Say Goodnight Closing out the day at a very isolated and remote tarn high above the Upper East Inlet on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. With Andrews Peak off in the distance, clouds reflect in this pretty little alpine tarn that few will ever visit. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1675/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-MorainePark.9.18.19.2.jpg Bugle Up All you need to do is take a gander at the look on this Bull Elk's face to know that he means business. With his harem nearby, this bull is making sure all the other elk in Moraine Park know who is in charge and who means business. So is life in Rocky Mountain National Park during the rut each fall. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1674/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bull-Elk-MorainePark.10.11.19.1.jpg Warming Up It snowed overnight in Moraine Park. The Elk rut is at its peak and this large bull is making sure to keep his harem close and let the other bulls in the area know who's the boss. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1673/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BroadTailedHummingbird-BierstadtMoraine.6.17.19.3.jpg Keeping Busy A Broad Tailed Hummingbird is making its way from flower to flower along the Bierstadt Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wax Currant is the choice flower for this particular hummingbird on this morning as it buzzes all over the hillsides enjoy a morning refreshment. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1672/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ShipsProw-ChasmLake.8.1.19.2.jpg Ships Prow At Dawn The Ships Prow reflects in a calm Chasm Lake during a nearly perfect summer morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Popular with climbers, The Ships Prow which is part of the Longs Peak massif, also makes a great photography subject when at Chasm Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1671/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmigan-FlattopMtn.8.19.19.1.jpg Easy Living A Ptarmigan hangs out above timberline near the summit of Flattop Mountain on a warm summer day. Dressed in it full summer plumage, today life is easy for this Ptarmigan compared to the normally harsh conditions this bird will encounter at some of the highest elevations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1670/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PineSiskin-MorainePk.9.12.19.1.jpg Pine Siskin On Thistles A Pine Siskin flys from thistle to thistle in the meadows of Moraine Park eating seeds on a September day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1669/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Notchtop-Knobtop-Gabletop-Matterhorn.11.11.19.5.jpg What A View A spectacular view looking across Upper Beaver Meadows back towards Notchtop, Gabletop and the Little Matterhorn after snow has fallen in Rocky Mountain National Park. This view is one of the first visitors to RMNP will see when entering from the Beaver Meadows entrance station. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1668/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRange-Sunrise.3.15.19.1.jpg Good Morning Mummy Range Sunrise over the Mummy Range on a March morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow still covers most of the landscape of RMNP but soon the melt off will begin. Beautiful clouds drift over Ypsilon Mountain and the rest of the Mummy Range this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1667/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRange-BeaverPonds.5.10.19.1.jpg Clearing Out Snow has fallen over the Mummy Range and the Beaver Ponds along Trail Ridge Road. The sun is up and the storm is cleaning out of Rocky Mountain National Park leaving a serene view of Mummy Mountain and a snow covered landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1666/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwoRiversLake.9.11.19.1.jpg Painted Notchtop Sunrise at Two Rivers lake in Rocky Mountain National Park finds the sunlight painting bars across the flanks of Notchtop Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1665/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ponderosa-DeerMountain.11.7.19.1.jpg Frosted Blues A set of Ponderosa Pines on the side of Deer Mountain are covered in Hoar frost from the night before. Fog had settled in over Rocky Mountain National Park and coated the pine needles with an icy frost. The contrast between the blue frosted tipped pine needles and the red Ponderosa Pine tree bark really made for a great contrast in color and light. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1664/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RainbowCurve-Sunrise.5.18.19.1.jpg Sun And Snow The sun rises over Bighorn Mountain as snow showers move over Horseshoe Park far below as seen from Rainbow Curve. Stunted limber pines watch over the majestic landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park as another day begins. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1663/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ypsilon-MummyRange-Sunrise.11.27.19.5.jpg Mummy Light Heavy snow weighs on the Ponderosa Pines in the foreground as Ypsilon Mountain catches a streak of light. It's a cold November morning in Rocky Mountain National Park, but even a glance of sunlight warms the snow coated landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1662/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LittleHorseshoePark-Sunrise.5.1.19.2.jpg Little Horseshoe Sunrise After a night of snow, the sun begins to rise between Deer Mountain and McGregor Mountain. In the foreground is Little Horseshoe Park. Once home to a Civilian Corps camp, you are likely to see elk grazing in the meadow below. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1661/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigMeadows-Sunrise.8.29.19.1.jpg Tonahutu Calling Sunrise over Tonahutu Creek and Big Meadows on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of the more subtle locations in Rocky Mountain National Park can be the most beautiful, especially when the light cooperates like it did on this August morning on the west side of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1660/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-Sunrise.10.6.19.1.jpg Peak Bierstadt Sunrise on Bierstadt Moraine at the peak of fall color in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bierstadt Moraine, one of the best places in RMNP for fall color is at peak as the sun illuminates the mountains and clouds on an autumn morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1659/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Tarn.8.5.19.1.jpg Hallett Dreams Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain reflect in the rippled water of the outlet just downstream from Dream Lake on a stunning summer morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1658/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Hiamovi-Paradise.7.18.19.1.jpg Welcome To Paradise A beautiful and remove view on a summer day on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's mid July, but this remote valley still has plenty of snow left over from a long winter. Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1657/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-ColoradoRiver-Moonset.9.15.19.2.jpg Moonset On The Colorado The moon is setting along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley as the sunrise paints the sky in beautiful pastels colors. It's a cool September morning in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Kawuneeche Valley always seems to have a nip in the air. Summer is turning to fall in Rocky, and soon the frosted grasses will turn golden from green. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1656/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SundanceMountain-Spectre.10.1.19.1.jpg Sundance Spectre What began as a foggy morning up on Trail Ridge Road, turned into an ethereal like dream scene once the sun began to burn through the clouds and inversion. A Brocken Spectre formed as the sun illuminated aptly named Sundance Mountain in the distance. I always tell clients, when its cloudy down low in Estes Park, keep heading up Trail Ridge Road and see if you can get above the cloud layer. Some of the most dynamic photographs in Rocky Mountain National Park, happen on mornings when it seems gray and dreary in the lower elevations of Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1655/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tarns-AboveFifth.7.17.19.1.jpg Mirror, Mirror A group of alpine tarns reflect the late afternoon clouds billowing in the sky on a July afternoon in a remote section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1654/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/YpsilonMountain-UppperBeaver.10.24.19.2.jpg Revealing Presence Snow has fallen on the Mummy Range and Upper Beaver Meadows. As dawn breaks, the clouds begin to break up over Rocky Mountain National Park and a stunning Ypsilon Mountain reveals itself to the world. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1653/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FernCreek-OdessaLake.8.23.19.2.jpg Odessa Outlet The Little Matterhorn and Notchtop Mountain light up at sunrise from the banks of the outlet of Fern Creek and Odessa Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1652/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChasmLake-8.1.19.4.jpg Perfect Morning At Chasm Lake A picture perfect morning unfolds just below Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest peak at Chasm Lake. At over 11,000 ft, its not an easy task to have a calm, windless morning at Chasm. This August morning in Rocky, The Diamond reflects in Chasm Lake as clouds over Longs Peak pickup the early morning light. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1651/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-FallAspens.10.9.19.3.jpg All Orange A group of aspen trees on the side of the Bierstadt Moraine showing off their fall color. While most aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park will turn yellow during the fall season, some such as this group were a beautiful bright orange. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1650/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-HiddenValley.7.3.19.1.jpg Velvet Stare A Bull Elk stares off into the distance on a summer day in Rocky Mountain National Park. His antlers are growing about an inch or so a day and are covered in a beautiful velvet which he will eventual shed as the summer progresses. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1649/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/IsolationPk-AboveFifth-tarn.7.17.19.2.jpg Evening In The Middle Of Nowhere It's getting late in the evening in a remote section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Myself and Erik Stensland had been out photographing on the west side all evening and were heading back to our camp at the Upper East Inlet. With sunset approaching quickly, we were scrambling for a place to photograph before the light disappeared for the evening. Glissading down snow covered hillsides and nearly running we were both looking for a place to catch last light on Isolation Peak. I settled on this tarn, surrounded by marsh marigolds, still with ice and snow in the middle of July. I was able to get a few images off before the light disappeared and it was an exhilarating thrill just getting to this spot before the light was gone. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1648/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BrownCappedRosyFinch-FlattopMtn.8.19.1.jpg Brown Capped Rosy Finch One of the toughest small birds you may be lucky enough to observe in Rocky Mountain National Park is the Brown Capped Rosy Finch. This small bird spends year round at the highest altitudes in Rocky. Found at an above timberline, the Brown Capped Rosy Finch will eat seeds, and insects to survive in this harsh landscape. This day, while hiking across Flattop Mountain, near the summit I came upon this Finch eating seeds from the wildflowers growing on the high alpine tundra. The Brown Capped Rosy Finch is in decline, so if you happened to be lucky enough so view these birds in the high country of RMNP, enjoy your time with these hardy creatures. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1647/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake-Sunrise.6.26.19.4.jpg Bierstadt In Purple It's just before sunrise at Bierstadt Lake. Clouds wrap the skies over Taylor,Otis,Hallett and Flattop Mountain as the light of dawn colors the skies a purple and magenta hue. No two sunrise are ever the same in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it always amazes me that no mater how many times I photograph a location, the light is always so different an unique. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1646/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FourthLake-Sunset.7.18.19.1.jpg Fourth Lake Goodnight Closing out the day at Fourth Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. With the sun having set, the evening glow settles into to this remote portion of the East Inlet. Clouds float over the Cleaver as a beautiful July day in RMNP wraps up. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1645/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigThompson-MorainePark.11.4.19.3.jpg Winter Creep A dramatic sunrise along the Big Thompson River as seen from Moraine Park. Fall is waining in Rocky Mountain National Park and winter is starting to creep into RMNP as evidenced from the ice on the Big Thompson River. Soon, the entire river will be covered over in ice until spring manages to break it's icy grip. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1644/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HiddenValleyAspens-9.28.19.1.jpg Hidden Aspens A stand of aspen trees in Hidden Valley look spending in their autumn yellow on a rainy and foggy day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1643/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CD-UpperBeaverMeadows.11.27.19.1.jpg Blanketed The air is cold and calm over Upper Beaver Meadows after a night of snow in Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak bathes in the warming sun as the snow covered forests below are silent and peaceful. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1642/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Sunrise.8.7.19.3.jpg Iconography The view that never gets old. No matter how many times I visit Dream Lake, the view of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain is always stunning. Sure there are usually lots of people who make the 1.1 mile hike up to the lake, and I love exploring the less visited parts of Rocky Mountain National Park, but there is a reason Dream Lake is one of the iconic locations in not only Rocky Mountain National Park, but also Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1641/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeVerna-Sunset.7.18.19.1.jpg Its A Wrap It's a wrap!. After a long day of hiking and bushwhacking far up the East Inlet, which included a trip up to the summit of Mount Craig, were finally back at Lake Verna and almost back at camp. The sun has set over Grand County and Rocky Mountain National Park but the skies still have some slight coloration as Lake Verna is silhouetted against the late evening light. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1640/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver-Horseshoe-TRR.6.18.19.1.jpg Sidewinder Fall River is scene winding through Horseshoe Park on a foggy June morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The meadow looks beautiful as the grasses show off their spring green on this moody morning in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1639/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLakePoolTrail.10.14.19.5.jpg Frozen In Time In between Cub Lake and The Pool, a small stream has started to freeze for the season. Frozen in the ice are this years fall color. Aspens, Maples and Cottonwood leaves area all frozen in the blue tinted ice. With the exception of the winter, the seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park are always seem too short. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1638/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BelowHowardMtn-NeverSummer.8.9.19.1.jpg Sizzling Fog encases the Never Summer Mountain. Below Howard Mountain, sunlight illuminates the flanks of the mountain with light as the clouds lift from the rock. Rocky Mountain National Park has many days of beautiful blue skies. For photographers, dramatic weather which might not be ideal for hiking, is perfect for creating images such as this one. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1637/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Baker-CoyoteValley.7.1.19.1.jpg The Baker and The Coyote Baker Mountain appears like an ghost over the Kawuneeche Valley from the Coyote Valley trailhead. The fog that has settled into the Kawuneeche Valley over night is breaking up as the sun warms the valley which is cool even for July. Grasses and aspens up above the Grand Ditch look perfect on this early summer day on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1636/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-FallAspens-10.9.19.2.jpg Bending Aspens A group of bending aspen trees along the Bierstadt Moraine on a great October day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Nothing is better than exploring the Bierstadt Moraine during the fall and finding these compositions and arrangements which many will just walk right on past. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1635/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BeaverPonds-Rainbow.5.19.19.1.jpg Sunrise Over The Beaver Ponds If you driven Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, you have probably stopped at the Beaver Ponds pull-off just before Hidden Valley and explored. This morning in Rocky, we are looking down on the Beaver Ponds as the fog part and sifts through the pines making for an ethereal, but beautiful scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1634/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChaosCreek-Sunrise.10.17.19.1.jpg Chaos and Calm A neon sunrise unfolds over Chaos Creek on a calm, late fall morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hallett Peak glows in the distance across the boulders that make up aptly named Chaos Creek. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1633/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aspen-Boulder-BierstadtMoraine.10.9.19.1.jpg Aspen And Boulder I'm always looking for compositions like this one. An aspen tree with a solid background. It's much more difficult than many people think to find clean backgrounds like this. With that being said, you can imagine my surprise when hiking along the Bierstadt Moraine one late fall morning, I found this one aspen trees growing right along side this huge boulder or glacial erratic. While I love photographing a dramatic sunrise or sunset in Rocky Mountain National Park, its this little discoveries and reveals that always leave me with a big smile. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1632/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TenLakePark.7.17.19.1.jpg Lakes and Trees Looking down on a beautiful mountain scene on the west side of Rocky Mountain National. The trees, lakes and green grasses are perfectly placed and create a scene of summer serenity that anyone who has spent time in backpacking or hiking in RMNP understands well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1631/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ArrowheadLakes-RocCut.8.10.19.1.jpg Morning At The Rock Cut Sunrise over Arrowhead Lakes as seen from The Rock Cut along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. The sun spotlights Terra Tomah Mountain looking across Forest Canyon on an August morning in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1630/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigMeadows-Sunrise.8.29.19.2.jpg Tonahutu Fire A fiery sunrise to start the day in Big Meadows. Tonahutu Creek is seen splashing through the huge meadow on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park as lenticular clouds over the Continental Divide explode with color from sunrise. Nakai Peak can bee seen in the distance and just out of view Moose graze on the green grasses of Big Meadows. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1629/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GraniteFalls-8.29.19.1.jpg Solid Granite Tonahutu Creek glides down over the red colored rocks of Granite Falls on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Located about 5 miles from the start of the Green Mountain Trailhead, Granite Falls is a great spot to take a break while hiking up past Big Meadows or even over and through to Bear Lake. Granite Falls is just one of many beautiful waterfalls found in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1628/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChasmMeadows-Tarn.8.1.19.1.jpg Chasm Meadow Morning A perfectly calm morning in Chasm Meadows finds the Ships Prow and Longs Peak reflecting in a small tarn. Both the Ships Prow and Longs Peak and legendary formations in Rocky Mountain National Park for both climbers and photographers. Getting a windless morning like this all the way up here at Chasm Meadows is always a blessing. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1627/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AboveFifth-LongsPeak-Sunset.7.17.19.1.jpg Side Not Often Seen After a long day of hiking and exploring with my friend and fellow photographer extraordinaire, we sat on top of a ridgeline on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park high above the East Inlet figuring our way back to our campsite. From this vantage point, we had an amazing view of Longs Peak from the west side of Rocky. You have to be very high up anywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park to be able to look across the Continental Divide and see RMNP's tallest peak from the west side of Rocky or Grand County. This view spans both the divide and portions of Wild Basin as seen from the west side and is a great profile of rugged Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1626/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/IsolationPk-AboveFifth.7.17.19.3.jpg Isolation Late afternoon in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sunset was rapidly approaching and finding a location for sunset was becoming a priority. After much consternation we finally settled on this small tarn high above the East Inlet an miles from another soul. What an amazing place to watch the clouds roll over the peaks. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1625/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tarn-AboveFifth-Sunset.7.17.19.2.jpg Drifting Through Eden Could drift over the top of The Cleaver as seen from a remote tarn on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Bog Laurel lines the banks of this small tarn and even though the calendar says its mid July, the snow has just melted away from this spectacular place. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1624/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TenLake-Park-Hiamovi.7.17.19.1.jpg Ten In a remote section of Rocky Mountain National Park, we sat on a hillside enjoying the view into this remote valley as pillowy clouds began to build and cast their shadows down on the landscape. There are gifts like this one all over Rocky Mountain National Park but few will be lucky enough to see many of them. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1623/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-HollowellPark.3.23.21.1.jpg A March Morning A March morning in Hollowell Park and we find Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest peak covered in fresh snow. Clouds drift above Longs Peak and are obscuring parts of the Diamond as they swirl in and out the chasm. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1622/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-TwinSisters-Sunrise.3.4.21.1.jpg Diamond Showers Snow showers move across the east face of Longs Peak at sunrise. The east face, known as 'The Diamond' is iconic for its climbing routes and imposing stature. This morning, the snow moved between Mount Lady Washington on the right side, and Longs Peak in the middle. Longs Peak is Rocky Mountain National Parks tallest peak at 14,259 ft. above sea level. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1621/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moraine-Park-Fall-Sunrise.10.12.21.1.jpg Moraine In Gold Moraine Park can't look much better when it comes to fall color then on the morning I photographed this stunning sunrise. Aspens and Cottonwoods in Moraine Park are all at peak color. Even the hillside just below Cub Lake which can be seen in the distance is also at peak. To top this scene off with a great sunrise over snow dusted Tabletop and Stones Peak made for a golden morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1620/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarmotPoint-TRR-Sunrise.6.28.21.2.jpg Marmot Point At Sunrise Marmot Point rises out of the clouds at sunrise. A few small tarns start to glow as the sun comes out over the Mummy Range in the distance with the Fall River socked in with clouds still. Marmot point is a familiar location to many who visit Rocky Mountain National Park. It's easily viewed from Trail Ridge Road as well as the Alpine Visitor Center. Its also the last portion of Fall River Road before reaching the AVC. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1619/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver-Aspens.10.14.21.1tif.jpg Fall River Aspens A beautiful stand of aspens stands along the side of Deer Mountain right on the border of Rocky Mountain National Park. A combination of yellow and bright orange aspen leaves are mixed in along the snow dusted slope of Deer Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1618/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver-HorseshoePark.Snow.4.13.21.1.jpg Fall River Reveal The spring thaw has freed Fall River from its icy grip of winter but snow is still falling in Rocky Mountain National Park on this spring day. Willows along the banks of Fall River in Horseshoe Park add some warm color to the meandering stream as its head east towards Estes Park and its meetup with the Big Thompson River. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1617/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Moraine-Aspens.9.30.21.4.jpg Autumn In Rocky A foggy morning on the Bierstadt Moraine helped to bring out all the amazing colors found in Rocky Mountain National Park during the fall season. Orange, yellow and red aspen leaves contrast well against the blue sage growing on the hillside. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1616/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DeerMountain-MPC.4.17.21.1.jpg Deer In The Sunlight Sunrise from Many Parks Curve and we find Deer Mountain glowing after an April snowstorm in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's always amazing to be out as a photographer on the back end of a storm. You never really know what your going to find, but more times than often the conditions as the storm clears at dawn will be amazing. Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1615/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ParkTheatre-EstesPark.10.26.21.3.jpg Movie Night At Park Theatre The Historic Park Theatre is illuminated a few nights before Halloween in Estes Park. Many visitors to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park have spent a rainy day here watching movies or just marveling at the classic structure of this movie theatre. Built in 1913, its the oldest movie theatre still in use. It's an iconic building in downtown Estes Park and beautiful when lit up at night. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1614/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mummy-Range-Snow.9.20.21.2.jpg That Glow A beautiful glow appears over Ypsilon Mountain and the Mummy Range. The seasons are clashing here as an early September storm has coated the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park in snow, while just below golden aspens can be seen on the hillsides below Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1613/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountainMaple-MorainePark.11.4.21.1.jpg Soft Landing A Mountain Maple leaf is seen resting on the forest floor in Moraine Park. It's late in the fall season in Rocky Mountain National Park and most of the autumn color is gone. Even so, the forest floor still contained some gifts like this if one looked hard enough. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1612/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holzwarth-Ranch-Aspens.9.23.21.2.jpg Holzwarth Aspens The aspens at Holzwarth Ranch on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park look great displaying their fall colors. On the west side of RMNP and especially in the Kawuneeche Valley, the trees tend to be some of the earlier trees in Rocky to turn and display their fall color. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1611/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Deer-Mountain-Ponderosa.1.26.21.4.jpg Blue Ponderosas Frosted and snow covered Ponderosa Pines line the hillsides of Deer Mountain on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ponderosa Pines are beautiful anytime of year, but when they are frosted and covered with snow they take on an amazing look and quality to them. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1610/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Boulder-BrookAspens.9.29.21.1.jpg Autumn Forest A beautiful menagerie of fall color is found in a forest scene near Boulder Brook. Photographing the autumn season in Rocky Mountain National Park is different each year. Some years, the underbrush explodes with color adding to forest vignettes such as this one. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1609/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PoudreRiver-Fog-Sunrise.6.28.21.3.jpg Poudre Wave Looking north from along the Ute Trail, The Poudre River valley is socked in with low hanging clouds. To the east the sun is rising over Rocky Mountain National Park. The heavy cloud cover over the Poudre looked almost like a wave crashing over the mountains and valleys. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1608/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwinSisters-EstesCone-UtePass.6.21.21.1.jpg Islands In The Sky Like two islands in the sky, The Twin Sisters and the Estes Cone rise above the cloud inversion covering most of the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. These are always some of my favorite conditions to photograph in, and this particular morning I was out early along the Ute Trail while making this image. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1607/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidgeRoad.5.31.21.1.jpg Road To Paradise Spend enough time in Rocky Mountain National Park and eventually you will find yourself in a situation where the weather is a little more sketchy than you expected. Many visitors to RMNP find themselves surprised to find snowy roads and trails even late into May and drivers along Trail Ridge Road will come upon conditions like this late May morning in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1606/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/White-Pelicans-MorainePark.5.12.21.1.jpg For The Birds! Yes, even Rocky Mountain National Park is for the birds. This was a surprising morning for me in the park. An early May snowstorm had blanketed Colorado. I headed up to RMNP looking to photograph landscapes. While exploring Moraine Park, I stumbled upon this large group of American White Pelicans that had weathered out the storm in Rocky Mountain National Park during their migration. While not uncommon to see them in Lake Estes, finding American White Pelicans in Rocky is fairly uncommon. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1605/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaydenGorge-TRR-Sunrise.6.26.21.1.jpg Hayden Fire A fiery sunrise unfolds over the Hayden Gorge as seen from timberline in Rocky Mountain National Park.This beautiful light is seen unfolding over one of the most rugged and remote sections of RMNP. While this view from Trail Ridge Road is common, not many visitors to Rocky will ever set foot in the Hayden Gorge as the are requires considerable endurance, navigation and skill to explore. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1604/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ContinentalDivide-UpperBeaver.3.24.21.1.jpg Upper Beaver Meadow Morning A beautiful winter morning opens over Upper Beaver Meadows. Snow covers the landscape and the inversion layer of clouds is clearing revealing Thatchtop, Taylor, Otis, Hallett, Flattop and Notchtop Mountain all covered in snow from this classic Rocky Mountain National Park view. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1603/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bull-Moose-BelowCub.6.17.21.2.jpg Tasty! A Bull Moose enjoys the greenery growing in this small pond between Moraine Park and Cub Lake. For a quick moment he looked up to see what I was up to. Moose are now common on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park and if there is water around, there is a good chance you will find one or two. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1602/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Taylor-Sharkstooth.9.30.21.1.jpg Taylor Made The Sharkstooth, covered in fresh snow sits just below Taylor Peak on this spectacular autumn morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow has fallen on the high peaks of Rocky and the aspens below Taylor and alongside Otis Peak are looking great. While it can snow just about anytime in RMNP, catching snow with the aspens at their peak is a highlight for any photographer. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1601/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Ponderosas-BlowingSnow.2.18.21.3.jpg Winter Sun The sun shines through a Ponderosa Pine covered in light fluffy powder snow in Moraine Park. With the wind starting to pickup, the snow is blowing off the trees as the sun shines through. Even on cold winter days like this one in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Sun always has a way to warm the landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1600/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ElephantHead-CubLake.7.1.21.2.jpg Marching Elephants A group of Elephant Head wildflowers welcomes the rising sun in a small meadow near Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. With dew on the green grass and the sun just coming up over the horizon, the spotlight on these neat looking wildflowers were perfect. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1599/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-Maples.9.30.21.1.jpg Bierstadt Delight It's a foggy rainy morning on the Bierstadt Moraine. The colors are fall are everywhere and the overcast morning helps reveal the fall palette. This group of sage, maples and other underbrush, mixed amongst the boulders stopped me in my track. This smaller scenes are what make fall in Rocky Mountain National Park so special. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1598/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierdstadt-Moraine-Sunrise.9.30.21.6.jpg Golden Snow Snow has fallen on the Bierstadt Moraine and Hallett Peak at that same time that the aspen trees along the Bierstadt Moraine is at its autumn peak. Fog from the storm is clearing, revealing the snow on Hallett and Otis Peak. What an amazing morning to be out in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1597/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-ColoradoRiver.7.21.21.1.jpg On The Shelf A large shelf cloud sets up over the Continental Divide. On the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, I'm setup along the Colorado River hoping the shelf cloud will explode with color as the sunrises to the east of RMNP. Lucky for me, the shelf cloud did indeed light up over the Colorado River and Kawuneeche Valley. Certainly not a bad way to spend a morning in Rocky!. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1596/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorshoePark-Willows-Pines.3.17.21.1.jpg Painted Park Willows near the banks of Fall River in Horseshoe Park make a striking contrast to the snow coated pines after a fresh snow in Rocky Mountain National Park. I always love photographing these willows in spring. Their orange and red coloration really pops against the late winter landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1595/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HollowellPark-LongsPeak-Sunrise.2.25.21.1.jpg All's Well In Hollowell Snow was falling all night in Rocky Mountain National Park. By morning, the snow had relented and the sunrise was magnificent from Hollowell Park. Longs Peak and the Diamond look regal coated in white and the clouds over Rocky Mountain National Parks highest peak paint the sky with warm colors. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1594/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierCreek-StormPassTH-Sunrise.4.14.21.1.jpg Storm Past An amazing sunrise unfolds over the Continental Divide after a large April snowstorm dumped snow on Rocky Mountain National Park. Otis, Hallett and Flattop Mountain all look regal as a colorful sunrise begins the melt out. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1593/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Verna-SmokeySunset.8.8.21.2.jpg Sunset At Verna It's a smokey sunset at Lake Verna, far up the East Inlet on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildfires out west have caused smoke to drift into Rocky Mountain National Park causing a salmon like pink hue as another beautiful day in the park comes to an end. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1592/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ProspectPond-Sunrise.5.21.21.1.jpg Prospecting For Gold There are some sunrise and or sunsets that you just never forget. This morning at tiny Prospect Pond was just one of those mornings. No many how many times you try to recreate the lighting conditions and quality of light, its just never the same. The light this morning was just one of those kinds of mornings with that kind of light. Sunrise just put an ethereal glow over the Continental Divide, Otis,Hallett and Flattop Mountain. No matter how many times I've been back to this often passed by corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, I've never witnessed a quality of light on the landscape like I did this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1591/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRange-Sunrise-TRR.1.26.21.1.jpg Above And Below I'd been attempting an image such as this one for years. I had been hoping to catch a beautiful sunrise over the Mummy Range after a good winter storm for what seemed like forever. Finally, one January morning all the elements came together over Rocky Mountain National Park and everything came together better than I could hope. Dramatic skies over Ypsilon Mountain and the Mummy Range, combined with a low inversion in the Fall River Valley below gave me clouds both above and below the Mummy Range. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1590/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moraine-Park-Sunrise.4.12.22.1.jpg The Golden Ratio Snow is beginning to fall just as the sun rises behind Eagle Cliff Mountain in Moraine Park. This beautiful 'S' curve on the Big Thompson River presents the perfect visual ratio. Hikers and fisherman will all recognize this beautiful spot in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1589/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mills-Lake-.7.1.22.2.jpg Walking On The Edge Hiking along the shores of Mills Lake on a July morning, I was taking in all the subtle beauty. Summer was upon us, the snow had melted and the grasses were as green as they were going to get. This one downed pine tree, listing across the edge of the lake caught my eye. Amongst all of the new life springing up along the shores of Mills Lake, this one tree that had survived many winters did not make it to see it to enjoy the fruits of a short summer in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1588/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LuckyHorseshoe-MorainPkStable.2.16.22.2.jpg Lucky Horseshoe In the former Moraine Park stables, this horseshoe was tacked to the wall. A former employee had taped this note beneath the horseshoe. While one can no longer rent horses from the Moraine Park stables, this little tribute and well wish managed to linger on even after the stable had closed. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1587/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SubAlpine-Fir-Cone.Marigold.8.12.22.1.jpg Coneheads The pine cones of the Subalpine fir are both beautiful in unique. As the only true fir tree growing in Rocky Mountain National Park, these trees produce cones that are unique. First off, they have a beautiful blue like hue to them. Secondly, the subalpine fir cones grow upright as opposed to down as do all other pine trees. I photographed these cones near Lake Helene. The striking blue color of the cones against a warm backdrop really helps display the small beauty found in these unique trees. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1586/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunrise-SheepLakes-DeerMtn.3.28.22.1.jpg Red Deer A dramatic spring sunrise unfolds behind Deer Mountain as seen from Horseshoe Park. The skies turn a dramatic red and orange as Deer Mountain is seen reflecting in the melting waters of Sheep Lakes. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1585/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-SpringAspens.5.31.22.9.jpg Lime Freeze It's spring on the Bierstadt Moraine. Snow has fallen over night coating the hillsides in fresh snow. The aspen trees on the moraine are just sprouting their new spring greens. In the spring, the aspens when they first but have leaves that look lime green. The contrast of the snow and lime green aspen leaves is what really caught my eye when making this image. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1584/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-Ferns.9.23.22.1.jpg Forest Of Ferns The forest floor near Bear Lake has turned a stunning yellow as the ferns that carpet it show off their autumn colors. Rocky Mountain National Park has lots of great fall color each fall season, but catching the ferns in a good year is beautiful to see. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1583/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake.8.16.22.2.jpg Make It Glow Bierstadt Lake is one of my favorite views in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a great little hike and a spectacular location to view the continental divide. I often will spend sunrise up at Bierstadt, especially when the lighting looks questionable. I've photographed so many amazing mornings here but I never tire of the location. This morning after a night of storms, I headed up to the Bierstadt Lake hoping a little bit of light would break through right at sunrise. Lo and behold, a beautiful salmon glow illuminated the peaks. What an amazing spot to watch this light show unfold. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1582/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aspens-GlacierCreek.10.2.22.2.jpg Autumn Song A beautiful path of color along Glacier Creek on a rainy fall day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Both the aspens and underbrush are at peak fall color at the same time and the overcast lighting set the mood just perfectly. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1581/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NeverSummerSunrise.UteTrail.9.10.22.1.blend.jpg Ute Walk Sunrise reveals a foggy landscape over the Never Summer Mountains and Poudre River as seen from the Ute Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1580/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TimberCreek-TH.9.28.22.1.jpg Timber Lake Trailhead It's a beautiful fall day to embark on the 5 plus mile hike to Timber Lake. The aspens along the Timber Lake trailhead are at peak, a large bull elk bugles just out of view to the left. While it can be a harsh and cold existence on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park during the long winters, fall while short in Kawuneeche Valley is also very special. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1579/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SouthLateralMoraine.5.24.22.1.jpg Lateral Transition The transition of spring and winter can be seen duking it out along the South Lateral Moraine in Moraine Park. Lime green aspens and green grasses in the meadow are contrasted by snow covered pines along the South Lateral Moraine of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1578/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PoudreRiver-Smokey-Sunrise.9.8.22.1.jpg Smokey Poudre Smoke fills the hills and valleys above the Poudre River on a late summer morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Far away wildfires have caused smoke to drift into RMNP and as the sun fills the Poudre Valley a short distance from its headwaters, it creates a moody scene where warm light mixes with the blue wildfire smoke. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1577/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mt.Julian-Cracktop-Sunrise.7.28.22.1.jpg Julians Drift Fog drifts around the arrowhead like top of Mount Julian. An Inversion has covered most of the lower elevations of Trail Ridge Road this morning but its starting to breakup at sunrise revealing Terra Tomah, Mount Julian and Cracktop Mountain. Pretty colors fill the sky over Trail Ridge Road and Rocky Mountain National Park this special morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1576/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-DeerMt.6.3.22.2.jpg Moraine In The Mist Deer Mountain appears in the distance like a apparition through the fog and mist of sunrise. Pink, red and blue pastels reflect in the small pond in Moraine Park on a perfect June morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1575/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ManyPark-Deermt.4.25.22.1.jpg Deer In Dreams April is typically a great month to photograph snowy scenes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This late April morning in Rocky was beautiful and mystical. Heavy snow coated the east side of RMNP. Fog and clouds began to break and as I setup from the Many Parks Curve overlook, the sky lit up with color as the sun rose over the eastern plains of Colorado. Deer Mountain appeared out of the fog and mist as if from a dream and what was just a beautiful morning in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1574/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Forest-Canyon-Pass.Sunrise.8.31.22.2.jpg Vortex A stormy sunrise unfolds over the alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park. The sky mimics the circular alpine tarn and form a perfect reflection as the skies explode with color. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1573/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lupine-GreenMountain.7.7.22.1.jpg Purple And Char After the destruction of the East Troublesome Wildfire, we had some amazing wildflowers blooms in Rocky Mountain National Park the following year. Silver Lupine exploded along parts of the burn scar in the Kawuneeche Valley making for some of the best displays of this beautiful and usually sparse wildflower in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1572/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Poonderosa-Fog.MorainePK.5.3.22.1.jpg To The Light What started as a very foggy morning in Moraine Park turned into an ethereal image etched forever in my memory. The fog hovering over Moraine Park started to lift just as the sun rose over Eagle Cliff Mountain. These four ponderosa pines framed the rising sun over Rocky Mountain National Park just perfectly. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1571/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SnowshoeHare-LawnLake.7.14.22.1.jpg Fresh Greens A Snowshoe Hare in it's summer coat, enjoys some fresh summer grasses near Lawn Lake. These large Hares are always fun to photograph when you can find them. Come winter, this Snowshoe will turn completely white to blend in with the snow cover. Up here at Lawn Lake, deep in the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park, these easy going summer days will quickly be replaced by a long, cold winter. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1570/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/YpsilonMtn-MummyRange-Deermt.3.7.22.1.jpg It's A Mummy Kind Of Morning A march snow covers the pines in and above Horseshoe Park while Ypsilon Mountain catches the glow from a rising sun on a cold winter morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1569/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Yearling-Moose.LilyLake.4.27.22.3.jpg Little One A yearling moose is enjoying munching on the willows along the shore of Lily Lake. It's mother is keeping a close eye on the little one as the sun comes up over the ridge. Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is a great place to view wildlife including moose and large varieties of birds. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1568/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Never-Summer-ForestCanyon.8.31.22.1.jpg Tundra Song Rain clouds drift over the NeverSummer Mountains at sunrise on a late summer day in RMNP. Even though its still summer, the alpine tundra is now showing its autumn coloration. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1567/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHelen-Notchtop-Sunrise.9.21.22.2.jpg Autumn Spotlight The underbrush lining the shore of Lake Helene is showing off its autumn hues. Clouds drift over Notchtop Mountain as a shaft of sunlight illuminates the top of Notchtop on a picture perfect fall day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1566/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-Aspens.10.2.22.11.jpg Passing Peak We've past peak autumn color here in Rocky Mountain National Park, A light rain is falling on this October day but there is still some patches of beautiful reds and yellows amongst the boulders and hills near Bear Lake Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1565/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Lake-Fog.5.10.22.1.jpg Out Of The Clouds Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain break out of the fog on a beautiful early May morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. With lots of snow cover still on Otis,Hallett,Flattop and Notchtop, they shine as the reflect in the placid waters of Bierstadt Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1564/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigMeadows-FireGrasses.7.30.22.2.jpg Big Meadow Grasses A menagerie of grasses grows in the fire scar area of Big Meadows on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. After the devastation of the East Troublesome Fire, areas on the west side of Rocky quickly saw the grasses and wildflowers recover in impressive fashion, especially in the areas around Big Meadows. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1563/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountJulian-Sunrise.Tarn.7.31.22.1.jpg Julians Light Mount Julian catches the morning sunlight on its summit as low clouds move over the high alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park. The clouds reflect in a small alpine tarn with sunrise light reflecting in the smooth waters. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1562/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Sunrise.Fog.5.3.22.1.jpg Through The Fog The sun bursts through the fog covering Moraine Park on an early May morning. Backlit Ponderosa Pines shadow the sunlight, enhancing the backlit effect. We don't get a lot of fog in Rocky Mountain National Park, but you can bet if there is some out there, I'm out photographing it. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1561/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nuttall.cottontail.MorainePark.2.16.22.1.jpg Rocking It A Nuttall Cottontail hangs out on top of a rock during a snowy February day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Nuttall cottontail or mountain cottontail is one of two rabbits and or hares found in Rocky Mountain National Park. These cottontails can be found in many of the lower elevations or RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1560/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmigan.ForestCanyonPass.9.8.22.1.jpg Playing Chicken It's early September on the Alpine Tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park and here we have a Ptarmigan rustling amongst the fall colored grasses. As the seasons change, this bird will mold from a speckled brown to pure white to camouflage itself amongst the landscape. Ptarmigan are the smallest grouse in North America. I lovingly refer to these awesome birds as tundra chickens. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1559/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Ponderosas.3.21.22.1.jpg Rocks And Pines The red bark of the Ponderosa Pine stands out against the snow that has fallen on Moraine Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Boulder and rocks deposited by long gone glaciers sprinkle the landscape and the Ponderosa's grow where the glacial erratics or boulders are not. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1558/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-DeerMt.5.3.22.1.jpg Pretty In Pink Fog fills Upper Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park below Longs Peak while the skies surrounding Longs Peak turn pink with the rising sun. The northeast face of Longs, 'The Diamond' glows red with sunrise after a night of light snow that dusted the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1557/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-Fog.Fairview.7.25.22.2.jpg Kawuneeche Rising Fog lifts from the pines along the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The sunlight begins to penetrate the fog layer revealing the thick pine forests found on the west side of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1556/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HallettPeak-MorainePark-Fog.10.7.22.1.jpg Hallett Sidewinder Fog over the Big Thompson River and Moraine Park begins to lift revealing Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in the distance. Aspen tree's in the foreground are at peak this October morning as elk bugle in the meadow below. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1555/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kinnikinick-Aspens.BierdstadtMoraine.10.2.22.1.jpg Sprinkled Autumn Fallen aspen leaves settle in amongst the Kinnikinick growing on the hillsides of the Bierstadt Moraine. Every autumn in Rocky Mountain National Park, photographers chase the beautiful fall colors. While we are always tempted to look up, some of my favorite scenes are right at my feet, like this one. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1554/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Valley-Colorado.7.7.22.3.jpg Colorado Meandering A beautiful morning in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park finds the Colorado River meandering through the lush green grasses of summer. Baker Mountain rises in the background as sunrise warms the clouds skirting Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1553/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CrystalLake-Sunrise.7.15.22.4.jpg Storm Over Fairchild Rain moves in over Fairchild Mountain and Crystal Lake in the heart of Mummy Range on a July morning. A faint rainbow can be seen as the sun was breaking through the cloud cover casting some great storm light on Fairchild's summit. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1552/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-10.26.22.1.jpg The Bear Is Blue Winter is quickly approaching Rocky Mountain National Park. Fall has waned and we are quickly moved to winter. Snow is falling on Bear Lake and a light coat of ice is now skimming the surface of Bear Lake on snowy and foggy day in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1551/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NeverSummer-Tarn-Sunrise.7.31.22.8.jpg Wishing The Summer Would Never End A perfect morning at timberline in Rocky Mountain National Park. No wind, the air is still and a beautiful set of clouds drifts aimlessly over the mouth of Forest Canyon and the headwaters of the Big Thompson River. In the distance, the Never Summer Mountains dawn their exaggerated red hue as the greet the warm morning light of sunrise. The area at tree line is some of the harshest environments in both RMNP as well as anywhere in the world, but a calm, breathless morning like this at timberline makes one wish summer would never end. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1550/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunrise-FlattopMtn-North.8.20.22.2.jpg Painted Hills Looking north from Flattop Mountain towards Steep Mountain, Deer Mountain, McGregor Mountain and Dark Mountain, and inversion of clouds and fog has left Rocky Mountain National Park covered in a mystical cloak as the colors of sunrise turn the skies and fog warm and cool. Getting up above the fog and inversion layers on mornings like this in Rocky is always a special experience as well as an amazing sight to experience and photograph. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1549/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheLoch-Sunrise.8.25.22.1.jpg Loch Vale In Pastels Pastel clouds fill the sky over Loch Vale just before sunrise. The Cathedral Wall and Taylor Peak are glowing in the predawn light painting the granite faces of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1548/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Forest-Canyon-Specimen.Sunrise.8.31.22.1.jpg Purple Rain Specimen Mountain reflects in an alpine tarn as rain showers move across the tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park on an August day. The pre-dawn colors are glowing over Specimen as rain attempts to make it down to the surface from the clouds. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1547/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Overlook-Flattop.6.1.22.1.jpg Do Not Descend! The sign at the Dream Lake overlook on the Flattop Mountain Trail is very clear in what you should not do. This steep overlook is made even more treacherous when covered with snow. That being said, many hikers to Rocky Mountain National Park will stop here and safely take in the awesome view of Dream Lake before while letting their legs rest on the climb up Flattop. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1546/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHelene-Autumn.9.21.22.2.jpg Watercolors Autumn in Rocky Mountain National Park is not only about aspen trees. Beautiful colors can be found in the underbrush and willows that line many of the lakes in RMNP. Yellows, reds and oranges circle the shores of Lake Helene on a moody September day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1545/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/YpsilonMountain-MorainePark.11.4.22.1.jpg Ypsilon Calling Ypsilon Mountain and the Mummy Range look stunning after an early November snowstorm passed through Rocky Mountain National Park. With the magenta hues of dawn revealing the powder coated landscape as seen from above Moraine Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1544/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ProspectPond-Ice-Grass.5.31.22.4.jpg Icy Prospects The grasses along the rim of Prospect Pond have been growing for a few weeks now. A late May cold front over Rocky Mountain National Park has dropped the temperatures and frozen the surface of Prospect Pond over night encasing the grasses in ice. The blue skies and warm reflection of Hallett Peak reflecting off the ice made for a great fire and ice combination. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1543/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marigold-Notchtop.8.19.22.2.jpg Marigold Moments Notchtop Mountain reflects in a rocky tarn as a salmon pink sunrise takes hold in Rocky Mountain National Park. Calm windless mornings like this one can be rare in RMNP, combine that with beautiful pastel colors and Rocky's beauty is personified. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1542/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Julian-TerraTomah-Tarn.7.29.22.2.jpg Morning On The Pass A morning on Forest Canyon Pass as showers float over the headwaters of the Big Thompson River. Sunrise has turned the skies red, pink and purple over Terra Tomah and Mount Julian as their color reflects in a small alpine kettle tarn in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1541/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fern.Creek.8.21.22.1.jpg Fern Creek Frolic A stunning sunrise unfolds over Rocky Mountain National Park. The Little Matterhorn and Notchtop Mountain glow as Fern Creek ripples along, lined with green summer grasses and wildflowers. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1540/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaguesCreekDrainage-TheSaddle.7.15.22.1.jpg Saddle Up From over the top of the Saddle we look down not the wild and beautiful Hagues Creek drainage. The burn scar from the East Troublesome Fire remains, but the drainage is lush and green and wildflowers flourish on the alpine tundra. Even after the devastation of the East Troublesome Fire, nature is healing and thriving in this summer view from Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1539/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak.MorainePark.5.3.22.1.jpg South Lateral Longs Clouds above and fog below. So it was this morning in Moraine Park as fog skirted along the South Lateral Moraine with clouds above Longs Peak and its famous northeast face 'the Diamond' and fog below in Moraine Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1538/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-ForestCanyonGROL.7.28.22.1.jpg Misty Apparition In a ghost like veil of mist and fog, Longs Peak appears over Forest Canyon on a summer morning. The sun is rising as the fog is breaking up over Forest Canyon revealing the summit of Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak and most famous peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1537/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CrystalLake-Tarn.7.15.22.2.jpg Fairchilds Rainbow A rainbow forms over Fairchild Mountain as a speck of sunlight illuminates the its face on a summer morning in July. A tarn near Crystal Lake in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Parks, Mummy Range reflects Fairchild Mountain impressive face. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1536/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColoradoRiver-Kawuneeche.6.29.22.1.jpg Bakers Glow A luminous sunrise unfolds over Baker Mountain and the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Colorado River winds its way on down through the Kawuneeche Valley on a great summer morning in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1535/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LawnLake-TheSaddle.7.15.22.1.jpg Green Lawn Summer is in full swing on the alpine tundra above Lawn Lake. Alpine sunflowers are in full bloom and the tundra is as green as could be as we look down on Lawn Lake from above. Rocky Mountain Natural Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1534/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHelene-Notchtop.7.24.8.jpg Remembering Helene Some morning in Rocky Mountain National Park you never forget as a landscape photographer. This is certainly one of those mornings for me. I hiked in to Lake Helene for sunrise. I've photographed many beautiful sunrises from this location in Rocky many times. This July morning, everything just fell into place. No wind, beautiful light and spectacular clouds gliding over Notchtop Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1533/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flattop-DreamLakeOL.Longs.6.1.22.8.jpg Snowy Dreams What an amazing morning this was. It was the first of June when Rocky Mountain National Park was hit by a late, late spring snowstorm. I decided I would attempt to photograph Longs Peak above the clearing storm and inversion from Flattop Mountain. It was slow going on the trail that morning heading up Flattop Mountain, but when I got to the Dream Lake overlook, I could see Longs Peak and Thatchtop sticking out above the clouds. I setup my camera and waited for sunrise, hoping the clouds would not move back in. It was glorious when sunrise occurred and for just long enough, Longs Peak and Thatchtop bathed in the warm sunrise of morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1532/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Desolation-Flatiron-Saddle.7.15.22.2.jpg Saddled With Desolation A morning from the top of The Saddle, looking towards Desolation Peak. The drainage is clothed in green and there is still some decent snow remaining on this July morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1531/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigMeadows-Moose.7.30.22.1.jpg Big Meadow Blues A Moose leads her calf across Big Meadows. A contrast is seen between the pine trees in shadow which have been killed by the Mountain pine beetle, and the trees in foreground which have turned auburn after being burnt by the East Troublesome Fire. I loved the contrast of the blue shadows with the warm reds where the sunlight illuminated the fire tinged pines. Having a cow and her calf walk across the meadow made it even more special. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1530/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGregorMtn.TombstoneRG.6.8.22.1.jpg McGregors Glare McGregor Mountain shines in the spotlight of sunrise on this morning from atop Tombstone Ridge. Located on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, McGregor Mountain is located near the Fall River Entrance station. When up on Trail Ridge Road, McGregor really takes on its egg like shape as seen here. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1529/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidge-NeverSummer-Alpine.7.9.22.1.jpg Old Man Of The Mountain Alpine sunflowers bloom on the high tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park on a July day. Calm winds and a subtle sunrise made of the perfect combination of conditions. It's not uncommon at this altitude to have a calm day with 10-15 mph breezes so any windless morning is a treat. Alpine Sunflowers, also known as 'Old Man Of The Mountain' will bloom on the tundra of RMNP in early July marking the true start of summer. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1528/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OdessaLake-Sunrise.8.21.22.2.jpg The Little Matterhorn and Odessa Lake The Little Matterhorn is seen reflecting in the calm waters of Odessa Lake and a just about perfect summer morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. With a beautiful sunrise and gorgeous clouds floating over the Rocky, conditions where just about perfect for photography. In the background of Odessa Lake, Notchtop Mountain and Flattop Mountain can also be seen. Odessa Lake is both a popular day hike for visitors to RMNP, as well as a great backcountry camp site for this who want to spend more time exploring the area. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1527/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GrandLake-Sunrise.7.18.22.1.jpg Easy Morning Sunrise afer a placid Grand Lake with Baldy reflecting in the mirror like surface of the lake. Looking towards Mount Craig, also known as Baldy and up the East Inlet, sunrise backlights the cloud over Grand Lake on a July morning. Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1526/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CrystalLake-Fairchild.7.16.22.1tif.jpg Crystal Light Sunrise at Crystal Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. As I hiked up to Crystal Lake for sunrise, showers moved in over RMPN and Fairchild Mountain. Shortly after sunrise, the sun managed to illuminate the mid section of Fairchild Mountain reflecting in Crystal Lake, creating this dramatic light on the mountainside. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1525/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Arnica-BigMeadows-Fire.7.30.22.1.jpg After The Fire Trees scorched by the East Troublesome Fire show their burned trunks. New life is already starting to show in Big Meadows on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park as a proliferation of Arnica and other wildflowers grow in force in the burn scar. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1524/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lupine-GreenMountain.7.7.22.2.jpg Lavender Dreams The East Troublesome wildfire burned through much of the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The destruction the wildfire left is hard to comprehend. In the midst of all the destruction that occurred, there was beauty and regrowth as well. Nature finds a way and the areas burned during the East Troublesome Fire in Rocky are slowly recovering. Lupines grew in droves in the burn area the first few years after the fire. The landscape will be scared for years but seeing this proliferation of silver lupine blooming amongst the burned forest spoke to resilience. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1523/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LawnLake-Afternoon.7.14.22.1.jpg Lazy Afternoon At Lawn Lake Anybody with a deep love and passion for Rocky Mountain National Park can relate to an afternoon like this one at Lawn Lake. Perfectly calm, some storm clouds rolling over Fairchild Mountain, fish starting to jump, and the impending light of evening coming on. These moments make the long hikes, bugs, rain and other hardships well worth the effort. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1522/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaugesCreek-Saddle.7.15.22.2.jpg Down On Hagues Looking down on the Hagues Creek drainage from the top of The Saddle in the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park. The grasses along the drainage are an emerald green as summer is in full swing. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1521/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Greenback-Cutthroat.LawnLake.7.14.22.1.jpg Greenback Cutthroat Trout - Lawn Lake Colorado's native trout the Greenback Cutthroat Trout is seen here after a fly fisherman caught and released one at Lawn Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Greenback Cutthroat Trout was thought to be extinct but small groups were later rediscovered and recovery efforts to repopulate the Greenback have been successful. Rocky now has many high lakes with Cutthroat, which of course must be caught and released. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1520/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BlueLake-Sunrise.7.26.22.2.jpg McHenry Blues McHenry's Peak and Arrowhead reflect in the rippled waters of Blue Lake high in the basin of Glacier Gorge. Some clouds skirt the sky over this beautiful location on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1519/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chapin-Pinnacles.9.10.22.2.jpg Chapin Pinnacles An inversion layers covers the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park including Estes Park and the Front Range. Looking over towards the Fall River drainage and Mummy Range, the fog and clouds sifts through the Chapin Pinnacles. Jagged and rocky, these pinnacles look formidable and foreboding covered in clouds. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1518/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierdstadtMoraine-GlacierCreek.10.2.22.1.1.jpg It's Always Rainbows And Sunshine in Rocky! There is a never a bad day spent in Rocky Mountain National Park. This particular fall morning was amazing. A front was moving in with rain and snow but at sunrise, just enough light squeezed under the horizon to turn Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain a fire red. If that wasn't good enough, rain falling on the divide formed a beautiful rainbow right over Otis Peak. And if that was not good enough, the fall color along the Bierstadt Moraine and Bear Lake Road was at peak as well. What an amazing set of conditions. As I hiked out in the rain, all I could think was 'its always rainbows and sunshine in Rocky!' Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1517/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longs-HallettPeak-FlattopMtn.7.19.23.3.jpg Emeralds and Diamonds Sunrise from a rocky outcropping near the top of Flattop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Emerald Lake can be seen far below. Hallett Peak is off to the right and the skies and landscape stretch all the way to Longs Peak, the highest peak in RMNP at 14,259ft. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1516/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-ManyParks.4.26.23.2.jpg Through The Clouds Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, makes an appearance out of the clouds after an April snowstorm covered the park in fresh snow. The northeast face of Longs Peak, known as The Diamond can be seen shining in the sunlight high above the snow covered trees. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1515/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk.MorainePark.9.28.23.9.jpg Splish Splash This large Bull Elk kept me busy all morning. He was patrolling the southwest corner of Moraine Park and remained active even when the sun made it out into the meadow. A few of his harem had wandered off to this small pond to cool down. It wasn't long before this big boy was right in the pond as well moving these stragglers back with the rest of the harem. Photographing elk in Rocky Mountain National Park can be a challenge at times because either the elk are out in the middle of the meadows where photographers are not allowed to be, or they go bed down in the tree cover. Mornings like this one in Moraine Park, none of that applied. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1514/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chipmunks-MorainePark.9.26.23.1.jpg Two Of A Kind Two chipmunks on a rocky outcropping in Moraine Park on a fall day just enjoying a snack and the great weather. I was out photographing elk in Moraine Park when these two characters jumped out on this rock and started eating these grasses without a care in the world. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1513/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GardenofEden-TerraTomah.11971.8.8.23.1.jpg From Back And Beyond. Looking over the colors of the untouched alpine tundra below as we gaze out towards Terra Tomah and Mount Ida. Photographed from a hillside far above a seldom visited area of the park, the valley below is pristine. Moose and elk graze on the green grasses and lift is good this time of year for them in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1512/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pines-Fog-DeerMountain.5.11.23.3.jpg Swirling Pines A frozen fog swirls through the pines on Deer Mountain and a chilly day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1511/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NeverSummers.RockCut.TRR.9.11.23.2.jpg September Snows We are not even two weeks into September yet the Never Summer Mountains are already coated in the seasons first snow. Warm light hits the cold landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park in this image but the snow will be fleeting this early in the season. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1510/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LumpyRidge.Autumn.10.18.23.4.jpg Lumps Of Colors The Lumpy Ridge section of Rocky Mountain National Park, just outside Estes Park is a very interesting part of Rocky. Lower in elevation than most of the park, its filled with awesome rock formations and sub alpine habitat. Here we have ferns and aspens mixed in amongst the boulders and Ponderosa Pines making for a colorful little autumn scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1509/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmagain.UtePass.TRR.5.19.23.2.jpg Blown Cover A Ptarmigan has blown his cover and stepped out on to a rock at timberline in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ptarmigan, who spend their time at and above timberline in Rocky Mountain National Park, molt and change colors from brown to white during the winter. This helps them blend in with their environment and they are very difficult to see, especially when its snowing. For a few brief seconds before moving back to the cover of snow, this Ptarmigan stuck out like a sore thumb on this dark colored rock. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1508/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RiverBirches-MorainePark.6.6.23.3.jpg River Birches In Fog River Birches in Moraine Park stand tall as low lying fog sifts through their branches as the sun rises, bringing a new day to Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1507/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BeaverMeadows-Aspens.10.2.23.1.jpg Beaver Gold The aspens in Upper Beaver Meadow are at their autumn best this day. Bright yellow and gold on a still morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1506/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GardenofEden-TerraTomah.11971.8.8.23.4.jpg Forest Light Summer in the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park are special. From an unnamed peak we are looking across Forest Canyon as a shaft of light makes its way over a ridge and into the depths of the Canyon. It's August in RMNP and the tundra is still green and the kettle ponds and tarn below are still full of water. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1505/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Fall.10.12.23.1.jpg Burning Bush The dramatic and iconic landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park are always amazing to photograph. That being said, finding the more subtle, unique compositions are always rewarding as photographer. I was out photographing the elk rut one October morning in Moraine Park, when I spied a bright yellow bush up on the South Lateral Moraine. Of course my curiosity got the better of me and I climbed up the steep hillside to take a closer look. This golden bush, backstopped by a giant granite Boulder was just about perfect in my eye. Sure its not all that dramatic, but I came away pleased having found something a little different to photograph. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1504/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountRichthofen.Static.Nokhu.8.3.23.6.jpg The Land Of Make Believe The land of make believe and Never Summer. Thats what it felt like photographing this amazing scene of Mount Richthofen and the Never Summer Mountains on this summer morning. It had rained the night before, leaving all the pines tipped with moisture. The hills along Hart Ridge and Specimen Mountain were still summer green and low hanging fog drifted just above the Poudre River out of view below. The light, the atmospherics, the colors all seem make believe. It's a morning in Rocky Mountain National Park that I will always treasure. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1503/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark.7.25.23.5.jpg Summer! Summer. Not much more is needed to describe this beautiful July morning in Moraine Park. The grasses are high and green, the creeks and rivers are full and Stones Peak glows in the distance with only a little snow left on its face. Summer is fleeting in Rocky Mountain National Park and the seasons is far too short. While it may be short, each morning is special and memorable. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1502/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-UpperBeaverMeadows.4.28.23.1.jpg Above The Meadow Longs Peak towers over the snow coated pines of Upper Beaver Meadow. Spring has left snow on the trees and landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak, the tallest peak in RMNP at 14,259ft looks regal above it all. This view from Upper Beaver Meadows is one of the most impressive views of Longs Peak in any of the lower elevations of the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1501/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-UteTrail-TerraTomah.8.26.23.2.jpg Tundra March High above Forest Canyon along the Ute Trail, elk are forming large herds commanded by Bull Elk as the rut is just starting to kick off in Rocky Mountain National Park. Every year, the elk move down from the higher elevations and alpine tundra and head for the lower meadows and park to participate in the rut. Photographing large herds of elk moving on the tundra with these spectacular backdrops is something that makes RMNP unique for wildlife and landscape photographers. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1500/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-MorainePark.10.11.23.2.jpg Moraine Red This was an interesting morning to be out in the field. The plan was to photograph this juxtaposition of narrow leaf cottonwoods and aspens with Longs Peak towering above Moraine Park. It was completely cloudy just before sunrise but as the sun rose, the clouds started to break up. The low hanging clouds took on a reddish glow as the Diamond lit up in red as well. I've photographed this location in RMNP many times over the year. The light this Fall morning was special. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1499/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-MorainePark.9.19.23.1.jpg The Call A huge Bull Elk patrols the meadows of Moraine Park on a fall morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The large elk was busy tending to his harem and keeping smaller bulls away. The sound of an elk bugling during the rut in one of the most memorable sounds in all of Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1498/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpragueLake-Sunrise.5.3.23.1.jpg Abners Glow Its a little before sunrise at Sprague Lake. A pinkish glow, like a neon sign is showing in the skies over a placid Sprague Lake. Hallett Peak, Otis,Taylor and Flattop or all taking on the hue of the sky an approaching sunrise. Mornings like these in Rocky Mountain National Park are why locations like Sprague Lake are so popular with visitors to the park at sunrise. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1497/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwoRivers-Sunrise.8.25.23.1.jpg Not Quite Notchtop A stormy morning on Two Rivers Lake. While it looked like it was about to rain, the sun lit the pines along the north bank. Notchtop Mountain towering above managed to avoid the sunlight this morning however. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1496/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moonlit-Moraine-BigThompson.6.6.23.1-4.jpg Moraine By Moonlight It's a full moon and Moraine Park is filled with low hanging ground fog the is hovering just above the Big Thompson River. Elk can be seen bedded down for the night on the left hand side of the photos. Mist and fog drifts through an old Ponderosa Pine along the banks of the Big Thompson River. All and all a beautiful night to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park by moonlight. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1495/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierdstadtMoraine.10.11.23.1-1.jpg Taylor Beckons It's a stormy autumn day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Much of the fall color along the Bear Lake corridor has fallen but there are aspen groves here and there that still have remaining color. A rain shower moves in over Loch Vale and Taylor Peak. Through the rain and light, 13,157 ft. Taylor Peak seems to be beckoning to come closer. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1494/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarigoldPond-Sunrise.7.26.23.1.jpg Big Sky A stunning sunrise unfolds near Marigold Pond on a near perfect summer morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. While Rocky has plenty of morning without a cloud in the sky, when there are clouds around, we have some of the most dramatic sunrises found anywhere. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1493/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LochVale-Sunrise.9.14.23.3.jpg Rain On Taylor What an amazing morning this was. I hiked up to The Loch predawn knowing that the weather could get sporty around sunrise. You never know how these things will work out but you are always excited to give it a shot. I arrived at The Loch long before sunrise and enjoyed the view of Loch Vale while waiting to see what would unfold. Showers and rain moved in right at sunrise and Taylor Peak and the Cathedral Wall showed hints of red just as the rain moved. It quickly started raining after I made this photograph but hiking out in the rain and drizzle made it all the more amazing. Rocky Mountain National Park never disappoints. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1492/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FrostedPines.ManyParks.12.12.23.1.jpg Blue Crew Its a cold December day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow has been falling all night and a freezing fog has coated the pine trees above Many Parks Curve along Trail Ridge Road. Lodgepoles and Douglas Fir line this north facing slope are now covered in frost as fog moves in and out of the canopy. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1491/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Lake.Sunrise.9.13.23.1.jpg Time To Log On A pastel sunrise unfolds over the Continental Divide as seen from Bierstadt Lake. Its September in Rocky Mountain National Park and the waters of Bierstadt Lake have receded enough to reveal this one log in the shallow sandy base of the lake. A windless morning allowed for this iconic view of Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1490/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FourthLake-Sunset.7.20.23.1.jpg Fourth Light Sunset is quickly approaching on Fourth Lake. Far up the East Inlet, Fourth Lake is a gem of a lake with a commanding view of The Cleaver. On this July afternoon in Rocky Mountain National Park, the sun broke through the clouds to throw dappled light on the Cleaver while reflected in the nearly still waters. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1489/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HallettCreek-FlattopTR.8.11.22.2.jpg Halletts Dance Hallett Creek descends downhill through the rocks and boulders present along this portion of the creek on the hike approaching the backside of Flattop Mountain. This is a beautiful little creek on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1488/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountRichtofen.Nokhucrags.8.8.23.4.jpg Richthofen's Glow Looking across Hart Ridge towards the Never Summer Mountain as an electric sunrise glows over Mount Richthofen and the Nokhu Crags. This portion of the Never Summer Range is spectacular but difficult to see from viewpoints along Trail Ridge Road as much of it is obscured by ridges and mountains such as Specimen Mountain. I hiked far up on a ridge to be able to get a non-obstructed view this morning and sunrise rewarded me with great conditions and color. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1487/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk.MorainePark.9.28.23.8.jpg Quite The Looker A large Bull Elk prances around the meadow of Moraine Park keeping a watchful eye not only on his harem of cows, but also for any encroaching Bulls that may attempt to steal some of the herd he has managed to acquire. Photographing the rut each fall in Rocky Mountain National Park is an amazing experience and each year the elk, the weather and locations change which always keeps it interesting. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1486/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-Hallett.10.4.23.2.jpg Snow On Hallett and Flattop Snow has fallen on Hallett and Flattop Mountain as storm clouds swirl behind the divide. The Bierstadt Moraine it at peak fall color with the aspen trees showing off their golden hue. Its always a treat getting to photograph fresh snow with peak fall color in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1485/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine.10.11.23.8.jpg Chaos Theory Admittedly this image has quite a lot going on. Golden aspen trees, orange and red underbrush and the deep blue shadows the moutains along Bear Lake Road and the Bierstadt Moraine create. As soon as I came upon this scene along the Bierstadt Moraine, I knew I had to photograph it. It's classic Rocky fall color. Aspen trees with boles chewed up by elk, bright yellows and lots of ground cover in red and orange. There may be a lot going on here, but the chaos of nature can be beautiful. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1484/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holly-FernLakeTrail.12.1.23.1.jpg Snow On Holly It was a cold December morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. There had not been much snow early in this season so it was still fairly easy to get around in nothing but hiking boots. I headed out Fern Lake Road from the winter closing to the Fern Lake trailhead for a morning hike. Light snow was falling and it was just serene being out on the Fern Lake trail with nary a soul nearby. While hiking past a rocky outcropping I saw all these clumps of Holly mixed in between the rocks, red, purple and green with granular snow on top of the leaves. I stopped in my tracks and spent about an hour photographing different compositions this particular day. It was December in RMNP and I was certainly getting into the Christmas spirit!. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1483/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidgeRoad.5.15.23.1.jpg Do You Feel Lucky? This road sign located just above Rainbow Curve alerting travelers along Trail Ridge Road of possible icy conditions ahead. I would take a guess, looking at the sign that its pretty accurate. Snow and icy conditions did exisit on this early May morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Just behind the sign, Ypsilon Peak and Mummy Mountain are coated in a late season covering of white. As many can attest, one thing you dont want to do on Trail Ridge Road is end up sliding off one of its many exposed curves. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1482/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MuleDeer-Buck.DeerMt.11.22.23.1.jpg Only A Buck! It's a good deal on this handsome Mule Deer Buck roaming Upper Beaver Meadows on a November morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The buck is exhibiting the Flehmen response which is common to observe during the rut as it discerns the pheremones preset in the area in search of a mate. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1481/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Sunrise.10.11.23.1.jpg Streaked Moraine A band of sunlight streaks across Gabletop and Stones Peak on a late fall morning in Moraine Park. Most of the aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park are past peak but this small group is looking spectacular as the dramatic light paints the mountainside. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1480/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RedMountain.Cirrus.8.3.23.1.jpg Red Cirrus Sunrise over the Never Summer Mountains. Fog clings to the valley below the Never Summers and the hillsides on Hart Ridge are dressed in their best summer greens. First light colors the peaks red while the skies above mirror the vibrant red on an August morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1479/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Yearling-Moose-BelowCub.6.8.23.1.jpg Just Browsing A yearling moose calf wades in a small pond below Cub Lake. With it's mother still nearby, the calf is enjoying a buffed of greenery growing on the bottom of the pond. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1478/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpiritLake-Sunset.7.20.23.6.jpg Glowing Spirit A beautiful summer day is turning to evening in Rocky Mountain National Park. Afternoon thunderstorms so common this time of year are dissipating over Spirit Lake and the Fleur de Lis. Trout are busy trying to get a bit to eat and the skies over Spirit Lake are bursting with color as the sun sets for the day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1477/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NorthInlet.PineMarten.8.10.23.1.jpg North Inlet Dreams The North Inlet Creek funnels down through rocks, cliffs and downeded timber far up the North Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park. This location was nearby to my backcountry campsite I would spend each night in listening to the North Inlet cascaded tirelessy downhill towards its junction with Grand Lake and the Colorado River. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1476/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mt.Richthoften-StaticPeak.TRR.9.11.23.4.jpg September Static There is a reason why they are called the Never Summer Mountains and this day in Rocky Mountain National Park they certainly lived up to their reputation. Mount Richthofen on the left and Static Peak on the right hand side are both coated in fresh snow. September is less than two weeks old but already we have snow on Trail Ridge Road and the Never Summer Range. What I love about photographing Rocky is you never really know what you are going to photograph and to this day I am often surprised by special mornings like this one. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1475/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-Aspens.10.10.23.3.jpg Starburst! The casts a sunstar on a beautiful grove of golden aspes and ferns along the Bierstadt Moraine. Fall on the Bierstadt Moraine is one of the best places to view autumn colors in Rocky Mountain National Park. Getting both the aspen canopy and the forest floor to change colors is something that does not occur every year. This year the timing was perfect. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1474/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLake.6.8.23.1.jpg A Spring Morning On Cub Lake A perfect late spring sunrise on Cub Lake just above Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stones Peak rises high above the placid waters of Cub Lake as a colorful sunrise puts and exclamation point on the morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1473/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-BeaverMeadows.10.2.23.2.jpg Rainy Day Diamonds Autumn is in full swing in Beaver Meadows. The Aspens are turning gold as the sunrise works its way around rain showers falling over Longs Peak and The Diamond on this early October morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1472/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-Sunrise.11.1.23.2.jpg Bear Glow It's November in Rocky Mountain National Park. Weve had snow a few times but Bear Lake still is free from ice but not wind this morning. A lenticular or wave cloud has formed just east of Longs Peak. As the sun rises over the eastern plains of Colorado, the lenticular cloud glows red while reflecting the gradient in the peppered waters of Bear Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1471/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MuleDeer-DeerMountain.11.23.23.1.jpg The Fighter and His Friend A Mule Deer Buck on the side of Deer Mountain is looking a little worse for the wear this day in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's November and Mule Deer rut is underway. This buck was likely scrapping with another buck and took an antler to his face. A Magpie had decided to hitch a ride on his back while the Mule Deer keeps an eye out for other deer in the area. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1470/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLake-Aspesn.10.12.23.4.jpg Ring Of Aspens Just below Cub Lake and past Moraine Park is this beautiful little apsen grove on the hillside. You hike through these aspens on your way up to Cub Lake. This group of aspens tends to be one of the more colorful groves in all of RMNP but even more importantly, its usually one of the last to peak in the fall. Its almost mid October when I made this image. The aspens have turned yellow and orange and a small bit of sunlight hits the middle of the group, helping to accentuate the shape and color of these trees. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1469/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaydenGorge-TRR.6.2.23.1.jpg Frozen Hayden When traveling along Trail Ridge Road, just west of the Ute Pass trailhead up through the Forest Canyon overlook, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park get a spectacular view of Hayden Pean and the Hayden Gorge from accross Forest Canyon. From these viewpoints the Hayden Gorge looks like you could just reach out and touch it, but in actuality, its one of the more remote sections of Rocky due to the difficulty in trying to access it. There are no trails and a trip over requires a 2000+ ft descent down into Forest Canyon only to come back up along with a tenous crossing of the Big Thompson River. This morning in RMNP none of those applied but a late spring snowstorm allowed a rare view of Hayden Gorge covered in fresh snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1468/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LonePine-Lake.7.20.23.1.jpg Spotlight on Lone Pine The sun bobs in and out of the clouds hovering over the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park. For a short moment the small island that now has a few pines tenuously growing on the rock is illuminated with sun. Lone Pine Lake, named for this island which at the time supposedly only had one pine on the rock, is a great place to stop and enoy the beauty on the west side RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1467/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RedMountain.Cirruc.MuleDeer.8.3.23.1.jpg Seven Mules And Summer Looking back on dappled light on Red Mountain and Cirrus, I noticed I was being watched. 7 Mule Deer decided to bed down amongst the stunted pine trees on this ridge across from the Never Summer Mountains. It always fun to be able to incorporate wildlife into one's photograph, but having 7 good looking Mule Deer just resting in the bottom of your image is not something you see everyday in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1466/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Notchtop.Marigold.Fall.9.21.23.2.jpg Fall Below Notchtop Early morning light turns Notchtop Mountain a fire red, matching the color of the underbrush below Notchtop Mountain. There are is always lots of fall color to photograph in Rocky Mountain National Park besides just apsen trees and some of the underbrush in RMNP can have some of the best color. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1465/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaguesCreek.7.28.23.6.jpg Rushing Hagues Hagues Creek is seen rushing down the drainage nearly to its meeting point with the Poudre River in a little visited section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1464/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLake-Trail.6.16.23.3.jpg Stones Peak and Golden Banner Stones Peak towers over a meadow near Moraine Park that is filled with beautiful Golden Banner wildflowers. The first light of the day glows on Stones Peak and the Golden Banner add a nice compliment to the verdant late spring landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1463/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-MorainePark.9.19.23.13.jpg Monarch Of Moraine This huge bull elk is keeping a close watch on his harem here in Moraine Park on an autumn morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. With the elk rut underway, this bull had no problem carving out his corner of the meadow for his harem. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1462/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Lake-Sunrise.5.18.23.1.jpg To Paint A Picture Sunrise over Bierstadt Lake. Bierstadt Lake named for famed Hudson River School painter Albert Bierstadt after he visited the area to help find a perfect location for Lord Dunravens hotel. This morning, instead of painting, I was photographing this beautiful sunrise as clouds drifter over the divide. A small bit of virga falls from the sky just over Otis Peak making for a perfect exclamation point on an amazing morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1461/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeVerna-Fog.7.21.23.4.jpg Waking With Verna Early morning on Lake Verna. Fog clings to the surface of the placid surface of this good side lake up the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park. The first beam of sunlight illuminates the pines while the outline of The Cleaver can be seen in the background. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1460/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-LakeHaiyahaTR.6.22.23.1.jpg Clouded Bear Fog and clouds are trying to break up over Bear Lake as the sun tries to poke through the cloud cover. Spring is underway in Rocky Mountain National Park and the aspens that ring Bear Lake are vibrant green. The ice has melted and many hikers and visitors will soon arrive at the Bear Lake Trailhead. This image of Bear Lake is a little different than the normal view. I photographed this from high above Bear Lake on the trail to Lake Haiyaha. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1459/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountRichthofen.8.3.23.2.jpg Richthoften Morning Mount Richthoten glows in the sunlight on an August morning in RMNP. Summer is in full swing in the Never Summer Range of Rocky Mountain National Park as evidenced by the lush green grasses on the ridges of Specimen Mountain in the foreground. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1458/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AboveLonePine.7.20.23.4.jpg Above Lone Pine Above Lone Pine Lake this beatiful little waterfall greets hikers heading up the East Inlet towards Lake Verna. Lined with wildflowers, its a peaceful spot to take a break as one climbs upward. These cascades come to life each summer in Rocky Mountain National Park as the snow melts and the days get warmer. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1457/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmagain.UtePass.TRR.5.19.23.1.jpg Undercover I was up above timberline one May morning in Rocky Mountain National Park photographing the snow covered landscapes. Hiking up below the Ute Trail I found a pair of Ptarmigans just resting on a rocky outcropping. Ptarmigans will molt in the winter and they are completely white. It's very easy just to walk right on past these birds though they will usually let out a call when you are anywhere near. Regardless, when its snowing at timberline and a Ptarmigan is still in its winter molt, one can walk right past them. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1456/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-MorainePark.9.19.23.2.jpg Bossy The elk rut is well underway in Moraine Park on this autumn morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. This huge bull elk is taking charge of his harem and keeping them close. The intensity of this bull was something to see and those his harem certainly took notice. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1455/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OdessaGorge-Gable.8.18.23.1.jpg Golden Gable Looking down onto the Odessa Gorge, we are watching a beautiful sunrise unfold over The Gable and Odessa Lake far below. Far off in the distance the Mummy Range and Ypsilon Mountain can be seen poking over the ridgeline. It's a windy morning in Rocky Mountain National Park as one can see from the surface of Odessa Lake below. The beautiful colors made up for the discomfort of standing exposed on this ridge while making this image. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1454/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tombstone.Ypsilon.Sundance.8.26.23.3.jpg Mountain Layers It's late August up on Tombstone Ridge. The alpine tundra is already changing for green to gold. An inversion has the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park socked in with fog and mist. Above Rainbow Curve and looking north towards the Mummy Range, Ypsilon Mountain pokes out into the sun to greet the day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1453/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OnahuConnectorTR.7.14.23.1.jpg Onahu Shadows Lodgepole pines cast long shadows over the lush summer forest floor on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a beautiful July morning in Rocky and the forest is lush and green. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1452/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NorthInletFalls.8.10.23.2.jpg North Inlet Falls Nearly 8 miles up the North Inlet Trail, hikers and backpackers will pass right over North Inlet Falls. This is a beautiful little spot in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park and also home to some great backcountry tent sites nearby. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1451/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nanita-Sunset.8.11.23.1.jpg Last Glow Over Andrews Its late evening at Lake Nanita in Rocky Mountain National Park. The sun has set for the day, and here deep in the interior of Rocky, a subltle glow appears over Andrews Peak and Lake Nanita. Miles from the nearest person, watching the sun set over this spectacular location is a amazing experience. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1450/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MuleDeer-Buck.DeerMt.11.30.23.1.jpg Hillside Buck A Mule Deer Buck stops on a hillside and surveys his surroundings. It's late November and the rut is well underway. This buck is on the side of aptly named Deer Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park looking out for other rivals as well as female does. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1449/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark.6.16.23.1.jpg The Four Four Ponderosa Pines on the west end of Moraine Park greet the morning sun on a beautiful June morning. This set of trees has always been a favorite of mine to photograph. The symmetry of this group of trees are amazing with the middle tree's forming an almost arrowhead like shape. The green grasses of spring and the fog rolling across Moraine Park only enhanced the mood. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1448/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarigoldPond-Sunrise.7.26.23.2.jpg https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1447/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-UpperBeaverMeadows.4.26.23.1.jpg In The Clear A spring snowstorm has covered all of Rocky Mountain National Park in fresh snow. Fog and clouds from the April snowstorm over Rocky have started to clear out of Upper Beaver Meadows as the sun rises. Longs Peak stands tall in the distance. Its 14,259 ft summit shining for all to see just above its equally famous east face known as 'The Diamond'. The warm spring sun will quickly warm the landscape and the ponderosa pine trees in the foreground will find the snow quickly melting from their limbs. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1446/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHaiyaha-Fog.6.29.23.2.jpg Emerald, Gold And Rocks Low hanging clouds break up as they head over the top of Hallett Peak and reflect in the emerald green waters of Lake Haiyaha. Lake Haiyaha which in Ute means 'many rocks' is certainly a true testement to the landscape found around this beautiful location in Rocky Mountain National Park. When you have a calm morning like this one, with little wind, one can really see the deep emerald blue waters of Lake Haiyaha which are as spectacular to look at as the stunning blocky peak that is Hallett in the distance. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1445/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-RainbowCurve.5.15.23.1.jpg Long Reveal Lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Par were socked in with fog overnight. It was early in the season and Trail Ridge Road was only open to Rainbow Curve on this particular May morning. I headed up to Rainbow Curve hoping to get through the cloud and get a clear view of the mountains. After getting snow on the summit of Longs Peak, the fog and clouds started to breakup at sunrise, revealing some awesome first light on and above Longs Peak through the fog. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1444/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlattopMountain-Trail.7.19.23.3.jpg Flattop On Down Heading back down or over the Flattop Mountain Trail, this awesome view of Longs Peak comes into sight. Looking towards Glacier Gorge and Mills Lake, this is one of the best views of Longs Peak in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1443/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrook.10.3.23.2.jpg Golden Brook A serene view unfolds as we hike up along Boulder Brook on a cool fall morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. This beautiful stream meanders through an aspen forest as it heads downhill. The golden aspen leaves fall from the tree and line Boulder Brook in a gold patina. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1442/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LimberPine.TRR.5.19.23.1.jpg Stay Limber Its just a raw day on Trail Ridge Road. Of course the road is closed, but I trekked up into the snow and fog to see what I could fine. This pine was standing along in the fog, snow and cold. This is nothing new for this tree, but for me it was a cold day in the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1441/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Terra-Tomah.Brocken.8.26.23.2.jpg Mountain Spectre I had been out above timberline photographing along the Ute Trail at sunrise this August morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. On my way back to the trailhead the fog that had been covering Forest Canyon started to break up. Off to my left, Impressive Terra Tomah Mountain shining in the morning sunlight as a brocken spectre appeared. With the sun at my back and moisture in the air, this brocken spectre or mountain spectre revealed itself. Much like a small rainbow, photographing a spectre is both fun and rare. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1440/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpiritLake-Sunset.7.20.23.2.jpg Spirit Light Late evening on Spirit Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Dappled light illuminates the hillsides above Spirit Lake, while The Cleaver in the distance rises high above the East Inlet. Spirit Lake was the original name for Grand Lake but when that was changed this spectacular location on the west side of RMNP, was given the name. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1439/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LonePine-Lake.7.20.23.2.jpg Lone Pine Lake Nestled above the East Meadow and below Lake Verna, Lone Pine Lake is a great stopping point to take a break or grab lunch on when of the large rocks along the shore. At one point, there was apparently a single pine tree that clung to this rocky island found in the middle of Lone Pine Lake. There are a few more now but its still a very cool aesthetic to see this rocky island with a few pine trees figuring out how to thrive on the thin rocky soil. Lone Pine Lake is located about half way up the East Inlet on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1438/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LochVale-Sunrise.9.14.23.1.jpg Rain's Coming If there is any chance the weather is going to bad or iffy, you can bet that I'll be out in the field. Bad weather makes for great light and often great photographs. This particular morning I hiked up to The Loch well before sunrise. It looked like rain showers were possible so out I went. Just as the sun started to light the top of Taylor Peak and the Cathederal Wall the rain started to fall. Within a few minutes of photographing Loch Vale this morning it was raining. Of course getting wet was well worth it when you get light and skies like this one over Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1437/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Fog.7.20.23.2.jpg Colorado Green The Colorado River flows down through a very green Kawuneeche Valley on a July morning. The night before saw large thunderstorms move through Rocky. By morning, fog filled the Kawuneeche and the sun even poked out illuminating the hillside above the Colorado River. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1436/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColumbinesBelow5thLake.7.22.23.1.jpg Fifth Lake Columbines Far up the East Inlet and below Fifth Lake a group of Blue Columbines grow in a meadow which is filled with wildflowers every summer. One of my favorite wildflowers to photograph, finding nice clumps like these is a pleasure. These wildflowers move easily so its always tricky in Rocky Mountain National Park to find a group of Blue Columbines while at the same time having little to no wind to keep them still. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1435/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BlackBear-MorainePark.9.22.23.1.jpg I See You I was out early one fall morning hiking through Moraine Park looking to capture some images of the elk rut. While on the trail that circles Moraine Park, I caught a large black object moving from the meadow into the trees. I could see it was a large black bear but figured once he saw me he would just head off into the woods and thats the last I would see of him. Contrary to what I thought, this large boar moved into the tree covered and proceeded to sit down in the brush and look at me. This was all happening just as the sun was rising. Not wanting to get any closers, I setup my camera a large telephoto lenses and proceeded to photograph this beautiful bear. While bears are common in Rocky Mountain National Park, it's rare that you will ever even see them. You probably have a better chance finding them in Estes Park or Grand Lake sauntering through town in the middle of the night than seeing them in Rocky. Regardless, they are my favorite wildlife subjects to photograph so I always consider it a blessing when I get to spend a few moments with them. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1434/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AlpineTarn.TRR.7.31.23.2.jpg Tundra Skies A beautiful sunrise unfolds over the alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park, while being reflected in a small kettle pond. Terra Tomah, Stones Peak and Longs Peak are basking in the morning light. While the alpine tundra and timberline can be an extremley harsh environment on many days, when conditions are perfect like this late July morning there aren't any better places to spend time. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1433/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-UpperBeaverMeadows.4.28.23.2.jpg Beaver Meadow Morning Rocky Mountain National Park is looking stunning after a late April snowstorm coated the landscape with fresh snow. Here we see Longs Peak covered in fresh snow, split between two aspen trees in Upper Beaver Meadows. This view should be famillar to those who have hiked from the Beaver Meadows Trailhead as these two aspen trees greet hikers at the start. Sadly, the aspen tree on the left finally gave up the ghost and was uprooted and is now lying across the meadow floor. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1432/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunrise-LakeHaiyahaTrail.6.22.23.1.jpg Misty Morning Hop A thin veil of fog hovers over the mountains east of Bear Lake. Sprague Lake can be seen in the middle of the image with Prospect Pond in the foreground. The sun is quickly breaking up the fog and the view from along the trail to Lake Haiyaha is breathtaking this misty morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1431/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark.5.26.23.2.jpg In A Fog I'm partial to trees. They are one of my favorite subjects to photograph and I've made countless images of this lone Ponderosa Pine in Moraine Park over the years. With Eagle Cliff Mountain as a backdrop, the symmetry presented here is just about perfect. Its an early May morning in Moraine Park and a light fog is starting to lift just as the sun begins to rise over the high plains of Colorado, just east of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1430/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaydenGorge.Sundog.-TRR.6.2.23.2.jpg Hayden Sundog It's early June along Trail Ridge Road which means visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park should expect just about any kind of weather. As a photographer, I love it but if I was trying to enjoy an early summer vaction I may be a bit caught of guard. Regardless, this spectacular morning had fresh snow lining the pine trees across the Forest Canyon from Hayden Peak and Hayden Gorge. With the sun working its way through the early morning cloud cover, a sundog formed just over Hayden Peak. Overall, its amazing mornings like this that keep me out the door up and early to witness the beauty of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1429/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HallettCreek-FlattopTR.8.11.22.1.jpg Hallett Rocks Far into the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park, on the backside of Flattop Mountain and descent down into the North Inlet runs Hallett Creek. Depending on if you are headed to Grand Lake or the Bear Lake trailhead and forward to Estes Park your legs are either burning at this point or really happy for the downhill descent. Hallett Creek is filled with large boulders on this steep portion of the mountain and Hallett Creek happily meanders through the boulders and stones that line the stream. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1428/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Lake-Aspens.9.18.23.1.jpg Lemon Lime Bear The aspen trees surrounding the hillsides of Bear Lake have finally started to change helping to usher in the autumn season in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of the aspen trees are at peak and some have not even started to change giving a nice contrast akin to Lemon and Limes. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1427/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountCirrus-HartRidge.Lead.8.8.23.2.jpg Virga Over Cirrus High on a ridge looking back towards the Never Summer Mountain of Rocky Mountain National Park, Virga or clouds dropping rain which will not reach the ground can be seen swirlling over Mount Cirrus and, Lead Mountain and others as the first light of the day turns the clouds a cotton candy pink. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1426/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PondLily-Frozen.BierstadtLake.11.14.23.1.jpg Flash Frozen Like a package of frozen fruit you might purchase at your local market, a pond lilly is frozen and encased in the icy surface of Bierstadt Lake on a November morning. After a mild fall, this pond lilly managed to linger on into November. A cold front quickly changed this and this lilly will be encased in the ice until it melts sometime in spring. It was interesting for me to see the combination of the pond lillies green/yellow coloration contrasted against the cold blue ice of Bierstadt Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1425/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Notchtop-Gabletop-Spruce.Tombstone.8.26.23.1.jpg Tundra Gold Somewhere along the Ute Trail on a late summer morning, an inversion fills the valley below timberline. Up here on the alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park, we are sandwhiched between the lower inversion cloud cover and cloudy skies over the high peaks. Sunrise lights pokes through the cloud cover to illuminate the Gable, Gabletop and Nothctop Mountain. Because its late August in RMNP, the alpine tundra is already showing its autumn golden hue. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1424/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NorthInlet-Nokoni-Nanita.8.10.23.2.jpg Rugged High on a saddle up above the North Inlet on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, we take in the rugged landscape that is RMNP. The summits and steps and granite are all highlighted this afternoon as the sun sprinkles in light here and there across the landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1423/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nokoni.Tarn.8.10.23.2.jpg Ptarmigan Skies Somewhere between Lake Naninata and Lake Nokoni this beautiful tarn is found. Late in the afternoon, clouds skirt over the top of Ptarmigan Peak reflect in the calm waters deep in the backcountry and far up the North Inlet on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1422/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Snowy.Pines.TRR.Utetr.5.19.23.1.jpg Timberline Tough Its a difficult existance for all life at timberline in Rocky Mountain National Park. These pines near the Ute Trail are a testament to how to persevere in these harsh conditions. Trees are stunted and twisted by the wind and cold that occurs at these elevations above 11,000 ft in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1421/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Notchtop.Marigold.Fall.9.21.23.1.jpg Notchtop Gold Notchtop Mountain glows in the sunlight of an early morning autumn morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. While many photographers and visitors to RMNP will seek out the fall color amongst the aspen trees and groves, some of the best color in Rocky Mountain National Park often occurs in the ground cover and brush found low to the ground. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1420/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Fog.7.20.23.1.jpg Kawuneeche Drift Fog is breaking in the Kawuneeche Valley after a stormy night on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Always a treat to be able to find foggy landscapes in Rocky Mountain National Park to photograph, the Kawuneeche Valley is one of the better places to find fog when conditions are favorable. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1419/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nokoni-Sunset.8.10.23.1.jpg Wind Swept Nokoni It's a breezy summer evening at Lake Nokoni. I would have loved to have captured Ptarmigan Peak reflecting in the calm waters but it was not to be this evening on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Regardless, the light at sunset was sublime and helped to make up for the breezy conditions that can so often thrwart photographers working in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1418/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nanita-Tarn.8.11.23.1.jpg An Afternoon With Andrew A small tarn near Lake Nanita reflects the impressive face of Andrews Peak on a summer afternoon in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located far up the North Inlet of RMNP, Lake Nanita is a spectaular location to take in all the splendor of the backcountry Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1417/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moraine-Park-Geese-Sunrise.6.6.23.1.jpg Goose Down Two Canada Geese look on with interest as a photographer sets up for a beautiful sunrise over Moraine Park. The atmospherics this morning were amazing. High clouds in the sky, fog in Moraine Park and calm winds. This pair of Geese could not have placed themselves any better in this small pond as the sun started to rise betweeen Deer Mountain and Eagle Cliff to the east. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1416/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ManInRock.SL.7.21.23.1.jpg Spirit Man I spent this particular evening at Spirit Lake photographing sunset. While waiting for sunset and enjoying all the beauty this location provides, I noticed a face in the rocks above the lake. I had to do a double take. I've photographed Spirit Lake before, but had never noticed the feature. As the last glint of sunlight was hitting the slope in front of the feature I made a few images. Spirit Lake is an amazing location in Rocky Mountain National Park. Spending time in solitary at the lake is very much a spiritual experience, having this feature watching over the lake makes it even more mysterious. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1415/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-BeaverMeadows.10.2.23.1.jpg One In A Million When the fall rolls around in Rocky Mountain National Park, photographers from all over the world converge hoping to capture an image worthy of their portfolio. More often than not, the conditions dont quite live up to expectations. This morning from Beaver Meadows, everything came together. The aspen trees were at peak color, fresh snow coats the summit of 14,259 ft Longs Peak and the sky exploded with color. You couldn't draw up a more perfect morning than this one. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1414/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PtarmaginMt.Nanita.8.11.23.1.jpg Good Morning Ptarmigan I was backpacking far up the North Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park. I set out from my backcountry site a little before 4:00 AM to make the 3 plus mile hike to Lake Nanita for sunrise. The winds were whipping this morning as I hiked up the steep trail and over the saddle down into the basin that holds Lake Nanita. This tarn, just a few hundred yards from Lake Nanita was sheltered enough that I was able to capture this image of Ptarmigan Mountain as a few clouds scattered around its flanks. The conditions where not perfect for photography with the winds, but this was one of my favorite mornings out in the backcountry of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1413/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpiritLake-Sunset.7.20.23.1.jpg Spirit Of Rocky Spirit Lake embodies the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. Located far up the East Inlet trail on the west side of RMNP, Spirit Lake just has a vibe to it that cant be put into words. Its' beautiful, isolated, wild and as about as Rocky as one can get. Spend a late evening along the banks of Spirit Lake watching the trout hit the water, or Moose graze along it's banks and you cant help but pinch yourself and feel blessed. With The Fleur de Lis as a backdrop, sunset at Spirit Lake this July evening was sublime. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1412/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeVerna-Fog.7.21.23.1.jpg Smoke On Verna Lake Verna awakens to a new day as the sun clears the ridge and backlights the wet pines. Thunderstorms over night have wetted everything in the Upper East Inlet and low hanging fog and humidity clings to the surface of the water. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1411/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HallettPeak-FlattopMtn.7.19.23.2.jpg Emerald View From high atop Flattop Mountain we look across at Hallett Peak as sunrise paints the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. Far below, beautiful Emerald Lake can be seen. Many visitors and hikers to RMNP make the trip up to Emerald Lake, but those who decide to hike up to Flattop are treated to views of Emerald such as these. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1410/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GardenofEden-TerraTomah.11971.8.8.23.3.jpg Garden Of Eden In a scene reminiscent of the Garden Of Eden. Late summer is settling into the high tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park. The grasses are turning green to gold and the small kettle ponds that are fed by our afternoon thunderstorms are starting to dryout. In the distance, Terra Tomah can be seen and further so, the Twin Sisters. Elk and Moose graze on the grasses below me on this amazing August morning in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1409/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FourthLake-Sunset.7.20.23.2.jpg The Cleaver From Fourth Lake Another summer day is nearing its end on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Cleaver basks in the last light of the afternoon as it reflects in the waters of Fourth Lake deep in the East Inlet of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1408/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-UteTrail-TerraTomah.8.26.23.1.jpg King Of The Tundra Every year as summer begins to yield to autumn, the elk of Rocky Mountain National Park begin to make their journey from the higher elevations around timberline towards the lower elevations and meadows. Bull elk will begin to form harems in anticipation of the rut. With Terra Tomah Mountain in the background, this large herd being guided by a regal bull is forming up in anticipation for their journey down. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1407/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpragueLake-Sunrise.4.17.24.3.jpg Sprague's Thaw A beautiful sunrise unfolds over the Continental Divide and Sprague Lake on a late April morning in Rocky. Taylor, Otis, Hallett and Flattop Mountain are doused in sunlight as clouds build over the high peaks. Sprague Lake has started to thaw out and with the exception of a large piece of ice in the middle of the lake, much of Sprague Lake has open water allowing photographers to once again photograph this amazing view with a reflection in it. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1406/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpiderWeb-ColoradoTrail.7.17.24.1.jpg Old Man And His Web Old Mans Beard, a commonly found hair like lichen that grows on the trees of Rocky Mountain National Park is seen on the branches of a pine along the Colorado River Trail on the west side of RMNP. As the sun breeched the forest canopy this morning, it spotlighted this beatiful orb weavers web amonst the hanging Old Mans Beard. The less expected compositions when out hiking in the forest are sometimes the most rewarding. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1405/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GrandLake.6.10.24.1.jpg Docks In! Grand Lake is thawed out and the docks are in for the season welcoming boaters to downtown Grand Lake. The aspens near the marina are a beautiful green and clouds drift over Mount Craig and Rocky Mountain National Park and East Inlet on the east end of Grand Lake. Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1404/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-GreenMtn.6.17.24.1.jpg Western Dream It's not quite summer yet in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park but it sure feels like it. It's mid June and it will soon be summer but this beautiful morning on the west side of Rocky enjoying the green grasses, blue skies and drifting clouds portends to a summer day. This view from Green Mountain looking towards Bowen/Baker Gulch is quickly recovering from the damage the East Troublesome Fire caused a few years prior. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1403/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-BowenSunrise.8.13.24.1.jpg Set The Mood It's a moody morning in the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Fog fills the gulch below Bowen Peak as the sun kisses it's summit. Summer is in full swing this August morning but soon the meadows of the Kawuneeche will fill with elk as the seasons begin to change. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1402/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FanFalls.7.25.24.10.jpg Fan Falls A summer afternoon at Fan Falls high and far back in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. This impressive waterfalls winds its way down a steep slope high above Thunder Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1401/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine.Sunrise.9.27.24.1.jpg Hallett's Glory Fall on the Bierdstadt Moraine of Rocky Mountain National Park is always special. Throw in some dramatic dappled lighting at sunrise with the aspens ablaze in golden yellows and its one of the best places to be in Colorado. This September morning, dappled light hits Otis, Hallett and Flattop Mountain as we are at peak fall color along Bear Lake road and the Bierdstadt Moraine. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1400/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-SunriseSquall.2.14.24.1.jpg The One This aweseom looking Ponderosa Pine resides in Moraine Park along the banks of the Big Thompson River. Its knarled and curled limbs give it an impressive silhouette from each and every angle. I never tire of photographing this beatiful tree and its certainly one of my favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here a snow squall is picking up steam to the west over the divide while a diffused sunrise casts a magenta like hue on the landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1399/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChasmLake-8.12.24.3.jpg Diamonds Are Forever Longs Peak poses in a stately fashion as the new day illuminates the famous eastern face of the highest peak in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Hiking to Chasm Lake to be there for sunrise is one of my favorite things to do in Rocky. Being lucky enough to have Longs Peak and The Diamond reflect in the calm water of Chasm Lake is even better. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1398/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BelowFanFalls.7.25.24.8.jpg Life Will Find A Way A downed tree along a wildflower lined stream far above Thunder Lake proves that life will always find a way. This dead tree trunk provides the base for mountain bluebells and other wildflowers to flourish in the remains of what was once a beautiful pine keeping watch over this section of Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1397/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake-Sunrise.5.29.24.1.jpg Transiting Spring It's a late May morning on Bierstadt Lake as we welcome the warmth of sunrise. Looking east as opposed to the iconic Bierstadt Lake view towards the west, we see Bierstadt has not yet thawed all the way out. Summer is on its way but vestigages of winter can still be seen on the shoreline. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1396/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheLoch.9.4.24.2.jpg Entering The Cathederal Approaching the Loch, one first gets a view of the Cathederal Wall on the far end of Loch Vale. Its an impressive and moving experience when climbing those last few steps and rounding the bend to see this. On this morning in RMNP, the wind was calm and the conditions were just about perfect. It's a feat to get a windless morning on the Loch but when one is lucky enough to be up here on a calm morning, its one of the most beautiful locations in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1395/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrioFalls.7.26.24.5.jpg Trio Falls #2 Above Lion Lake #1, deep in the heart of Wild Basin, a portio of Trio Falls exits through the rock and stone. Lined with wildflowers on this July Day in Rocky Mountain National Park, Trio Falls is one of many beautiful water features found in Wild Basin. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1394/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpecimenMountain.MedicineBow.6.4.24.1.jpg Poudre's Thaw Trail Ridge Road has only been open for the season for a little over a week. Lots of snow covers the mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park. Sunrise from Medicine Bow Curve reveals the Poudre River below Specimen Peak still reveals lots of snow and grasses that have yet to take on any hint of spring green. The sunlight broke through the clouds to highlight Speciman Mountain while a snow squall moves in over the Never Summer Range in the Distance. Rocky Mountian National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1393/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RainbowCurve-HorseshoePark.10.29.24.2.jpg Glowing Sheep Trail Ridge Road was still open to Rainbow Curve on this late October morning. Heavy snow was forecast to move in early in the day. I headed up Rainbow and then hiked up a closed Trail Ridge Road to this view high above Horseshoe Park. As the sun rose to the east of Rocky Mountain National Park, a snow squall moved in over Horseshoe Park. The rising sun created a spectacular glow over Horsehsoe Park and Sheep Lake far below my vantage point this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1392/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoePark-Ponderosas.4.18.24.4.jpg Dusted Of all the trees to photograph during a winter storm in RMNP, I believe the Ponderosa Pine is by far my favorite. Its red bark and shapely trunks make the Ponderosa a great subject to photograph when snow covers the park. This group of Ponderosas in Horseshoe Park is a favorite and the colorful trunk of the tree dusted with fresh snow is a compelling study in shape and form. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1391/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake.11.15.24.10.jpg Glow Up If you have visited Rocky Mountain National Park than this location needs no introduction. For those that have not, this is the iconic Dream Lake with Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain standing guard. Its a mid November morning and Dream Lake has just frozen over for what will be a long winter season. A November neon sunrise glow is hovering over Hallett And Flattop as they reflect in the recently frozen ice of Dream Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1390/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MillCreekTrail.Aspens.Cub.9.20.24.2.jpg Rock Garden On a hillside high above Cub Lake, Aspen shooters reveal their fall splendor as they push up through the rocks and boulders. The Fern Lake fire burned through this area in 2013 and aspens have filled in along these hillsides making this a great place to photograph fall color in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1389/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwoRivers-Fall.9.11.24.3.jpg Old Bones Near Two Rivers Lake, this fallen limber pine has been bleached and weathered by the sun and wind. The brush around Two Rivers is reveling in its autumn glory and the contrast between the bleached wood and colorful reds and yellow of fall made for a striking image. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1388/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TearDropWindow-BoulderGrandTr.7.26.24.1.jpg Heart Of Stone Along the Boulder Grand Pass trail above Thunder Lake rest some gigantic boulders. Some of these Boulder have formed beatiful little grottos and windows. This particular set of boulders had me stop in track and break out the camera. Two large boulder formed a tear drop window and the blue sky reflecting off the wall of a third Boulder made for an intriguing composition. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1387/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TaylorPeak.BierstadtMoraine.5.30.24.1.jpg Taylor Green The lime green aspens leafing out on the Bierstadt Moraine are a sure sign that spring is well underway in Rocky Mountain National Park. Taylor Peak still has a lot of its snow cover from winter clinging to its granite face on a May morning in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1386/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SummerlandPark.7.18.24.1.jpg Summerland Green Just crossing over the boundry into Rocky Mountain National Park, this view of the North Inlet stream winding through Summerland Park is a favorite of mine. While not quite as dramatic as the views in the East Inlet, the sweeping curve the North Inlet makes for a classic scene any fly fisherman would love. The contrast between the green grasses and cool forest also makes this visually intrquing. The scars from the East Troublesome Fire still show on the trees along the North Inlet, the nutrients in the soil have really maded the grasses thick. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1385/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRange-AboveRainbowCr.10.29.24.1.jpg The Glow Before The Snow Its two days until Haloween in RMNP. Trail Ridge Road is closed at Rainbow Curve and is about to be closed for the season. Even though its late October, there is no snow yet covering Ypsilon Mountain or the Mummy Range which is unusual. I hiked up Trail Ridge Road this morning from the closure to get one last trip in before a long winter slumber sets in. As the sun was rising, a warm glow covered the Mummy Range from the east. Within a few minutes of photographing this, snow moved in quickly and The Mummy Range would now be covered for the season. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1384/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HiddenValley.4.19.24.2.jpg Stay Frosty! A late spring snowstorm has moved in over Rocky Mountain National Park. Heavy fog and snow has left the pines lining the slopes of Hidden Valley coated in a thick frost. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1383/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HallettPeak-FlattopMtn.8.6.24.1.jpg Rocky Hallett It's a Rocky sunrise from Flattop Mountain looking south towards Hallett Peak as the early morning light turns the granite, rocks and peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park an intense red. Lots of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park get to view Hallett Peak from Bear Lake or Dream Lake but the view of Hallett from Flattop is special as well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1382/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aurora-MorainePark.10.11.24.4.jpg Mummy Lights The Aurora Borealis glows over Deer Mountain and the Mummy Range as seen from Moraine Park. In October of 2024, Northern Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park were treated to some of the best displays of the northern lights in years. Seeing the Aurora displaying this bright this far south is not all that common. Of course as photographers, we all had to get out there in the middle of the night and figure how to capture this amazing display. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1381/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Baker-Kawuneeche.7.1.24.1.jpg Kawuneehce Green July in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. The snow has melted from Baker Mountain and the grasses of the Kawuneeche are verdant and green. The sun is ducking in and out of the clouds on this morning in Rocky spolighting the green grasses in the valley. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1380/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ThunderLake-Sunrise.7.25.24.4.jpg Rising Thunder Pilot Peak catches some dappled light as it is seen rising above the outlet of Thunder Lake on a July morning. Located deep inside the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park, Thunder Lake is an awesome place for a long day hike or backpacking trip in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1379/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet.Meadow.10.17.24.2.jpg Autumn On The East Inlet It a late autumn morning on the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park. The grasses that were a vibrant green just a few weeks earlier have now turned golden. Golden Aspens line the hillsides above the East Meadow. Sunrise added to the calmness and colored the sky above Baldy or Mount Craig in a kaleidoscope like pattern. The serenity on morning like these in RMNP can not be overstated and the East Inlet is one of my favorite spots to photograph in late autumn. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1378/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake-Estes.FlattopMtn.8.6.24.2.jpg From Bierstadt And Beyond From near the top of Flattop Mountain, this view is looking east at sunrise towards Estes Park, Berthoud and Loveland. Smoke from wildfires has filled the air with particulates that help showcase the layering of the foothills east of Rocky Mountain National Park as they intersect with the high plains of Colorado. Bierstadt Lake can be seen in foreground perched on its high plateau above Bear Lake Road. Hollowell Park can be seen on the bottom left as the view extends into Estes Park with Lake Estes on the upper left portion of the image. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1377/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aspenleaf-BearLakeTr.9.23.24.2.jpg Grounded A lone autumn aspen leaf rests along the forest floor on the Flattop Mountain Trail just above bear lake. It's always important to look down every once in awhile. Rocky Mountain National Park may have beautiful mountains and trees but sometimes the subtle beauty found at one's feet can be the most spectacular of all. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1376/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Horseshoe-Alluvial.Ferns.10.29.24.2.jpg Autumns Garden Ponderosa's on a hillside above Alluvial Fan Falls are interspresed with beautiful ferns that have turned from green to yellow. These little hidden nooks in Rocky Mountain National Park are always rewarding to photography. As a photographer, its difficult to arrange and find the beauty in these small scenes while keeping the observer engaged and focused on the subject. I find myself wandering aroudn for hours looking for compositions just like this one. Most end up in the round file, this composition did not. Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1375/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColoradoRiver.7.17.24.3.jpg All Great Things Start Small The Colorado River winds down the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park on its way towards Grand Lake. It's a modest stream as it traverses through the thick and cool forests of the west side of the park. It's got a long way to go before it reaches the Gulf of California. Here we see the Colorado River, modest in size and flow drifting on down through the west side of the park. Only a few miles from the Colorado River headwaters, the stream here could easily be walked across and is only a few inches deep. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1374/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CascadeFalls.7.19.24.5.jpg Rocky Cascade Located about 3 miles up in the North Inlet, Cascade Falls crashes through boulders on its way towards Grand Lake. Located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Cascade Falls is one of many beautiful water features that can be found in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1373/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpragueLake-Sunrise.4.17.24.1.jpg Abner's Fire A fiery sky lights up over Sprague Lake on an April morning in RMNP. Sprague Lake has finally started to thaw out after a long winter and water is freely flowing through its inlet. You can often find lots of visitors to Sprague Lake to view sunrise as its easily accessible and provides great views. The lake is named after Abner Sprague who one had his lodge located not far from where I photographed this image. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1372/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OuzelFalls.Sunrise.7.10.24.2.jpg Ouzels Glow The early morning sun is breaking through the thick canopy of pines surrounding Ouzel Falls. It's early July and Ouzel Falls is still running at a good clip. As the water from Ouzel Falls crashes on the rocks, mist and spray fill the forest around Ouzel while sunbeams illuminate morning air amplifying the smell of fresh pines. Ouzel Falls is a great hike in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park and always presents a different look each time I visit. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1371/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LionLake.7.27.24.1.jpg Lazy Lion Just a lazy morning hanging out on the shores of Lion Lake #1 after a long hike in. The breeze is starting to ripple the surface of Lion Lake as clouds float over Mount Alice in the distance. The beauty of Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park cannot be understated and Lion Lake #1 is one of those places you an spend a summer day just hanging out and taking in the view. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1370/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet-EastMeadow-Sunrise.8.14.24.1.jpg Glowing Bald A mid summer morning in the meadows of the East Inlet are always worth the short trek from Grand Lake. Moose, dear and bear are all common sights but even on morning when the wildlife is elsewhere, there is not more of an idyllic location on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park than the East Inlet. This morning, low hanging clouds hung over Mount Craig aka, 'Mount Baldy' while the east side of RMNP was clear. The sunrise illuminated the could over Baldy and created this beautiful glow as the diffused light bounced off the west face of Mount Craig. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1369/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Moraine.6.3.24.1.jpg Spring On The Moraine Spring on the Bierstadt Moraine can be just as spectacular as fall is. The Bierstadt Moraine is home to one of RMNP's larger aspen groves and is a popular spot for photographers in autumn. I love when in the springtime, the aspens leaf out in a lime green color. It may not be quite as striking as autumn gold, but with a beautiful sunrise developing over Otis, Hallett and Flattop Mountain and some good snow cover on the peaks still, I'll take this early June view of Rocky Mountain National Park anyday! Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1368/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OnahuCreek.7.19.24.1.jpg Onahu Oasis Onahu Creek on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is a hidden gem. It's a beautiful hike and one that is less traveled as most of the trail meanders through the thick forest near Grand Lake. It's beauty is subtle but I always enjoy visiting this area due to the lushness found along Onahu Creek. The forest in this portion of RMNP feels primal. It's often damp, cool and very green here in the summer which gives one the feeling they are actually in the Pacific Northwest and not Colorado. This Summer day, Onahu Creek is seen cascading through lush greens and wildflowers. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1367/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LumpyRidge-Aspens-Rock.10.1.24.1.jpg Boulder and Aspens Nestled in a nook of the Lumpy Ridge section of Rocky Mountain National Park we find a colorful Boulder and some beautiful autumn aspen trees co-mingling. These small aspen shooters have sprouted up amongst the red colored rocks found in Lumpy Ridge providing a great color spectrum. Lumpy Ridge is located on the eastern flank of Rocky Mountain National Park just outside of the town of Estes Park. It's a great place for hiking and is very popular with rock climbers as well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1366/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Sunrise.4.23.24.1.jpg April Dreams The big thaw has finally started to reach the outlet area of Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a late April morning in RMNP and a beautiful sunrise is taking place over Hallett and Flattop Mountain. The inlet of Dream Lake has thawed just enough for me to capture this reflection after a long winter covered in thick ice. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1365/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HiddenValley.Spruce.4.18.24.1.jpg Silver Pines A group of pine trees is covered in fresh snow from a late spring snowstorm in Rocky Mountain National Park. April is one of the better months in RMNP to get out and photograph in the snow and during these spring storms, opportunities for snow covered landscapes are unlimited. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1364/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Sunrise.3.11.24.1.jpg Eagles Glow A jaw dropping sunrise unfolds over Moraine Park and the Big Thompson River on a great March morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. With Eagle Cliff Mountain in the background, the skies to the east of RMNP are just exploding with color. The river, is slowly starting to thaw out in places and in just a month or so, will be lined with fly fisherman. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1363/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChasmLake-8.12.24.1.jpg Diamond Glow The east face of Longs Peak, known as 'The Diamond' glows in the early dawn light of a beautiful summer sunrise. Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest peak at 14,259 ft is the sentinel of RMNP. Chasm Lake which sits just below Longs Peak and The Diamond, is windless and calm this morning as Longs Peak reflects in its rocky waters. This is one of my favorite locations in all of RMNP. Chasm Lake is one of those locations that typify the spirit of Rocky Mountain National Park so well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1362/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrioFalls.7.26.24.2.jpg Trio Falls Its late July in Wild Basin. In only a few more days the calendar will be turning to August but at Trio Falls in a remote section of the park, all of last winters snow has yet to melt. A snowbridge is still present at Trio Falls and grasses and wildflowers line the banks of the stream. Summer is short at the high elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park as this image from Trio Falls can attest. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1361/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpecimanMountain-ForestPass.8.8.24.1.jpg Wild Specimen Specimen Mountian reveals itself as the fog lifts on a summer morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildflowers have filled the meadows of this mid summer morning in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1360/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-GoldenBanner.6.14.24.2.jpg A Golden Stone One of my favorite mornings I had photographing the park was this particular morning. An amazing display of Golden Banner was present in Moraine Park. Fog shrouded Stones peak before sunrise but just after sunrise the sun made an appearance and illuminated Stones Peak and Moraine Park on this beatiful June morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The weather condtions, the amazing display of wildflowers left a lasting impression on me. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1359/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CalypsoCascades.7.10.24.1.jpg Calypso Dance In what can only be descrbied as one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most chaotic waterfalls, Calypso Cascades is seen crashing down and through both boulders and deadfall aplenty. A popular day hike location in Rocky, many visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will find some of the most beautiful waterfalls located in this section of the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1358/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-Rocks.9.23.24.1C.jpg The Bears Garden Along the rocky slopes above Bear Lake, aspen trees turn orange and yellow. Each little nook here is filled in with color where long gone glaciers dropped these large rocks as they retreated. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1357/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BakerMt.Kawuneeche-fog.8.7.24.8.jpg Kawuneeche Dream Like something from a dream, Baker Mountain rises out of the fog in the Kawuneeche Valley and catches the first sunlight of the morning. Baker reflects in a small pond making for a perfect reflection on this beautiful morning in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1356/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fall-UpperBeaverMeadows.10.22.24.5.jpg Beaver Meadows Autumn Welcom Upper Beaver Meadows welcomes a stunning fall view of Rocky Mountain National Park on an October morning. With Notchtop,Gabletop, and the Little Matterhorn swirling around in the clouds in background, a beautiful fall sunrise unfolds over this eastern section of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1355/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-Aspens.9.30.24.1.jpg Falling Around On a steep hillside atop the Bierstadt Moraine, where its very easy to lose your footing and take a tumble, a new day greets a grove of beautiful fall aspen trees. Rocky Mountain National Park does not have an abundance of fall color, but the Bierstadt Moraine is certainly one of the best areas of the park to capture the splendor of fall. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1354/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColumbineFalls.8.21.24.1.jpg Columbines Glow Rocky Mountain National Parks highest peak glows in the early morning light on an August morning. Longs Peak, towering over RMNP at 14,259 ft is the sentinel of the park. The famous east face of Longs, known as The Diamond catches the glow as Columbine Falls flows towards the Mills Moraine. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1353/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPEak-BearLake.9.24.24.1.jpg Standing Tall One aspen tree stands tall above the others just as Longs Peak in the distance stands tall over all the surounding mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park. Fresh snow has already fallen on the Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park at 14,259 ft above sea level. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1352/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-GoldenBanner.6.14.24.3.jpg Banner Day Sunrise crests over the top of Eagle Cliff Mountain and breaks over the low lying fog covering Moraine Park on this June morning. Golden Banner Wildflowers carpet the floor of Moraine Park as signs of summer are sprouting all over the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park,. Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1351/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TimberLake-Jackstraw.Sunrise.7.15.24.1.jpg Jackstraw Jackpot I started hiking up to Timber Lake long before sunrise on this July morning. When I finally arrived at the lake it was a cool morning at just over 11,000 ft. A Moose and her calf were busy grazing on the summer grasses near the outlet when I arrived. I carefully navigated around them and headed to the far side of Timber Lake to face Jackstraw Mountain. Sunrise came and the sky turned a rosey hue. The Moose and her calf had moved over to the oposite side of the lakeshore by the time I photographed this. If you look closely enough, you can see them standing on the far shore. Mornings like this in Rocky Mountain National Park never get old and make those long hikes in the dark all the more worth it. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1350/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tannens.Oils.GreenMts.7.15.24.1.jpg Rocky Kaleidoscope Hiking along the Green Mountain Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park one morning, I noticed this colorful scene at my feet. Iron Bacteria was leeching from the soils in the East Troublesome burn area. This bacteria which is naturally occuring, makes for brilliant colors in the water from which it seeps into. I had to pull out my macro lens and spend sometime with the otherworldly display the bacteria puts on. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1349/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ThunderLake-LongsPeak-Sunset.7.26.24.5.jpg Jumping At Thunder The only thing keeping me from having a perfect reflection this evening at Thunder Lake were the trout. As the day came to a close, the fish where jumping and looking for food on the surface of the lake. In the distance as the day came to an end Chiefs Heads Peak and Longs Peak catch the last beams of sunlight over Wild Basin and Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1348/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigMeadows.TonahutuCreek.7.15.24.1.jpg Lazy Morning Along The Tonahutu Sunrise is breaking the ridge and filling in a verdant Big Meadows with warm sunlight on a perfect July morning on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Tonahutu Creek meanders through Big Meadows on its way towards Grand Lake and the Colorado River. While no Moose were present this morning, its common to find Moose grazing on the green grasses along the banks of the Tonahutu most morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1347/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aspen-CubLake.9.20.24.3.jpg Cub Lake Tapestry The hillsides above Cub Lake explode with color on a perfect fall day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Yellow aspens are speckled with red underbrush mixed amongst the boulders and pines. These intimate scenes are always favorites of mine to photograph. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1346/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ThunderLakeOutlet.Sunset..7.26.24.1.jpg Thunder Bow I was on a backpacking trip in Wild Basin in late July when returning to my camp a large Thunderstorm came in over the divide and caused a brief but momentary ruckus near Thunder Lake. I was able to take shelter under the awning of the patrol cabin at Thunder Lake while I waitied out the rain and lighting. Just before sunset, the rain letup and the sun started to make its way out from around the clouds. A brilliant rainbow appeared just over the outlet of Thunder Lake. I made a sprint from the patrol cabin and setup to photograph a brilliant rainbow forming east of Thunder Lake as the storm moved out over the high plains of Colorado. This was one of the most impressive Rainbows I've photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park and a memory I wont soon forget. Rocky Mountain Natinoal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1345/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LionLake1.Tarn.Alice.7.27.24.5.jpg Alices Embrace Mount Alice reflects in a small tarn near Lion Lake #1 on a beautiful July morning in RMNP. Deep in the heart of Wild Basin, this is one of the most beautiful locations in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1344/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Glacial.Erratic.Columbine.8.21.24.1.jpg Hold On! A surreal sunrise unfolds as the sun rises behind the Twin Sisters east of Longs Peak. This large boulder or glacial erratic somehow manages to to stay propped up on this slab of granite high above the Mills Moraine. This particular location has to be one of the windiest and harshest locations in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Resting just below the east face of Longs Peak, this boulder endures one hundred mile an hour winds but does not budge. If only this Boulder could speak, the stories it could tell. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1343/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColoradoRiver-Kawuneeche.6.17.24.1.jpg Onahu Oxbows Onahu Creek meanders and bends through the Kawuneeche Valley on a June morning. Signs of the East Troublesome Fire can still be seen but the grasses in the Kaunweeche have recovered and are as green as ever. Shortly, Onahu Creek will join the Colorado River and continue its flow through Rocky Mountain National Park and westward. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1342/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeIrene.Fog.6.27.24.1.jpg Irenes Many Moods Lake Irene is nestled just a little past Poudre River and Milner Pass on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will drive Trail Ridge Road and then make the short hike from the parking lot to view this easily accesible location. Short hikes, family picnics and photography all make Lake Irene a fun place to take a break when driving Trail Ridge Road. I've photographed Lake Irene in many types of weather, but this early summer morning, fog had socked in the west side of RMNP. I could barely see the pine trees on the other side of Lake Irene when I made this image. I loved the mood the fog conveyed this particular morning and while fog is not all the common in Rocky, anytime we have some, I want to be right in the middle of it! Rocky Mountain Natinoal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1341/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLake-Sunrise.9.20.24.1.jpg Autumn Grace A brilliant sunrise unfolds over Cub Lake on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park on a September morning. Cub Lake is a popular destination for photographers and day hikers alike. The view looking west from Cub Lake towards Stones Peak is a classic composition, but this view looking east towards Moraine Park is less so. With the fall colors, underbrush and aspen trees all peaking and this spectacular color breaking at damn, this view of cub lake from the west end was perfect. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1340/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BuckarooBarn.Sunrise.8.7.24.1.jpg Hey Buckaroo! Tucked into the Kawuneeche Valley, Little Buckaroo Barn is a favorite location of mine to photograph. I've photographed Little Buckaroo at Sunrise and Sunset and the mood and lighting always feel different each time I've set out on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This August morning, overnight showers disapated but the line of clouds over the Kawuneeche Valley lined up perfects over the top of Buckaroo as the first light of the day caused an explosion of color in the skies over Rocky. It was an amazing summer morning and some of the best light I've ever photographed at this barn. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1339/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FanFalls.7.25.24.5.jpg Fan Falls Deep in the heart of the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park Fan Falls can be found. This impressive waterfall is tucked away and hidden from view for most hikers. On this summer day, water is cascading down Fan Falls in all directions making it easy to understand where this waterfall derived its name from. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1338/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Below.Ouzelfalls.7.1-.24.1.jpg Only A Dream Just below Ouzel Falls along the Saint Vrain, the sun shines through the canopy of trees illuminating the landscape. Ouzel Falls is running hard with the spring snowmelt well underway and the furey from the rushing water is being atomized through the pines. The cool moist air, the pungent smell of pine and the warmth of the early morning sun created what can only be described as a dream like quality this fine day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1337/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BakerMt.Kawuneeche-fog.8.7.24.6.jpg Revealing Baker It was raining in the Kawuneeche Valley in the pre-dawn hours on this cool August morning on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. At sunrise, the rain stopped and the fog drifted in and out of the Kawuneeche. Out of nowhere, the fog began to break and Baker Mountain, bathing in sunlight was revealed for anyone lucky enough to be out this early in the morning. Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1336/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLake-Autumn.9.17.24.1.jpg Colorful Cub It's just before sunrise at Cub Lake on a perfect September morning. The aspen trees and other autumn foilage covering the hillsides above Cub Lake are showing off their autumn glow. After the Fern Lake fire in 2013, aspen trees have been filling in where the burned out pines used to take hold. Each year, the aspens above Cub Lake have grown and this has now become a great location to view fall color in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1335/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aurora-MorainePark.10.11.24.1.jpg Aurora Borealis Over Moraine Park In October of 2024, we were treated to a spectacular display of the Northern Lights all the way down here in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was one of the brightest displays of the Aurora Borealis in years and there was no way I was going to miss out on photographing this event. I headed out to Moraine Park to photograph them reflecting in the calm waters of a trailside pond. With the Elk Rut at its peak, the combination of observing the Aurora over Deer Mountain while elk bugled out in the meadow was about as primal as it could get. This was a night I will not soon forget in RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1334/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TimberLake.Sunrise.7.15.24.9.jpg Timber! Its about an hour after sunrise at Timber Lake on the beautiful west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Timber Lake is a popular hike for backpackers and dayhikers alike. For photography, Timber Lake while spectacular can be a challenge to photograph. Mount Ida keeps much of the lake in shadow for the earliest parts of the morning. I have made the over 5 mile long hike many times, but never quite had the conditions work out as I wanted. This particular morning, once the sun cleared the ridgeline to the east of Timber Lake, some beautiful puffy clouds started to form over the west side of the park. This made for near perfect condtions at Timber Lake and I had a few short moments to capture both the light an the clouds over this favorite Rocky location. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1333/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ThunderLake-Sunset.7.26.24.2.jpg The Sound Of Thunder After what was a turbulent afternoon in Rocky Mountain National Park with the typical late afternoon thunderstorms rolling through the mountains, the sunset begins to break over Pilot Peak near Thunder Lake in the spectacular Wild Basin section of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1332/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine.Ferns.9.5.24.1.jpg Fern Garden Tucked along the base of the Bierstadt Moraine, where aspen groves meet lodgepole pines are tiny oasis of ferns that cover that hillside. In the fall if your lucky, you can catch these ferns as they turn from green to yellow and then a copper brown. The east side of Rocky Mountain National Park is dry, so these ferns are found in shady nooks where moisture is protected from the sun and wind. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1331/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-Sunrise.9.24.24.2.jpg Bear-ly Orange A cool autumn morning at Bear Lake welcomes a warm sunrise to the face of Hallett Peak and Otis Peak above the changing aspen trees.Aspen trees in Rocky Mountain National Park typically turn yellow during the fall season. Some however turn a brilliant orange and fewer a spectacular red. This image from above Bear Lake we have shades of yellow, orange red making for a classic Colorado landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1330/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NeverSummers.RockCut.TRR.9.11.23.1.jpg First! Winter makes its first appearnace over Rocky Mountain National Park on September 11th. Mount Cumulus and Mount Nimbus catch some dappled light at sunrise as the snow coats the sides of Forest Canyon. Snowline this morning was just about 10,000 ft. Photographing from the Rock Cut allowed me to catch this brief shoto of sunrise on this beautiful morning in RMNP Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1329/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nanita-Sunset.8.11.23.6.jpg All Calm At Nanita After what was a windy two days at both Lake Nanita and Lake Nokoni, the winds finally settled down one evening before the sun set over the desolate but beautiful Lake Nanita far up the North Inlet on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Andrews Peak basks in the late day sun as the surface of Lake Nanita and its small lone island flatten out. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1328/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountRichthofen.Static.Nikhu.8.3.23.1.jpg Never Summer On Mount Richthofen Sunrise on beautiful Mount Richthofen. Mount Richthofen is located on the north end of the Never Summer Mountain Range of Rocky Mountain National Park. Most visitors to Rocky only get a small glimpse of this mountain from Trail Ridge Road near the Alpine Visitor Center. Do some hiking and exploring and you will find this beautiful peak still has snow even into early August. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1327/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarigoldPond-Sunrise.7.26.23.2.jpg Rippled Sunrise Ripples streak across the top of a small tarn near Marigold Ponds. The sun bursts through the pines and colors the morning sky a beautiful array of colors. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1326/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark.7.25.23.4.jpg Morning In Moraine Park Sunrise over the Big Thompson River from Moraine Park Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1325/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GrandLake-Sunrise-Jerhico.7.28.20.1.jpg Grand Summer Sunrise A beautiful sunrise unfolds over the calm channel waters between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Resevoir. With the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park and 'Baldy' or Mount Craig looming over the waters and town of Grand Lake, there are few better places in all of Colorado to stand with a fresh cup of coffee in the cool summer air of the high country. Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1324/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gateway-Grocery.1.7.21.1.jpg Pioneer Wheels A clapboard wagon wheel hangs on the side of the Gateway Grocery store just outside the Fall River Entry to Rocky Mountain National Park. While I dont know the history behind this particular wagon wheel, it was likely used to carry pioneers and early travelers to the Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1323/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Rowe-Middle-Little-NoName.7.22.20.1.jpg No Names Morning with the 'No Names' and Rowe Mountain from these unnamed tarns below Lake Husted. Conditions were nearly perfect this morning and I had an extra spring in my step as I hiked back out of the basin after a few days of backpacking at Lost Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1322/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Louise-Sunrise.7.22.20.1.jpg Lake Louise In Pink Lake Louise glows in the early morning light of summer. Located in a remote section of the Mummy Range, Rocky Mountain National Park also has it's own Lake Louise. Not nearly as visited or as popular as the famous Lake Louise in Banff, Canada, RMNP's Lake Louise has a spectacular beauty all its own. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1321/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Husted-Sunrise.7.21.20.6.jpg Sunrise At Lake Husted Sunrise over Rowe Mountain on a calm morning at Lake Husted Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1320/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmagain-Ute-Trail.7.4.20.1.jpg https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1319/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Forest-Canyon-Pass-Sunrise.7.4.20.5.jpg Fourth Of July Tarn Natural fireworks to start the day on the Fourth of July in Rocky Mountain National Park. On the alpine tundra near timberline, a small tarn reflects a spectacular sunrise on a perfect morning of the fourth. Terra Tomah and Mount Julian catch the early morning light with the tundra as green as can be and in mid summer form. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1318/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marmots-Babies-UBM.6.11.20.1.jpg https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1317/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Moraine-Sunrise.6.10.20.1.jpg https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1316/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/YpsilonMountain-Sunrise-Deer.2.19.20.1.jpg Ypsilons Reveal Snow is on it's way to Rocky Mountain National Park. On a chilly February morning, upslope winds are pushing fog and snow up the valley and into Rocky Mountain National Park. For a few brief moments at sunrise, Ypsilon Mountain, RMNP 5th highest peak revealed itself bathed in the early morning light of sunrise. Within minutes, fog covered the Mummy Range and snow started falling in the park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1315/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Sunrise-Cabin-Moon.2.11.20.1.jpg Snow Moon Setting Over Moraine A few inches of fresh snow has fallen over Moraine Park on a cold February morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. My truck thermometer read -13 degrees fahrenheit as I stepped out to photograph this beautiful cabin draped in snow. I had no idea that the waining Snow Moon would set directly behind Stones Peak when I first decided to photograph this bucolic scene. After setting up my tripod, I noticed the full moon in the corner of my frame. The Snow Moon set in the perfect position after fresh snow in the park. I could try to recreate this image a million times but would likely never be able to photograph the 'Snow Moon' setting in just the right location, on a morning after fresh snow had fallen in RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1314/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Estes-Park-Longs-Peak.2.11.20.3.jpg Estes Park Winter Wonderland Its an idyllic scene over downtown Estes Park shortly before dawn on a chilly February morning. Snow has fallen over Estes Park and the town is lit up for the winter season. Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park towers of downtown Estes Park as the first hints of sunrise begin to color The Diamond and Longs Peak's east face.  Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1313/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longs-Peak-Entry-Sign.1.29.20.3.jpg Get Climbing! The entry sign to the Longs Peak trailhead off of Highway 7 in the Tahosa Valley is nondescript compared to the other entry signs in the park. While looking for a parking spot at 2 AM you might drive right past it without even noticing. Chances are if you are driving past this sign you have a long day of hiking or climbing some of the highest and most spectacular terrain in all of Rocky Mountian National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1312/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cabin-720-MorainePark-Hallett.1.21.120.1.jpg Looking At Moraine A window on a cabin overlooking Moraine Park reflects clouds and snow swirling over the Continental Divide. This craftmanship of this old cabin is reflected not only in the view the window presents but also the wood and chinking keeping the window in place all these years.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1311/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/IndianVillage-Neon.1.25.18.1.jpg Elkhorn Neon Millers Indian Village Store, an icon of Elkhorn Ave and Estes Park displays its signage on a cold and quiet January night in downtown Estes Park. Millers Indian Village which has been a stalwart of Estes Park since the late 1930's is one of the few remaining stores on Elkhorn with a working neon sign. At one time, Elkhorn Ave had numerous neon signs attracting tourists and visitors to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.  Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1310/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaberMotel-EstesPark-Colorado.2.1.18.1.jpg Haber Motel Another example of one of the few remaining neon signs still to be found in downtown Estes Park. The red and green neon sign of the Haber Motel on Elkhorn Ave, welcomes visitors to Estes Park as they arrive in town on US 36 or US 34.  Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1309/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver-Hydroelectric-PowerPlant-EstesPark.2.22.18.5.jpg Sign Of The Times This hand painted sign is found above the doors to the former Estes Park Power Plant or hydroelectric plant on Fall River. Built by FO Stanley to help bring electricity to the Stanley Hotel, this power plant fed both the Stanley Hotel and downtown Estes Park electricity. It's no longer in service and now a museum in town.  Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1308/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CarmelCrisp-Neon-ElkhornAve-EstesPark.1.25.18.3.jpg Caramel Crisp Neon One of the best places for any, popcorn and taffy in Estes Park is Caramel Crisp Shop on Elkhorn Ave. Its also the location of another beautiful example of neon from a bye-gone era in Estes Park. The red, white and yellow sign shines brighly in the middle of the night long after most visitors to Estes Park and back sleeping in their hotels and cabins.  Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1307/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGraw-Ranch-Barn-WDoor.1.13.20.1.jpg McGraw's Barn Doors The west barn door at McGraw Ranch is a study in weathered wood and craftsmanship. This small barn door while crude also shows ingenuity and practicality. The concrete pour is not perfect, nor is the size of the door but the imperfections are what make this structure in Rocky Mountain National Park so intriguing.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1306/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Grand-Lake-Yacht-Club.1.3.20.1.jpg Worlds Highest Yacht Club Not only is Grand Lake home to Colorado's deepest natural lake in the state, but its also home to the highest yacht club in the country. The club founded in 1902 is home to one of Grand Lake's most beatiful structres as well, as its rustic wooden clubhouse is a striking sight from both the lake and shoreline.  Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1305/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/IndianVillage-Neaon-EstesPark-Colorado.1.25.18.1.jpg Winter Night On Elkhorn Ave Its a cold January night in downtown Estes Park. Light snow covers the sidewalk and the green tinged neon sign standing above Millers Indian Village shines brightly. Millers Indian Village is an iconic store located on Elkhorn Ave and has been a favorite shopping destination for visitors to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. It's neon signs which light both Elkhorn Ave. and Moraine Ave are works of art in their own right.  Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1304/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longs-Peak-Entry-Sign.1.29.20.2.jpg Entry To Longs Peak Trailhead The entrance to Longs Peak and The Longs Peak Trailhead and campground is a little more subtle than the other three major entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park. Thousands of hikers and climbers will pass this sign each year more occupied with finding a parking spot or thinking about the difficult trek up the highest peak in RMNP at 14,259.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1303/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GrandLake-Antelope-Skull.1.3.20.2.jpg A Grand Lake Christmas In an interesting contrast, a Christmas wreath hangs on the side of the Smith Eslick Cottage Court property in downtown Grand Lake. Hanging above the wreath is a Pronghorn Skull. Its hard to think of a more western vignette than this contrast on this historical building that is believed to be the oldest motel in Grand Lake. Now a historical site, its one of the many interesting buildings located inside of Grand Lake.   Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1302/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheStanleyHotel.5.26.15.1.jpg Mysterious Stanley Fog is creeping through downtown Estes Park on a spring morning. I was up on Lumpy Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park when the fog started clearing Estes Park. Soon the beautiful and mysterious Stanely Hotel was revealed as the fog rolled back from the mountainsides. The Stanley is a both a beautiful hotel and one deeply mired in Estes Park lore. Many believe it to be one of the most haunted locations in Colorado. Stephen King used the Stanley Hotel as the basis for his blockbuster book 'The Shining'. In reality, the Stanley Hotel is one of Estes Parks most beautiful buildings and hotels in town.  Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1301/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GrandEscapeCottages-GrandLake.3.28.18.1.jpg Cabins The only remaining neon sign beckons travelers at the far west end of Grand Avenue in downtown Grand Lake. This neon sign from and era now gone stands above the Great Escape Cottages.  Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1300/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver-Hydroelectric-PowerPlant-EstesPark.2.22.18.3.jpg Keeping The Light On FO Stanley moved to Estes Park with his brother from Massachusetts to battle tuberculosis and enjoy the mountain air. As an early inventor of Dry Plates for photography, Stanley continued to invent and build when he arrived in Estes Park. He is most well known for his invention of the Stanley Steamer as well as the builder of the Stanley Hotel, but his philanthropy towards his adopted town of Estes went beyond that of a properiter. He also was behind the consturction of the Fall River Hydroplant. The Hydroplant not only provided power to his Stanley Hotel but also downtown Estes Park. Because of this, Estes Park was the first town west of the Mississipi to have lighted electrical street lamps downtown. In this image we see the doors and light to the Fall River Hydroplant looking as sharp as ever. Today this building is no longer in use and serves as a museum.  Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1299/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GrandLake-Sunrise.8.30.18.1.jpg Grand Sunrise Sunrise over Grand Lake on a mild August morning in the summer. There are few places more beautiful than Grand Lake, Colorado in the summer. With Mount Craig or 'Baldy' as it's known by the locals towering over the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado's deepest natural lake is nearly still as the sun rises. At nearly 400 ft deep, Grand Lake is a favorite of boaters and fisherman.  Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1298/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGraw-Ranch-Office-Door.1.13.20.3.jpg Head To The Office The hand stenciled work on the office door of the former McGraw Ranch Office Door as a nice touch to the rustic feel of this once bustling dude and guest ranch located just outside of Estes Park,Colorado. Now located inside the boundries of Rocky Mountain National Park, McGraw Ranch serves as a housing an research facility for the National Park Service. It's also has two trailheads that take hikers to either Bridal Veil Falls or West Creek Falls in RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1297/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Estes-Sunrise.1.22.20.1.jpg Sunrise Over Lake Estes A brilliant sunrise unfolds over Lake Estes just east of Rocky Mountain National Park. While Estes Park is well known as being the town that borders the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, the scenery in and around Estes Park can be just as beautiful as that found inside RMNP.  Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1296/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigHorn-RangerStation-RMNP.1.21.20.1.jpg The Bighorn Doors Two doors lead the way into the Bighorn Ranger Station located near the Fall River Entrance Station of Rocky Mountain National Park. The entire area near the Fall River entry to Rocky Mountain National Park is part of the Fall River Entrance Historic District. The architecture in this are dates back to the 1920's and 30's and is considered to be part of the National Park Service Rustic Style of building so prevalent during this time period.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1295/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fall-River-Visitor-Center.1.27.20.2.jpg Gables and Glass The beautiful wood gables and glass greet visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park at the the Fall River Visitor Center. As one of the two visitor centers on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Fall River Visitor Center stands in stark contrast to the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1294/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RangerCabin-BighornStation.1.21.20.1.jpg Royal Decor A ranger cabin near the east entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park displays some Colorado mountain decor. Antlers from an elk with six points, otherwise known as a 'Royal' hangs over the front of this beautiful rustic mountain cabin.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1293/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cabin-720-MorainePark-Hallett.1.21.3.20.1.jpg Yesterday There was a time when Moraine Park was a bustling resort area during the summer months. Steads Ranch hosted guests from around the world, complete with a golf course and pool. Cabins lined the rim of Moraine Park and visitors to Rocky Mountain National PArk and Estes Park enjoyed the area while staying only yards from some of the most beautiful areas in RMNP. This old cabin, high on a hill overlooking Moraine Park no longer hosts visitors, but the wood, logs and chinking used to build it show the character and charm of a different era in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1292/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/the-landscape-photography-show.jpg Landscape Photography Show Icon Thomas Mangan Podcast Interview of the Landscape Photography Podcast with David Johnston Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1291/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGraw-Ranch-Barn-SDoor.1.13.20.1.jpg Where All The Dudes Go The south door on the McGraw Ranch barn is simple, but elegant. The weather wood, boarded up windows and one metal green light hanging above the door are a testement to a time when McGraw was a working Dude and Guest Ranch. Thousands of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park stayed at McGraw Ranch or Indian Head as it was also known and have fond memories of riding horses, hiking or sitting in front of their guest cabins. Now used by the National Park Service as a research facility, McGraw Ranch is still a fascinating location in RMNP to photograph some of the relics of an earlier time.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1290/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGraw-Ranch-Outhouse.1.13.20.1.jpg Rocky's Best Looking Outhouse Yes the caption is correct. This is indeed a photograph of the prettiest looking outhouse in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Located on the former McGraw Ranch/IndianHead property along Lumpy Ridge, hikers pass this ornate outhouse on their way to locations like Bridal Veil Falls or West Creek Falls. With a painted green roof and matching door, this outhouse adorned with branches and wood is unnique enough that it is listed on the National Register Of Historic Places.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1289/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HolzwarthCabin.1.3.20.1.jpg The Pane Of Never Summer A pane of window glass looks out onto to the winter landscape of the Kawuneeche Valley just below the Never Summer Mountains on the west side of RMNP. This cabin, now part of the Holzwarth Historical Site, once belogned to an early 20th century settler to the Kawuneeche Valley, Joseph Fleshut. Joseph Fleshut abrubtly left the valley in 1917 and may have been the experience of being snowbound in this small cabin on cold January days that played some part in his departure. John Holzwarth Sr. and his family thrived on the opposite side of the bank of the Colorado River and ran a successful lodge and guest ranch in Rocky Mountain National Park for many years.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1288/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HolzworthRanch-MammaCabin.6.9.18.1.jpg Mamma's Cabin Holzwarth Ranch located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park was once a homestead run by John Holzwarth Sr. Hozwarth soon turned his homestead and ranch into a tourist destination within Rocky Mountain National Park and it became a guest ranch a few years after its formation. The 'Mamma' cabin was one of the places tourists and guests visiting the area could stay. The patina on the sign mounted on the side of the cabin blends perfectly with the logs used to build it.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1287/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OldFallRiverRoad.10.16.19.1.jpg Autumn Along Old Fall River Road It's a late autumn day on the west end of Horseshoe Park and Old Fall River Road. Old Fall River Road is a favorite drive for thousands of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. While its usually closed for the season by October, the lower portion of Old Fall River Road is a great location to check out the fall color and look for elk during the rut.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1286/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LittleBuckaroo-BettyDick-Barn.8.14.19.4.jpg Here Comes The Sun Even on an August morning the Kawuneeche Valley can be a cool place. The Colorado Sun is always warm and welcoming and it felt great as it the sun rose over the mountains and illuminated the bucolic setting around Little Buckaroo Barn.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1285/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cabin-MorainePark-10.11.19.1.jpg Cabin With A View Moraine Park is one of Rocky Mountain National Parks most pretiest locations. Whether its watching the elk rut in the fall, hiking along the Big Thompson River, or hiking up to Bear Lake there are plenty of beautiful locations in Moraine Park. Visitors are also surprised to find some beautiful rustic cabins that are located in Moraine Park that date back beyond the formation of RMNP. At one time, Moraine Park included not only cabins, but Steads Resort and golf course, a pool and many other activities. With the exception of the few remaining cabins, the National Park Service has nearly restored Moraine Park to its original and natural condition.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1284/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HolzwarthCabin.1.3.20.4.jpg Life On The West Side Rocky Mountain National Park's west side see's voluminous amounts of snow during the winter months. The Kawuneeche Valley is a beautiful and serene spot but the difficulities of life here in the winter is evident at theHolzwarth Historic Site. Joseph Fleshut's cabin still sits on its original site that was abandoned by the homesteader in 1917.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1283/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Little-Buckaroo-Barn-Sunrise.1.4.20.5.jpg Winter At Little Buckaroo Barn It's early in January and snow has been falling on Grand Lake and the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park for the past two days. A break in the snow was expected this morning so I headed out into the 9 degree January morning and snowshoed into Little Buckaroo Barn hoping for fresh snow, and some color in the sky at sunrise. While I've photographed Little Buckaroo Barn many times during the summer and fall, I've had more difficulties capturing an image at Little Buckaroo in the winter. This morning everything came together just perfect at Little Buckaroo as fresh snow covered the barn and a pink glow illuminated over the Never Summer Mountains and west side of RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1282/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Stables-Horseshoes.12.24.19.2.jpg Lucky A pile of used horseshoes sits in the stables at Moraine Park. If youve ridden horses in Rocky there is a good chance you headed out from the Moraine Park stables. It always good to rememeber, not only are horseshoes considered good luck but they are symbolic of the western United States.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1281/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Stables-Lasso.12.24.19.2.jpg Cowboys Lariat A lasso or lariat hangs on the wall at the Moraine Park Stables in Rocky Mountain National Park. A symbol of the west, the lasso is used to rope horses at the stable. Thousands of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will ride horses on hundreds of miles of trails much like cowboys and cowgirls.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1280/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TimberLakeTrail.7.24.19.2.jpg The Sun On Timber On the trail to Timber Lake the morning sun rises above the hillsides and breaks through the thick timber found on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The shafts of light from the warm morning sun warmed myself as well as the forest right up.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1279/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NPSSign-BeaverMeadows-VistorCenter.3.9.18.2.jpg NPS Arrowhead, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center The iconic symbol of the National Park Service hangs just outside the front entry doors to the Beaver Meadows Entry Station. The signage which was commisioned in 1951 by the Department of the Interior is meant to symbolize the misson of the National Park Service. According to the National Park Service, 'The Sequoia tree and bison represent vegetation and wildlife, the mountains and water represent scenic and recreational values, and the arrowhead represents historical and archeological values'. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1278/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holzwarth-Ranch-Equipment.6.14.18.2.jpg Rust In Peace A plow sits and rusts on the former location of Holzwarth Ranch on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Once a working ranch and farm for the Holzwarth Family, Holzwarth Historical Site in the Kawuneeche Valley lets visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park explore and learn what it was like for homesteaders to ranch and farm in the valley before it became part of the national park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1277/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OnahuBridge.7.28.17.1.jpg Crossing Onahu Hiking in the wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park is always a treat. Sometimes however, you to stop for a moment to enjoy the craftmanship that goes into the constrcition of some of the trails by the NPS trail crews. The bridge over Onahu Creek on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is nearly as beautiful as the landscape surrounding it.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1276/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Thunderlakecabin8.10.13.1.jpg Dont Mess With Thunder Everytime I hike up to Thunder Lake in Wild Basin, I get a kick out of the sign posted on the backcountry ranger cabin at the lake. Legendary Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger Jack Moomaw helped build this little backcountry patrol cabin and the sign posted on the front door seems to reflect Ranger Moomaw's persona. Even though one is 7 miles from the nearest road at Thunder Lake, this sign makes visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park know, Uncle Sam means business.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1275/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SaintMaloChapelontheRock.12.24.15.5.jpg The Warmth Of Saint Catherines It's Christmas Eve morning at Saint Catherines Chapel on the Rock just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow fell overnight and continues to fall on the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Mount Meeker directly behind Saint Catherines is still covered in a snow squall. First light on Christmas Eve morning illuminates Saint Catherines Chapel on The Rock on the Saint Malo campus, warming an otherwise cold landscape.  Allenspark, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1274/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-RMNP-CabinWindow.2.15.18.3.jpg Windows On Rocky A private cabin in Moraine Park displays a beautiful set of windows that have one of the best views in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. There are still a few dozen private cabins inside of Rocky Mountain National Park and we can all daydream about what an amazing experience it would be to wake up inside of the beauty of Moraine Park each morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1273/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LittleBuckaroo-Sunrise-Elk.7-25-18-4.jpg Watching Over Buckaroo Sunrise at the Little Buckaroo Barn in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park was perfect. Beautiful clouds drifted over the Never Summer Mountains and turned pink and red as the sun started to warm the valley. A cow elk with her calf stops to look at the photographer for a brief moment before moving on along the Colorado River.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1272/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BeaverMeadows-VistorCenter-PonderosaPine.4.7.18.2.jpg The Wright Spirit The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park is both a unique and beautiful piece of architecture. The structure which was constructed in 1967 was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Taliesin Architects, Wrights firm, under the direction of Thomas Casey constructed this beautiful visitor center.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1271/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RMNP-FallRiverEnterance.5.3.18.1.jpg Fall River Hello A wet spring snow is falling at the Fall River entry to Rocky Mountain National Park. The Fall River entry, part of the NPS Mission 66 initiative started in 1966 to improve visitation over the following decade is one of the first locations many visitors to RMNP see when enterting the park from Estes.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1270/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WagonWheels-Holzworth.6.14.18.1.jpg Life On The Homestead Holzwarth Historic Site on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is a good example of life in the Kawuneeche Valley before the ranch became part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Started by John Holzwarth, an immigrant from Germany, Holzwarth Historic Site gives visitors to RMNP a first hand look at what life was like at a working ranch and lodge. These wagonwheels greet visitors as they slowly errode and rust in the tough conditions the Kawuneeche Valley is known for.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1269/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RMNP-RotaryPlow-TRR.5.10.18.1.jpg The Teeth That Keep Trail Ridge Open Every spring the National Park Service in Rocky Mountain National Park is tasked with getting Trail Ridge Road open for the season. Trail Ridge Road which is the highest continuous paved road in the United States is covered in snow even into late May. Snowdrifts of up to 20 ft are not uncommon and the NPS uses large rotarty snowplows to get Trail Ridge Road open in time for the summer rush. Here one of the rotary blades shows its wear and tear awaiting its next assignment to clear snow from Trail Ridge Road.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1268/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LittleBuckarooBarn-7.11.18.BlendNotDone.jpg Goodnight Little Buckaroo Sunset is coming to the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. Little Buckaroo Barn says goodnight to another lovely summer day in Rocky. Little Buckaroo Barn, built in 1942 was once part of Trail River Ranch and is now maintained by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1267/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mallard-Duckling-DreamLake.7.26.19.1.jpg A Ducklings Dream A Mallard Duckling enjoys breakfast along the shore of Dream Lake on a July morning. Photographers were lined up along the shoreline at Dream Lake photographing sunrise. These ducklings were a great distraction in between photographing the beautiful landscape of RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1266/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Saint-Catherines-Chapel-on-the-Rock.6.jpg Saint Catherines Chapel On The Rock Located just outside the eastern border of Rocky Mountain National Park, Saint Catherines Chapel On The Rock is a must see for many visitors to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Located along Highway 7, near Allenspark, Saint Catherines is on the site of Camp Saint Malo. Mount Meeker rises directly behind Saint Catherines and first light at sunrise is simply stunning.  Allenspark, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1265/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coyote-Upper-Beaver-Meadows.11.18.16.4.jpg Being Coy Coyotes are amazing animals. They are highly intelligent and always seem to act with purpose though it may not appear so. This Coyote in Upper Beaver Meadows is busy hunting for voles under the freshly fallen snow. Slinking around the hillside, the Coyote shot me this incocent look just before nabbing breakfast under the snow.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1264/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Merriam-Turkey-Bear-Lake-Rd.4.14.16.6.jpg Two Toms Two Merriam Turkeys face off near Bear Lake Road on a spring morning. These Merriam Turkeys have quite a bit of coloration and detail when they are in full display as these two were.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1263/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyon-BigHorn-Sheep10.24.14.6.jpg Rammed! Big Horn Sheep graze on the alpine tundra grasses high above Forest Canyon near Trail Ridge Road. These Big Horns moved in unison as they grazed on the tundra and this particular sheep had to push his way through the line so he could enjoy the late season autumn grasses as well.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1262/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mule-Deer-Buck-Tuxedo-Park.10.29.15.5.jpg Muley Amongst The Ponderosas A Mule Deer Buck in the middle of the rut, wanders through the Ponderosa trees of Tuexedo Park looking to challenge another Mule Deer encroaching on his terriorty.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1261/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CoyoteValley-Fog.7.1.19.1.jpg Valley Warmth The sun is rising over the ridgeline as the fog parts the valley floor of the Kawuneeche. The Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park can be cool even in July, but once the sun rises over the ridge the warmth is unmistakable.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1260/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-Fight-HiddenValley.7.3.19.1.jpg Down Goes Frazier It's a beautiful summer day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Two bull elk were grazing on the green grasses growing in Hidden Valley. Even though there was plenty enough room to graze, these two bulls got a little to close for comfort and had a dispute over who had rights to a patch of tasty grass. In moments, these two elk were up on their hind legs kicking and punching each other. It ended quickly and the two gave each other plenty of space to graze. The quick fight reminded me of a classic heavyweight boxing match.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1259/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HollowellPark.4.2.19.6.jpg Aspen And Willows Snow falls on aspen and willows in Hollowell Park on a spring day in April. While aspen trees are glamorized from their beautiful fall colors, willows in the spring take on a beautiful red color that can make for a striking contrast and color.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1258/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tree.Willows.MorainePk.2.16.19.1.jpg Snow On Willows Snow falls on the trees and willows of Moraine Park. Moraine Park was once aptly named Willow Park and Willows still cover portions of Moraine Park. The red color of the Willows make for a beautiful contrast on a winter day in February in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1257/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pines-Fog-ManyParks.4.30.19.1.jpg Cloaked Waves of clouds from an late April snowstorm receed revealing the snow covered pines along Beaver Mountain just above Upper Beaver Meadows. Fog and snow make for a great combination to photograph Rocky Mountain National Park and I was happy to be setup at Many Parks Curve when the fog pulled back revealing this ethereal landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1256/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-Sunrise.7.17.18.1.jpg Dreaming In Pastels Pastels illuminate the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park just before sunrise. Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain reflect in the placid waters of Dream Lake on a summer morning in RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1255/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coyote-MorainePark.4.5.18.4.jpg Got It! A Coyote is busy hunting in the grasses of Moraine Park near the banks of the Big Thompson River. Voles are a favorite of Coyotes when hunting in the meadows of Rocky Mountain National Park. It didnt take long for this Coyote to pounce on a vole this morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1254/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-PoudreLake.8.23.18.1.jpg Rainy Day Bull Its a moody, misty, rainy fall morning in Rocky Mountain National Park near Milner Pass on the Continental Divide. It's still early in the fall but the grasses around the Poudre River are showing their fall colors as this large Bull Elk grazes and bugles.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1253/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Cottonwood-Sunrise.9.7.18.1.jpg Flight Of The Harrier Low lying ground fog enveloped Moraine Park. Fog rolled over the Big Thompson River as the sun rose over Eagle Cliff Mountain. The contrasts of warm and cool were beautiful this morning as the shaded fog had blues hues while the sunlit fog was more red. In the bottom right corner of the photo a Northern Harrier can be seen flying over the golden meadows of Moraine Park in search of a meal.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1252/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigThompson-MorainePark-Sunrise.11.22.18.1.jpg Thanksgiving Whats become a tradition of mine is to head out into Rocky Mountain National Park early on Thanksgiving Morning. Before all the festivities start it's amazing to get out into the quiet of nature and enjoy the peace. This Thanksgiving morning along the Big Thompson River in Moraine Park was amazing. The sunrise over the eastern plains of Colorado was unlike any I had seen before. With a partially frozen Big Thompson River in the foreground and Eagle Cliff Mountain in the distance, this was one of the most amazing sunrises I had ever photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park. Of course it should go without saying, but I am extremely thankful for moments like these.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1251/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-Sunrise.10.31.18.1.jpg White Bear Were a day away from the calendar turning over to November. After a very mild fall in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake had yet to freeze over. Snow fell hard into Halloween this year but Bear Lake remained open. When I arrived at a snow Bear Lake parking lot, I had no idea if the water would remain and we would have a chance for Hallett Peak reflecting in the placid waters of Bear Lake. Luckily for me, the landscape was covered in fresh powder and the lake was open. Even better was the warm sun that morning as the clouds lifted off of Hallett Peak revealing this stunning landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1250/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AspenLeaves-BeaverCreek.10.26.18.1.jpg Rust Fallen aspen leaves float on the surface of Beaver Creek in the Upper Beaver Creek section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Fall is waining in RMNP, and these rust colored aspen leaves have fallen from the aspen tree above the creek and turned a rust colored brown and red.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1249/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-LakeIrene.8.21.18.2.jpg Locked Up A pair of Bull Elk spar in a the forest on a foggy cool day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The elk rut was just starting in RMNP and the cool, foggy weather had these two bull's doing what they do every fall in RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1248/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coyoye-ElkKill-MorainePark.4.12.18.2.jpg Mine A Coyote stares down other memebers of it's pack as it works over an elk kill in Moraine Park. This pack of Coyotes worked on this elk kill while Magpies took the scraps.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1247/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marmot.UteTRR.6.1.10.1.jpg Back To Business Yellow-bellied Marmots are true hibernators. Late in the fall Marmots will pack on the pounds and head to their dens to hibernate until late spring. By the time they wake from their slumber, they typically have to dig out of the remaining snows from winter. Before Trail Ridge Road opens for the season, I like to hike up the road to have the area above timberline all to myself. This Marmot was curious at the sight of this human above timberline. In a few weeks, thousands of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will drive by this Marmots den everyday and he will no longer enjoy the solitude and quiet found once it awoke from hibernation.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1246/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pika-TRR-Rainbow.6.2.19.3.ISO64.jpg Rock Climber A Pika observes his surrounding high above treeline near Trail Ridge Road on a spring morning. Pika's can be found scurrying around the rocks and hillsides near timberline in Rocky Mountain National Park. Their distinct call can be heard anytime you intrude on their terriorty as they alert other Pika's to you presence.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1245/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Male-Crossbill-MorainePark.12.16.19.2.jpg Mirrored Reds Red Crossbills have an adapted bill that allows them to easily feed on seeds found in pinecones. While these Red Crossbills on first appearance appear to have a genectic defect, these bills make them efficent seed eaters. A pair of male Red Crossbills is seen searching the snow on the ground in Moraine Park on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park for seeds and food.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1244/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RedBreasted-Nuthatch-MorainePk.9.12.19.1.jpg Hanging In There I love photographing Nuthatches. They are fun birds to watch as they typically gleen insects from the bark of trees. While photographing Pine Siskins on these Thistles in Moraine Park one morning, I was surprised by this Red-breasted Nuthatch when it landed on this stalk momentarily. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to both Pygmy Nuthatches as well as White-breasted Nuthatches and all of them can be a challenge to photograph due to their size and movement.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1243/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountainBluebird-UBM.5.14.19.2.jpg Beaver Meadow Bluebird Each spring Mountain Bluebirds return to Rocky Mountain National Park. It's always a welcom sight when the Bluebirds return to RMNP as it means spring is here and summer is not far away. Mountain Bluebirds are also one of the most colorful birds in the park and their distinct blue coloring can be seen easily as they lit from perch to perch. This Mountain Bluebird was perched on a low lying tree above the sagebrush in Upper Beaver Meadows on a cool May morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1242/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullMoose-BigMeadows.7.23.19.3-1.jpg Strider A very large Bull Moose strolls through a meadow on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a cool start to this July morning and dew clings to this bull's Dewlap below his mouth.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1241/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BeaverCreek-TimberCreek.7.24.19.1.jpg Take A Peek The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park receives a lot more moisture than the east side of RMNP does. This is evident once one heads out to explore the west side of the park. Lush meadows, green forests, creeks and waterfalls abound. On the west side of Rocky one can often feel as if they are hiking somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Here the sun is trying to penetrate the thick tree cover and illuminate the forest near this unnammed waterfall.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1240/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AboveForestCanyon-Sunrise.9.3.19.1.jpg Reflective Nature Clouds reflect in a tarn as another beautiful day begins in Rocky Mountain National Park. The smaller unamed mountain tarns or small ponds are some of my favorite features in RMNP to photograph. They have a subtle beuaty that conveys the placid nature and beautiful nature of locations such as this on a calm and peaceful morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1239/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver-Horseshoe-TRR.6.18.19.1.jpg Oxbows From high above Horseshoe Park one can observe the winding nature of Fall River. Its winds its way through Horseshoe Park on a foggy spring morning. A favorite location for fly fisherman in Rocky Mountain National Park and also for elk and other wildlife as well.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1238/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ypsilon-ManyParks.5.10.19.1.jpg Waiting On Ypsilon A spring snow has covered Rocky Mountain National Park in fresh snow. Ypsilon Mountain is mostly covered in clouds as the sun illuminates the hillsides of the Mummy Range.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1237/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierGorge-LongsPeak-Thatchtop.4.16.19.3.jpg Hello Longs! When I arrived at the Bear Lake trailhead long before sunrise, the place was completely socked in with fog. I threw my microspikes on and headed up the trail to to gain some elevation in hopes that I could get above the clouds at sunrise. While standing on a hillside overlooking Glacier Gorge, the sun finally rose high enough above the inversion layer of clouds to reveal Longs Peak above Glacier Gorge bathing in warm sunlight.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1236/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LittleHorseshoePark-Sunrise.5.1.19.1.jpg A Little Horseshoe And Luck It was a cold snowy morning this day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The snow was still falling just before sunrise as I stood above Little Horseshoe Park hoping for some hints that there would be color in the sky. At sunrise, behind McGregor Mountain, rays of sun started to light the sky and snow showers still falling. With McGregor Mountain on the left hand side of the frame, and Deer Mountain on the right, the rays of sunlight illuminated the skies and brightened up the snow covered pine trees.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1235/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Watkinsglenn101513.6.jpg Autumn At Rainbow Falls Iconic Rainbow Falls deep inside the Watkins Glen State Park is one of New York's most spectacular locations. Like a scene taken from a movie set, Rainbow Falls is idylic in both the summer but even more during autumn when leaves from above coat the edges of the waterfall.  Watkins Glen, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1234/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RainbowCurve.6.22.19.1.jpg Welcome To Rocky The date was June 21st and it was snowing in Rocky Mountain National Park. The first day of summer certainly was going as expected. I had a client coming in the next morning to take a photography workshop with me. We werent sure how the following morning was going to look with the snow falling. I told him I thought there was a chance we could have some interesting light and the morning and my client decided heading out with me into RMNP would be better than hanging back at the hotel room. We drove up a snowy Trail Ridge Road all the way to Rainbow Curve where the park service had closed the road due to poor conditions. As we sat there at dawn watching the snow continue to fall it appeared we would miss out on dramatic light. Shortly after sunrise the storm started to break and shafts of light fell on the green grasses of Horseshoe Park and and Sheep Lakes far below. Snow covered McGregor Mountain and Bighorn Mountain but this was one of the most spectacular scenes I've witnessed in all my years of photographing Rocky Mountain National Park. I turned to my client as we photographed this scene and said 'Welcome to Rocky'.  Rocky Mountain Natinoal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1233/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-Sunrise.Flagstaff.2.26.19.2.jpg Sunrise Spillover An inversion layer covers Boulder and spills over Chautauqua Park and Gregory Canyon below. Some of the best views of Boulder, Colorado are from anywhere along Flagstaff Mountain.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1232/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-Flagstaff-Sunrise.3.3.19.1.jpg The Dogs Of Boulder Sunrise is spectacular over Boulder, Colorado and the Flatirons as seen from the side of Flagstaff Mountain on a March morning. With some snow still falling, a sundog has formed in the middle of the image. Sometimes conditions are amazing, and sometimes they are otherworldy as was the case this morning in Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1231/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauqua-Flatirons.3.3.19.3.jpg Wintering Chautauqua The Flatirons reveal themselves after a March storm has covered them along with Chautauqua Park and Meadow in fresh snow. The iconic Flatirons of Boulder,Colorado look amazing anytime of year but look their best in my opinion when covered in a fresh coating of Colorado powder.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1230/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WalkerRanch-Sunrise.2.6.19.1.jpg South Boulder Peak Rising With fog covering the lower elevations at sunrise, South Boulder Peak rises above the landscape at sunrise as seen from Walker Ranch. With Eldorado Canyon covered in fog on the right hand side of the image, the highest peaks of the Flatirons stand out on the west side. Its always a magical experience when one can photograph sunrise from above the clouds.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1229/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChautaquMeadow-Sunrise.1.20.19.2.jpg Chautauqua Swirl A lenticular cloud sets up over Chautauqua Park in Boulder just as the sun begins to rise of the high plains of Colorado. The beautiful colors in the sky are framed against this lone pine tree in Chautauqua Meadow.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1228/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mule-Deer-Buck-Deer-Mtn.12.16.19.3.jpg Winter Buck On a cold December morning along Deer Mountain, a beautiful Mule Deer Buck pauses for a moment before going back to grazing along the hillsides.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1227/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaff-Sunrise.Halfway.2.26.19.1.jpg Slow Roll Morning just above the clouds as well as Boulder. A thick layer of fog covers Boulder, Colorado at sunrise but up on Flagstaff Mountain above the city, the sun is rising over the plains. Pastel colors fill the skies as the ponderosa trees are covered in frost and snow.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1226/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-TwinSistersTH.2.23.19.1.jpg Head On It snowed on Longs Peak the previous night. As is often the case in Rocky Mountain National Park, snows are followed by heavy winds. As can be seen here, winds whip across the Mills Moraine and Diamond formation on Longs Peak creating trecherous conditions on RMNP's highest peak in the park at 14,259 ft above sea level.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1225/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-MorainePark.9.9.19.5.jpg You Looking At Me? This large bull elk was putting on quite a show in the meadows of Moraine Park just after sunrise. Challenging a few other large males, flinging mud over himself and starting down any competition to his harem. This bull stopped for a moment on the edge of the meadow in Moraine Park to stare down another bull before moving off into the tree cover for the morning with his harem of females.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1224/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GroundSquirel-MorainePark.9.19.19.1.jpg Snackout If you have spent anytime outside your vehicle when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park you have likely come across a Golden-mantled ground squirrel. These little guys can often be found in picnic areas and trailsides. Why they may be looking for handouts it's in their best interest not to entertain them and allow them to find natural sources of food like the pine nuts this Golden-mantled ground squirrel is snacking on inside of Moraine Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1223/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Alluvial-Horseshoe-Aspen.10.8.19.1.jpg Beauty Amongst Chaos I was out hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park when I spied a potpourri of color on a hillside above Horseshoe Park. The golden aspens combined with the oranges and red grouncover caught my eye. It was a bit of challenge to reach this spot, but one I did I knew the climb was worth it. With a mixture of downed timber interespresed with these beautiful autumn aspens, I was able to find both a clean composition of a complex scene while capturing the beatiful range of color found this autum day in RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1222/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GraniteFalls-8.29.19.2.jpg Falling Granite Sometimes one has to wonder how certain locations in Rocky Mountain National Park get their name. In the case of Granite Falls on the west side of RMNP, it doesnt take long to figure it out. Tonahutu Creek tumbles down the rocky hillside miles from the nearest road deep on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Granite Falls is certainly one of the more impressive waterfalls located in Rocky which is right along the trail. Hiking the six or so miles to Granite Falls through Big Meadows is well worth the effort. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1221/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DuskyGrouse-HorseshoePark.9.7.19.2.jpg Dusky Grouse Above Horseshoe Park A female Dusky Grouse perches momentarily on a rock high above Horseshoe Park on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. These beautiful birds can be found in the trees and hillsides of RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1220/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpecimanMountain-SunriseFog.9.9.19.19.2.jpg Uncovering The Speciman Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park is special. It never seems to last long enough but on those mornings when everything comes together there is no place on this planet that I would rather be. This morning I was hiking out to Forest Canyon Pass for sunrise. A large herd of elk was at the mouth to Forest Canyon and with the elk rut well underway, the distincitive sound of the elk bugle could be herd bouncing through the canyon. Fog from the Poudre River Valley was lifting and Speciman Mountain rose just above and into the sunlight. Speciman is covered in the reds and rusts of autum as its distinctive top faded in and out of the fog.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1219/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-MorainePark.9.19.19.1.jpg Charge! Watching the elk rut during the fall season in Rocky Mountain National Park is an awesome experience. Large bull elk compete with other males for the female's attention. During the elk rut, bull elk's hormones are raging and they have little tolerence for other elk encroaching on their harems of female elk. This huge bull is bounding full speed across the meadows of Moraine Park to challenge two other large bull elk just outside of the frame. All three bull's refused to back down to each other and continued to challenge each other until they had all backed themselves into the trees and brush along the south lateral Moraine. I could no longer see these bulls once they got deep into the trees above Moraine Park but I could certainly hear them as branches snapped, rocks slid down the hillsides, bushses were thrashed and bugles continued for a good 30 minutes. I've been photographing the elk rut for over 20 years now in Rocky Mountain National Park and I've never seen the intensity matched by these 3 bulls but if you look at this bulls face and nostrils you get an idea.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1218/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-Forestcanyon.9.28.19.1.jpg Sentinel Of Rocky Mountain National Park There is no mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park that typifies the spirit and feel of place more than Longs Peak. At 14,259 ft above sea level, Longs Peak towers over Rocky Mountain National Park as well as the northern Front Range of Colorado. Longs Peak is Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have spent enough time in Rocky Mountain Natonial Park you have observed the many moods of not only Rocky, but of Longs Peak. On this September morning in RMNP, the first snow of the season has fallen just below 12,000 ft. With and inversion layer of fog covering Forest Canyon and lower levels of Rocky, Longs Peak and The Diamond tower above the rest of Rocky to catch the first colorful rays of sunrise. Seeing the Diamond glow along with the clouds and fresh snow from above timberline this morning is one of my favorite memories out in the field.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1217/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CDivide-TRR-Sunrise.Bixby.11.25.19.1.jpg Ode To Lyman Byxbe A colorful sunrise unfolds over the Continental Divide as viewed from above Upper Beaver Meadow. From left to right Longs Peak, Cheifs Head Peak,Thatchtop,Taylor,Hallett,Flattop and Notchtop can all be seen reflecting the early morning hues on this November morning. While photographing this image I could not help to reflect on the influence that Lyman Byxbe's copper etchings have on my work. Lyman Byxbe made beautiful copper etchings that were used for books and postcards from his gallery in downtown Estes Park. Many of Byxbe's etchings depict locations in Rocky Mountain National Park that are now mainstays of landscape photographers who work in the park. Lyman had a great appreciation for the shape and forms of the wind sculpted trees that are found in RMNP, and when viewing his work, trees are an integral part of his compositions and depcictions of Rocky.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1216/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ElkCalf-CubCreek.6.28.19.1.jpg Bright Eyes While out photographing sunrise one morning along Cub Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park, a large elk herd came down from the hillsides to graze on the lush spring grasses in the meadow. This elk calf which is about two months old was sticking close to it's mother and keeping a curious and watchful eye on its surroundings.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1215/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lupine-Sunrise.Chautaqua.6.3.19.1.jpg Silver Lupine Sunrise Every spring into summer, Chautaqua Meadow fills with wildflowers. Typically in June, Chataqua Park and Meadow is filled with the purple and blue flowers of the Silver Lupine. Photographers and artists flock to Boulder to photograph and paint Chautaqua Meadow filled with wildflowers beneath the Flatirons. With the sun rising over the high plains of eastern Colorado, I chose to turn my camera away from the Flatirons this morning and photograph the beautiful warm glow eminating from the rising sun to the east of Boulder.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1214/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-Halfway-Sunrise.3.319.1.jpg Halfway It's a very cold March morning along the flank of Flagstaff Mountain just to the north of Boulder's Flatiron formation and Chataqua Park. Snow flurries are still falling on the Colorado landscape as the fog and clouds part and allow the sun to illuminate the granite faces of the Flatirons covered in fresh snow.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1213/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet-Fog.6.24.1.19.jpg Showtime! Fog is one of my favorite atmospheric conditions to photograph in Rocky Mountain National Park,. We dont get a lot of foggy days in Rocky Mountain National Park but if we do, you can bet I'll be out in the field photographing it. This morning on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park along the East Inlet just outside of Grand Lake, fog filled the valley. As the sun and fog battled, eventually the sun won out and the fog lifted out of the East Inlet for the morning. Before that happened, I was able to capture a few quick sequences of this beautiful lone pine revealing itself in the warm June sun.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1212/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BroadTailedHummingbird-BierstadtMoraine.6.17.19.1.jpg Buzzed! A Broad-tailed hummingbird buzzes the hillsides of the Bierstadt Moraine skirting from flower to flower on a blooming wax currant bush. Each spring Broad-tailed hummingbirds return to Rocky Mountain National Park and make for a fun watch at local hummingbird feeders in town or inside RMNP itself.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1211/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CrownRock-Sunrise-Flagstaff.2.10.19.1.jpg Crowning Moment An inversion or low layer of clouds is covering the high plains of Colorado and the City of Boulder below. Up on the summit of Flagstaff Mountain just west of Boulder, the sun is rising above the layer of clouds and illuminating portions of the landscape. In this view, the top of Crown Rock is just above the layer of clouds as warm early morning light filters through the trees and rocks.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1210/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RedRock-Lake-Sunrise.9.6.19.1.jpg Rocking Red A September sunrise from Red Rocks never dissapoints. The grasses around Red Rock Lake in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area just outside of Ward, Colorado is beautiful anytime of year. In the late summer, the hues of autumn are already making their presence known and Mt. Audubon, Mt. Toll and Shoshone Peak pickup the warm red hue of first light.  Ward, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1209/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauqua-Flatirons.3.4.19.1.jpg Hot And Cold Chautauqua Snow fell all night on Boulder, Colorado leaving its famous Flatiron formation covered in white powder. Out in Chautauqua Meadow the temperature is hovering just below zero degrees fahrenheit as a small break in the cloud cover to the east of Boulder allows a tiny speck of warming sun to illuminate this classic Colorado scene. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1208/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeIsabelle-Sunrise.7.27.191..jpg Tumbling Down Near the outlet to Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wildnerness Area, water tumbles out of the lake on its ways eastward towards the plains of Colorado. Clouds streak over the top of Shoshone Peak as the sun spotlights this classic Colorado landscape.  Ward, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1207/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongLake-Sunrise-IPW.8.30.19.1.jpg Long Ripples It's a near perfect morning at Long Lake in the Brainard Lake Recreation area. Niwot Ridge and Shoshone Peak catch rays of light from sunrise is Long Lake is nearly still as only a few ripples alter the otherwise placid waters of Long Lake on a late August morning. Summer is nearing it's end in the mountains of Colorado as can be seen in the changing tundra grasses above timeberline on Niwot Ridge.  Ward, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1206/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeIsabelle-Sunrise.8.4.19.3.jpg Dawn With Isabelle Dawn is breaking over beautiful Lake Isabelle and Shoshone Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area outside of Ward, Colorado. The Indian Peaks Wildnerness Area which lies just south of Rocky Mountain Natoinal Park is just as spetacular as Rocky is just to the north.  Ward, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1205/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MaroonLake7.28.14.2-Set2.jpg The Bells A little bit of sunlight eeks through the clouds at sunrise at Colorado's iconic Maroon Lake. The Maroon Bells glow red beneath the cloud cover. Summer is in full swing at the Maroon Bells and the aspen trees and hillsides are verdant green.  Aspen, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1204/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RMNPPhotoClient-FernCreek1.jpg RMNP Photo Client Fern Creek Photo Tour Client photographing along Fern Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1203/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mangan_3960.jpg RMNP Photo Tour Client A Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Tour Client with Photographer Tom Mangan in the field in RMNP  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1202/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DeerMountain-SunriseSihouette.3.4.17.1.jpg Silhouetted Deer Winter skies in Rocky Mountain National Park produce some of the most stunning sunrises found anywhere on the continent. On a March morning in RMNP, I used the silhoutte of Deer Mountains distinct plataue like summit to highlight this beautiful sunrise in the pakr.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1201/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullMoose-EastInlet.9.19.17.1.jpg Autumn Bull I bumped into this Moose and his mate on my hike in long before sunrise. It's always an interesting expierence hiking into a location in Rocky Mountain National Park with on the light from your headlamp. It's especially fun when you see sets of eyes glowing back at you to try and guess what exactly you have stumbled on. Regardless my long hikes into locations well before sunrise are always one of the highlights of my time in the park. On my hike out of the west side of RMNP I once again ran into this same Bull Moose who had now moved on to the East Inlet area to graze. I was safely able to spend a good deal of time wathcing and photographing this bull from the other side of the river this autumn morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1200/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-BeaverMountain-Sunrise-fog.5.11.17.2.jpg Good Morning Longs! On an early May morning, Longs Peak and the snow covered Diamond shine high above Moraine Park and Upper Beaver Meadows as fog clears the slopes of Rocky Mountain National Park. Fresh snow feel on 14,259 ft Longs Peak the night before but as the storm clears and the fog moves out only bluebird skies are left to highlight the bright snow above timberline.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1199/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-Bull-Rut-MorainePark.10.10.17.1.jpg Lone Bugle A solitary bull elk belts out a proud bugle on the frozen grounds of Moraine Park. Every fall in Rocky Mountain National Park the elk gather in the meadows and lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park to vie for female elk. This lone bull had no harem but was still bugling in a late season attempt to attract a mate.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1198/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aspens-Snow-MorainePark.2.23.17.1.jpg Winter Palette Even in the dead of winter there is color and beauty everywhere you are willing to look for it in Rocky Mountain National Park. On the far west end of Moraine Park, the scars of the Fern Lake fire can still be seen on the trees at the mouth of the canyon. Charred aspen trees remain but colorful willows show off their beautiful patina amongst the snow falling on the landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1197/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UpperBeaverMeadows-Sunrise.1.12.16.1.jpg Dos Two pines face a cold and snowy January morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Heavy snow fell overnight and many of the park roads were closed when I arrived. These two trees above Upper Beaver Meadows persevered thorough the winter morning as the sun was drawning over the east side of RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1196/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierCreek-StormPassTH-Sunrise.5.21.17.2.jpg May Day The calendar says May 21st but the landscape says something else. With only a few days until the Memorial Day holiday and the unoffical start to the summer season in Rocky Mountain National Park a huge spring snowstorm burried RMNP. Well over a foot fell the days prior and Taylor, Otis, Hallett and Flattop Mountain still are covered in a blanket of snow that would be more likely in winter. Glacier Creek has thawed and the aspens on the Bierstadt Moraine are leafing out despite the snow.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1195/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine.6.2.17.4.jpg Greening Bierstadt Spring on the Bierstadt Moraine is just as exciting as autumn on the Bierstadt Moraine. The aspen trees that cover the side of Bierstadt Moraine high above Bear Lake Road leaf out in a vibrant green each year. This location both in the fall as well as the spring. This is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's best viewpoints of Otis,Hallett and Flattop and you cant beat the lighting on the continenetal divide at sunrise.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1194/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-UBM-DeerMountain-Sunrise.9.3.17.1.jpg Flash Freeze It's September in Rocky Mountain National Park but a powerful fall snowstorm has covered Longs Peak and Chiefs Head Peak in white. Golden aspen trees can still be seen on the mountainsides as the Diamond welcomes the warming sunirse on this cool morning in this view from high above Moraine Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1193/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MillCreekBasin-SteepMountain-Aspens.9.27.17.1.jpg Mill Creek Aspens Autumn has settled into the hollow surrounding Mill Creek near Hollowell Park. This group of aspen trees on the side of Steep Mountain have turned golden as fall arrives in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1192/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sora-LilyLake.5.14.19.7.jpg Sora On The Prowl A Sora in on the prowl in the marshlands near Lily Lake on the eastern perimiter of Rocky Mountain National Park. Sora's which are a member of the Raildae family migrate to the Front Range of Colorado and RMNP every year during April and May. These small waterbird are less elusive then their cousins such as Virgina Rails and if one is near by their unmistakable call will be sure to standout amongst the other birds at Lily Lake.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1191/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AspenCatkins-BeaverMountain-Sunrise.4.28.17.1.jpg Spring Catkins On Beaver Spring is on it's ways to Rocky Mountain National Park as the catkins begin to form on the tips of these Aspen Trees perched high above Upper Beaver Meadows. Sunrise is backlighting the catkins as well as the valley leading to a beautiful warm hue on the aspen trees and blue lighting found in the shade of the valley.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado u https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1190/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-ColoradoRV-Sunrise.7.27.18.2.jpg Stormy Colorado Storm clouds build over the Kawuneeche Valley and rain is about to fall along the Colorado River on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1189/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HarbisonMedow-BakerMt.7.13.18.1.jpg Sunrise At Harbison Meadow First light illuminates the summit of Baker Mountain as it towers over a foggy Harbison Meadow on a very cool July morning in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. Harbison Meadow on the west side of RMNP is a favorite location to find Moose, Elk and even Black Bear cruising it's lush grasses near the Colorado River.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1188/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pika-TombstoneRidge.8.17.18.1.jpg Rock Hopper Spend enough time above timberline in Rocky Mountain National Park and you are likely to see the Pika scrambling between the rocky crags gathering grass for their winter food cache. If you dont see the Pika above timberline you surely will hear them once they detect your presence. The high pitched 'eek' can be heard alerting other Pika's to your presence. These small members of the rabbit family are tough little animals, surving in some of the harshest climates found in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1187/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeIrene-Fog-Sunrise.8.22.18.2.jpg Irene's Skies A perfectly calm morning begins at Lake Irene on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Clouds float over the placid surface of Lake Irene as pastel colors dot the skies hovering over the beautiful pines which line this popular lake.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1186/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BlackBear-HorseshoeSheep.9.1.18.1-A.jpg Chomp! A cinnamon colored black bear chomps down on chokecherries on a fall morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park service estimates there are about 25-30 black bears living in Rocky Mountain National Park and many Colorado black bears have a beautiful cinnamon coloration like this bear does.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1185/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/YpsilonMountain-UpperBeaverMeadows-Sunrise.1.5.18.2.jpg Ypsilons Echo Lenticular or wave clouds form on the leeward side of the mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park when we have high winds aloft. These beautiful clouds often take the shape of the mountain they are forming over. Ypsilon Mountain on this January morning in Rocky Mountain National Park looks like it has a reflection or echo above it where the lenticular cloud has formed over Upper Beaver Meadows.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1184/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WesternTanager-BierstadtMoraine.7.12.17.1.jpg Western Tanager In what might be Rocky Mountain National Park's most coloful bird, a Western Tanager makes a quick stop on a perch along the Bierstadt Moraine before it will lit off onto its next tree. These beautiful birds can usually be found in the ponderosa forests of Rocky Mountain National Park flying from tree to tree. They dont stick around long but they are hard to miss when one catches a glimpse of their beautiful coloration.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1183/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elkrut-MorainePark-Sunrise.10.6.17.3.jpg Listen Up A large bull elk calls in his harem with his proud bugle in the meadows of Moraine Park. Every autumn, the elk come down from the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park and the bull elk compete for the attention of the female elk. Large elk such as this one, are quite adept at keeping the other males at bay while watching over their harem.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1182/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-Sunset.10.12.17.1.jpg West Side Goodnight The sun is setting behind the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park on a beautiful late fall October evening. Down along the Colorado Moose, and Elk graze. Soon the landscape on the west side of Rocky will be transformed from the hues of golden autumn to a winter wonderland as cold temperatures and snow cover the Kawuneeche Valley until late in the spring.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1181/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-BigThompson-Aspens.9.27.17.1.jpg Autumn Hues When autumn conditions are just perfect in Rocky Mountain National Park, the color during the fall season wont be confined to the aspen trees only. This year, the aspens were golden but the ground cover in Moraine Park turned a bright red. The contrast between the yellow and red colors of fall in RMNP are spectacular to observe if ones timing is perfect.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1180/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-BierstadtMoraine.9.29.17.1.jpg Autumn On Bierstadt Autumn in Rocky Mountain National Park is just flat out amazing. There are no words to describe hiking through a hillside of golden aspens trees or wathcing the sun warm a mountainside covered with fresh snow from the night before. The aspens were at their peak splendor this September morning in RMNP when I photographed this scene. 14,259 ft. Longs Peak was covered with fresh snow as these golden aspens frame a nearly perfect bluebird morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1179/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullMoose-BigMeadows.7.25.17.4.jpg Meadow Stroll A nice size Bull Moose strolls across the green summer grasses of Big Meadows on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors to any of the meadow areas of Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer months are likely to see both Moose and Elk grazing on succulent grasses after enduring a long winter.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1178/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/YpsilonMountain-MummyRange.10.3.17.1.jpg Golden Ypsilon Ypsilon Mountain shines in gold as the sunlight illuminates one of the most distinctive mountains on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow fell the night before on RMNP but the following morning found the sun breaking through the cloud cover and painting the landscape in a golden hue.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1177/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-BeaverMountain-ApachePt.7.18.17.3.jpg Overlook At Dawn High above Upper Beaver Meadows on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most dramatic sunrises I've been fortunate enough to photograph shapes up over the Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Intense orange and red percludes cloudy skies over RMNP. The color over Longs Peak lasted for about 10 minutes before the clouds shrouded the sun for the morning.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1176/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moose.BigMeadows.7.25.17.1.jpg Cupid's Dance A large bull moose greets a cow in a meadow on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1175/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake-Sunrise-Fog.9.26.17.3.jpg Bierstadt's Reveal I had been trying for years to capture an image of Bierstadt Lake and the Continental Divide with fog clearing after a previous nights storm. Finally on a cool September morning I stood on the shoreline of Bierstadt Lake in the fog and mist hoping the clouds would break to reveal Otis,Hallett,Flattop and Notchtop. Shortly after sunrise I was blessed with clearing skies and bright beautiful sunrise. The mountain peaks were dusted with some light snow the night before this perfect morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1174/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakUpperBeaverMeadowsDeerMT-Sunrise.10.3.17.1.jpg The Crown Jewel Of Rocky There is no argument when it comes to what is the most iconic peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Without question 14,259 ft Longs Peak is the crown jewel of Rocky Mountain National Park. With its spectacular northeast face known as The Diamond shining down on RMNP, sunrise illuminates Longs Peak and Chiefs Heads Peak as an October snowstorm moves out from Colorado.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1173/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-BigThompson-Moonset-BlueMoon.10.6.17.1.jpg Moonlighting In Moraine It was a cool October evening in Rocky Mountain National Park. I headed in as I do so often long before sunrise to check out the conditions and decide where to photograph. Being October I also wanted to see if the elk herds were active as the elk rut was also still active. I drove down into Moraine Park to check out the scene. The full moon was illuminating the frost covered grasses, mountains and trees of Moraine Park as a low fog hovered over the meadow. I quickly took out my camera to capture this spectacular blue light over this etheral landscape illuminated only by moonlight.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1172/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WoodLily-CubLakeTrail.7.8.17.1.jpg Wood Lily One of the most beautiful yet rare wildflowers to bloom in Rocky Mountain National Park is the wood lily. This brilliant reddish and orange flower will grow in wet meadows near downed trees and logs. They dont bloom each year and often bloom in areas that one would walk right past. One July near the Cub Lake trail I by chance happened upon a few blooms in a marshy area and spent the rest of the morning photographing these wildflowers.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1171/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ApachePoint-BeaverMountain.7.18.17.1.jpg Apache Spirit It is said that an Apache war party once entered Rocky Mountain National Park and a battle between Apaches and Arapaho's took place on the west end of Upper Beaver Meadows. The Apaches made a final stand before retreating from the area on a rocky outcropping on the west end of Beaver Meadows. Near that location rests this deceased pine. On a July morning, I sat on this rocky outcropping at sunrise and contemplated the storied history of this location as a beautiful sunrise unfolded above the twisting remnants of this strong pine.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1170/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheLoch-Sunrise.6.6.17.7.jpg Key To The Loch Nestled in the mouth of Loch Vale, The Loch is one of the most beautiful locations in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Photographing The Loch is an awe inspiring activity but often requires multiple trips to capture the true nature of this iconic location. Like many of RMNP's higher elevation lakes, catching a calm morning with the surface of the large lake calm for a reflection is tricky. If one is lucky enough to be at The Loch for sunrise on a calm morning with clouds over the Cathederal Wall and Taylor Peak that you are in for a real treat.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1169/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AmericanDipper-WBasin-StVrain-Copeland.5.12.17.1.jpg Ouzel Dance Hike along any of the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park that follow a stream or river and you are very likely to encounter American Dippers or Ouzel's jumping from rock to rock looking for food. These birds have no fear of rough water or rapids and will launch from the rocks into the tumbling streams to submerge and find food just below the waterline. They may not be Rocky's most colorful birds, but they are certainly one of the funnest birds to watch while taking a break streamside.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1168/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ptarmagain-MedicineBowOL.TRR.6.1.17.2.jpg Molting Ptarmigan One of the coolest birds in Rocky Mountain National Park is the White Tailed Ptarmigan. These birds are often found above timberline walking and resting on rocks and alpine tundra. During the winter months White Tailed Ptarmigan will become completely white to blend in with the snow. During the spring these birds molt in order to blend in with the landscape as the snow melts. Ptarmigan can often be found on the alpine tundra along Trail Ridge Road.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1167/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WilliamsonSapsucker-BeaverMountain.6.27.17.4.jpg Williamson Sapsucker Rocky Mountain National Park is home to four different types of woodpeckers. The Williamson Sapsucker is one of my favorite woodpeckers in found in Rocky and is a little more challenging to photograph than some of the more common species. This day I sat quietly in the forests above Upper Beaver Meadows and watched this pair of Williamson's Sapsuckers feed their young nesting within the cavity of this dead tree.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1166/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elk-MorainePark-Rut.10.3.17.2.jpg Meadow King When photographing wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park, it's hard to find a more iconic scene than a large bull elk bugling in a meadow over his harem. This cool October morning in Moraine Park found fresh snow from the night before combined with fall color making for a perfect fall scene in Rocky.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1165/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MooseCalf-EastInlet.9.19.17.1.jpg Camera Shy I began this morning with hike into the East Inlet section of Rocky Mountain National Park to photograph sunrise. While hiking in long before dawn I ran into 3 sets of eyes on the trail. These 3 sets of eyes happen to be two adult moose and this calf. I paitently waited for the family of moose to move off trail so I could proceed to the East Inlet prior to sunrise. Eventually the group of moose moved off into the cover of the forest and I continued on to the East Inlet. While photographing a beautiful sunrise that morning, this family of moose meandered out of the forest and back into the meadow of the East Inlet close to where I was setup photographing sunrise. I gave the moose plenty of space as I retreated from along the banks of the river to a safer location near the trail where I could safely photograph these animals without disturbing them or putting myself in harms way. This moose calf stayed close to it's mother but eventually wandered out just enough to allow for a quick portrait of this shy but adorable creature.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1164/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MilnerLake-Sunrise.6.8.18.4.jpg Eye On Milner Predawn light illumintaes the skies over a placid Milner Lake stradling the Continental Divide seperating the east and west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Milner Lake is the headwaters for the Poudre River and the elliptical shape of the clouds overhead combined with the reflection on Milner Lake give the appearance of an eye watching down on the landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1163/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PonderosaPines-MorainePark.5.3.18.1.jpg Moraine Symmetry A perfectly symmetrical set of Ponderosa Pines weather a May snowstorm on the west end of Moraine Park. The perfect symmetry of this set of pines has always caught my eye. Nature is often anything but symmetrical but this small portion of Rocky Mountain National Park bucks that trend.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1162/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-DoudyDraw-Sunrise.1.29.19.3.jpg The Draw Of Doudy Doudy Draw has some of the best views of the Boulder Flatirons in all of Boulder County. Capturing images during the winter months can be difficult as the trails in this area are often closed due to mud. On a very chilly morning with the temperatures hovering around nine degrees fahrenheit, fog clears South Boulder Peak and Bear Mountain revealing the snow covered Flatirons.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1161/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marmot-MarmotPoint.6.21.16.3.jpg Timberline Tanning A chunky Yellow-bellied Marmot poses on top of a rock near aptly named Marmot Point. These vivacious members of the squirrel family are found in many areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive Trail Ridge Road in the morning and you will find these animals sunning themselves on rocks just like this Marmot was doing.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1160/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyonBigHorns10.25.14.5.jpg Sheepscape A bachelor group of Big Horn Sheep Rams are grazing the alpine tundra above Forest Canyon and the Hayden Gorge. In a scene that typifies Rocky Mountain National Park so well, these rams are right at home high above the rest of RMNP Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1159/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyonBigHorn10.24.1.jpg Tundra Ram A healthy looking Big Horn Ram surveys the steep landscape high above Forest Canyon. Big Horn Sheep spend much of their time on the rocky cliffs found throughout Rocky Mountain National Park and standing on the edge of Forest Canyon 1800 ft above the Big Thompson River high on the alpine tundra only makes this ram feel right at home.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1158/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coyote.MorainePark-BigThompson.3.23.18.3CR2.jpg Tread Lightly A coyote stalks the high grasses of Moraine Park looking for a meal. Trotting along, this coyote was having success finding voles and other rodents under the grasses as it moved quickly but lightly through the meadows on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1157/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-HorseshoePark.9.5.18.4.jpg Stick With Me A large bull elk bugles as the harem he has collected moves towards the trees of Horseshoe Park. This scene is repeated daily during the elk rut in the fall season each year in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1156/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauqua-Flatirons-Sunrise.1.27.19.2.jpg Sunday Morning Chatauqua It's hard to beat starting quiet Sunday morning in Chatauqua Park photographing Boulders iconic Flatirons formation at sunrise. Gettings the clouds to cooperate and hang right over the Flatirons can be tricky so I was more than thrilled on this January morning when all the elements came together for this image. Warm light, snow and clouds help to make one of Boulder most beautiful locations even more spectacular if that is possible.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1155/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moose-CubLakeTrail.5.3.18.1.jpg Weathering The Storm A solitary moose rides an early May snow storm out doing what moose do. Stand in freezing cold and icy water and eat. These ponds located between Moraine Park and Cub Lake are a favorite spot of moose that inhabit the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1154/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-HorseshoePark.9.5.18.1-2.jpg Horseshoe's Monarch An impressive Bull Elk bugles loudly in a meadow of Horseshoe Park during the fall rut. Each fall, the elk migrate back down from the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park to attract females and collect harems in order to mate. These bull elk will challenge other males not only with their size but also with their bugle calls which is sound that has to be heard to appreciate. Like the howl of a coyote or the call of a wolf, the elk bugle is one of the iconic sounds of the American West.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1153/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BlackBear-Horseshoe-Sheep.9.1.18.1.jpg The Watcher A cinnamon colored black bear is seen checking out its surrounding as it looks for berries and other food items on a fall morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1152/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ring-necked-duck-Male.LilyLake.6.30.18.1.jpg Ring-necked Duck - Lily Lake Lily Lake is a great location to see a variety of wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park. While its common to see large mammals like Moose grazing the willows circling Lily Lake, there is a wide variety of waterfowl that also calls the lake home during portions of the year. Ring-necked ducks like this male are a common visitor during the summer months to Lily Lake.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1151/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColoradoRiver-Pines-KawuneecheValley.3.29.18.1.jpg Colorado Frozen Just under a dozen miles or so from the headwaters of the iconic Colorado River, the snow is falling in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Colorado River is frozen at the surface but the outline of 'S' curve can be seen winding by a trio of snow covered pines on the west side of RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1150/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Sunrise-MoraineParkMS.3.9.18.1.jpg Snows A Coming March is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's snowiest month. The weather in RMNP in March can turn on a dime and change quickly. At sunrise in Moraine Park, the snow is casting a forboding pink glow on the continental divide as snow begins to encompass the peaks. Thatchtop, Taylor,Otis,Hallett and Flattop Mountain will be soon be obscured leaving only the frozen Big Thomspon River snaking through the meadow of Moraine Park Visible.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1149/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MooseLilyLake.8.15..15.1.jpg Picnic At Lily Lake It's not uncommon now to find Moose hanging around Lily Lake on the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Not so long ago this would have been uncommon as most of the Moose in RMNP lived on the west side of Rocky. This stunning bull was helping himself to an early morning snack one August morning, enjoying both the scenery at Lily Lake and the tasty summer greens.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1148/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MuleDeerBuck.BeaverMeadows.11.4.15.1.jpg Watchful Buck With the ongoing Mule Deer rut taking place, this beautiful Mule Deer Buck stares down a competitor across the fields of Upper Beaver Meadows. The Mule Deer rut typically starts in Rocky Mountain National Park in late October and early November. Some of these Mule Deer males can be quite impress in size and appearance this time of year.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1147/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpragueLakeMoose.4.9.15.1A.jpg Watch It A mother Moose and her yearling calf treat themselves to a chilly morning breakfast in Sprague Lake. The mother Moose keeps a watchful eye on her surroundings as the snow falls on this April morning with Sprague Lake partially covered in ice.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1146/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-Rut-ForestCanyon.10.4.18.1.jpg Tundra Bugle High on a ridge above timberline, a large Bull Elk bugles across the alpine tundra to his harem as the first light of the day starts to light Forest Canyon far below.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1145/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullMoose-SpragueLake.9.12.18.2.jpg Big Boy Of Sprague Lake A large Bull Moose wanders the water of Sprague Lake on a beautiful autumn morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. This Moose along with it's mate could often be found grazing the aquatic vegiation each morning and evening.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1144/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MuleDeer-BighornMtn.8.3.18.1.jpg Mule Deer On Hillside A Mule Deer Buck grazes along a hillside near Horseshoe Park in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1143/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moose-Kawuneeche-Gaskil.7.20.18.1.crop.jpg Kawuneeche Bull Moose are common on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Kawuneeche Valley is a great place to find Moose grazing or eating willows in the valley during the morning and evening hours as was the case when I photographed this large bull in summer.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1142/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MuleDeer-Buck-MorainePark.10.17.18.1.jpg Mule Deer Buck In Moraine As the sun crests a rise in Moraine Park on a cool autumn morning, a stunning Mule Deer Buck alertly scans the hillside assessing the situation before moving into the meadow. Mule Deer are common in Rocky Mountain National Park and can often be found in the lower elevations of the park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1141/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chipmunk-MorainePark.9.21.18.1.jpg Snacktime Not to be confused with Ground Squirrels, the smaller and quicker Chipmunk can often be found foraging in and around the pine tree's of Rocky Mountain National Park for nuts and other tasty items. This flighty animal took a brief break on this rock in Moraine Park to check out food for it's cache for the approaching winter months.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1140/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ElkCow-ElkCalf-Holzworth.6.8.28.1.jpg Elk And Calf Each spring, Rocky Mountain National Park's large elk population welcomes new babies to the herds found throughout the park. Once the small spotted elk calf is mobile enough, visitors to RMNP may be able to catch a tender glimpse like this one of a calf feeding from its mother on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park near Holzworth Meadow.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1139/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bluebird-MorainePark.3.8.18.1.jpg Return Of The Mountain Bluebird A sure sign that winter is starting to release it's long grip on Rocky Mountain National Park is the return of the Mountain Bluebird. These beautiful birds typically return sometime in late February and early March to the park. They add a brilliant splash of color to the landscape before spring greens return.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1138/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pond-Lilies.CubLake.7.11.18.1.jpg Lillies on Cub Some of the lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park are home to beautiful pond lillies which will cover the surface of the water each summer. Cub Lake above Moraine Park is one of these lakes that has a large group of pond lillies that grew on the surface. After photographing sunrise at Cub Lake in the summer, spending time photographing the pond lillies with a longer lens is always a favorite of mine.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1137/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlatironsVista-Flatirons-Sunrise.2.8.18.1.jpg That Vista A beautiful pastel sunrise unfolds over the Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado on a mild February morning. Winds aloft create a lenticular or wave cloud over the Flatirons which mimics their shape perfectly and catches fire as the sun rises to the east of Boulder.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1136/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BroadTailedHummingbird-CubLake.7.11.18.2.jpg Painting With A Broad Brush Broad-tailed hummingbirds are the most common hummingbirds found during the summer months in Rocky Mountain National Park. These small and beautiful birds can be seen skirting from wildflower to wildflower during the warmer months. The male Broad-tailed hummingbirds display beautiful coloration with their signature red gorget displayed as they hover from flower to flower. I photograhed this Broad-tailed hummingbird near Cub Lake as he worked the paintbrush along the hillsides.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1135/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BullElk-LakeIrene.8.21.18.1.jpg Monarch Of Rocky On a moody morning on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park this beautiful Bull Elk wandered out of the mysterious forest just long enough for this regal pose.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1134/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coyote.MorainePark-BigThompson.3.23.18.1.jpg Moraine Park Hunter A Coyote traverses the meadow in Moraine Park on a search for voles and other food items. Trouncing through the winter grasses while keeping an eye on the rest of the pack of coyotes who were also busy hunting this morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1133/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BlackBear-Horseshoe-Sheep.9.1.18.3.jpg Breakfast In The Park There is a little more than two dozen black bears roaming the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park according to recent National Park Service studies. While they are not endangered in the park, the drier climate in Rocky keeps the population modest. Catching a glimpse of a black bear in the wilds of Rocky is always a treat. I was lucky enough to photograph this bear while it feasted on these chokecherries attempting to fatten up for the coming winter.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1132/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-RockCut.6.14.18.2.jpg A Cut Of Blue A beautiful calm June afternoon at the Rock Cut high above timberline. Longs Peak, RMNP's highest peak at 14,259 ft above sea level shines in the late afternoon light as clouds intermingle with Colorado blue skies.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1131/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SundanceMountain-Cirque.5.11.18.1.jpg Sundance The eastern flank of Sundance Mountain glows in the mornings first light as fog lifts from Hanging Valley below.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1130/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-UteTrail.TRR.5.10.18.2.jpg Trails Of Spring Near the Ute Trail and Trail Ridge Road, high above Rocky Mountain National Park a cool early May morning breaks over Longs Peak. Views from timberline on Trail Ridge yield some of the greatest vantage points of Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest peak. The snow has still not melted from the alpine tundra and the grass still wears its winter colors even though its the second week of May in RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1129/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WalkerRanch-BirdMan-Sunrise.1.20.18.3.jpg Bird Man Watching This is probably one of my favorite trees in Colorado. I have spent countless hours scouring hill and dale always looking for unique and individual trees that stand out. This particular tree located near Walker Ranch fits that criteria perfectly. To me at least, this tree looks like a combination of a bird or man waiting to take off into the the sunrise. These tree's are so unique they take on their own personalities and this is why I find them so beautiful as well as facinating.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1128/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRange-AboveRainbow.5.11.18.1.jpg Clearing Over Hanging Valley On a cool May morning in Rocky Mountain National Park, fog clears and lifts over the Hanging Valley high above Fall River and Horseshoe Park. As the fog lifts, Ypsilon Mountain and the Mummy Range are revealed in the warm sunlight of a spring day.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1127/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoePark-Aspens.10.9.18.2Z1.jpg Season's Turn The weather can change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park and often season collide making for beautiful contrasts on the landscape. An early October snowstorm has covered Rocky Mountain National Park with snow but these aspens in Horseshoe Park still hang their beautiful autumn gold leaves amongst the snow covered branches.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1126/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-ColoradoRV-Sunrise.7.27.18.1.jpg Curves On The Colorado The headwaters of the Colorado River begin on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Colorado River weaves, turns and bends its way through the Kawuneeche Valley. The meandering beauty of the Colorado is emphasized here with a beautiful sunrise over Baker Mountain and the west side of RMNP.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1125/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-TrailRiver.7.20.18.1.jpg Serenity On The Colorado The Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park lights up with brilliant colors as the skies over the Colorado River welcome the rising sun. With the Colorado River bubbling on through the Kawuneeche Valley, elk and moose mosey around the meadows and willows of the valley enjoying the serenity that can be found in this part of RMNP,  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1124/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-9.28.17.1.jpg The Seasons Swan Song A light drizzle along with fog moves through the golden aspen trees just above Bear Lake on a cool September morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The aspens along the hillsides above Bear Lake will only have a few more days before all their leaves are shed for the season as they prepare for the long winter ahead.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1123/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigHorn-Confluence-Roaring-FallRiver.8.12.17.2.jpg Confluence With Big Horn Mountain looming in the distance the Roaring River meets Fall River in a beautiful section of Horseshoe Park on RMNP's east side. A colorful sunrise unfolds on this perfect August morning as the water rushes eastward to greet the sun rising over the plains of Colorado.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1122/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HondiusPark-Pines-Snow.10.27.16.1.jpg Wrapped In Bows Snow has covered the pine bows of a spruce tree in Hondius Park just below Horseshoe Park on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The warm bark of the spruce tree made for a great offset of the snow covered pine bows in this section of the park which was once owned by the Hondius family who ranched this section of Rocky before it became a national park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1121/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BluebirdLake-Outlet-Sunrise.8.8.17.1.jpg Ouze's Outlet It's a very breezy morning at Bluebird Lake deep in the heart of the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. I had hiked the nearly 7 miles to Bluebird Lake long before sunrise hoping the winds would remain calm and I could capture a nice reflection of Ouzel Peak in Bluebird Lake. That was not to be the case this morning in Rocky but even with the wind beauty is around every corner of the park. I retreated to the outlet of Bluebird Lake to capture the Ouzel Creek lined with wildflowers flowing away from Ouzel Peak and Bluebird Lake. On a windy day, this spot which used to be part of Longmont, Colorado's reservoir system makes for a great place to escape from the wind for a few minutes.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1120/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OuzelLake-Sunrise.8.10.17.1.jpg Ripples on Ouzel This morning I started my trek up to Ouzel Lake long before sunrise. Like most photographers who photograph Rocky Mountain National Park, we always hope the winds are calm allowing for a smooth reflection in a mountain lake. The clouds over Ouzel Peak this morning were dramatic but as I arrived at Ouzel Lake after the nearly 5 mile hike, the breeze picked up rippling the smooth surface of the lake. Even with some of the lake rippled by wind, the dramatic clouds over Ouzel Peak and the lush summer grasses made the effort well worth it.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1119/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneeche-Sunrise-MP10-Holzworth.6.14.18.1.jpg Rolling With The Flow It's a beautiful and peaceful morning in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk graze in the meadow nearby as the Colorado River meanders through the green meadow lush with spring grasses. Smoke from firest over Summit County Colorado help to warm the high clouds cruising over the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park as the Colorado River embarks on it's long and winding journey towards the Pacific Ocean. The idyllic scene in RMNP is less than a dozen miles from the Colorado River headwaters are located and what has once started as a small trickle has already built into a good size stream as it moves through the Kawuneeche Valley.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1118/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PoudreRiver-Fog-Sunrise.8.9.17.1.jpg Cloaked Nearly the entire valley along the headwaters of the Poudre River is cloaked in a thick fog. For only a few seconds the sun broke through the overcast to illuminate the pines and green August grasses along the Poudre River. These brief moments of light are what keep me heading out into Rocky Mountain National Park and moments and light like this just enforce how no two sunrises or sunsets are ever the same.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1117/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunrise-TrailRidgeRoad-Krumholtz.6.21.17.jpg Tundra Star The sun breaks the ridge on the high alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park right near timberline. This is a diffuclt place for life to sustain and these two krumholz trees have long since moved on leaving only their sun bleached and wind shappen trunks behind as a testement to the harsh environment found at over 11,000 ft above sea level.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1116/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierCreek-StormPass.9.29.17.1.jpg Stensland's Landing One of the best locations for fall color in Rocky Mountain National Park is the Bierstadt Moraine are near Bear Lake Road. Aspen tree's line the hillsides here and its very popular with photographers and hikers alike during autumn. This morning I was hiking back down the Bierstadt Moraine after photographing the aspens at sunrise only to find low hanging fog blowing through pines and willows along Glacier Creek far below. I quickly got setup and captured a few images before the fog burned off as the sun filled the valley. The location down far below me is also popular with photographers and visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. Many line the banks of Glacier Creek here for a striking image of the continental divide with Glacier Creek winding though the foreground. My good freind and fellow photographer Erik Stensland has made many a striking image from the location below helping to make it one of Rocky's most iconic locations. It's also the first location I met Erik back in 2004 so I figured the location is well deserving of the Stensland name in honor of all the great work Erik does as the preeminent photographer in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1115/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunrise-ContinentalDivide-TrailRidgeRoad-1.7.16.1.jpg Glowing Divide A warm glow hovers over the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Continental Divide. From Flattop Mountain to Gabletop Mountain a pink glow warms the January landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1114/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-BeaverMountain-Sunrise-Fog.5.11.17.2.jpg Wandering Moraine Fog has settled into the pines that dot the landscape of Moraine Park on a spring morning. The sun is just rounding Eagle Cliff Mountain and it beautiful diffused light is casing a warm glow on the cool fog filtering through the Ponderosa Pine tree's covering the hillsides of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1113/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunrise-LongsPeak-TRR.7.29.17.1.jpg Colors Of The Ute I absolutely love mornings like these. Weather is changing over the mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park and it looks like there will be little to no chance of photographing sunrise. Even so you head out long before the break of dawn hoping to capture a few minutes of light if you are lucky enough. Thats excactly how things panned out this July morning in RMNP. It only took a small break on the eastern horizon over the high plains of Colorado to illuminate the divide and Longs Peak is warm light as rain started moving in over the alpine tundra high above Trail Ridge and the Ute Trail.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1112/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/East-Inlet-MountCraig-Sunrise.8.5.17.1.BL.jpg Eden's Inlet For whatever reason the The East Inlet area of Rocky Mountain National Park always brings me a true primordial like feel when I photograph it. Perhaps its the shape of the valley, or Mount Craigs sentinel like stance as the East Inlet winds its way through the lush meadow. Perhaps its the Moose, Elk, Bear, Deer and Fox that frequent this area as well. Either way, adding a brilliant sunrise and fog this serene morning only intensified the feeling for me as I stood along the shore of the East Inlet in awe of it's beauty. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1111/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLake-Sunrise.7.8.17.1.jpg Rebirth In the late fall of 2012, embers from an illegal campfire caused the Fern Lake Fire to reignite. With high winds blowing the night of November 30th, the fire made a lighting fast run down the hillsides and into Moraine Park. Along the way the Fern Lake fire burned the trees around Cub Lake. Fast forward ahead and Cub Lake is already on it's way to recovring. Vibrant green underbrush is now growing and Broad Tailed Hummingbirds lit from flower to flower on this July morning as the sun rises over Moraine Park and Cub Lake above. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1110/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-ElkRut-CLTrail.10.6.17.17.2.jpg Spirit Of Rocky The elk is one of Rocky Mountain National Park most well known attractions. Each fall millions of people flock to RMNP to watch the elk rut unfold in the meadows of the park as bull elk vie for the attention of the females. Hearing a bull elk bugle for the first time is an amazing experience. In the true spirit of Rocky Mountain National Park I was able to photograph this bull elk keeping a close eye on his harem as other bulls attempted to outdue his prominance over his harem. Moraine Park had low lying fog this morning and with the sun rising behind Eagle Cliff Mountain while elk bugles sounded off, one could only feel a sense of wonder and awe at the spirit of the west and Rocky Mountain National Park this scene encompassed.  Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1109/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-Sunrise.6.9.17.3.jpg Spring In The Kawuneeche A placid and peaceful morning on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park as a gentle sunrise unfolds over the greening Kawuneeche Valley. Moose were grazing off to my side while the pastels of sunrise combined with the greens of spring. Baker Mountain in the distance reflects perfectly in a seasonal pond setoff just a short hop from the Colorado River.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1108/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HangingValley-Inversion-SunriseTRR.7.26.17.1.jpg Hanging Valley Welcome The weather this morning on the east side of Rocky Mountain Natinoal Park was dreary. It had been raining in Estes Park all night long. I headed up Trail Ridge Road to see if there would be any chance of a break in the cloud cover but things did not look promising. I setup my tripod and camera in the light mist high above Hanging Valley and waited. Somehow, the sun miraculously made an appearance through the cloud cover. This light only lasted a few minutes before the rain moved back in but I could have cared less about the weather. These few short minutes of light over the mountains made my entire day.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1107/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HarbisonMeadows-Sunrise.7.21.17.1.jpg Kawuneeche Reflections Rocky Mountain National Park has stunning beauty around every corners. Whether is be icons, fourteen thousand foot peaks or large waterfalls, RMNP has it all. Sometimes it pays to pay attention to area where beauty speaks to you in a more subtle fashion. The Kawuneeche Valley this morning spoke to me in just that way. A quiet pond, a stunning sunrise and fog makes this one of my favorite images I've taken on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1106/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-ManyParks-Sunrise.2.2.17.1.jpg Icons Of Rocky Everytime I set my tripod up to capture a sunrise over Rocky Mountain National Park I'm in awe of the beauty that encases Rocky. Travel through RMNP and take a good look at the mountains and peaks and it's easy to understand why these mountains are icons not only of Rocky Mountain National Park but also of Colorado. Watching and photographing sunrise this particular February mornign my focus was on capturing Longs Peak, the highest point in all of RMNP. With the dramatic sky The Diamond of Longs Peak shines, but so does the peaks surrounding this part of the park. Pagoda Peak, Cheifs Heads Peak and The Spearhead all add to the imense drama and beauty this winter morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1105/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/StonesPeak-MorainePark-Fog.5.26.17.1.jpg Garden Of Eden This spectacular May morning in Rocky Mountain National Park everything just fell into place. The night before a storm had come through the park covering the higher elevations with fresh snow. At sunrise, the storm was in the processing of clearing and conditions were great for photography. As I rounded the trail, a herd of elk was busy grazing in the meadow. I setup at a small seasonal pond and watched as the sun illuminated Stones Peak in warm light. To have the elk remain in the meadow, the mountains bathed in warmed light and a perfect reflection resulted in one of my most memorable and favorite mornings in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1104/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-TwinSisters-Sunrise.2.17.17.2.jpg Diamond Of Rocky One of the most stunning views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker is from the Twin Sisters locate directly across the Tahosa Valley from these two iconic peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Watching a beautiful February sunrise color this skies over the famous Diamond formation on the northeast face of Longs Peak makes the trek up the Twin Sisters well worth the effort. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1103/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark-Fog.5.26.17.1.jpg Lateral Moves When serendipity strikes and you happend to be in the right place at the right time in Rocky Mountain National Park you end up seeing some pretty amazing sights. This morning in Moraine Park fog rolled up the valley and into Moraine Park just as the sun was rising along the south lateral moraine. The ponderosa pine trees and green spring grasses glisten on a beautiful May morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1102/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigThompson-MorainePark-RiverBirch.2.23.17.1.jpg Birch and The Big Thompson A river birch hangs over the frozen Big Thompson River on a snowy February day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Warmer temperatures the week before had thawed the Big Thompson which turned then turned into a beautiful blue slushy like mix as a new storm with colder tempartures and snow started to regain its frozen grip on this part of Moraine Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1101/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ManyParks-Sunrise-TwinSisters.2.2.17.1.jpg Sisters And Parks The Twin Sisters stand above the fog layer that has ensconced all of the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park as an upslope February weather system settles in over the Front Range of Colorado. Moraine Park and Upper Beaver Meadows can be seen on the edge of the inversion layer below the Twin Sisters from the Many Parks overlook.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1100/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PonderosaPines-DeerMountain-HoarFrost.2.2.17.1.jpg Frosty Ponderosa Pines on the slopes of Deer Mountain are covered in a thick frost after an upslope wind blew through the forests of Rocky Mountain National Park the previous night. The colorful red trunks of the Ponderosa Pines stand out with the ice coated needles of the trees.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1099/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OnahuCreek-7.28.17.1.jpg Onahu's Obstacle Deep on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Onahu Creek makes it's way downhill towards the Colorado River and Kawuneeche Valley through an obstacle course of boulder,trees, twists and turns through the lush green forest found on the west side of Rocky that is reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1098/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ContientalDivide-UpperBeaverMeadows.1.27.17.1.jpg Sunrise Over Beaver Meadows Winter sunrises over Rocky Mountain National Park can be quite spectacular. When everything comes together wtih clouds and snow the skies over RMNP turn painterly. On this January morning in the park, clouds over the continental divide turn a rose pink as the color of the skies refract in the snow covering Upper Beaver Meadows.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1097/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-Sunrise-TRR.3.22.18.1.jpg Take A Peek It's a cool March morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Clouds that obscure the 14,259 ft summit of Longs Peak breifly make way allowing for a dramatic view of the Diamond as first light from the rising sun colors RMNP highest and most iconic mountain.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1096/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountChapin-Sunrise-TRR.3.22.18.3.jpg Chapin's Legacy A glorious sunrise colors the jagged sides of Mount Chapin in Rocky Mountain National Park's Mummy Range. The rugged peak is named after Frederick H. Chapin, one of Colorado's original mountaineer's and photographers. Chapin who explored many parts of Colorado including Rocky Mountain National Park, later helped found the Colorado Mountain Club which continues his legacy to this day. As a photographer, I'm sure Mr. Chapin could appreciate this sunrise over the aptly named peak.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1095/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ponderosa-Sunrise-MorainePark-Robin.4.12.18.1.jpg Prelude To A View On a rocky outcropping in Moraine Park a lone Ponderosa Pine tree welcomes another brilliant sunrise over Rocky Mountain National Park. One can only ponder the many beautiful sunrise and sunsets this tree gets to witness with one of the best seats in all of RMNP. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1094/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BakerMountain-ColoradoRV-Sunrise.3.30.18.1.RD.jpg Frozen Valley Fresh snow has coated the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park on a cold March morning. Baker Mountain glows red as sunrise warms the cool blues or early morning. Somewhere under all that snow in the foreground the Colorado River is slowly starting its spring thaw. Within a few months the river will be flowing and fisherman will be busy casting flys.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1093/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGregor-Horseshoe-Lumpy-Inversion.2.23.17.1.jpg Blanketed Horseshoe Fog fills and covers the landscape over Horseshoe Park on a beautiful winter morning in February. Rocky Mountain National Park does not see a lot of fog but when it does the landscape is transformed into a magical and mysterious place.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1092/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DeerMountain-ManyParksCurve-Sunrise.2.23.18.2.jpg Sky Island Clouds hug the sides of Deer Mountain in the distance as a winter storm moves on from Rocky Mountain National Park and departs in time to allow for a colorful and warming sunrise.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1091/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lumpyridge-ManyParksCurve-Inversion.2.23.18.1.jpg Down River One of my favorite kind of mornings to be out photographing in Rocky. On a cool February morning an inversion  blankets the lower elevations of RMNP cloaking the landscape in fog. As the sun rises over the eastern plains of Colorado it warms the landscape and reveals the crags and shapes of this beautiful landscape looking down Fall River towards craggy Lumpy Ridge.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1090/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FB.Flatirons-FlagstaffMountain-Sunrise.2.2.18.1.jpg Airstream Sunrise unfolds over the Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado high above Chautauqua Park and Gregory Canyon. Fog from and inversion slips in and out of the mouth of Gregory Canyon on the flanks of the Flatirons as the sky and clouds turn a brilliant pink, red and orange on this spectacular February morning in Boulder.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1089/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoePark-Aspens-Snow.10.10.17.1.jpg Horsehoe in Transistion An early season October snowstorm has blanketed Rocky Mountain National Park in white as the season transistions from autumn to winter. These stands of fall aspen trees managed to survive the cold temperatures and snow and I was happy to find them the next morning in Horseshoe Park looking splendind wedged between snow covered pines.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1088/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RainbowCurve-HorseshoePark-Sunrise.10.5.16.1.jpg Rainbow Squall Conditions and seasons change quickly in Rocky Mountain National Park. October is only a few days old and already snow squalls are moving across Horseshoe Park and Trail Ridge Road on a cool autumn day. The warm morning sun backlights these squalls as they move between McGregor Mountain and Deer Mountain.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1087/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarmotPointTrail-Sunrise.6.23.16.1.jpg From The Top Sunrise from high above the Alpine Visitor Center and Trail Ridge Road from the top of the hill known by NPS Rangers as 'heart attack hill'. Thousands of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will park at the Alpine Visitor Center each year when they drive Trail Ridge Road between Estes Park and Grand Lake and climb this short but steep hill for impressive views like this one.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1086/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-BeaverPonds.7.1.16.2.jpg Beaver's Paradise A rainy and foggy July morning in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park's west side. The grasses are vibrant green and fog clings to the hillside of the Kawuneeche on this moody day.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1085/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HarbisonMeadows-Sunrise.8.16.16.1.jpg Morning In Harbison Meadow Harbison Meadow is subtle in it's beauty. If you enter Rocky Mountain National Park from Grand Lake on the west side of the park, it's the first landmark you drive through on your way through the Kawuneeche Valley. The Harbison sisters homesteaded on this land before Rocky became a National Park and nature has reclaimed most of what their hard work created. This morning virga from the remnants of thunderstorm the night before skates over Harbison Meadow. The rising sun created a beautiful pastel pallette over the sage flats that make up Harbison Meadow with the Gore Range seen in the distance.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1084/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet-MountCraig.6.2.16.2.jpg Spring on The Inlet The East Inlet late in the spring is a magical place. Snowmelt from the Rocky Mountain National Park fills the rivers and streams to the brim and the meadows of the East Inlet just east of Grand Lake swell and fill with water. Ponds and puddles form and the oppurtunity to photograph reflections of Mount Craig in the swollen banks of the East Inelt abound.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1083/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GorgeLakes-RockCut.8.26.16.1.jpg Gorge Lakes Looking across the vast expanse that is Forest Canyon, the Gorge Lakes idle below the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park after receiving the first snow of the seaons. Even though its August, The Rock Cut along Trail Ridge Road has been dusted with snow from the night before.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1082/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley-Sunrise.10.14.16.2.jpg Kawuneeche Rising If you are lucky enough you get to witness a few spectacular sunrises like this each year in Rocky Mountain National Park. As I waited at this small pond on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park I kept watching the skies over the Kawuneeche Valley to see if the sun would make it through the clouds and set the morning skies ablaze. Sure enough the skies soon began to take on beautiful hues of reds and oranges and the morning in Rocky came alive with color.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1081/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet-Sunrise.10.15.16.1.jpg Inlets Glow Its a cool October morning streamside along the East Inlet on Rocky Mountain National Park's west side. On the other side of the continental divide the sun is rising over the plains of Colorado and bathing the eastern faces of Rocky's east facing peaks in warm light. The clouds over the top of Mount Craig or Mount Baldy as its called by locals explode with brilliant color. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1080/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-AboveForestCanyonOL.11.17.16.1.jpg Longs Above It Being the highest mountain in all of Rocky Mountain National Park has its perks. On days when the lower elevations of RMNP are socked in with clouds and fog 14,259 ft Longs Peak rises above it all and basks in the sunshine of a new day as fog races across the treeless alpine tundra high above Trail Ridge Road.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1079/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WalkerRanch-Fog.5.15.16.1.jpg Rising Above A moody morning at Walker Ranch Open Space just west of Boulder, Colorado as fog and mist filters through the ponderosa pines lining the hillsides. Like waves rolling onto a beach the fog would obscure and cover the forest only to roll back and reveal tiny details and beauty in the landscape.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1078/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMountain-Sunrise.10.30.16.1.jpg With A Kiss Fog from an inversion over Boulder, Colorado rolls up against the flanks of the iconic Flatirons near the summit of Flagstaff Mountain. Below the fog, Boulder is starting to come to life as the sun start to rise over the eastern plains of Colorado. While the Flatirons normally tower over Chautauqua Park below, this morning the fog keeps them hidden from view.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1077/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLakePines.3.17.16.1.jpg Weathered Dream In near whiteout condtions these group of spruce trees near Dream Lake weather a late winter storm. The March snowstorm has piled the snow over Rocky Mountain National Park and the trunks of these spruce trees are burried under a few feet of snow with more on the way.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1076/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMtn.CrownRock.3.19.16.1.jpg After The Snow Heavy spring snow has coated The Flatirons and Gregory Canyon with fresh powder. The Front Range is still covered with clouds but clouds covering The Flatirons are clearing out and sunlight is reaching the summit of Green Mountain.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1075/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwinOwls.LumpyRidge.3.12.16.1.jpg Twin Owls Sunrise Lumpy Ridge has some of Rocky Mountain National Park most interesting rock formations. Rock climbers descend on these rock faces in droves and its close proximity to downtown Estes Park makes it a famillar backdrop to visitors. One of the most well known formations on Lumpy Ridge is the Twin Owls. These two formations tower over the town of Estes Park and catch some of the most beautiful light in the Estes Valley at sunrise.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1074/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRange-Sunrise.TRR.10.18.16.2.jpg Illuminated Mummy Snow squalls move across the Mummy Range as a tiny window of sun finds its way through the cloud cover illuminating Ypsilon Mountain and the Mummy Range with early morning sunlight.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1073/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-LumpyRidgeView.10.12.16.1.jpg Longs Peak Revealed A weather system has moved in over Rocky Mountain National Park and coated the summit of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker with fresh snow near 10,000 ft. Fog covers the Estes Valley and the view from atop Lumpy Ridge of Rocky Mountain National Park highest peak is breathtaking. From atop Lumpy Ridge watching the fog move in and out of the Estes Valley revealing the outline of Longs Peak and The Diamond as the glow of dawn painted the cool morning sky was nothing short of awe inspiring.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1072/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DeerMountain.HorseshoePark.1.16.16.1.jpg Opposites Attract Deer Mountain silhouetted against the backdrop of a colorful January sunrise made for  a great example of opposites attracting. The silhouetted landscape outlined behind a coloful sky is famillar to those who have spent time enjoying Rocky's beautiful scenery at sunrise.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1071/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DarkMountain.TombstoneRidge.7.29.16.1.jpg Prehistoric Dark Mountain Fog and smoke from Colorado wildfires fills the nooks and crannies of Rocky Mountain National Park on a moody yet beautiful morning. The pastel colors combined with smoke and fog gave Dark Mountain a prehistoric like feeling as its rounded summit took on the appearance of a far off volcano.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1070/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrook-9.28.16.3.jpg Cascading Brook One of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful streams has to be Boulder Brook. This small stream which has its been beginnings on the flanks of Longs Peak cascades through some of the most beautiful forest in all of RMNP. It weaves its way through aspens, pines and boulders and during the autumn months golden aspen leaves line the banks of Boulder Brook.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1069/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigMeadowsTree-Fog.8.27.16.3.jpg Big Fog A cool august morning in Big Meadows on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park as fog filters through the forest. Moose graze on the late summer grasses and the sun will soon shine on the meadow warming the valley.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1067/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-Aspens.9.30.16.1.jpg Beacons Of Bierstadt Every fall in Rocky Mountain National Park the hillsides come alive with color as the foilage changes from its summer greens to the yellow, reds and oranges of fall. Each year in RMNP the display is different and some groves of aspen trees will dawn vibrant and stand out amongst the rest. This grove of aspen trees high on the Bierstadt Moraine turned a beautiful orange hue as the stood above equally beautiful groves of yellow and golden aspen trees.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1066/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aspens-MorainePark-BigThompson.9.21.16.1.jpg Color Splash Along the banks of the Big Thompson River just on the outer edges of Moraine Park a colorful autumn scene had developed. With elk bugling off in the meadow performing their fall serenade, the aspens of Rocky Mountain National Park have begun to turn golden. Some of the small brush at the base of these beautiful fall trees has turned red adding a splash of color to the landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1065/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/IndianPaintbrush-HiddenValleyTRR.7.2.16.4.jpg Paintbrush Ponderings Blooming high above Hidden Valley not all that far from Trail Ridge Road I discovered a spectacular patch of Indian Paintbrush. This vibrant red wildflowers stands out against the lush green landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park as the snow melts and turns the meadows a lush green teeming with wildflowers.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1064/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CalyspoOrchids-EastInlet.6.9.16.1.jpg Calypso Time I have many favorites when it comes to Colorado wildflowers but I have to say I'm partial to the Calypso Orichid or Fairy Slipper. These dainty but beautiful wildflowers can be found blooming amongst the forest floor as the winter snows melts in Rocky Mountain National Park, typically in early June. They are tiny and while they can be found blooming in groups oftentimes they grow in single sets or pairs. I highly recommend when you encounter a grouping of Fairy Slippers when out on a hike you get down on your knees and take time to examine these beautiful wildflowers. I found this particular set growing along the East Inlet trail not far from Adams Falls. Most hikers I encountered walked right by this beautiful group of flowers missing out on their delicate beauty.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1063/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierCreek.4.29.16.3C.jpg Frosted Glacier A later April spring snowstorm has covered the banks of Glacier Creek turning Rocky Mountain National Park into a winter like wonderland. I love these late spring storms over Rocky becuase the streams have thawed out after a cold winter and the heavy spring snow sticks to the tree's along Glacier Creek like glue.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1062/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Below-TwoRiversLake.9.22.16.1.jpg Dappled Notchtop A calm and peaceful morning unfolds near Two Rivers Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. A few puffy clouds float over the granite top of Notchtop Mountain as Notchtop reflects in an alpine tarn. No wind, and a warm autumn sun made this the perfect place to relax and reflect on the beauty of Mother Nature.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1061/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-StormPassTH.9.21.16.1.jpg A Brief Kiss The autumn color is in all its splendor along the Bierstadt Moraine of Rocky Mountain National Park. A storm is moving in over Rocky but the sun managed to briefly kiss Hallett and Flattop Mountain with a little bit of dappled sunlight before ducking back under the clouds for the morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1060/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakSunrise-UteTrail-ForestCanyon.9.13.16.1.jpg Above It All I love when we get conditions like these in Rocky Mountain National Park. The lower elevations of the Front Range are covered in fog and drizzle but higher if you can get high enough you can often get above the inversion and low lying cloud layer. This September morning I hiked out along the Ute Trail off Trail Ridge Road to a vantage point high above Forest Canyon. Early season snow covered the landscape right at timberline and Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park glimmered in the distance as the sun warmed the landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1059/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Lake.5.7.16.3.jpg Warming Up Bierstadt It's the first week of May in Rocky Mountain National Park but there is still plenty of snow hanging onto Otis,Hallett and Flattop Mountain. Winter is slowly releasing her grip on Rocky and Bierstadt Lake has thawed and is now free of ice. Clouds skirted over the divide and as the sun rose over Colorado it cast a warm spring light on the mountains. The lack of wind this particular morning and along with the warming sunlight was welcoming.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1058/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AutumnColor-RoaringRiver.10.11.16.2.jpg Roaring Autumn A group of aspens explode with color late in the autumn season in Rocky Mountain National Park. Just below Alluvial Fan Falls along the banks of the Roaring River these aspens trees turn golden yellow and orange each season.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1057/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake.4.14.16.2.jpg Emerging Dream It's mid April in Rocky Mountain National Park and some of Dream Lake is still frozen from a long winters slumber. Ice is quickly melting from the surface of Dream Lake allowing for a beautiful reflection of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in the cool alpine waters. It's hard to tire of this iconic view and watching sunrise from the shore of Dream Lake is something all vistors to RMNP should do.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1056/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheSpearhead-BelowBlueLake.8.30.16.1.jpg Spearhead The Morning As the sun rises over Rocky Mountain National Park, clouds and fog begin to lift their veil from the mountaintops. The Spearhead appears through the clouds deep within Glacier Gorge and reflects in an alpine tarn near Blue Lake. Photographing the famous Spearhead formation in RMNP is a challenge. It's an impressive peak and one that is popular with climbers. The Spearhead is located just behind Longs Peak and becuase of it's place behind a 14,259 ft summit, the sun takes some time to make it's way onto the Spearhead. Conditions this August morning in Rocky Mountain National Park were just about perfect and the Spearhead looked majestic cloaked in fog and clouds.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1055/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AspenandPinebows-HiddenValley.10.5.16.2.jpg Turning Of The Season When the autumn season in Rocky Mountain National Park is coming to a conclusion, a somber mood can descend up the landscape. All the beauty that has bloomed and blossomed over the course of the spring and summer can come to an abrubt end. Even so there is still plenty of beauty to be found in the fleeting moments that make up fall. This colorful aspen leaf makes its last stand in a pine bow as light snow falls on Hidden Valley.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1054/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AVC-FallRiverView.6.23.16.2.jpg Tundra Layers Spring on the alpine tundra is a wonderful time. The landscape which has been covered with snow for the last 7 months burst to life in quick succession as the days grow long and warm. In this famillar view from behind the Alpine Visitor Center, the alpine tundra is quickly shedding its snow and turning a vibrant green. Elk graze on the grasses, streams flow with vigor and wildflowers begin to blanket the slopes of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1053/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BigMeadows-Sunrise.8.11.16.2.jpg Dawn At Big Meadows It's a cool but invigorating morning on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Big Meadows is still as fog wafts through the pines scattered through this beautiful meadow. A bull moose chews on grasses a few hundred yards away and the first light of dawn casts warmth on this tranquil scene.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1052/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LumpyRidgeAspens.10.12.16.1.jpg Lumpy Ridge Autumn Serenade The colors of fall are on full display along Lumpy Ridge in the eastern most half Rocky Mountain National Park. Brilliant yellow hues mixed with reds mix for a class Colorado fall scene.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1051/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChiefsHeadPeak-GlacierCreek.7.19.16.1.jpg Stormy Morning With The Chief Storm clouds roil over the top of Chiefs Head Peak along a placid Glacier Creek on a July morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The sun managed to illuminate the top of Chiefs Head Peak just above the Spearhead for a short period of time before ducking under the cover of the clouds again.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1050/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine-AspensandSnow.tw.10.6.16.1.jpg Bierstadts Whisper Snow falls on the golden aspen trees lining the side of the Bierstadt Moraine on an autumn day when autumn collides with winter. Fog moved through the trees and light snow fell on the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park on a quiet but cool October morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1049/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake.6.19.16.3C.jpg Dream Catcher From the far shore of Dream Lake an otherworldy sunrise unfolds over Rocky Mountain National Park. Sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park's are always beautiful but the one this particular morning from the shores of Dream Lake was one of the most beautiful I've seen while photographing in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1048/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak-BeaverMountain-Hitchrack-Rainbow.5.20.16.1.jpg Storm Front This morning the sunrise was beautiful. Clouds turned the sky to a brilliant shade of pink and set Longs Peak ablaze with color. Within 10 minutes of sunrise the weather conditions changed rapidly. Rain moved in over the mountains and obscured most of them. As the rain moved in over Longs Peak and Thatchtop Mountain a beautiful rainbow formed over the Fern Lake burn area. I was lucky enough this morning to be perched on the side of Beaver Mountain in a perfect postion to not only get soaked from the coming rain, but to photograph these beautiful conditions over Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1047/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ponderosas.DeerMtnTH.4.29.16.1.jpg April Frosting With the month of April having only a few more calendar days remaining until it moved to May, a spring snowstorm dropped nearly a foot of fresh powder on the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. These Ponderosa Pines near Deer Mountain were frozen over and covered with snow. In my opininon, few trees in Rocky Mountain National Park look more stunning than Ponderosa Pines when coated with snow and ice.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1046/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak.DeerMountain.3.5.16.1.jpg Meadows View Longs Peak stands watch over Moraine Park and Upper Beaver Meadows as sunrise produces stunning colors in the skies over Rocky Mountain National Park and the Ponderosa Pine trees that dot the hillsides above Moraine and Upper Beaver Meadows.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1045/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRange.TRR.2.12.16.5.jpg Talus And Wind The winds sweep through Horseshoe Park as the early warm light of a February morning in Rocky Mountain National Park illuminates Chapin,Chaquita and Ypsilon Mountain along the Mummy Range. From a perch high above Horseshoe Park one gets a feel for the primal forces that helped to shape Horsehsoe Park as evidence from the Alluvial Fan and Roaring River spilling into Horseshoe Park down below.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1044/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineParkPonderosas2.4.15.1.jpg A Little Dash Of Color Snow can accumulate quickly during the winter months in Rocky Mountain National Park. The entire landscape can be covered with snow turning the landscape to a featureless snow covered landscape. Ponderosa Pines however can always be counted on to add something of interest even during heavy snows. These proud Ponderosa Pines in Moraine Park weather this February snowstorm collecting its heavy snow on their branches but staying as beautiful as ever. The red trunks of the Ponderosa Pine stand out against the falling snow and add a dash of color to this winter landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1043/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Notchtop.GableTopTRR.2.26.5.1.jpg Wind Dancer Wind driven snow has fallen most of the night on the continental divide on the Rocky Mountain National Park's east side. The February storm has abated somewhat reveailing Notchtop, Gabletop and the Little Matterhorn covered in fresh powder and snow. Being in Rocky after a storm clears shows not only the beauty of this place, but also the harsh conditions and raw power that these storms pack.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1042/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OuzelLake.9.3.15.4.jpg Ouzel's Dawn Its a near perfect morning at Ouzel Lake, deep within the backcountry of the Wild Basin Section of Rocky Mountain National Park. First light from sunrise illuminates Mahana Peak  as clouds fill the sky over the mountains,  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snowbound-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ArchRockTRR.10.21.15.1.jpg Snowbound A late October snowstorm has rolled into Rocky Mountain National Park and closed Trail Ridge Road for the season. With the landscape above timberline now covered with snow, these rocks on the alpine tundra will now endure the winter season in quiet solitude once more.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/a-spring-in-bierstadts-step/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Moraine.6.6.15.2.jpg A Spring In Bierstadt's Step Spring has come to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Bierstadt Moraine just below Bierstadt Lake. The hillsides of aspens along the Bierstadt Moraine are a vibrant green while Otis, Hallett and Flattop Mountain are still adorned in snow from the previous winter season.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/icy-brook-bluebells/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/IcyBrookMountainBlueBells.7.15.15.1.jpg Icy Brook Bluebells While I greatly enjoy photographing the dramatic sweeping landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park, I equally enjoy wandering the trails and along the streams to find more subtle beauty. This morning after a beautiful sunrise at The Loch I searched along the banks of Icy Brook looking for images of RMNP subtle beauty. Mountain Bluebells lined Icy Brook along one section and the cascading stream moving through the wildflowers was just what I was looking for. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/halletts-autumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacoerCreek.StormPass.10.6.15.2.jpg Hallett's Autumn On a beautiful autumn morning in Rocky Mountain National Park, Hallett Peak shimmers amongst the fall color that has graced the slopes of the Bierstadt Moraine and Glacier Creek. The willows and aspens are in their autumn splendor and the dappled sunlight illuminates one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most iconic peaks.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sienna-and-smoke/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidgeSmokeSunrise.8.22.15.2.jpg Sienna And Smoke Forest fires across the western United States have caused smoke to drift over Rocky Mountain National Park on this August morning. The particulates from the smoke fill the sky causing a beautiful orange glow in the skies over Rocky Mountain National Park as the sun rises over the eastern plains of Colorado. From this vantage point near Trail Ridge Road, the silhouette of McGregor Mountain and Lumpy Ridge can be seen through the reds and oranges of sunrise.    Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierstadts-island/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake.9.7.15.2.jpg Bierstadt's Island A warm September morning begins to unfold over the lush shores of Bierstadt Lake. Puffy clouds drift over Bierstadt Lake as the sunrise paints them in pastels which reflect perfectly in the still waters of Bierstadt. Summer has helped the grasses to grow high around Bierstadt Lake and they help frame the sunrise reflection in the waters of Bierstadt Lake. Bierstadt Lake is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful locations. As a photographers I find photographing from both the east and west shores of Bierstadt Lake rewarding. Depending on the conditions, looking eastward can produce images like these of Bierstadt which are much different then the view looking back towards the continental divide.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/its-a-small-world/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrookGroundCover.10.6.15.1.jpg It's A Small World The autumn season in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most spectacular times of year to visit. Stunning vistas and hillsides of golden aspens make for postcard like scenes around each corner. Even with the stunning grand vistas, some of fall's most beautiful scenes and colors can be found right at your feet if you take a moment to stop and look. While the ground near Boulder Brook was covered with beautiful yellow aspen leaves that had fallen from the forest canopy, this small plant on the forest floor chimed in with its own autumn color palette.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cobalt-dreams/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake8.21.14.1.jpg Cobalt Dreams Sunrise is still 45 minutes away from illuminating the beautiful landscape around Dream Lake. Only a slight breeze ruffles the waters of Dream Lake as the sky begins to turn a cobalt shade of blue in this view from the west side of Dream Lake. The iconic view of Dream Lake is from the opposite shore, but Dream Lake's beauty is stunning from both the east and west shorelines. It's no wonder that Dream Lake is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular areas.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/meandering-boulders/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrook9.26.14.1.jpg Meandering Boulders An offshoot of Boulder Brook traverses the mossy green boulders strewn along the mountainside in this classic Colorado autumn scene. Boulder Brook is lined with beautiful aspen trees which during the fall cover the forest floor with golden yellow leaves. Of all the locations in Rocky Mountain National Park to photograph the autumn colors, a hike along Boulder Brook has to be one of my favorites.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-siren/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark11.7.14.2.jpg Autumn Siren Some locations in Rocky Mountain National Park seem to embody certain seasons so well. Moraine Park is certainly one location in Rocky Mountain National Park that fits the autumn and fall season like a glove. Whether it be watching the magestic Elk Rut take place in the beautiful open meadows of Moraine Park or watching a spectacular autumn sunrise unfold from the banks of the Big Thompson River, Moraine Park typifies the beauty present in Rocky Mountain National Park during the fall months.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/weatherthe-storm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark11.15.14.4.jpg WeatherThe Storm The snow is falling hard in Rocky Mountain National Park on a cold November morning. This lone aspen tree stands watch over a frozen Moraine Park as the snow flies and the seasons quickly transition towards winter.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/weeping-wall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInletCascade8.4.14.1.jpg Weeping Wall Near the East Inlet of Rocky Mountain National Park on it's spectacular west side this small streams makes it's way through the jumble of rocks and wildflowers. It will soon join up with the East Inlet, Grand Lake and the Colorado River. These small intimate scenes are some of my favorite and small summer seeps lined with mountain bluebells are hard to pass up.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glowing-chasm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChasmFallsGlow10.30.14.1.jpg Glowing Chasm A few times each year the sun rises directly in line with the slot that makes up one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful waterfalls. Those few times each year when the sun rises directly down the middle of Chasm Falls along Fall River Road, this beautiful waterfall comes to life. The entire chasm glows orange and red as the water from Fall River flows downstream.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-not-fallen/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine9.12.14.1.jpg Frozen Not Fallen In Rocky Mountain National Park the weather can change in a flash. Warm autumn days can turn to snow cold blizzards in the blink of an eye. This September day on the Bierstadt Moraine, high above Bear Lake Road, these fall aspen trees had just begun the changeover from summer greens to the golden yellow of fall. Snow overnight in RMNP froze these aspen leaves in place and coated them with beautiful rime ice.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/outward-bound/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark11.7.14.1.jpg Outward Bound The month of November in Rocky Mountain National Park is a quiet time of transition. The Elk rut is over, the beautiful golden colors of autumn have passed, but oftentimes the heavy snows of a long winter have not yet fallen on RMNP. The grasses in the meadows and parks of Rocky Mountain National Park are golden brown and streams such as the Big Thompson have not yet frozen over with ice. The shorter November days can produce some dramatic sunrises like this one I photographed in Moraine Park. With the Big Thompson River winding its ways through Moraine Park and towards Eagle Cliff Mountain, in only a short distance the river will exit the borders of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-howling-winds-of-december/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakGlacierGorge12.2.14.2.jpg The Howling Winds Of December December in Rocky Mountain National Park can play host to some of the most beautiful and dramatic sunrises Rocky see's all year. It's also a month that great sunrises are accompanied often with the howling winds that Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for. If you can manage to survive the winds ripping off the mountain tops, you may be able to see some of Rocky Mountain National Park's most iconic landscapes bathed in beautiful light. This December morning as the winds roared across Glacier Gorge, Longs Peak and it's backside known rightfully so as The Keyboard of The Winds, clouds over the summit exploded with dramatic color as sunrise filled the skies over Longs Peak with brilliant reds.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moonlighting-over-deer/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DeerMountainMoonset.11.20.14.2.jpg Moonlighting Over Deer Early on a November morning in Horseshoe Park, a crescent moon sets over the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park. With the first light of the day coloring the skies over Deer Mountain. The warm reds of the sun starting to color the skies with the early morning blues of a November dawn made Horseshoe Park seem beautiful and mysterious all at the same time. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/magical-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHaiyahatrailsunrise9.30.14.1.jpg Magical Morning The first snow of the season is always special in Rocky Mountain National Park. Most of the time the turnover from autumn to winter happens quickly. A late September snowstorm covered the Rocky Mountain National Park with its first layer of snow. As the sun rose above the horizon it revealed the beauty of the frozen landscape in this view from the Lake Haiyaha trail.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lots-of-flair/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLakeRoad9.18.14.1.jpg Lots Of Flair If you have ever driven along Bear Lake Road you have passed right by these aspen trees. Much of the year they are unremarkable and most visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will probably drive right on past them without even taking a second glance. During the fall color season however, these aspen trees produce some of the most striking color to be found anywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park. With just a touch of orange to go along with the golden yellow, these aspens trees have a flair for the dramatic once September rolls around in Rocky and more than likely you will notice this beautiful display these trees put on. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tangerine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierGorgeAspens9.17.14.1.jpg Tangerine During the autumn months in Rocky Mountain National Park, most of the aspen trees will turn a golden yellow during the fall season. When conditions and temperatures vary slightly, some of these aspen groves will actually turn orange or red depending on the amount of moisture and temperatures. It's always a treat to find aspen's in Rocky Mountain National Park that have turned shades of orange or red as this bunch did near the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. This was a beautiful warm September day in RMNP, with Kodachrome skies and the smells and scents of autumn permeating trough the warm mountain air.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/boles-of-bierstadt/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraineaspens10.8.14.1.jpg Boles Of Bierstadt High atop the Bierstadt Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park reside some of the most beautiful groves of aspen trees in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Like all the aspen trees of RMNP, the large population of elk leave their mark on the boles of these beautiful trees. During the winter months the elk will chew the bark of the aspen trees for much needed winter calories. While this scars the aspen trees boles, it leaves a unique pattern on the tree. This autumn morning in Rocky I spent hours photographing the golden colors of fall atop the Bierstadt Moraine and the both the scars left on the boles from the elk and brillilant yellow aspen leaves make for beautiful subjects.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ute-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UteTrail8.7.14.5.jpg Ute View As a stormy overnight begins to clear at sunrise, Longs Peak, and Chiefs Head Peak bask in some of the first rays of sunlight as it finds its way through the scattered clouds. The view along the Ute Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the most impressive views of 14,259 ft Longs Peak and when the weather is breaking, Longs Peak looks like a crown jewel sitting atop the landscape of Colorado.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/from-sky-to-glass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UnamedfallsaboveLakeofGlass8.19.14.1.jpg From Sky To Glass If you have ever hiked high above Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park and visited Sky Pond you have no doubt stopped to enjoy this beautiful waterfall. Located above Lake of Glass and just below Sky Pond this beautiful unamed cascade typifies the subtle beauty of the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer months. This waterfall is a great place to take a break and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery RMNP reveals once the snow melts.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/good/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheRockCut10.21.14.2.jpg Good Morning Rock Cut Typically the best time to photograph from the Rock Cut along Trail Ridge Road is in the late afternoon. With that said, if conditions are favorable, sunrise from the Rock Cut can also be quite astounding. With a commanding view of Rocky Mountain National Park, a lenticular cloud setup above Longs Peak and exploded with color as the sun rose to the east of Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sprague-lake-wonder/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpragueLake10.9.14.1.jpg Sprague Lake Wonder I've photographed many a sunrise from the shores of Sprague Lake and have witnessed some truly beautiful sunrises. This is without question one of my favorite mornings at Sprague Lake. Autumn is slowly slipping away and soon winter will descend upon Rocky Mountain National Park covering the peaks with snow and freezing the surface of Sprague Lake. This morning however at Sprague Lake was nearly perfect. Dramatic colors illuminated the sky over Rocky Mountain National Park and the winds were still and calm allowing for a perfect reflection of Otis, Hallett and Flattop Mountains.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/walkers-glow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WalkerRanch.Flatirons.4.7.15.1.jpg Walkers Glow I love when an inversion layer of fog and clouds covers over the Front Range and the foothills just west of Boulder, Colorado. No two inversion layers setup quite the same way so you are never sure where you will be photographing or what you will be photographing. This April morning the inversion layer was just below Walker Ranch above Boulder. As the sun rose in front of the Flatirons, the inversion of clouds and fog weaved it's ways through the pines of Walker Ranch making for a dramatic and beautiful morning.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sky-gazer/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMountainBonzai.CrownRock.12.11.15.1.jpg Sky Gazer A lone Ponderosa Pine sits atop the red rocks of Flagstaff Mountain just west of Boulder as a December storm begins to form over the foothills. Standing alone on this rock, this tree has a perfect vantage to watch the sky and storms roll over Boulder, Colorado and the Front Range.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/may-reflections/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlatironsChautaqua.5.17.15.1.jpg May Reflections If we have enough moisture during the spring season, this small pond forms in Chautauqua Meadow at the base of the Boulder Flatirons each year. It's a small pond but it still gives a photographer a chance to capture the iconic Flatiron formation reflecting the view from Chautauqua Park. The vibrant green grasses and clouds overhead made this May morning in Chautauqua Park a beautiful one.   Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/classic-chautauqua-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChautauquaPark.11.21.15.1.jpg Classic Chautauqua Morning The golden sun warms the Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado from the beautiful slopes of Chautauqua Meadow. A classic viewpoint anytime of year The Flatirons look even more majestic after snow has fallen and coated the granite, grasses and meadow of Chautauqua Park.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-at-eldo/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EldoradoSprings.Flatirons.5.3.15.3.jpg Spring At Eldo Spring has sprung along the banks of South Boulder Creek near Eldorado Springs on a stunning May morning. Vibrant green trees line the sides of a bubbling South Boulder Creek as the first rays of sun illuminate the Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ravens-view-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffCrownRock.2.2.14.1.jpg Ravens View High above Chautauqua Park and the city of Boulder, Colorado a lone raven sits in her perch on Crown Rock watching the sunrise over Boulder. Boulder is still clouded over and covered with snow but above town, the skies are clear, fresh snow hangs on the pines and the sun begins to warm the landscape on this February morning.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sky-miles/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FourMileCreek12.6.14.2.jpg Sky Miles Big skies and beautiful sunrises are certainly a part of the Boulder, Colorado landscape. Where the plains and prarie meet a lone Ponderosa Pine greets the new day as stunning colors fill the skies over Four Mile Creek.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/amongst-giants/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMountain12.30.14.1.jpg Amongst Giants Beauty is found in all sizes in the forest. This small ponderosa pine has not reached the height of its elders on the side of Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado but one day will.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/standing-gaurd/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMountain12.26.14.1.jpg Standing Gaurd A set of beautiful Ponderosa Pine trees stand gaurd on the slopes of Flagstaff Mountain just west of Boulder as snow falls on the mountainsides.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-power-of-three/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Greenbeltplateau11.12.1.14.jpg The Power Of Three Blizzard like conditions have settled in over Boulder, Colorado. South of town along the Greenbelt Plateau trailhead these three Ponderosa Pines weather the storm in the open but harsh beauty of the plains just east of the foothills.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-sun/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlatrionsFlagstaffMtn12.30.14.1.jpg Frozen Sun It's a downright cold morning in Boulder, Colorado. With the thermometer hovering around zero degrees after a freshly fallen snow the sun is making its best attempt to break through the cold layer of air and warm the landscape over Chautauqua Park and The Flatirons of Boulder. Snow and ice crystals float in the air obscuring the sun as it shines on the fresh snow and powder that is covering the pines.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/a-stormy-vista/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlatironsVista11.25.14.2.jpg A Stormy Vista The views of Boulder iconic Flatiron formation are breathtaking from the south end of town. The Flatirons Vista open space trailhead is one of the best places to take in the view of the Flatirons where prarie meets the mountains. This area also happens to be one of the windiest locations in all of Colorado. This morning a storm with fierce winds was approaching Boulder. There was a tiny break in the cloud cover to the east of town and the winds were still modest enough that photography was possible. For a few brief moment, sunrise illuminated the Flatirons as the storm and wind closed in around Boulder.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bobolink-in-transistion/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bobolink11.12.14.3.jpg Bobolink In Transistion Seasons clashing is quite a common occurance along the Front Range of Colorado especially during the transition from autumn to winter. The trees on the Bobolink open space property in Boulder, Colorado are still showing off their autumn splendor while winter has decided to cover the landscape with a fresh covering of snow.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/yucca-fronds/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DoudyDrawYucca12.5.14.1.jpg Yucca Fronds Detailed study of Yucca Fronds along the Doudy Draw trailhead south of Boulder, Colorado. The intricate detail of the yucca fronds always make for interesting macro photography as no two yucca's ever look identical.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/paintbrush-skies/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FourMileSunrise2.19.15.2.jpg Paintbrush Skies Sunrise reveals a colorful sky over Boulder,Colorado near Four Mile Creek Open Space. The pastels in the sky appear as if created by a painters brush on this beautiful morning.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/november-song/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMountain.11.26.15.2.jpg November Song It's Thanksgiving day on Flagstaff Mountain west of Boulder,Colorado. Snow is falling on the Front Range of Colorado and turning the landscape into a frozen wonderland. These beautiful ponderosa pines look beautiful frosted in snow and ice from this November storm as the snow continued to fall over Boulder.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/powdered-pines/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMountain.11.27.15.1.jpg Powdered Pines Near the top of Flagstaff Mountain just west of Boulder, Colorado, sruce and fir trees sit in the forest covered in fresh powder. These trees on the northeast facing slopes of Flagstaff get the full brunt of a Colorado 'upslope' snowstorm which cakes them with layers of fresh snow and turning the forest and open space properties of Boulder into a winter wonderland.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bathed-in-gold/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/IndianPeaksBlueSky.9.18.15.3.jpg Bathed In Gold As the sun sets over Boulder County and the Indian Peaks Wilderness area, a small break in the clouds allows the landscape to be bathed in golden drop under light in this view from Erie, Colorado, east of the Boulder foothills.  Erie, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/foothills-roar/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DoudyDraw.11.18.15.2.jpg Foothills Roar Anyone who has spent considerable time on the south end of Boulder knows this can be one of windiest locations in all of Colorado. Winds drop down from the high peaks above, gain speed and shoot out of the canyons and down the hillsides west of town. It can be an amazing experience to be outside when the winds are reaching 80 M.P.H. in an open and exposed area. This was one of those mornings at Doudy Draw. The winds were really picking up at sunrise but I could tell the sunrise was going to be amazing. There would be short periodic lulls in between the tremendous gusts of wind at Doudy Draw so I was able to find a sheltered area for my camera and tripod. In between the violent bursts of wind I was able to capture the colorful skies lighting up over Doudy Draw as both high and mid level clouds turned pink and quickly scooted out of the frame.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/loner/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CrownRock.GregoryCanyon.Flatirons.12.12.25.2.jpg Loner As the snow and fog clears over the Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado, a lone tree stands above Gregory Canyon surveying the snow covered landscape,  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cathederal-thunder/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaff.Cathederal.10.2.15.1.jpg Cathederal Thunder Thunder and lightning flash and boom over the high plains of Colorado looking eastward from Cathederal Point high atop Flagstaff Mountain just west of Boulder, Colorado. The storms which covered the mountains overnight have moved east leaving a thick inversion layer of fog and clouds covering Boulder below.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/eldorado-glowing/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons.EldoradoSprings.12.1.15.1.jpg Eldorado Glowing The Flatirons glow red as the first rays of sun of a new winter day illuminate these iconic monoliths. It's the first day of December in Boulder, Colorado and fresh snow still clings to the Flatirons and the banks of South Boulder Creek in this view near Eldorado Springs.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/oh-gregory/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlatironsCrownRockSunrise.12.18.15.1.jpg Oh Gregory! A shaft of light t sunrise illuminates a lone tree overlooking Gregory Canyon and the north side of The Flatirons. High above Boulder,Colorado this tree overlooks some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Colorado.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fiery-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlatironsVistaSunrise.11.24.15.1.jpg Fiery Flatirons November skies over the Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado can put on quite a color display when the conditions are right. This morning a cloud layer formed over the Flatirons while the skies were clear to the east of Boulder. Clear skies to the east and clouds over the Flatirons caused the skies to explode in reds, orange and pinks as the sun illuminated the landscape in this view from OSMP property on the south end of town.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chautauquas-banner/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChautauquaFlatirons.4.22.15.4.jpg Chautauqua's Banner Golden Banner blooming in Chautauqua Meadow is a sure sign that spring has arrived in Colorado. Chautauqua Meadow will play host to different wildflower displays as spring morphs into summer but the Golden Banner is often the first wildflower to bloom below the Flatirons of Boulder.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frosty-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlatironsFlagstaffMt2.28.15.1.jpg Frosty Flatirons The snows that blanketed the Flatirons of Boulder,Colorado have moved out overnight leaving only a powdery layer of fresh snow on the evergreens that flank the mountainsides of Flagstaff Mountain, Gregory Canyon and The Flatirons themselves. A low hanging inversion layer still covers most of the lower elevations around Boulder and Denver this particular morning but as the sun rose above the cloud layer, it painted the Flatirons in a beautiful warm glow.  Boulder,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/four-miles-of-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FourMileSunrise2.19.15.6.jpg Four Miles Of Sunrise Beautiful clouds light up to the south and east of Boulder, Colorado at sunrise from along Four Mile Creek on the north end of town. This one tree stands alone on the hillside taking in the view as another colorful day dawns over Boulder.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/enduring-tenacity/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMountain3.15.15.1.jpg Enduring Tenacity High above Boulder, Colorado along the slopes of Flagstaff Mountain, a lone pine endures on a rocky face. Winds, snow, and heat all make this rocky home a difficult place to not only survive but thrive as this pine does. While it may be a precarious location to take up residence, this lone pine has one of the best views in Boulder and gets to take in spectacular sunrises like this one in particular.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/irons-in-the-fire/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EldoradoSprings.Flatirons.10.25.15.1.jpg Irons In The Fire It's late autumn along South Boulder Creek but the trees and grasses are still holding onto much of their autumn spelndor. A sunrise that matches the intensity and beauty of the fall color along South Boulder Creek illuminates the skies over the Flatirons at sunrise from Eldorado Springs, just south of Boulder,Colorado.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frosted-on-flagstaff/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMountain.11.26.15.1.jpg Frosted On Flagstaff Snow and fog sweep over Flagstaff Mountain just outside of Boulder, Colorado on a cold but beautiful November morning. Flagstaff Mountain has some of the best Pondersoa Pine tree's in the Boulder area and on days when its snowy and foggy there is a good chance I'm out on the mountain photographing these frosted beauties.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dawn-over-doudy/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DoudyDrawView.Fowler.11.13.15.1.jpg Dawn Over Doudy Looking east over Doudy Draw from the south end of Boulder, sunrise turns the skies to a shade of amber. Big skies and beautiful vistas make the open space properties on the south side of Boulder, Colorado great places to take in the view and enjoy a colorful sunrise.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/vista-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlatironsVista.11.25.15.5.jpg Vista View Colorful autumn skies drift over the Flatirons at sunrise. This vantage point near the Flatirons Vista trailhead located just south of Boulder, Colorado gives a commanding and open view of the entire Flatiron Formation.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/front-range-glow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlatironsFlagstaffMt.2.28.15.4.jpg Front Range Glow A cold air inversion remains of the Front Range of Colorado but the foothills just west of Boulder have risen above the cloud layer. A February snow storm has covered the evergreens with fresh snow and as the sun rises over the high plains of Colorado, the orange warmth of the sunrise colors the skies. In this view we are looking south from Flagstaff Mountain at the side of Boulder famous Flatiron formation. Denver is and it's suburbs are located south of the Flatirons in this image but are blanketed by the low hanging inversion layer and clouds.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/walker-blue/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WalkerRanchFlatironsBlue.4.7.15.4.jpg Walker Blue It's predawn at the Walker Ranch Open Space property west of Boulder. Fog drifts behind the back or westside of Boulder beautiful Flatiron formation on a cool but spectacular April morning. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chautauqua-song/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChautauquaPark.11.21.15.3.jpg Chautauqua Song The clouds are quickly lifting above Chautauqua Park and The Flatirons after a light snow has coated the the mountains and Chautauqua Meadow with a fresh layer of snow.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dawns-arrival/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UteTrailSunrsieTRR.7.7.15.2.jpg Dawns Arrival It was a rainy and stormy overnight in Rocky Mountain National Park. As morning approached, fog had built up in the valley and it seemed as if the rain may begin again. Before dawn, light on the high plains of Colorado began to illuminate the sky over Rocky Mountain National Park. Above the clouds on Trail Ridge Road, subtle colors sunrise show above the lower elevations of Horseshoe Park,Fall River and the Hanging Valley which were all still covered in fog and mist.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/trail-ridge-tenacity/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidgeSunrise.9.15.15.1.jpg Trail Ridge Tenacity The drops under the cloudline to the east of Rocky Mountain National Park and creates a beatiful show in the sky over Windy Ridge and Trail Ridge Road.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/photo-4/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RainbowCurvePines.5.23.15.1.jpg Blue Bloods Like the royalty of the forest that these beautiful pines are they stand out and make their presence and strength known regardless of the conditons. Even on a foggy, snowy morning in May these trees make an indelible impression on the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-at-the-pool/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PeacockPoolsunrise.9.22.15.1.jpg Sunrise At The Pool I hiked the four miles up to Peacock Pool hoping to capture a beautiful reflection of Longs Peak. I departed the Longs Peak trailhead long before dawn and headed up the trail passing climbers on their attempts to summit 14,259 ft Longs Peak. At Chasm Junction I split from the Longs Peak Trailhead and headed down to Peacock Pool. In my hike up to Peacock Pool I could see that the skies to the east of Rocky Mountain National Park were going to explode with color at sunrise. I headed to the east side of Peacock Pool and spent sometime enjoying the colors to the east of Longs Peast before sunrise. The trout in Peacock Pool must have enjoyed it as well as they were very active eating this morning as can be seen by the only ripples on the surface of Peacock this morning. I still managed to capture a beautiful image of Longs Peak on this rare calm morning below Longs, but the colors over the high plains of Colorado were breathtaking.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/never-summer-mostly-winter/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NeverSummerRangeMBCurve.8.19.15.5.jpg Never Summer, Mostly Winter This was a very memorable August morning for me in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was mid August and a cold front had brought rain to the Front Range. Temperatures from this system were very cool and I expected to find some of the highest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park perhaps coated with a light dusting of snow near their summits. I headed up Trail Ridge Road in the predawn hours hoping to capture images of the clouds trapped in the valley's at the lower elevations at sunrise. As I headed up Trail Ridge in the pitch black and thorugh a very dense fog I started to notice what looked like snow up above the Forest Canyon turnoff. I wasnt sure if my eyes were playing tricks on me or if there was actually snow above 10,000 ft. It was mid August afterall and summer was still in full swing in Rocky. It became apparent as I gained elevation that it had indeed snowed, and as I drove past the Rock Cut, I could see there was a nice dusting on the alpine tundra. I continued to drive on a very icy Trail Ridge Road that most likely would have been closed if anyone was aware that snow had fallen on the road until I arrived at the Medicine Bow pullout. From the Medicine Bow overlook I watched a stunning sunrise light up the Never Summer Range as the clouds drifted over the peaks. The combination of warm reds on the Never Summer Range and the cool blues of the coated evergreens just above the headwaters of the Cache La Poudre were awesome. It was a dynamic morning August morning and one I wont forget anytime soon.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/alpine-transistion/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyonPassTarn.10.17.15.1.jpg Alpine Transistion The shadow of the Earth combined with clouds over Specimen Mountain illuminates the landscape at sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Autumn is now well under way on the high alpine tundra and winter will be settling into the high country very soon. The grasses have turned red and brown and this high alpine tarn has started to freeze over with the cold nights of autumn.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/diamond-in-the-rough/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChasmLake.8.11.15.1.jpg Diamond In The Rough I've visted Chasm Lake at the base of Longs Peak many times over the years to photograph it. Longs Peak and its northeast facing Diamond formation get some of the best light for photography at sunrise in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rising over 2000 ft from the base of Chasm Lake The Diamond is both dramatic and a scenic icon of RMNP. Getting the weather conditions to cooperate at Chasm Lake can be a challange. High winds and many clear mornings make getting clouds combined with a mirror like reflection difficult. This morning I was blessed enough to have both dramatic storm clouds over Longs Peak, while Chasm Lake remained still. So still was Chasm Lake that you can even see the rocks under the surface of this location at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pinwheels/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WildIris.LowerBeaverMeadows.6.10.15.3.jpg PinWheels A set of Wild Iris bloom in the meadow of Lower Beaver Meadows on a warm June day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park plays host to a variety of wildflowers which put on a colorful display. Depending on ones elevation as well as the time of year visitors to Rocky will be able to observe the delicate beauty of Colorado's famous wildflower displays.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/softly-falling-snow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineParkAspens2.4.15.1.jpg Softly Falling Snow A light winter snow is falling on this group of Moraine Park aspen boles on a quiet February morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The wind is silent and one could only hear the trickle of the Big Thompson River under a layer of winter ice.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/delicate-pasque/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pasqueflowermillcreek.4.2.15.5.jpg Delicate Pasque Pasque or 'Easter' Flowers are the first wildflowers to bloom each year in Rocky Mountain National Park. Blooming in the lower elevations of Rocky, Pasque flowers tend to grown in and amongst the Ponderosa Pines. Pasque flowers are small and delicate. Before they open fully there subtle coloration would be easy to pass by without evening noticing. Look for these flowers in April and when you find them you will know spring is on it's way.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sundance/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UteTrail.Endovalley.7.7.15.1.jpg Sundance The flanks of aptly named Sundance Mountain catch a sliver of sunrise on a foggy morning near Trail Ridge Road. With the Mummy Range in the background, just a small amount of sunlight broke through the inversion layer hanging over Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park and set the mountains on fire with color.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ouzels-open/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OuzelFalls.10.27.15.1.jpg Ouzels Open For many year logs obscured the front of Ouzel Falls lower half. While still a beautiful location, one had to photograph Ouzel Falls with the logs over the lower half of the waterfall. After many years those logs finally cleared and the bottom half of Ouzel Falls in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park was left clear and unobstructed.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/alpine-splendor/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidgeSunrise.7.9.15.2.jpg Alpine Splendor The alpine tundra above timberline can be harsh and unforgiving. Most of the year, winds and snows will whip across its barren surface encapsulating the environment in snow and ice. For a few months each year however, summer will make a short appearance on the alpine tundra above 11,000 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park. Wildflowers grow amongst the rocks, Pikas and Marmots will be busy foraging for food and the grasses will be green. On a summer morning above Trail Ridge, a dynamic sunrise breaks over the alpine tundra with clouds hanging over Longs Peak and Forest Canyon. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sky-on-fire/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SkyPond.7.21.15.1.jpg Sky On Fire It was a mostly cloudy morning at Sky Pond above Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park. It did not appear that any sun or color would appear this morning with the thick cloud deck to the east of Estes Park. The sun did manage however to color the skies over the Sharkstooth for a short time on this summer morning in July.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/powdered-horseshoe/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkTRR.11.28.15.1.jpg Powdered Horseshoe Powedery snow coats the trees above Horseshoe Park as the glow from sunrise adds some warmth to the skies on a cold November morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fern-falls-cascade/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FernFalls.9.5.15.1.jpg Fern Falls Cascade Located above Moraine Park along the Fern Lake trailhead, Fern Falls is a refreshing stop for hikers during the summer months. It's steep cascading drop off causes a cooling mist to float over the trail as winds its way uphill towards Fern Lake. It's a great location to rest, cool down and enjoy the beauty of this waterfall.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-squalls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Thatchtop.GlacierKnobs.SnowSquall.8.18.15.1.jpg Autumn Squalls The sun lights the base of Thatchtop Mountain and the Glacier Knobs over Glacier Gorge as snow squalls move over Rocky Mountain National Park's changing autumn landscape. September is a dynamic month in Rocky Mountain National Park. The fall color season is well underway but snow and cold weather are always a possiblity as well this time of year.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/reflecting-two/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwoRiversLake.8.7.15.1.jpg Reflecting Two High winds and Rocky Mountain National Park go hand in hand. You cant have this beautiful mountain scenery at these high mountain altitudes without dramatic wind and weather condtions. So when we have mornings like this one at Two Rivers Lake with no wind, drifting clouds and mirror like reflections you really learn to soak in the moment and enjoy. This August morning at Two Rivers Lake was just one of those truly special moments. Notchtop Mountain reflects perfectly in the smooth waters of Two Rivers Lake with only some high clouds drifting above Notchtop to accent the scene perfectly.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/forest-dawn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyonPassTarn.10.17.15.2.jpg Forest Dawn Early sunrise light begins to illuminate the landscape over Forest Canyon on a late fall morning above timberline in Rocky Mountain National Park. This small tarn is starting to freeze over and the alpine tundra grasses have dawned their red and brown fall colors.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/stormy-chasm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ShipsProwChasmLake.8.11.1.2.jpg Stormy Chasm A rainy morning at Chasm Lake allows for a short window of drop under sunlight to illuminate the Ships Prow in beautiful golden light for a few moments. Just to the side of of Longs Peak, the Ships Prow is a popular rock formation with climbers who visit Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/never-no-summer/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NeverSummerRangeMBCurve.8.19.15.1.jpg Never No Summer The Never Summer Mountains certainly live up to their name on a August morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's only mid August but the the first snows of the season have fallen on the higher elevations. Native Arapahos called this area Never No Summer and the snows on this August morning certainly were in agreeement with their observation.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-pasque/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkPasqueFlower.4.10.15.1.jpg Frozen Pasque Colorado is known for having some of the best wildflower displays in all the United States. Each summer hundreds of wildflowers bloom in a progression that starts at the lower elevations and works its way higher up the mountainsides. One of the first blooms one will see in Rocky Mountain National Park is that of the Pasque or 'Easter' flower. The Pasque Flower typically blooms in early April and takes its name from the French word for Easter which obviously coincides with the first blooms of this delicate wildflower. Being that Pasque Flowers bloom so early in the season they can often be burried under the snow of heavy spring storms of thick frost from a still cold night. I found this Pasque Flower blooming in Horseshoe Park one morning in April. It's beautiful petals not yet open but covered with a cystalline frost from a cold April night.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moment-in-blue/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MtYpsilonRainbowCurve.5.23.15.1.jpg Moment In Blue In the predawn blue light, Ypsilon Mountain and the Mummy Range make a brief appearance above the could layer after a night of snow fell on the mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park. This morning was cool and still with only quiet and calm as a companion.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/having-a-ball/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountainBallCactus.UpperBeaverMeadows.5.7.15.2.jpg Having A Ball When people think of Rocky Mountain National Park, cactus is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. Visitors to Rocky think of soaring mountain peaks, snow, lakes and wildlife. While those certainly typify Rocky Mountain National Park each spring the lower elevations of Rocky play host to a string of wildflower blooms. One of the earlier blooms is that of the Mountain Ball Cactus. The Mountain Ball Cactus is a small but beautiful plant that typically grows on the south facing slopes and lower elevations of Rocky. The Mountain Ball is small and it would be easy to walk right on past its beautiful pink blooms like the one I found on this catus in Upper Beaver Meadows.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/upwards/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RainbowCurve.5.23.15.1.jpg Upwards Springtime in the Rockies can mean a lot of things. It can mean warm weather, thunderstorms or more likely snow and dramatic ever changing weather conditions. Rainbow Curve near timberline is a location that even when the calendar says May, the weather says otherwise. As a landscape photographer these are the condtions I love to photograph in. With an inversion of clouds hiding Horsehoe Park below, the sun warms the skies with a golden hue as fog drifts through the trees near Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGregorMountain.RainbowCurve.TRR.9.11.15.1.jpg Glow With an inversion hanging over Estes Park and a high deck of clouds above the layer of fog and rain the inversion caused, sunrise was looking less than promising this Sepetember morning along Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Somehow the Sun managed to make a brief appearance this morning while putting on a tremendous display of light and color. The skies over McGregor Mountain turned a fiery red and the low clouds from the inversion developed a beautiful purple glow that can be seen just to the right of McGregor Mountain in this view from Rainbow Curve.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spruce-winds/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpruceLake.9.5.15.2.jpg Spruce Winds A gorgeous sunrise unfolds east of Spruce Lake on a cool September morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The winds were howling this morning at Spruce Lake but the colors in the sky more than made up for the stiff breeze blowing across the surface of Spruce Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tomah-awakens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TerraTomah.ForestCanyon.TRR.7.7.15.1.jpg Tomah Awakens Fog laps up against the base of Terra Tomah Mountain as Forest Canyon remains hidden from view. It's early summer and the summit of Terra Tomah Mountain is green from rain and snowmelt while the sun warms her face. The distinct shape of Terra Tomah Mountain stands out when visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park travel along Trail Ridge Road, but on mornings with fog and sun the landscape is transformed by the dramatic weather conditions above timberline.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/electrical-mummy/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRangeTRR1.24.15.1.jpg Electrical Mummy Ypsilon Mountain and The Mummy Range glow in the preawn hours as the sun begins to set the sky and landscape ablaze over Rocky Mountain National Park. With the shorter day of winter, sunrises in Rocky Mountain National Park are often dramatic and beautiful.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/window-to-longs/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak.BierstadtMorine.4.28.15.5.jpg Window To Longs As is typical for Rocky Mountain National Park in late April, heavy spring snows fall and cover the mountains with plenty of powder. Rocky Mountain National Parks highest peak, Longs Peak received a nice coating of fresh snow the night before and is shining brightly in the spring sun as the clouds part with the passing of the storm.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/alpine-song/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AlpineBrook.8.11.15.2.jpg Alpine Song There is something magical about a cascading, bubbling stream during the summer months in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alpine Brook which follows the lower half of the Longs Peak Trail can be one of those locations to sit and recover after a long hike. Weaving through the forest Alpine brooks turns andn winds its way down towards the Tahosa Valley. I have to believe on the hundreds of adventures to the summit of Longs Peak, Enos Mills spent time exploring and resting along the side of Alpine Brook enjoying nature at its best.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierstadts-calling/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLakeSunrise5.27.15.2.jpg Bierstadt's Calling Bierstadt Lake is a favorite location of mine for photography in Rocky Mountain National Park. I just cant seem to get enough of this beautiful lake which is located on top of the Bierstadt Moraine. Sunrises are spectacular here from both the west and eastern shores of Bierstadt Lake. Looking west from the eastern shore, Bierstadt Lake presents a breathtaking view of the mountains and continental divide. The view from the western shore is more subtle, but when conditions are right it can be just as beautiful. This late May morning, Bierstadt Lake was full from the spring runoff. The shoreline was flooded and this small pine tree was surrounded by water. A few weeks later the water will receed from the shoreline and this tree will once again sink back into the treeline along the shore of Bierstadt Lake.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/marigold-mornings/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarigoldPondSunrise.8.7.15.1.jpg Marigold Mornings Clouds to the south of Marigold Ponds pickup the early colors of sunrise on a peaceful and placid morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Without any wind present, the intense colors of sunrise reflect in the mirror like waters of Marigold Pond and along with Joe Mills Mountain, reflect on its smooth surface.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/of-diamonds-and-peacocks/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PeacockPool.9.22.15.2.jpg Of Diamonds And Peacocks Peacock Pool has an astounding view of the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located near the base of 14,259 ft high Longs Peak and it's northeast face known as the Diamond, Peacock Pool can be one of the most beautiful and serene locations in all of Rocky Mountain National Park, or one its most harshest enviroments. On this amazing late September morning, Peacock Pool was calm and serene as the reflection of Longs Peak and the Diamond in its still waters can attest.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mystical-moraine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineParkFog.10.3.15.1.jpg Mystical Moraine Fog envelops Moraine Park on a cool but magical October morning. With the elk rut underway, the sun is attempting to push through the fog and warm the landscape. With elk bugling in the meadow, the heavy smell of fall in the air and the fog covering the landscape, Moraine Park was both magical and mystical this day.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sundial-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UteTrailLongsPeakSunrise.10.9.15.1.jpg Sundial Sunrise Above treeline on the barren and harsh landscape that makes up the alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park, rocks and boulders are spread across the landscape. Many of these rocks and boulders are known as glacial erratics. Many of these rocks being moved and placed when ice from melting glaciers of previous ice ages deposit these rocks on the landscape. This particular piece of rock is one of my favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park. It forms a near perfect arch but also has the shape and form of a sundial. Just before sunrise on a cool October morning the predawn light illuminates the autumn color landscape. 14,259 ft Longs Peak can be seen in the distance on the left hand side of the image and the Hayden Spire on the right.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-shining/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UtePassEvergreens.TRR.10.21.15.1.jpg The Shining It's a day near timberline in Rocky Mountain National Park thats fit for neither man nor beast. A late autumn snowstorm has moved in over Trail Ridge Road and the Ute Pass area closing down Trail Ridge Road for the season and sending most visitors back to their hotels and cabins. Near the Ute Pass trailhead it was a winter like wonderland as the evergreens were covered in fresh snow and fog. While most people would rather not be out on days like these, the quiet and solitude of a mountain snowstorm are conditions I love to explore in.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-struggle/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WindyRidge.TRR.10.21.15.2.jpg The Struggle Life near treeline in Rocky Mountain National Park is never easy. It's a constant battle with the elements at these altitudes where winds, snows and chilling cold temperatures are the norm. These Krummholz tree's near treeline at Windy Ridge above Trail Ridge Road reveal their constant struggle. Some of these trees continue to survive while for others only their twisted, sun bleached trunks remain. In this struggle their is a beauty to the shapes and curves of these unique trees attempting to survive in an unforgiving environment.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-at-lake-of-glass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeofGlass.8.19.14.1.jpg Morning At Lake Of Glass Sunrise unfolds over Taylor Peak and the Lake Of Glass high above Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park. While the wind scoured the surface of Lake Of Glass the vibrant colors of the early morning sky and sun warm this beautiful location.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-frozen-bear/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake.10.31.15.4.jpg The Frozen Bear It's Halloween morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The colors were befitting the day as the sky over Bear Lake and Longs Peak turn a fire red. Bear Lake has not yet frozen over on this last day of October but the ice is starting to creep from the edges. Soon heavy snows will fall and Bear Lake will be covered with ice and snow for the season.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spotlighting-the-dream/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake10.1.14.1.jpg Spotlighting The Dream Catching a combination of dramatic lighting combined with no wind at Dream Lake can be very difficult. Every season photographers, hikers and visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park make their way up the 1.1 miles of trail to see this iconic Colorado location. It's likely to be a beautiful bluebird morning when these travelers make their way to Dream Lake and its just as likely to be windy. On this October morning after fresh snow had fallen on the peaks but Dream Lake had yet to freeze over, I was on my hike back down from Lake Haiyaha at sunrise when through the trees I could see these rays of sun spotlighting the fresh snow on Hallett and Flattop Mountain. I ran down the trail and setup my photography equipment at the outlet of Dream Lake. I was only to make a couple of exposures before the sun went back behind the clouds and the sun disappeared from view for the morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/daydream-sunshine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine9.25.14.1.jpg Daydream Sunshine Have you ever walked into a grove of aspen trees during the peak of autumn and just rested in quiet solitude?. Sitting or better yet laying down on the forest floor during the fall and staring up at the canopy on a warm, sunny bluebird day in Rocky Mountain National Park is an amazing experience. The sounds of the breeze rustling through the trees, the smell of autumn leaves composting while a few golden leaves slowly fall and meander down to the forest floor. If you have not been able to spend time in the aspen forests during fall and just sit back and relax and take it all in, I highly recommend that you do so.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/floating-sky/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SkyPond8.19.14.3.jpg Floating Sky A ray of sun pierces the cloud cover and illuminates the famous granite formations above Sky Pond. Without question Sky Pond is one of the most beautiful locations in Rocky Mountain National Park and for lots of good reason. With the Sharkstooth and the Petit Grepon rising high above Sky Ponds beautiful alpine waters, hikers and climbers make the journey to Sky Pond to enjoy the beauty as well as the challenge of reaching this alpine wonderland.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/transitions-on-glacier/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierCreek9.17.14.1.jpg Transitions On Glacier Autumn is settling into Rocky Mountain National Park and the transformation can be seen along Glacier Creek. Aspens turn a golden yellow in anticipation of fall as Glacier Creek cascades downstream.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/icy-haiyaha/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHaiyaha10.1.14.1.jpg Icy Haiyaha It's a cold October morning for a sunrise at Lake Haiyaha. Early seasons snow fell the night before on Hallett Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park and it's left this small tarn just below Haiyaha nearly frozen over. As the snowstorm moved out and the sun rose to the east, the colors of landscape were transformed and elecrtrified by the rising sun.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/after-the-snows/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRange12.27.14.2.jpg After The Snows Snow had fallen hard the previous day and blanketed Rocky Mountain National Park in white. The following morning I snowshoed up Trail Ridge Road before dawn to find a good vantage point to photograph the Mummy Range when the sun rose. With clouds and snow still swriling around Ypsilon Mountain, the first light of the day started to paint the Mummy Range in a beautiful pink hue. This was one of the most beautiful and peaceful December mornings I've spent photographing Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-river-neon/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkFallRiver12.13.14.3.jpg Fall River Neon Some of the most intense and beautiful light shines on the Mummy Range during the winter months in Rocky Mountain National Park. After a week of above average December temperatures for Rocky Mountain National Park, Fall River in Horseshoe Park has started to thaw out. The first light of the day turns the Mummy Range a vibrant red and the skies over Horseshoe Park take on a neon like appearance.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/forboding-flattop/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlattopMountain8.14.14.2.jpg Forboding Flattop It's a stormy morning in the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park. Storm clouds roil over the summit of Flattop Mountain as a sliver of sun breaks through the cloud to turn Flattop Mountain fire red. This small tarn is located in the Bear Lake area near Dream Lake. These moments only last a few seconds when out in the field, but as a landscape photography it's these brief moments of dramatic lighting and conditions that make waking up at 2AM worth it.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/blue-mummy/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mt.Yipsilon.MoraineParkFog.10.3.15.1.jpg Blue Mummy Fog envelops the Mummy Range and Ypsilon Mountain on a cool October morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ypsilon Mountain plays peek-a-boo as the fog rolled in and out of Moraine Park allowing brief moments where I was able to photograph granite face of Ypsilon.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunsets-slide/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidgeRdGoreSunset.6.9.15.1.jpg Sunset's Slide The long shadows of a June sunset in Rocky Mountain National Park creep and cover over Forest Canyon below the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Mount Ida, Terra Tomah and Longs Peak still have a beautiful golden glow but shortly mysterious and beautiful landscape of Forest Canyon and the high peaks of Rocky will be covered over in shadow.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/july-morning-on-nymph-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NymphLake.7.25.15.1.jpg July Morning On Nymph Lake I find there are few more beautiful locations than a mountain lake or pond at sunrise in the summer. The air is cool while the smell of the pine forest is intoxicating. Nymph Lake which lies above Bear Lake and below Dream Lake in one of the most popular areas of Rocky Mountain National Park can exemplify these mornings as much or more than some of the more iconic lakes in Rocky. This July morning on Nymph Lake was one of those kinds of summer mornings that you dont want to see end. The sunsirse skies put on a colorful display as summer pond lilies bloomed and floated on the surface of Nymph Lake. Hallett Peak glowed in the distance as the start to this summer day began.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/islands-of-moraine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark.RainbowCurveFog.10.9.15.1.jpg Islands Of Moraine Low lying fog hovers just above the ground in Moraine Park on an October morning. The grasses in Moraine Park and along the Big Thompson river are colored in fall's golden colors. Elk bugles can be heard as the rut is underway in this view from Rainbow Curve high above Moraine Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/its-rocky/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarigoldPond.8.13.15.1.jpg It's Rocky Backcountry scenes like this typify Rocky Mountain National Park. High and rugged granite peaks, clouds sailing overhead and a breeze rippling the surface of a small tarn. I made this image in the Marigold Pond area near Lake Helene after hiking in well before sunrise. Flattop Mountain and Notchtop Mountain catch the early morning light and the surface of the tarn is golden and blue reflecting their regal colors. In my humble opinion, you cant get much more 'Rocky' than this. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/boulder-brook-medley/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrookAspenLeaves.9.26.15.1.jpg Boulder Brook Medley Fallen aspen leaves cover the surface of a sheltered cove along Boulder Brook during the peak of autumn in Rocky Mountain National Park. Boulder Brook comes to life during the fall season as the aspen trees that rise above the brook turn yellow and gold. As the golden aspen leaves fall they cover the forest floor and creek in yellow. I found these aspen leaves floating on top of Boulder Brook sheltered from the flow of water downstream.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sprague-calling/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpragueLake.6.11.15.1.jpg Sprague Calling Pastel colors fill the sky over Sprague Lake on a June morning. The clouds have blocked the sunlight from lighting up Otis,Hallett and Flattop Mountains but the sky is filled with a an artists color palette which reflect perfectly in the still waters of Sprague Lake. Sprague Lake has one of the best views of the continental divide in all of Rocky Mountain National Park and when there is no wind and and beautiful colors in the sky above it's no wonder why Abner Sprague decided to build his lodge nearby.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/along-the-ute/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakUteTrailSunrise.10.9.15.1.jpg Along The Ute It's a cool and blustery October morning high on a ridge overlooking the Ute Trail and Logns Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park is unfettered by the winds as the warmth of summer transitions towards fall and winter. Snow has already fallen on the on 14,259 Longs Peak and can be seen on Pagoda Mountain as well as Chiefs Head Peak to the right of Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/saying-goodnight/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GoreRangeOverlookShiplerMt.6.9.15.1.jpg Saying Goodnight The sun sets behind the Never Summer Mountain Range in Rocky Mountain National Park ending yet another day spectacular day in Rocky Mountain National Park. I made this image on an early July evening on Trail Ridge Road and the Gore Range Overlook. There was still plenty of snow to cover both the Never Summer Mountains as well as the alpine tundra above timberline. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rising-eagle/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark.EagleCliff.Sunrise.5.1.15.jpg Rising Eagle During the spring runoff in Rocky Mountain National Park, the streams run fast and full. Moraine Park located at the base of the peaks and home to the Big Thompson River will catch the overflow and the meadows will fill with water and form pools and ponds in the low lying areas of Moraine. After a night of fog and rain, the clouds pulled back just enough to reveal Eagle Cliff Mountain on the east side of Moraine rising through the fog at sunrise in the moody predawn light.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/peacocks-plumage/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PeacockPool.9.22.15.1.jpg Peacocks Plumage At 14,259 ft, Longs Peak towers over the northern Front Range of Colorado. When the sunrises over the eastern plains of Colorado, Longs Peak is the first mountain to receive sunlight because of its height. Peacock Pool resides just below Longs Peak and Chasm Lake and its rocky shoreline makes for a great location to capture the brilliant colors of sunrise.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/reflections-of-ouzel/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OuzelLake.9.3.15.2.jpg Reflections of Ouzel I cant think of any other place in the world that I would rather be than deep in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park to capture sunrise at a beautiful mountain lake. Ouzel Lake in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park fit the bill perfectly this September morning. Ouzel Lake was as a smooth as glass and clouds filled the skies over Mahana Peak as the daylight set the granite ablaze. Two bull moose grazed near outlet of Ouzel Lake and other than an occasional sound of chirping birds Rocky was quiet and still.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-in-the-meadows/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak.BeaverMeadows.10.8.15.1.jpg Autumn In The Meadows Longs Peak, the highest peak in all of Rocky Mountain National Park at 14,259 ft takes a stately stance high above Beaver Meadows on a beautiful morning in Rocky. Aspen trees in Beaver Meadows have their golden autumn colors displayed highlighting the dusting of snow that already covers the summit of Longs Peak and the Diamond.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/alluvial-autumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AlluvialFanFalls.10.22.15.1.jpg Alluvial Autumn Alluvial Fan Falls cascades down the rocky landscape formed by the Roaring River. It's a cold late October day in Rocky Mountain National Park and light snow is falling on Horseshoe Park. There is still plenty of fall color in the bushes and trees along the Roaring River but after this October storm many of the leaves will have fallen and ice will begin to cast it's grip on Alluvial Fan Falls as Rocky Mountain National Park transitions from the fall to winter season.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/powdery-glacier/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierCreek.4.3.15.3.jpg Powdery Glacier An April snowstorm has blanketed Rocky Mountain National Park with snow and turned the landscape into scene from a Christmas car. Glacier Creek winds through the foreground as Hallett Peak and The Bierstadt Moraine catch just a little bit of the sunrise which is still being obscured by falling snow.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ravens-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakTheRockCut.6.9.15.2.jpg Raven's View A long June day on Trail Ridge Road is coming to a close. A beautiful display of light and clouds swirls over the summit of Longs Peak as seen from The Rock Cut. As I was taking in this spectacular moment of light over the still snowy summit of the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, a lone raven landed on the rock and seemed to be enjoying this beautiful scene as well. I was happy to share the moment with the Raven at this iconic viewpoint.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-tarn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakTrailTarn.TwinSisters.9.23.15.1.jpg Autumn Tarn With the Twin Sisters formation in the distance, the sun makes a quick appearance through the cloud cover hovering over the eastern plains of Colorado. A beautiful alpine tarn located just below Longs Peak has its subtle fall colors on full display as the grasses and bushes turn red, yellow and orange.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierstadts-shine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake.6.6.15.1.jpg Bierstadt's Shine It's a serene and peaceful late spring morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bierstadt Lake has shed it's icy coat and the vibrant green grasses of June now grow along her shores. Clouds drift over Rocky as the sun rises above the treeline to the east of Bierstadt Lake illuminating a row of green grass growing on the lake.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/symmetrical-dream/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake.5.5.15.4.jpg Symmetrical Dream All the elements converege this morning at Dream Lake to form a perfectly symmetrical reflection. Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain reflect in the plaid and calm waters of Dream Lake as clouds begin to sweep over their still snow covered summits on a dreamy May morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bounding-brook/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrook.10.6.15.3.jpg Bounding Brook Boulder Brook weaves its way through the forest of aspen trees on an autumn day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Few locations in Rocky Mountain National Park are as beautiful on a fall day as the Boulder Brook area is. Boulder Brook will weave through the forest and forest floor which is covered with beautiful golden aspen leaves.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/calming-chaos/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChaosCreek.8.1.15.2.jpg Calming Chaos A tranquil morning on Chaos Creek awakens as the sun illuminates Hallett Peak with its warm light. The boulders of Chaos Canyon have spilled down towards Chaos Creek and have created these rocky ponds and pools near Lake Haiyaha.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/above-black-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AboveBlackLakeTarn.9.16.15.1.jpg Above Black Lake A dynamic morning unfolds on the alpine tundra above Black Lake deep within Glacier Gorge. It's a long difficult hike to reach the country above Black Lake and near Green Lake but it contains some of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful terrain. Nestled on the backside of 14,259 ft Longs Peak, the alpine tundra has impressive view of McHenry's Peak and The Arrowhead. Rain was falling this morning and rainbows could be seen down in the valley. For a few short moments McHenry and The Arrowhead were bathed with sunlight.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/first-of-the-season/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak.GlacierGorge.HaiyahaTrail.10.23.15.1.jpg First Of The Season A late October snowstorm over Rocky Mountain National Park leaves the area around Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge covered in fresh powder. Storm clouds breakup over the summit of Longs Peak as sunrise sets the sky ablaze in color. I love these mornings in Rocky Mountain National Park. The silence and quiet after the landscape has been covered in snow is amazing. Combine the pristine landscape with a spectacular sunrise and you have an experience that will be etched in your memory for a lifetime.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumns-sweet-song/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine.9.19.14.4.RD.jpg Autumn's Sweet Song Autumn in Rocky Mountain National Park is special. The park explodes with color as the changing of the seaons beckon. Beautiful Indian Summer like days, trails which are typically free of snow and lakes and tarns still not yet frozen by the grip of winter. All the while waiting in the background is the understanding that all this incredible beauty and color will soon lose out to the grip of winter.  Fall in Rocky comes and goes in the blink of an eye or so it seems. Photography this time of year while rewarding can be frenetic and fast paced. There is never enough time to capture all the beauty this time of year and one often is wishing they could be in multiple locations all at the same time. This morning on the Bierstadt Moraine high above Bear Lake Road there was no other place I would have liked to have been. While I've spent many autumn mornings photographing on the Bierstadt Moraine, this was one of the most memorable. When I hiked up to this location the skies were clear. Right before sunrise, clouds began to move over the divide and Otis, Hallett and Flattop Mountain in the distance. The colors at sunrise were nothing short of spectacular and this is one of my most memorable mornings I've spent photographing Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moraines-fall-glory/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak.MorainePark.10.15.15.1.jpg Moraine's Fall Glory An electric sunrise over Longs Peak and The Diamond foramtion as photographed on a stunning autumn morning in Moraine Park. With this stand of aspen trees dawning their golden fall colors, and elk bugling in the the meadows of Moraine Park for the fall rut, all the glory and beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park was on display.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chickadee-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChickadeePond.8.26.15.2..jpg Chickadee Morning A peaceful and serene morning unfolds over Chickadee Pond located in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. This small unassuming body of water located between Ouzel lake and Bluebird Lake is beautifully adorned during the summer months with pond lilies. Wild Basin is one of my favorite locations for landscape photography in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's remote, it requires long hikes to reach many of the lakes and the views and peaks such as Ouzel Peak in the background are amazing. Many of the mountains and lakes in Wild Basin are named after birds. For example Chickadee Pond sits right above Ouzel Lake along the Bluebird Lake trail while Ouzel Peak can be seen in the distance. A Chickadee,Ouzel(American Dipper) and Bluebird are all birds that frequent this area. W.S. Cooper a botanist who visited Wild Basin in the early nineteen hundreds is responsible for naming many of the features found in Wild Basin.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/summer-at-the-spearhead/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GreenLake.Spearhead.7.10.15.1.jpg Summer At The Spearhead Few pieces of rock garner more respect from rock climbers in Rocky Mountain National Park than The Spearhead. Located nearly at the start of Glacier Gorge and nestled right on the backside of Longs Peak, The Spearhead is both imposing and beautiful. As rain showers moved out, the sun rose from behind Longs Peak and dappled The Spearhead in sunlight. It's was the second week of July when I photographed The Spearhead from Green Lake, but Green Lake still had yet to shed all of it's icy layers from winter.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glacier-autumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChiefsHeadGlacierCreek.9.16.15.1.jpg Glacier Autumn Glacier Creek flows downstream below Black Lake on an autumn day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chiefs Head Peak and The Spearhead tower over the Glacier Creek whom's banks are now adorned with yellow and gold grasses of fall.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/falling-river/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver.10.30.15.1.jpg Falling River On a cool snowy October morning with the forest and rocks covered with light snow, Fall River weaves its way over and around boulders and rocks just west of Chasm Falls.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/another-notch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHelene.7.18.15.1.jpg Another Notch Sunrise at Lake Helene this morning was about as it good as it gets. For Rocky Mountain National Park the conditions in the backcountry were mostly calm. Winds were light and clouds drifted over Notchtop Mountain at sunrise. The slight breeze on the surface of Lake Helene caused a painterly like effect of the reflection of Notchtop in the lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-below-longs-peak/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakTrailTarn.9.23.15.1.jpg Autumn Below Longs Peak Autumn takes on many shades and colors in Rocky Mountain National Park. Everybody loves photographing and viewing the beautiful aspen tree stands when they are adorned in gold but there are also more subtle signs of fall if one takes the time to look. The alpine tundra at treeline is beautiful during the fall. Just below Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak, the grasses and foilage are showing off their autumn splendor on a peaceful and calm morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/good-morning-rocky/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHaiyahaUnimprovedTrailTarn.8.6.15.1.jpg Good Morning Rocky! Sure its fun to watch the sun rise at one of Rocky Mountain National Park gorgeous lakes. But if you look even in the more subtle areas of Rocky Mountain National Park you can find beauty. This small tarn situated between Glacier Gorge and Bear Lake though small and unamed, provided a vantage point to watch the sun rise over Rocky.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mchenrys-dawn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BlackLake.7.10.15.2.2.jpg McHenrys Dawn Storm clouds roil over the summit of McHenrys Peak at sunrise. This morning some sun managed to filter through the clouds and set part of McHenrys Peak ablaze for a few short moments. Reflecting in Black Lake just below McHenrys it's a moody but spectacular morning far up Glacier Gorge.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/into-the-chasm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChasmLake.8.11.15.2.jpg Into The Chasm When discussing Rocky Mountain National Park there is no debate as to which peak is the most iconic peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Without question Longs Peak, the 14,259 ft peak that towers over all of Rocky is the centerpiece and icon of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's the parks only peak that rises above 14,000 ft and furthermore thousands of visitors to RMNP attempt to make the difficult ascent to the summit each summer season. Longs Peak is something to behold from any angle and viewing distance. From points south along the Front Range it shares its vantage with Mount Meeker but is both beautiful and imposing. From the east, Longs Peak and Mount Meeker resemble two ears or rabbit ears as they were known. From Trail Ridge Road its block summit looks like the control tower for a large navy ship. Personally, my favorite view of Longs Peak is from just below its summit, at the base of its imposing northeast face 'The Diamond' as photographed from the rocky shores of Chasm Lake. The combination of the viewpoing of Longs Peak from Chasm Lake combined with the awesome 4.1 mile predawn hike make it one of the most memorable locations to visit in Rocky. I have made many trips to Chasm Lake for sunrise. It can be a difficult location to photograph as snow,ice,lighting and wind can all be a factor in making the trip safely. This morning the conditions held long enough for me to capture and image I had be invisioning for as long as I have been photographing Chasm Lake. A light rain was falling when I made my ascent to Chasm Lake this August morning. There was a clear break in the cloud cover to the east so that despite the rain, chances looked good that the sun would illuminate Longs Peak at dawn. After waiting along the shores of Chasm Lake for the sun to rise, all the while, chilled with sweat from the hike up as well as covered by the mist from the rain, I was greeted with one of the most beautiful and dramatic sunrises I have witnessed in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak and The Diamond stood out like a glowing beacon as the dark storm clouds surrounded the mountain. The light only last a short time but it was more than enough time to make for an indelible morning at Chasm I will never forget. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/layers-and-longs/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeak.BeaverMeadows.5.21.15.2.jpg Layers And Longs Late spring in Rocky Mountain National Park can mean just about anything weather wise. Warm,cold,snow,lighting its a very fluid time of year in the park. Elevation plays a large part in affecting the weather as was the case this morning in Rocky. Longs Peak and the entire continental divide are covered with fresh snow. Lower elevations like Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park just had rain and fog overnight. In this vantage from Beaver Meadows, fog can be seen over Moraine Park as the sun is shining on the pines of Beaver Meadows and Longs Peak and The Diamond formation stand out like a shining beacon.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/warming-welcome/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine.10.3.15.1.jpg Warming Welcome Bierstadt Moraine, high above Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is a great location to photograph and view some of the best autumn colors in all of Rocky. Aspens line the Moraine and the views from the trail are equally impressive. On this cool autumn morning, the sun rises over the ridge to the east and illuminates these beautiful orange aspen trees and bring warmth after the dark of night. During the fall season most aspens will take on a golden yellow, some however, will turn a vibrant orange as these trees did.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/of-columbines-and-peacocks/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColumbineFalls.PeacockPool.7.24.15.1.jpg Of Columbines And Peacocks The sun breaks the horizon of Colorado's high plains and crests the Twin Sisters off in the distance. Columbine Falls just below Longs Peak and Mount Meeker takes on a golden glow as first light illuminates this impressive waterfall. Rocky Mountain National Park has more waterfalls than one can count, but Columbine Falls high above the green waters of Peacock Pool is certainly one of the more impressive waterfalls in the park.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/smooth-sailing/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake.10.6.15.1.jpg Smooth Sailing Ok just to be clear you cant sail, swim or fish on Bear Lake on any given morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. With that said, this perfectly calm morning at Bear Lake would have been ideal for just about any outdoor activity in Rocky. A few clouds drift over Hallett Peak this morning at sunrise and the calm conditions and lack of any wind whatsoever made a perfect glass like reflection of Hallett in Bear Lake.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snowline/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakLumpyRidge.5.26.15.1.jpg Snowline In the Rocky Mountains, elevation means the difference between getting rained on all night, or being stuck in a blizzard with a foot of new snow. This image of Longs Peak from Lumpy Ridge illustrates that point quite well. It rained all night over the Estes Valley. At just about the same level as timberline, the rain had changed over to heavy snow as can be seen freshly covering Longs Peak and Mount Meeker as the new day illuminates Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak. Even though it's late May, campers above 11,000 ft spent a snowy and cold night in their tents.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ghosts-of-hayden/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaydenSpire.7.7.15.7.jpg Ghosts Of Hayden With near silence in the air and fog moving over the Hayden Spire, a drop of sunlight illumintates this ghostly tower as seen from across the expanse of Forest Canyon. Though easily seen from Trail Ridge Road, the Hayden Spire is one of the most remote and desolate locations in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Only a few people each year journey through the nearly impassable terrain of Forest and Hayden Canyons to visit this peak. Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/never-summer-always-colorful/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyonPass.NeverSummers.10.17.15.3.jpg Never Summer, Always Colorful It's getting late in the season along the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park. Though it's just past mid October on this day, the snow free alpine tundra and peaks of the Never Summer Range are only biding time before the winter snows settle in. The late autumn has colored the alpine tundra in golden reds and yellows and the alpine tarns are starting to collect a coat of ice on top of their surfaces. The first rays of sun illuminate the Never Summer Range will the Earths shadow, also known as 'Venus Belt' color the sky with hues of pink. Within a few days of photographing this beautiful scene, heavy snows fell and covered the landscape. The mountains were covered with fresh powder and Trail Ridge Road was closed for the season.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/summer-morning-on-the-tundra/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyonTRR.7.7.15.1.jpg Summer Morning On The Tundra Conditions above 11,000 ft in Rocky Mountain National Park can always be difficult to predict. One can never be sure what to expect when traveling above timberline. Warm days at lower elevations in Estes Park can quickly turn to cold, blustery days high above Rocky. The opposite can also be true on some days as well. Fog had socked in the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National including Estes Park this morning. High on the alpine tundra along Trail Ridge Roa the skies were clearing and the sun was making its way through the clouds. With beautiful Alpine Sunflowers blooming on the bright green grass of the tundra, fog that had filled Forest Canyon lowered enough to reveal the summits of the Hayden Spire and Terra Tomah Mountain. It was an amazing experience photographing this dynamic scene. As the fog cleared and the sun spotlighted some of the peaks, the fog from Forest Canyon would rise and fall. With the fog came the most intense and terrific smell of moist pine trees from the canyon below.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/photo-3/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakMoonset.6.2.15.1.jpg Longs Peak Moonset The moon is seen setting behind 14,259 ft. Longs Peak on an early June morning. I photographed this moody scene from the side of the Twin Sisters which gives and impressive view of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker and the Tahosa Valley. Even though it's early June, Longs Peak still has a solid coating of snow along its high flanks.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/100-year-old-beauty/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLakeOutlet.9.4.15.1.jpg 100 Year Old Beauty I made this image on a very important day in Rocky Mountain National Park history. I photographed this small tarn just downstream from Dream Lake on the morning of September 4th, 2015. 100 years prior Rocky Mountain National Park was officially dedicated with a large contingent of supporters in Horseshoe Park. This morning another large contingent of supporters including the Director of the National Park Service as well as the Govenor of Coloradp would gather to redicate Rocky a few miles away at the Glacier Creek Campground. As a photographer who loves to photograph Rocky Mountain National Park more than any other location on the planet, I had all sorts of ideas of where I would shoot Rocky on her 100th birthday. Unfortunately the weather had other plans. The winds were howling this morning and the skies were free of nearly any clouds. Overall conditions were not looking great for landscape photography on this special day. It seemed fitting to end up at Dream Lake on Rocky's centennial morning as this was one of the first locations I ever photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park. I headed up to Dream Lake to enjoy the moment of this place that holds a very special place for me. As I arrived at Dream Lake before sunrise the winds were just relentless and the skies were still cloudless. To get out of the wind I headed just below Dream Lake to this small tarn that is part of Dream Lake's outlet. Because of the trees and rocks around this tarn it's a location where one can shelter from high winds. Just before sunrise one of the few if only clouds in all of Rocky Mountain National Park glided into view. It was not the most dramatic sunrise or set of clouds i've photographed in Rocky, but the symmetry this cloud formed over this small tarn was just perfect. In a sense this small scene, sheltered from the wind, typified why I have such a great appreciation for places like Rocky Mountain National Park. In the grand scheme of things, Rocky Mountain National Park is a small geographic area, untouched, primal, wild and free. When the world gets to be too much and one needs to find solice, Rocky Mountain National Park and places like Rocky act as a shelter from the winds of the world. It's difficult to put into words just how important wild and free places are to both myself and the human spirit, but thankfully we have managed to preserve some of our remaining wild places. Happy Birthday Rocky!.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spruce-and-snow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLakeSpruceTrees1.29.15.2.jpg Spruce and Snow It was a cold start to a late January morning as I headed up the trail towards Dream Lake from the Bear Lake parking lot. Fog and snow were falling on the landscape and it was as quiet as could be in the forest. Above Dream Lake I spied this group of spruce Trees along Tyndall Creek. The spruce tree's red bark stood out against the white of the snow that had now covered the forest. Snow and ice frosted the spruce needles bringing new detail to this beautiful group of trees.  Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/blues-power/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLake.5.28.15.3.jpg Blues Power Blues Power. Not speaking about bluesman Albert King's legendary music but instead the power of a clearing storm and the presence of blue sky to really illuminate the beauty of a location. The area around Cub Lake felt the effects of the Fern Lake fire. Even with some of the foilage that lines Cub Lake now showing signs of the fire, the location continues to rebound and renew. Cub Lake is a beautiful spot which is located about 2.4 miles from the trailhead which begins in Moraine Park. On this late May morning, clouds parted around Stones Peak in the distance to reveal blue skies. Fires and floods are part of the natural order. But something simple as sunshine and blue skies can bring beauty to locations touched by these events.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/essentially-ute/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UteTrailTRRSunrise.7.7.5.1.jpg Essentially Ute Many summer mornings in Rocky Mountain National Park will dawn with beautiful clear bluebird skies that Colorado is so well known for. As a landscape photographer I'm always looking for the opposite conditions. Dramatic lighting and weather are my favorite conditions to to photographing Rocky Mountain National Park in. This morning rain was falling in Estes Park. I headed up on Trail Ridge Road to the Ute Trail area hoping to possibly get above the rain and clouds for sunrise. There was a tiny slot in the clouds to the east and for just a few moments the rising sun broke through and cast the most beautiful glow on the landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/west-creek-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WestCreekFalls.6.20.15.1.jpg West Creek Falls West Creek falls is an impressive waterfall located in the Lumpy Ridge area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Because it sits on Rocky's eastern boundary it does not see as much visitation as some of Rocky Mountain National Park's other waterfalls. West Creek Falls drops down into an impressive bowl of granite and during the springtime its an impressive location to photograph.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/icy-greeting/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraineSunrise.5.21.15.1.jpg Icy Greeting Ice coats the aspen trees high upon the Bierstadt Moraine on a cool but beautiful start to the day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fog fills the valley to the east but not enough to obscure Rams Horn Mountain as the sun casts a subtle warming glow on the landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/encased-alluvial/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AlluvialFanFalls.3.20.15.5.jpg Encased Alluvial One of my favorite things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park is to go and photograph waterfalls in dramatic weather conditions. The trick here is of course making sure the weather is not so dramatic that the waterfall is frozen or covered over with snow. This cold March morning at Alluvial Fan Falls along the Roaring River was one of these particular type of morning that I love being out in the field. Snow, rain and mist from the waterfall had covered Alluvial Fan Falls in ice. The rocks around the waterfall were covered with a thick coat and trying to navigate around was difficult and dangerous. I finally was able to find open water near the top of the falls even though the rocks and much of the water flowing down Roaring Brook had frozen solid.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glowing-bierstadt/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake.4.28.15.2.jpg Glowing Bierstadt What a morning to remember this was at Bierstadt Lake. A late April spring snow had fallen the previous night and covered Rocky Mountain National Park with a fresh blanket of powder. It was a warm weather system which combined with warm weather in the week before allowed Bierstadt Lake to remain thawed and free of ice. I hiked up to Bierstadt Lake in the predawn hours hoping to catch sunrise with the storm parting and revealing the the beautiful snow covered peaks at first light. The sun tried to come out but the storm was slow to depart Colorado. For only a minute or so, a small break in the cloud cover to the east of Bierstadt Lake allowed just a smidge of sunlight through. The light was magical and it set the snow covered pines along with the flank of Flattop Mountain in the distance aglow.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sentinels-of-the-gem/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GemLake.5.26.15.1.jpg Sentinels Of The Gem Gem Lakes is a beautiful and peaceful location located along Lumpy Ridge. The rocky walls that rise above Gem Lake are popular with rock climbers but also present beautiful patterns and textures to photograph. A few trees line the shoreline of Gem Lake and have managed to exisit and thrive in a sandy and rocky location. I find trees often take on the personalities of the locations they inhabit and these hardy pines that watch over Gem Lake are no exception.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/reflections-of-gem/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GemLake.5.26.15.3.jpg Reflections of Gem Nestled above Estes Park along beautiful Lumpy Ridge, Gem Lake is a small treasure of Rocky Mountain National Park. Gem Lake's beauty lies in its subtley and quiet. While it's not surrounded by some of the iconic peaks that make Rocky so famous, Gem Lake has a special quality. The rocks that line it's shores have a unique texture and quality which is found in the rocky Lumpy Ridge section of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snowy-alberta/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AlbertaFalls.4.16.15.8.jpg Snowy Alberta Spring in Rocky Mountain National Park is a lot like winter in Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, oftentimes spring may be more winter like than winter itself. Even when the snow if falling on Rocky there are still subtle signs of warmer weather approaching if you look for them. On this snowy april morning, I headed out to photograph Alberta Falls along the Glacier Creek trailhead. During the summer months this waterfall can be a popular destination. This morning I had Alberta Falls all to myself as the snow fell. During the winter months Alberta Falls and Glacier Creek are covered with ice and snow. In January you would be hard pressed to even notice Alberta Falls as it would be covered in snow and ice. One of the subtle signs of spring in Rocky Mountain National Park is the slow but steady thaw out of the streams and waterfalls in the higher elevations. While the snow was falling Glacier Creek and Alberta Falls had released winters grip and were flowing along, snow and all.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/calming-emerald/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Emeraldlake-master.BridgeConversion.jpg Calming Emerald Many visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will make the trek up to Dream Lake from the Bear Lake trailhead. Once hikers reach Dream Lake, many stop and then make the return trip to Bear Lake. For those a little more adventerous, they can continue their hike above Dream Lake to equally as beautiful Emerald Lake. Emerald Lake is located just over a half a mile above Dream Lake and resides right at the base of the beautiful and imposing Hallett Peak. Because of its location, Emerald Lake is often accompanied by winds but this morning when I hiked up to Emerald Lake with my 4x5 inch large format film camera, I was blessed with perfectly calm condtions. There was no wind and the surface of Emerald Lake was perfectly still as the first golden rays of sun illuminated Hallett Peak.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colorado-meandering/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColoradoRiverKawuneecheValley.7.30.15.jpg Colorado Meandering Only a few miles from it's headwaters, the Colorado River is modest as it flows through the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Even in it's modesty the Colorado River is the centerpiece of the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of the park. During the lush summer months on the west side of RMNP, green grasses and willows line the Colorado River and Moose and Elk graze on the summer bounty the Kawuneeche Valley provides. This morning the skies turned pink over Baker Mountain making a colorful landscape even more spectacular to behold. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colorful-kawuneeche/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheEnteranceFallaspens.9.15.15.5.jpg Colorful Kawuneeche A brilliant display of golden aspens put on quite a display near the enterance to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. These aspen trees of the Kawuneeche Valley looked like golden candles burning upwards towards the sky.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/amongst-friends/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley.8.18.15.3.jpg Amongst Friends The frame of a once proud pine tree stands tall in Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. Other pines, some living, some only with their frames remaining in tact rise up above this lone pine. The pine beetle has taken some of the trees on the west side of Rocky Mountian National Park, but one can still find beauty in the contrast left behind.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ghosts-of-the-kawuneeche-valley/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley.8.18.15.1.jpg Ghosts Of The Kawuneeche Valley It's a cool start to a late summer morning in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. As is often the case in the Kawuneeche, low lying fog developed overnight in the valley setting a mystical and moody tone in the valley. Over the last ten or more years, the pine beetle has taken it's fair share of pine trees on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This morning the fog moves through the casulties of the pine beetle but the skeletons of these pine trees in the meadow still inspire beauty.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/west-side-welcome/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheEnterance.Fallaspens.9.15.15.3.jpg West Side Welcome I love this particular stand of aspen trees on the west side of Rocky Mountain Natoinal Park. This groove of aspen trees resides right near the entrance to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Kawuneeche Valley. During the beautiful autumn seaon, these aspens which are often some of the earliest to turn in Rocky, put on quite a display. Their aspen boles also show the distinct markings of the large elk population that inhabits Rocky Mountain National Park as the scars from the elk chewing the bark in winter add character to the trees.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moonrise-over-the-east-inlet/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet.7.28.15.2.jpg Moonrise Over The East Inlet Scattered clouds over Mount Craig (aka Mount Baldy) and the East Inlet part enough of the sky to allow a quick glimpse of the moon rising over the meadow on what is a beautiful night in Rocky Mountain National Park. Far off in the meadow a large bull moose grazes on the verdant grasses found in summertime on the East Inlet and sunset paints the sky and the top of Mount Craig in a vibrant orange which contrasts beautifully against the green grasses of the lush meadow.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/kawuneeche-symmetry/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GreenMountainRanch.Kawuneeche.10..15.1.jpg Kawuneeche Symmetry A beautiful morning is about to dawn over the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Baker Mountain reflects in a small pond near the Colorado River while the skies over Rocky take on a beautiful pastel hue. The small pond makes for a perfect reflection of Baker Mountain as the winds remained calm.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunset-on-the-colorado-river/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColoradoRiver.BakerBowen.7.29.15.2.jpg Sunset On The Colorado River Orange and blue colors the sky over the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Colorado River reflects the beautiful sunrise as it rolls along, only a few miles downstream from its headwaters. The backdrop of Baker Mountain is sillhoueted by the sunset as another spectacular summer day in Rocky Mountain National Park draws to a close.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/a-morning-for-a-moose/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KawuneecheValley8.18.15.2.jpg A Morning For A Moose When the conditions are right, fog will fill the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park in the morning. The trees and grasses are covered with dew and its perfect weather for Moose to get out in the meadows and graze for breakfast. Enough of the fog cleared away this morning to reveal some spectacular pastel coloring in the skies over the Kawuneeche Valley while a large bull moose grazes in the calmness of his surroundings.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/springtime-on-the-east-inlet/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet.6.17.15.2.jpg Springtime On The East Inlet It's springtime along the East Inlet on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Heavy winter snows are still melting as the temperatures warm and the East Inlet is overflowing with water from the runoff. Some beautiful high clouds color the sky over Mount Craig, aka Mount Baldy at sunrise on this June morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunset-over-the-valley-of-the-coyote/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KewaneecheValleySunset.6.17.15.1.jpg Sunset Over The Valley Of The Coyote It's cool night in June and the sun is setting over the Kawuneeche Valley. Clouds in the sky obscure the sunset but also help to paint this landscape on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park in a pinkish hue. Shortly after photographing this location which is  stones throw from the Colorado River, I watched a pair of Moose wade out into the water and spend the next few hours eating amongst the lush grasses and willows found in the Kawuneeche Valley.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/a-day-at-the-offfice/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkBullElk2.4.15.1.jpg A Day At The Offfice Just a typical winter day at the office for this set of twenty plus Bull Elk that have beded down in Horseshoe Park. It's easy to forget how difficult it can be to survive a winter in Rocky Mountain National Park. After the Elk Rut and mating season are complete, The Bull Elk will once again congregate together and often be found roaming Rocky Mountain National Park in herds. Finding this large of herd of Elk waiting out a February snowstorm made for an impressive sight.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hidden-valley-drift/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HiddenValley3.3.15.1.jpg Hidden Valley Drift Snow falls on the pines tucked into Hidden Valley on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Once a ski area, Hidden Valley is now better known for it's sledding run and backcountry skiing. The snow falling on the pines this day made both the sledders and the skiiers who visit Hidden Valley happy.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/upper-beaver-meadows-in-fog/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UpperBeaverMeadows.3.17.15.1.jpg Upper Beaver Meadows In Fog It's a cool wet March day in Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, I actually made this image on St. Patricks and Rocky cooperated by bringing in conditions that would be much better suited for the Emerald Isle. Even so, fog is somewhat of a rarity so its always great when one can photograph Rocky Mountain National Park in these condtions. Fog turns fammilar landscapes into the unfamillar and it really allows a photographer to create unique images not normally possilbe. This lone ponderosa pine standing out in Upper Beaver Meadows in the fog is an example of such an image. I spend hours out in the field on days like this in Rocky as the possibilites to photograph different and unique scenes are endless.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/enchanted-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLakeAspens1.29.15.1.jpg Enchanted Aspens It was a cold January day as I started my hike up to Dream Lake for sunrise. Fog and snow had drifted into Rocky Mountain National Park overnight. The fog along with the snow coated all the trees in and around Dream Lake with a beautiful frosty covering. This group of aspen trees which reside just below dream lake took on a magical quality as the fog would move in and out of the trees obscuring the forest from view only to reappear a few seconds after the fog would clear again. We dont get a lot of foggy days in Rocky Mountain National Park, especially combined with snow so when it does happen it really makes for a special and unique expierence.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sun-dogs-of-horseshoe-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkSunDog.4.18.15.1.jpg Sun Dog's Of Horseshoe Park Whenver the weather is bad it's likely that I'm out in the field. Bad weather makes for great photography and while many times bad weather may lead to no photographs, when things do come together just right you may find yourself photographing in some of the most beautiful and spectacular conditions. A strong late April winter snow storm had been hammering Rocky Mountain National Park. RMNP recieved nearly 2 ft of snow from the this powerful late season storm. A short respite in the storm allowed for a little clearing one morning over Horseshoe Park and McGregor Mountain. It did not last long as the snow had already started to fall again despite the sun peaking through the cloud cover. The falling snow and sun created a unique phenomenon in the sky know as a 'Sun Dog'. The snow and ice crystals in the sky combined with the direct sun light for something simmilar to a rainbow in the sky. You can see the sun dog in the sky over McGregor Mountain. This is what makes being out in Rocky both rewarding and beautiful, you never know what you are going to see.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winters-dreams/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake1.29.15.4.jpg Winter's Dreams What started out as a cold snowy January morning quickly transformed into a beautiful albeit brief and sunny morning at Dream Lake. When I first arrived at the Bear Lake trailhead in the early morning hours, fog was drifting through the pines and snow was falling. Chances of seeing the sun this morning seemed minute but the fog and snow would still make for a breathtaking landscape. I snowshoed up to Dream Lake in the snow and fog and waited for the skies to lighten as the sun rose. I spent an hour or so photgraphing the frozen trees and lake. In between photographing the beautiful frozen tree's I looked up only to see the clouds clearing and Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain making a quick appearance. I quickly reset my camera and made a handful of exposures of the sun lit peaks before the clouds moved back in once again obscuring Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dreamer/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake1.29.15.2.jpg Dreamer I found this stunted pine tree growing on a hillside just above Dream Lake one cold January morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The heavy snows of winter had piled up all around this tree but it managed to exisit just on the edge of the pile of snow. It's a simple scene but one that reminds us of how beautiful but difficult life can be in the high country of Colorado.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/witness/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark12.20.14.3.jpg Witness Have you ever been lucky enough to witness one of Rocky Mountain National Park's legendary sunrises?. If you've been lucky enough to watch the sunrise on a morning when the sky is filled with clouds then you know just how amazing a sight it can be. I've been lucky to see my share of beautiful sunrises over Rocky Mountain National Park through the years but I never tire of them as each one is unique and beautiful. This December sunrise from Moraine Park is one of the most memorable. As I hiked out into Moraine Park before sunrise, I had a feeling sunrise was going to be something special. The horizon over the eastern plains of Colorado already showed hints of color as I setup my camera equipment by this lone Ponderosa Pine. As the sun rose over Moraine Park the high clouds in sky expolded with color to the east.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/beavers-traverse/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BeaverPonds.4.16.15.1.jpg Beavers Traverse It's a late April spring morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. A large snowstorm is bearing down on Rocky and snow has already begun to fall over the landscape. Most visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will drive over Trail Ridge Road. Just before Hidden Valley there is a small area known as the Beaver Ponds. Not only is this home to the industrious critters but the area has a subtle beauty and charm. The meandering stream, the golden willows and the mixed Spruce and Ponderosa pine trees make it a peaceful place for both man as well as the beavers that call it home.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/straight-ahead/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwinSistersLodgepole2.20.15.1.jpg Straight Ahead Lodgepole pines along the base of the Twin Sisters in Rocky Mountain National Park stand tall and straight through the falling snow of winter. I love photographing trees, especially when the snow is falling. The unique color of each Lodgepole pine and the snow falling in the forest was just about perfect.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspen-and-willows-on-mill-creek/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MillCreek3.13.15.1.jpg Aspen And Willows On Mill Creek Snow was falling as I began my hike towards Hollowell Park on a typical March morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. March being the snowiest month in Rocky Mountain National Park makes it one of the best times of year to photography winter like conditions. The willows along Mill Creek had turned a beautiful crimson, red and orange and the falling wet snow had only made the colorful willows standout against the white background even more. With this one aspen tree acting as an offset to the the large swath of willows, I climbed a hillside and photographed all this beautiful color while the snow fell on the landscape. It was an amazing morning to be out in Rocky enjoying the weather.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/silver-kingdom/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkTRR2.26.15.1.jpg Silver Kingdom From high above Trail Ridge Road on a cold February morning, the fog sifts in and out of the icy forest below in Horseshoe Park. A winter storm has covered Rocky Mountain National Park in fog, snow and ice coating all the pines in a silvery ice. As the fog and snow would move in and out of the scene, the forest would reveal more of its snow covered wonderment only to have the fog move back in and completley envelop and cover Horseshoe Park again.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/thatchtops-fury/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ThatchtopTRR2.26.15.1.jpg Thatchtop's Fury It was a cold and raw February morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Snow had fallen the previous night and the entire park was covered in fresh powder. As the previous nights storm moved out of Rocky Mountain National Park the winds picked up and dragged the clouds over the peaks. The clouds would completly obscure the mountains from time to time only to lift and reveal ghost like appartions. From Trail Ridge Road, Thatchtop Mountain briefly revealed itself through the clouds, winds and snow.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/horseshoes-of-color/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SheepLakes.4.10.15.1.jpg Horseshoes Of Color Clouds drifting over Deer Mountain at sunrise color reflect in the placid waters of Sheep Lakes on a calm and beautiful morning in Horseshoe Park. A favorite location for the resident Big Horn Sheep of Rocky Mountain National Park, Sheep Lakes had only a few Mallards and Canada Goose hanging around on this pristine morning.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-glow-of-dawn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRangeTRR1.23.15.2.jpg The Glow of Dawn I love photographing the Mummy Range during the shorter days of winter. The Mummy Range faces south and east and therefore received some of the most beautiful light in all of Rocky Mountain National Park during the morning hours. This particular January morning, even with the sky filled with clouds, the sun managed to color My Ypsilon and the rest of the Mummy Range with beautiful light and color.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/break-on-through/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ManyParksSunrise2.10.15.2.jpg Break On Through I've spend many winter mornings near Many Parks Curve along Trail Ridge Road waiting for sunrise. Some have been spectacular and some have been less so. This February morning certainly falls into the later. Just enough gap light remained on the eastern horizon for the sun to break on through the cloud cover and add vibrant color to the sky and horizon around Deer Mountain. Snow was falling on me as I photographed this beautiful scene unfolding over Rocky Mountain National Park but the sun helped keep me warm during its brief appearance.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sheeps-flame/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SheepLake11.29.14.1.jpg Sheep's Flame Horseshoe Park eastern vantage point plays host to some of the most intense and beautiful sunrises in Rocky Mountain National Park. Looking east towards Deer Mountain, the skies over Horseshoe Park are on fire as the sun begins to rise over the high plains of Colorado. A frozen Sheep Lakes reflects the stunning colors as the ice provides contrast to the warm skies on a cold winter morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/horseshoe-aglow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkTRR.3.4.15.1.jpg Horseshoe Aglow Sometimes is hard to put into words the exhilaration I get when I'm out in the field photographing Rocky Mountain National Park and the conditions all come together to form a magical scene unlike any I've witnessed before. This morning in March was one of those very morning. A spring storm had covered the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park with fresh snow. My plan was to photograph the Mummy Range at sunrise if it wasnt covered in clouds. Driving up and unplowed Trail Ridge Road in the pre-dawn hours I could only tell that it was still cloudy and still snowing. Here in Colorado, the sun has a way of making brief appearances even when you would think there was no way in the world weather conditions would allow. With this in mind, I put on my snowshoes and started my pre-dawn trek up a closed Trail Ridge Road in order to get a commanding view of the Mummy Range. Things looked bleak as I setup my camera and tripod in the fresh powder that had fallen. Clouds had moved back in over the Mummy Range and prospects for a colorful sunrise looked bleak. This all changed right as the sun rose through a small break in the cloud cover. While the Mummy Range was covered in clouds, the fog and snow falling over Horseshoe Park exploded with color. I had to hurry to adjust my shooting location, move my camera and tripod and quickly capture the amazing scene unfolding before me.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/silver-hallett/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HallettPeak2.27.15.2.jpg Silver Hallett It's a cold blustery February morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Snow had fallen the previous night and coated the trees with a silver frosting. The skies have mostly cleared but the last remnants of last nights storm cling to the sides of Hallett Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/endure/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineParkNarrowleafCottonwood3.3.15.2.jpg Endure When the snow really starts to fall in Rocky Mountain National Park the landscape is transformed to a world of white. Even popular locations such as Moraine Park lose their iconic views of the Continental Divide. This Narrowleaf Cottonwood stands alone during a snowstorm that has enveloped Rocky Mountain National Park. The snow is falling hard enough that even the South Lateral Moraine as well as the high peaks of the Continental Divide are no longer visible behind the shroud of white. The Cottonwood tree endures the snow in stark contrast to the snow covered landscape that now surrounds it.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-dreams/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake1.29.15.1.jpg Frozen Dreams Foggy, snowy, icy days. These are my favorite days to get out in the field and photograph. The fog, snow and ice can transform familiar landscapes into magical anonymous locations that transform to the unfamiliar. Dream Lake is photographed often and is without question one of the most beautiful locations in both Rocky Mountain National Park as well as the state of Colorado. With that being said, foggy days like these allow the creative juices to flow and the ability to create images normally not present during sunny and clear mornings.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/walk-the-line/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkElk2.4.15.1.jpg Walk The Line This was a beautiful winter day in February to be out and about in Rocky Mountain National Park. The snow was falling hard, the wind was blowing and it was cold. Even so,  the animals of Rocky Mountain National Park lead a difficult exsistence come wintertime. Once the snows cover the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park, food is scare and the conditions can be forboding. Even so, the Elk of Rocky Mountain National Park endure. On this day I was in Horseshoe Park watching a group of nearly thrity Bull Elk waiting the storm out in the meadow. As the storm picked up in intensity, a group of four Bull Elk got up and walked across Horseshoe Park towards the shelter of the tree's. As I watched these magnificent creatures wade through the deep snow in a straight line I could not help but to hear Johnny Cash's song 'Walk the Line' playing in my head while I photographed the scene. Watching these four Elk 'Walk the Line' through these trying conditions was both a haunting and inspirational experience for me.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/layered-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGregorMountain2.26.15.5.jpg Layered Sunrise It's a snowy February morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. An inversion layer of clouds covers the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park while high clouds skirt the skies high above Rocky. Even with the clouds and snow present, McGregor Mountain still managed to peak it's summit above the inversion layer to create a dramatic perspective in this view at sunrise from up a closed Trail Ridge Road.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ocean-of-clouds/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DeerMountainTRR2.26.2.jpg Ocean Of Clouds I love getting out in the field in bad weather. Bad weather produces some of the most stunning conditions for photography in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sure, working in bad weather does not always produce beautiful condtions but my chances increase dramatically. During winter storms in Rocky Mountain National Park, Inversions or low lying cloud layers often form. The trick is trying to get high enough above the inversion layer to possibly set yourself up for a dramatic and colorful sunrise. This particular February morning in Rocky Mountain National Park it was snowing heavy when I drove through the Beaver Meadows enterance. I decided I would head up Trail Ridge Road to Many Parks Curve to survey the skies and see if there was any chance for a sunrise. Driving up Trail Ridge Road in the snow, my expectations were low as the snow fell. I arrived at the closed gate at Many Parks Curve along Trail Ridge Road. I could go no farther in my vehicle. I got out to survey the skies as I often do and to my surprise I could see stars overhead through the broken cloud layer. Many Parks was not high enough to be above the inversion layer but I was close. I strapped on my snowshoes and started hiking up a now closed Trail Ridge Road to gain more elevation and hopefully get above the cloud layer. I was finally able to get above the cloud layer just as the sun began to rise behind Deer Mountain. Only the summit of Deer Mountain to the east was visible above the clouds but the sunrise and effort was well worth the reward.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flattop-revealed/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlattopMountain1.29.15.1.jpg Flattop Revealed I spent the early portion of the morning photographing the area around Dream Lake after having snowshoed in on this winter day in January. The forest was covered with fog and frost and Rocky Mountain National Park was truly a winter wonderland this day. I had not intention of photographing the peaks because frankly, I did not believe the clouds and fog would part and reveal them. While I was busy composing an image of a frost covered pine tree, I stopped to take a break and enjoy the breathtaking landscape that surrounds Dream Lake. To my total surprise, I gazed up to see Flattop Mountain and Hallett Peak poking through the fog and clouds. I quickly composed a few images of the scene before the fog moved back in and covered Flattop and Hallett Peak once more.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/forest-in-the-sky/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NymphLakeoverlook1.29.15.2.jpg Forest In The Sky Generally speaking, fog is not a common occurance in Rocky Mountain National Park. High winds combined with a fairly arid climate makes foggy days a rarity. Because of this, photographing Rocky Mountain National Park on days when an inversion is present or fog is present is always a treat for me. When I first arrived in Rocky Mountain National Park this particular winter morning, the lower elevations were clear. It was long before dawn before I arrived so it was dark and difficult to see if any clouds hung over the Continental Divide. I drove up to the Bear Lake parking lot in search of clouds over the peaks. As soon as I arrived on the last switchback before the Bear Lake parking lot, the road was engulfed in fog and frost coated the trees. I could not hold back my excitement as these are my favorite condtions to photograph in. I quickly grabbed my gear and snowshoed up above Nymph Lake. I was finally rewarded when the sun rose and the forest was light enough to photograph. With the tree's coated in snow and frost and fog sifting through the pines I photographed this ghostly tree's which appeared like apparitions.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/candy-canes/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkPonderosas2.4.15.5.jpg Candy Canes The snow was falling hard this February day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Six inches had already fallen and over a foot was on the way. This beautiful grove on Ponderosa Pine tree's were coated in snow in Horseshoe Park. As the snow fell, Rocky Mountain National Park was totally calm and quiet. I could hear only the sounds of the snow landing on my hat as these beautiful tree's endured a typical winter day in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/many-parks-dreaming/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ManyParks2.10.15.3.jpg Many Parks Dreaming It was a cloudy and cold morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fresh snow had fallen the night before and continued to fall as dawn approached. I headed up Trail Ridge Road to the Many Parks Curve overlook to see if there was any chance of the sun peaking through at sunrise. I was snowing hard when I arrived, but I setup my camera anyway and stood in the cold peering to the east. Right as the sun rose, the snow squalls momentairly parted and revealed this beautiful view of Upper Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park. Snow was falling over Upper Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park but there was enough visability to make a few exposures before the snow closed back in and again obscured the view.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/standout/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwinSisters.2.21.15.2.jpg Standout A new growth Evergreen stands tall amongst the statuesque figures of Lodgepole Pines near the base of the Twin Sisters in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fresh snow covers the tree on a day when snow was falling over the forests of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/world-of-dreams/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake1.29.15.3.jpg World Of Dreams Dream Lake is without question one of the most popular destinations in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's become an iconic location in Rocky Mountain National Park and both visitors and photographers make the trek to the shore of the lake to photograph beautiful Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain reflecting in the water of Dream Lake during the warmer months. My favorite times to visit Dream Lake are on snowy winter days. Your likely to have Dream Lake to yourself and with the clouds and snow shrouding the mountains, Dream Lake takes on a very different personality. On snowy days, intimate details that are overshadowed by the overwhelming beauty of the the majestic peaks above the lake, become the prime attraction. Wind blown Krummholz trees twist and bend along the shore of Dream Lake. These trees endure high winds, snow, cold and rain but remain as beautiful as always regardless of the harsh conditions.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/january-surprise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakBeaverMeadows1.24.15.2.jpg January Surprise I've witnessed countless breathtaking sunrises while photographing Rocky Mountain National Park. I'm always amazed at how vibrant and breathtaking they can be when conditions are right. Many times I've been out in the field photographing a sunrise and have thought to myself 'it cant get anymore colorful than that'. Well Rocky continually proves me wrong providing colorful sunrises even more breathtaking than the last. On this mild January morning, the skies over Longs Peak and Upper Beaver Meadows were clear a few hours before dawn. About an hour or so before sunrise I could detect a layer of thin cloud cover starting to form over Rocky while the skies to the east remained clear. I held out hope that the high clouds would provide some nice subtle color when the sun began to rise. I had no idea how dramatic sunrise would turn out to be once the sun rose in the east. The winds began to pickup and a lenticular cloud formed over Longs Peak. When the sun rose, the entire range glowed pink, orange and red. To this day, it's one of the most colorful and dramatic sunrises I've ever had the privlidge to photograph in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wintering-mummy/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MummyRangeTRR12.27.14.3.crop.jpg Wintering Mummy As I left the warmth of my car and started snowshoeing up a now closed Trail Ridge Road, the thermometer read 2 degrees farenheit. Over a foot of fresh snow had fallen on Rocky Mountain National Park the night before but as is so often the case, the storm moved out of Colorado and left a beautiful winter wonderland in its wake. Here the Mummy Range glows with the first light of day as fresh Colorado powder coats the pines along the steep slopes of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ypsilon Mountain and Fairchild Mountain look splendid in their fresh coating of snow and subtle pink light from sunrise.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ships-prow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ShipsProw.8.13.14.1.jpg Ships Prow Just below Longs Peak and along the shores of Chasm Lake lies a rock formation known as the Ships Prow. Popular with climbers, this impressive piece of granite looks even more formidable reflecting in the waters of Chasm Lake on a beautfiul calm morning above treeline.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colorful-lady/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LadyCreek8.2.14.3.jpg Colorful Lady Near the headwaters of the Colorado River on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Lady Creek makes its run. Lady Creek is a small unassuming creek the runs from high above Little Yellowstone Canyon down to the Colorado River. The geology around Lady Creek and Little Yellowstone Canyon is what add's color and flavor to this area. The orange, yellow and brown rocks the creek runs through can make for beautiful photographic compositions. Little Yellowstone Canyon was so named because of it's resemblence and coloration which was thought to be simmilar to that of the Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone north of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/jewel-of-a-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/JewellLake8.9.14.1.jpg Jewel Of A Morning It's a quiet and still morning on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. A few clouds glide over Rocky and are reflected in the stilness of Jewel Lake from its southern shore.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-river-flowing/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HorseshoeParkDeerMountain12.13.14.1.jpg Fall River Flowing It's mid Decemver and Fall River has already frozen and thawed once. Luckily for me, having Fall River thawed allowed for me to photograph this beautiful sunrise over Horseshoe Park in Rocky Mountain National Park while also allowing me to capture the beautiful colors in the unfrozen waters. We have some special sunrises in Rocky Mountain National Park but this was a truly spectacular sunrise looking east towards Deer Mountain.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierstadts-blue-note/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtBlue9.12.14.1.jpg Bierstadt's Blue Note It's a cold and snowy morning on a yet to be frozen Bierstadt Lake. I hiked into Bierstadt Lake this particular morning hoping the snow and fog might break at sunrise, revealing the snow coated peaks of the Continental Divide. Hiking in long before sunrise, I followed fresh Black Bear tracks in the snow to the east shore of Bierstadt Lake. It was cold and silent this morning as I waited for the sun to rise. I photographed these snow coated pines along the shores of the lake wondering where the Black Bear I had followed in had gone. It was one of the most amazing and serene mornings I've ever had in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/memories-of-marigolds/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarigoldPond9.10.14.1.jpg Memories Of Marigolds Most visitors and hikers to Rocky Mountain National Park bypass Marigold Pond. Located close to Lake Helene as well as Two Rivers Lake, Marigold Pond is located just off trail and out of view. It's a spectacular but small mountain lake that allows for impressive view of both Notchtop Mountain and Flattop Mountain. In this image, the calendar still says summer but that means little in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fresh snow has coated the high crags of Notchtop Mountain and Flattop Mountain. The morning sun helps to break up the clouds which blanketed the peaks overnight revealing the new snow.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/on-the-edge-of-odessa/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OdessaGorge9.10.14.2.jpg On The Edge Of Odessa Anyone who has been lucky enough to hike from Bear Lake to Moraine Park may have wandered up the social trail on the side of Joe Mills Mountain to take in this impressive view. High above Odessa Gorge there is this impressive view looking back down onto beautiful Odessa Lake that is one of my favorite viewpoints in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. I made this image late in the summer. The season were quickly changing and snow had fallen on the high peaks the night before. As the sun rose, the clouds lifted from the peaks and the Gable bathed in the warmth of the morning sun over Odessa Lake.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-in-moraine-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineParkMountainMaple9.9.14.1.jpg Autumn In Moraine Park Autumn has begun to settle into Moraine Park. When I photographed this beautiful Mountain Maple which had just begun to change it was a cool rainy September morning in Moraine Park. Elk were bugling all around and the smell of fall was in the air. On this particular fall day, this Mountain Maple stood out amongst the spectacular backdrop of Moraine Park and I could not pass up photographing this Maple for the next hour or so.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/time-to-spruce-things-up/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpruceLake9.6.14.4.jpg Time To Spruce Things Up Spruce Lake is one of the little gems of Rocky Mountain National Park. While it's is located in close proximity to the ever popular Fern Lake, Spruce Lake does not get nearly the amount of hikers the more visited locations in the area do. The unmanintained trail to Spruce Lake can be a little difficult to follow in spots, but the additional mile long hike from Fern Lake will reward visitors with solitude and a beautiful view of Castle Rock and Gabletop Mountain. Spruce Lake is also a favorite of Anglers.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/haydens-isolation/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HaydenSpireForestCanyon9.5.14.1.jpg Hayden's Isolation The Hayden Spire floats over clouds that have completly filled Hayden's Gorge below this iconic peak of Rocky Mountain National Park. Easily seen from Trail Ridge Road, Hayden's Gorge and Hayden's Spire are some of the most difficult locations to access in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Only a handful of climbers have climbed to the top of Hayden Spire due mostly to the fact that in order to access this part of Rocky, one needs to bushwack through downed trees, marshes and boulders the size of trucks. The foggy conditions this morning made Hayden's Spire appear to be an island onto itself. In many ways, fog or not, the difficulty required to reach this location very much makes the Hayden Gorge one of the most isolated parts in all of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/evergreens-and-fog/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyonFog9.5.14.1.jpg Evergreens And Fog Near treeline the tundra grasses have already begun to turn golden even though the calendar still says it's August. Fog sifts in and out of the evergreen tree's near Forest Canyon revealing the hidden beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/poudre-in-blue/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MedicineBowCurve8.29.14.1.jpg Poudre In Blue It's before dawn on a cool, late summer morning along Trail Ridge Road. Fog and mist has settled into the Poudre Valley just a short distance from the headwaters of the Cache La Poudre River. The clear blue skies above Rocky Mountain National Park cast a blue light on this magical landscape.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-flow-of-the-forest/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/StonesPeakForestCanyon9.5.14.1.jpg The Flow Of The Forest Morning light has revealed a fogged in Forest Canyon which I photographed from along Trail Ridge Road. Below Stones Peak and the Hayden Spire and Gorge its cloudy, cold and rainy. Above this inversion we had Colorado Bluebird skies and moderate temperatures. It's extremes like these that make Rocky Mountain National Park so much fun to photograph.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rockys-beacon/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsPeakForestCanyon9.5.14.1.jpg Rocky's Beacon An inversion encompasses the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park. Below 10,000 ft both Forest Canyon and Glacier Gorge are smothered in fog, mist and drizzle. Above 10,000 ft the cloud cover is breaking and Longs Peak shines like a beacon as sun lights the Diamond or east face of Longs Peak. Sunlight is also scattering over the summit of Chiefs Head Peak in this view from Trail Ridge Road.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/poudres-reveal/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpecimenMountain8.29.14.2.jpg Poudre's Reveal Fog slowly clears from the summit of Specimen Mountain revealing the Poudre River Valley below. Rain had fallen on Rocky Mountain National Park the night before but slowly the sun worked it's magic and the clouds lifted and the green mountainsides glistened with fresh dew.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pink-jewel/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/JewellLake8.28.14.2.jpg Pink Jewel Jewel Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of those locations that visitors often bypass. Jewel Lake sits tucked away between the magestic and ever popular Mills Lake and Black Lake. Because Jewel Lake is somewhat tucked away off trail and only a few hundred yards from the inlet of Mills Lake many hikers and vistors to Rocky Mountain National Park and the popular Glacier Gorge trailhead will walk right on past without taking the short detour to experience it's equally dramatic view of Longs Peak and The Spearhead. This particular morning clouds roiled over the summit of Longs Peak but remained high enough to allow the beautiful piece of granite known as The Spearhead to remain in view. The clouds in the sky  turned pink and red and the sun broke through a small sliver in the cloud cover over the Eastern Plains of Colorado. This is some of my favorite kinds of light in Rocky Mountain National Park. The clouds obscure most of the peaks from direct sunlight but the bottom sides of the clouds explode with color and scatter that diffused light all over the landscape below.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/orange-crush-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TrailRidgeAspen9.5.14.1.jpg Orange Crush Orange Crush. It's the name of a soda and it's also the name of the famous Denver Bronco's defense from the late 1970's. As to how it relates to this image?. Well most of the time aspen tree's in Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park are going to turn yellow in the fall. On rare occasions some aspen tree's may turn orange or even red. I found this particular group of beautiful orange aspen leaves near Hidden Valley and Trail Ridge Road. It was still early in the fall season and it had been raining all day in Rocky Mountain National Park. As I was driving back down Trail Ridge Road a burst of orange caught the corner of my eye. I found a place to park along Trail Ridge Road and hiked back up to photograph these beautiful orange aspen leaves.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-is-calling-helene/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHelen9.11.14.3.jpg Autumn Is Calling Helene Autumn is beginning to color the grasses and scrub around Lake Helene in yellows and reds. Sunrise colors Notchtop Mountain in a matching autumn ensemble. Dramatic clouds skirt over Lake Helene and Notchtop Mountain as a weather front is moving into Rocky Mountain National Park. The dramatic clouds and lighting also came with lots of wind that rake the surface of Lake Helene. Luckily for me, the outer edges of the the lake are protected enough so that I was still able to capture a reflection of Notchtop Mountain in a portion of the lake.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunshine-and-rainbows/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtMoraine9.23.14.1.jpg Sunshine and Rainbows I like to joke with freinds that anytime I get to spend in Rocky Mountain National Park is like sunshine and rainbows. In my opinion there are few places better to spend time in then Rocky Mountain National Park, so even if there are not sunshine and rainbows that particular day, it always feels like it to me. Of course its not meant to be literal but sometimes serendipity strikes and it becomes literal. It's hard to describe the feeling when one is perched along the side of the Bierstadt Moraine photgraphing Rocky's beautiful fall colors and golden aspen tree's  and a rainbow appears over and already stunning landscape. Moments like these are fleeting and may be once in a liftetime events so it becomes a test to both photograph this beautiful scene, while at the same time making sure I'm staying in the moment and enjoying the beauty unfolding before my eyes. Even the famous Hudson River School painter Albert Bierstadt whom the moraine is named for would appreciate such a stunning display of natures beauty.  Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/silver-jewell/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/JewellLake8.26.14.2.jpg Silver Jewel Along the shores of the beautiful and serene Jewel Lake, Longs Peak, Pagoda Mountain, Chiefs Head Peak and The Spearhead all reflect in the surface of this mountain beauty. Jewel Lake is located in Glacier Gorge. While not as visited as it's nearby neighbor Mills Lake, has a commanding view of one of the most beautiful sections of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/heavenly-vale/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheLoch8.19.14.1.jpg Heavenly Vale The sun has yet rise over The Loch and Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Loch's waters are unfettered by winds that typically rake across her surface. The mirror like surface of The Loch allows for a beautiful reflection of the predawn colors in sky above.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/reverse-dream/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake8.21.14.2.jpg Reverse Dream Many people are famillar with the iconic view of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain from Dream Lake. The view however from the opposite shore of Dream Lake also can offer an equally dramatic and beautiful view, especially during a colorful sunrise. Here clouds drift over the inlet of Dream Lake as the sunrise paints the clouds over dream lake in beautiful and vibrant pastels.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/blue-marigold/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marigoldtarn8.20.14.1.jpg Blue Marigold I was waiting at Marigold Pond this morning for a colorful sunrise that never quite materialized. Breaks in the cloud cover would be preceeded by rain and wind moving over Marigold Pond leaving me chilled as I waited for the sun to color the sky. Even without the sun warming the sky and the photographer, the blue light of the pre dawn hours perfectly encapsulates the mood, beauty and drama waiting for the light this morning at Marigold Pond.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/looking-for-cache/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MedicineBowCurve.8.29.14.2.jpg Looking For Cache The seasons are rapidly changing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer has begun its transistion towards fall. Signs of the changing season can be seen over the headwaters of the Cache La Poudre River. The tundra grasses are turning red in aniticipation of fall and the frozen meadows along the banks of the Poudre River are covered in a thick frost. As the fog lifts from the Poudre Valley, Elk can be heard bellow ushering in the fall 'rut' with sounds of bugling from the forests and meadow below Trail Ridge Road.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fern-lake-awakening/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FernLake8.23.14.1.jpg Fern Lake Awakening Clouds roll over Notchtop Mountain and the Little Matterhorn as the new days sun turns the sky and mountains shades of pink and red. Other than the sound of the wind blowing over the granite peaks and through the pines of Rocky Mountain National Park it's a peaceful and picture perfect morning at Fern Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mount-lady-washingtons-bouquet/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MountLadyWashingtoncoulmbine8.13.14.1.jpg Mount Lady Washington's Bouquet A beautiful bouquet of blue columbines blooms along the rocky slopes of Mount Lady Washington high above the Tahosa Valley. Columbines are the official state flower and Colorado which is a testement to their beauty as both Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park are blessed to host some of the most beautiful wildflower displays found in the United States. While not as prominently known as Longs Peak the mountain to which resides just to the south of Mount Lady Washington, the rocky slopes of Mount Lady Washington are a perfect environment to find columbines blooming through late July and August.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dream-a-little-dream/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake8.1.14.1.jpg Dream A Little Dream A spectacular pastel sky illuminates the sky over Hallett Peak, Flattop Mountain and Dream Lake as sunrise approaches. The still waters of Dream Lake reflet the colors of the sky perfectly. Dream Lake is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful and iconic locations, but when the conditions come together as they did this morning, the beauty of Dream Lake is unsurpassed.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chasms-glory/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChasmLake8.13.1.jpg Chasm's Glory At 14,255 ft above sea level, Longs Peak is the highest peak in all of Rocky Mountain National Park and the 15th highest '14er' in the state of Colorado. At the base of Longs Peak eastern flank lies Chasm Lake. On a calm day, windless day Chasm Lake ranks as one of the most majestic locations in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. From the shores of Chasm Lake, Longs Peak and its dramatic eastern face known as the Diamond rise almost 2500 ft from the shores of Chasm Lake making for a breathtaking view of Longs Peak. On a windless and perfectly calm morning, Longs Peak can be seen reflecting in the smooth as glass waters of Chasm Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ute-glory/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UteTrail8.7.14.2.jpg Ute Glory The morning sun breaks the horizon over McGregor Mountain and the Mummy Range on a spectacular and peaceful morning above treeline on the Ute Trail. Normally battered by the high winds for which Rocky Mountain National Park well known for, this morning the winds are calm and the sun is quickly warming the air above 11,000 ft above sea level.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/trail-of-the-utes/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UteTrail8.7.14.4.jpg Trail Of The Ute's High above Forest and Spruce Canyon's, sunrise from the Ute Trail is something to behold. Longs Peak, Flattop Mountain and the Gable can be seen glowing in crimson as the clouds line the sky over the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail which skirts and intersects with Trail Ridge Road was once used by the Ute Indians to cross the Continental Divide of the Rockies. Today the Ute trail remains popular and the views and landscape have varied little from when the Ute peoples took in the same views on their crossing over the mountains that now make up Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/kawuneeche-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BakerMountainCORiver8.3.14.1.jpg Kawuneeche Morning Fog lifts from the banks of the Colorado River as the peak of Baker Mountain catches a first glimmer of sunlight on a cool but beautiful morning in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park. Only a few miles from its headwaters, The Colorado River cuts through the vibrant Kawuneeche Valley located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Moose, Elk and Deer are common through the meadow and willows of the valley but the name 'Kawuneeche' is derived from the Ute Indian work for 'valley of the coyotes'.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cascade-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cascadefalls8.3.14.1.jpg Cascade Falls Located along the North Inlet on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is Cascade Falls. By Rocky Mountain National Park standards Cascade Falls is a fairly large and complex waterfall which tubles and cascades through a series of drops, offshoots and pathways. Photographing Cascade Falls can be a bit of a challenge because it is so large and dispersed. I prefer to concentrate on photographing the more subtle side of the falls. Here three seperate cascades make their way downhill towards Grand Lake and the Colorado River. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/gateway-to-the-rockies/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BiersdadtLake7.31.14.1.jpg Gateway To The Rockies Famous Hudson River School painter Albert Bierstadt was commissioned by the Earl Of Dunraven to paint locations around Estes Park as well as to scout an aesthetically pleasing location where the Earl would build his English Hotel. Bierstadts paintings were bold and dramatic showcasing the landscape and the elements in a majestic manner. This particular morning at Bierstadt Lake the weather and elements came together in a manner reminiscent of one of Albert Bierstadts paintings. Light rain was falling as I stood along the shore of Bierstadt Lake. It appeared that sunrise would be a no a show due to the rain. For a brief minute the sun beamed through the clouds and this rainbow appeared over Bierstadt Lake. Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, both partially obscured by clouds turned red and pink along with the sky. It was a once in a lifetime moment and one of the most beautiful scenes I have personally witnessed in Rocky Mountain National Park.       Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/two-rivers-one-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwoRiversLake7.29.14.1.jpg Two Rivers, One Sunrise It's a perfectly still morning at Two Rivers Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. More often than not the wind blows strong down the flanks of Flattop and Notchtop Mountain making reflections difficult. After raining hard the night before, I hiked into Two Rivers Lake pre-dawn with clouds still filling the sky. The prospects for the sun to break through at sunrise seemed small. While waiting along the shores of Two Rivers Lake with my camera setup, the grey drab landscape quickly moved to an explosion of color over Notchtop Mountain. The still waters of the Two Rivers Lake made for a perfect reflection of both Notchtop Mountain and the colorful morning sky above the peak.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/watching-over-odessa/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OdessaLake7.26.14.2.jpg Watching Over Odessa The Little Matterhorn and Notchtop Mountain keep watch over the waters of Odessa Lake as a storm approaches. Sunlight spot lights these two beautiful peaks in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/reflections-of-bear/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake7.13.14.2.jpg Reflections Of Bear Hallet Peak glows red as the first light of the new day illuminates the mountains over Bear Lake. The water is still and fog and mist are rolling over the surface of Bear Lake on this peaceful and calm morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/headwaters-of-the-poudre/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MilnerPassPoudreLake7.19.14.2.jpg Headwaters Of The Poudre The headwaters of the Cache La Poudre River begin at Milner Pass along Trail Ridge Road and the Continental Divide. From Poudre Lake, the Cache La Poudre River will begin it's journey towards the South Platte River east of Greeley and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. Sunrise over Poudre Lake creates an opal like reflection in the smooth waters of the lake while smoke from far off forest fires colors the horizon of Rocky Mountain National Park in a glowing red. 'Cache La Poudre' means 'hide the powder' in French and the river was so named by early French fur traders who trapped and hunted in this area. Legend has it these fur traders were forced to hide or 'chace' their powder along the banks of river during a snowstorm.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dont-wake-the-bear/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake7.13.14.5.jpg Don't Wake The Bear It's just before sunrise at Bear Lake on a placid morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The water of Bear Lake are calm and smooth and mist and fog skirts over the surface of the still waters. Wispy clouds over Hallet Peak turn pink and magenta as sunrise nears. Bear Lake may be one of the most popular destinations in all of Rocky Mountain National Park, but arrive before sunrise and it can be as quiet and peaceful as any of the more desolate locations in Rocky.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-at-the-cathedral/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sharkstoothskypond7.12.14.1.jpg Morning At The Cathedral Clouds drift over the jagged outcropping of rock known as the Cathedral Spires. Located at the base of Sky Pond, above Loch Vale these rock formations are some of the most sought after rock climbs in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Petit Grepon and The Sharkstooth being some of the favorite of climbers. In this image, the Cathedral Spires reflect in the water of Sky Pond Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/viewing-glass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeofGlass7.12.14.1.jpg Viewing Glass Located high above Loch Vale, Lake of Glass is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful locations. This alpine cirque near the base of Mount Taylor presents hikers with beautiful view of Rocky Mountain National Park both to the west as well as to the east. Here a majestic sunrise unfolds of Lake of Glass and Loch Vale below painting the spires and skies with color.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/boardwalk-dreams/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Shinecockbay6.24.14.1.jpg Boardwalk Dreams The first rays of sunlight illuminate Shinnecock Bay and the marshlands along the shore. It's a great morning for a stroll along the water as the clouds take on the hue of the rising sun.  Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/beautiful-specimen/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpecimanMountain7.4.14.3.jpg Beautiful Specimen It's a cloudy morning along Trail Ridge Road after a night of thunderstorms has moved out. From Medicine Bow Curve there is a stunning view looking towards the headwaters of the Cache La Poudre river and Specimen Mountain. Even on this cloudy morning, the sun broke through the cloud cover for a brief few minutes to paint and color the peaks of the Never Summer range in the distance and Specimen Mountain. Once a volcano, Specimen Mountain is so now named because of the varrying depositions or specimens of igneous rocks found along the slopes of the mountain.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/staying-power/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineBigThompson7.6.14.2.jpg Staying Power The Big Thompson River rushes through Moraine Park and past a lone rock that lines it banks. The Big Thompson is running flush with water from snowmelt and this boulder acts as only a temporary barrier to the waters movement downstream.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/stone-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyonOverlook7.5.14.1.jpg Stone View Sunrise unfolds over the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from Trail Ridge Road. Colorful clouds drift over Forest Canyon and Stones Peak and the Hayden Gorge. In the distance Longs Peak rises over the plains of Colorado like a sentinel standing watch over the park. On this calm morning above treeline the winds are calm and the air still, only the occasional protest from a marmot can be heard echoing through the rocks and boulders on the tundra.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/soaring-over-forest/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ForestCanyonOverlook7.5.14.3.jpg Soaring Over Forest High above Forest Canyon a new day is dawning over Rocky Mountain National Park. A glorious sunrise colors the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge. The sun is just kissing the top of Terra Tomah mountain as wildflowers grow between the rocks and boulders in the harsh environs above treeline.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/isabellas-lily/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lilylake6.21.14.1.jpg Isabella's Lily Pinks and reds errupt over Longs Peak and Mount Meeker as they reflect in the peaceful waters of Lily Lake. Lily Lake so called because famous traveler and explorer Isabella Bird described this location in her book as the 'Lake of Lillies'. Pond Lillies while common no longer cover the surface of Lily Lake but the view of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker and the Estes Cone is one of the best in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even without pond lillies floating on the surface, Lily Lake is just as spectacular today as it was when Isabella Bird visited Estes Park in 1873. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/not-so-fast/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauquagoldenbanner5.11.14.1.jpg Not So Fast Golden Banner is covered with a heavy wet spring snowstorm in Chautaqua Park. Spring transitions in Colorado area always interesting. Just when you think winter has passed because the wildflowers are growing on the hillsides, mother nature throws one last snowstorm at you.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pastels-of-sprague/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpragueLake5.2012.jpg Pastels Of Sprague It's late spring at Sprague Lake. The ice has finally thawed from the surface of the lake but Otis Peak, Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain still carry a thick coat of white from late season snow. The winds off the continental  divide are just breezy enough to ripple and blur the mountains reflecting in Sprague Lake as the new day transforms the sky into a display of beautiful pastels.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-on-davidson-mesa/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Davidsonmesa2.4.14.2.jpg Winter On Davidson Mesa It's a cold and snowy day on Davidsons Mesa on the southeast portion of Boulder. Davidson Mesa which is know for its commanding view of Boulder and the Flatirons holds no such view on this day. Here a lone wind blown tree watches over the remnants of the previous years flora which now adds color to the snow covered landscape.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/golden-companion/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadtmorainegoldenbanner6.8.14.1.jpg Golden Companion On years when there is a good amount of moisture present in the soil, Golden Banner will be one of the first wildflowers to grace the slopes and meadows of Rocky Mountain National Park. The bright yellow wildflowers make a welcome companion when hiking along trails in the park. This particular group of flowers covered the slopes of Bierstadt Moraine.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/parade-of-flowers/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautaquapark6.11.14.1.jpg Parade Of Flowers Wildflowers grow thick in the meadow of Chautauqua Park just below the Flatiron formation. It's a popular pastime for locals in Boulder to hike up along the hillsides of Chatauqua Park before before dawn to be in position to view sunrise from one of the best locations in Boulder. These thick patches of wildflowers seem to be crowding each other out attempting to get the best view of sunrise from this hillside.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/waking-with-bear/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake6.15.14.1.jpg Waking With Bear Pastel hue's color the sky above Longs Peak as winds scuttle the surface of Bear Lake as Rocky Mountain National Park awakens to a new day.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/artists-dreams/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake6.7.14.2.jpg Artists Dreams When the infamous Earl of Dunraven was attempting to turn Estes Park into his own personal wild game preserve he hired famous Hudson River School painter Albert Bierstadt to come to Estes Park in 1877 to paint and scout out locations for his planned 'English Hotel'. Albert Bierstadt was tasked by the Earl of Dunraven to find a beautiful vantage point from which the Earl could build his hotel for his well to do guests. The eventual site chosen for the English Hotel was along Fish Creek near Lake Estes. Theodor Whyte, the Earl's assistant is credited with naming this lake after Albert Bierstadt whom he had guided through the area during the summer of 1877. On a beautiful and calm summer morning, nearly a century and a half from when Albert Bierstadt visited this lake, the sun rises over Rocky Mountain National Park creating a painterly like scene that artists enjoy as much today as Albert Bierstadt did before them.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glorious-loch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheLoch6.7.14.1.jpg Glorious Loch Few places are more spectacular in Rocky Mountain National Park than the area around The Loch and Loch Vale. Majestic peaks tower high above clear alpine lakes filled with trout. As the previous nights rain storm clears from Loch Vale, The Cathedral Wall reflects in the calm water of The Loch as the fog slowly lifts revealing the brilliant morning sun glowing on the peaks above.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wild-iris-below-the-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChautauquaPark5.25.14.1.jpg Wild Iris Below The Flatirons Wild Iris bloom along the drainage just below the Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado. It's another beautiful sunrise from Chautauqua Park and the presence of this beautiful purple wildflowers lining the wet areas of Chautauqua Meadow make for a postcard perfect scene.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/st-vrain-surprise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WildBasinSunrise10.13.12.1.jpg St. Vrain Surprise It was a cold and snow morning in Wild Basin. Snow was falling and blowing over drainage that is home to the Saint Vrain river. The possibility for the sun to break through the cloud cover over Rocky Mountain National Park and illuminate the sky seemed nil. For a brief but beautiful minute however, the sun illuminated the greyed over skies and turned them a brilliant shade of red, pink and magenta. I only had a few seconds to setup my equipment before the sun quickly faded and the snow picked up again.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/defrosting-nymph/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nymphlake5.31.14.6.jpg Defrosting Nymph It's the last day of May but Nymph Lake is still in the process of unthawing after a long cold winter. Ice still floats on the surface of Nymph Lake and snow from winter still lines the shore of Nymph Lake. In this view, the wind is scene streaming clouds over the summit of Longs Peak and Otis Peak as the sunrise puts on a show of color in the skies over Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rainbow-curve-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGregorMountain6.1.14.1.jpg Rainbow Curve Sunrise Rain showers move over the Estes Valley subduing the sunrise over Rocky Mountain National Park. McGregor Mountain and Lumpy Ridge granite ridges look majestic this morning from the Rainbow Curve overlook along Trail Ridge Road.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ode-to-julian/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MtJulian6.1.14.1.jpg Sunlight On Ida Mount Ida catches some drop under morning light on a beautiful but chilly morning overlooking Forest Canyon.  Mount Ida is viewed by millions of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park each year but only a few hardy souls will venture to it's base of peaks. Mount Ida which is one of the prominent peaks viewed from Trail Ridge Road is not an easy mountain to access. Mount Ida is located above Forest Canyon and to access this peak requires a difficult bushwack through downed timber and marsh. Many of the peaks in this area received their names when Abner Sprague and Julian Hayden visited the area on a fishing trip. While they noted how great the fishing was in the area, they too noted how difficult it was to access.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moraine-ablaze/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark5.24.14.1.jpg Moraine Ablaze It's just before sunrise in Moraine Park as the rising sun illuminates the sky over Rocky Mountain National Park ablaze with beautiful color. Cub Creek winds through the foreground on it's way to meeting up with the Big Thompson river on the opposite side of Moraine reflecting this beautiful sunirse.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wild-plums-of-gregory-canyon/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gregorycanyonwildplum25.22.14.2.jpg Wild Plums of Gregory Canyon Gregory Canyon is a wildflower wonderland during the springtime. It's a unique location in that the mouth of Gregory Canyon resides in a transitional riparian zone. Not only is there abundant and varied plant species found in the canyon, but it's a favorite location of bird watchers as well for this very reason. Here Wild Plums bloom over the top of Gregory Creek after a night of rain. The smell of the rain, flowers and new spring growth was magical. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-curves/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark5.19.14.2.jpg Sunrise Curves Sunrise along the banks of the Big Thompson River is always spectacular. Whether your hiking along the banks of the river or wading in for some trout fishing it's one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful locations. Conditions this morning were nearly perfect for late spring. The Big Thompson was flowing at a nice clip and the grasses of Moraine Park have started to turn to their spring green. Sunrise lit up the sky in a rainbow of colors which reflected in 'S' like curve of the snaking Big Thomspson.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hello-down-there/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauqua5.17.14.1.jpg Hello Down There Golden Banner is one of the first wildflowers to make an appearance each year in Chautauqua Meadown just below the Flatirons. Spring snow is also common this time of year. A snowstorm dumped 6 inches of fresh snow on this patch of Golden Banner earlier in the week, pushing them down close to the ground. Now these Golden Banner rest almost on top of the Prickly Pear cactus growing on top of this lichen covered rock.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mixed-up-seasons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Eldoradosprings5.13.1.jpg Mixed Up Seasons Sometimes in Colorado it can be difficult to know exactly what season it is. The calendar says mid May, but the fresh snow coating the Flatirons of Boulder look a lot like its winter. The cottonwoods along South Boulder creek show off their spring greens despite weathering a late may snowstorm that dropped nearly six inches of snow.  Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-phoenix/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLake5.10.14.3.jpg Spring Phoenix It's spring at Cub Lake but you would be hard pressed to know it this morning. Snow has coated the green grasses at the outlet of Cub Lake and wind and snow are blowing back over Moraine Park. Even with the raw conditions at Cub Lake, enough of a break formed in the cloud cover to light the skies with brilliant warm orange and reds.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/turbulent-cub/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cublake5.10.14.1.jpg Turbulent Cub Sprintime in the Rockies is never dull. One day can be warm and sunny and the next day cold, windy and snowy. It's a battle royale that takes place as the spring and summer seasons vie for position. Cub Lake above Moraine Park is beautiful all season long. This particular morning wind and snow blows down from Stones Peak and rakes the surface of Cub Lake. The clouds and snow in the air exploded with color as the sun peaked through the cloud cover at sunrise. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/silver-linings/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BighornAlluvian5.3.14.3.jpg Silver Linings Pastel colors light the sky over Bighorn Mountain and the Roaring River near Horseshoe Park. This image take below the Alluvial Fan is one that did not exisit prior to September, 2013. The flooding that ravaged Rocky Mountain National Park as well as Estes Park caused the Roaring River to run a new course. The Roaring River now runs east to west for a quarter of a mile or so where it used to run north to south. This newly created course the Roaring River now takes has opened up new opportunities and views that did not exsist prior to 2013. So after all the fury and hardship the September, 2013 flooding caused there are still reasons to be grateful and look for silver linings. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cottonwood-silhouette/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Eagletrailcottonwood3.30.14.1.jpg Cottonwood Silhouette Cottonwood trees are common site along the riparian waterways along Boulders many open space properties. These large tree's each have their own unique personality and look. The softer wood of the Cottonwood tree means that heavy snow or wind may break limbs and contort the tree into its own unique outline over time. Here one of these older Cottonwood trees is silhouetted against the colorful morning sky near the Eagle Trail and Boulder Reservoir.   Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/plain-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvista.4.20.141.jpg Plain Sunrise Sunrises over Boulder are usually anything but 'plain'. The unfettered view to the east of the horizon and high plains of Colorado makes stunning sunrises occur with regularity. Here a lone pine welcomes the morning light as the sky over the open space south of Boulder illuminates with color.   Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/roaring-thaw/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AlluvialFan4.4.14.9.jpg Roaring Thaw The Roaring River tumbles over the frozen rocks and granite that make up Alluvial Fan Falls on the west end of Horseshoe Park. In the spring there is a constant battle between freezing and thawing that takes place in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alluvial Fan Falls and the Roaring River have thawed, but a cold snap with snow has frozen the edges of the waterfall and coated them with fresh snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/crescent-moon-rising-over-horseshoe-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Horseshoeparkblue4.26.14.2.jpg Crescent Moon Rising Over Horseshoe Park A crescent moon is seen rising above the cloud cover east of Horseshoe Park. It's early in the morning and the predawn blue light combined with the crescent moon transforms Rocky Mountain National Park and Horseshoe Park into a mystical and magical location. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/horseshoe-blues/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Horseshoeparkblue4.26.14.1.jpg Horseshoe Blues It's an hour or so before sunrise over Rocky Mountain National Park on this spring morning. The winter snowmelt has formed puddles in the meadows of Horseshoe Park which reflect the predawn light cast over the landscape. A crescent moon hovers over Deer Mountain and just a hint of color from the impending sunrise can be seen in the clouds over Horseshoe Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ice-capades/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AlluvialFan4.4.14.7.jpg Ice Capades The lines between the changing of the seaons in Rocky Mountain National Park are often blurred. Season are in constant flux in the mountains of Colorado and regardless of what the calendar says, the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park may say something different. Here the Calendar says spring but the Roaring River and Alluvial Fan Falls in Horseshoe Park are waged in a battle of thaw versus freeze. The Roaring River has started to thaw as it tumbles over the falls at the Alluvial Fan. Snow and cold weather have caused much of the rock and ice on the waterfall to freeze again. Scenes like these make interesting contrasts and show how fickle the weather can be in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/deer-reflection/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sheeplakes.4.14.2.jpg Deer Reflection Deer Mountain reflects in the partially frozen waters of Sheep Lakes. Horseshoe Park is silent and serene this morning with only the sounds of a few roudy Merriam Turkey's on the hillsides above Sheep Lakes. Clouds skating over the ice of Sheep Lakes take on a brilliant hue at dawn. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/counting-sheep/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SheepLakes4.12.14.3.jpg Counting Sheep Viewing sunrise from Rocky Mountain National Park is always special. That being said, even in Rocky Mountain National Park not all sunrises are created equally. Each sunrise is different from the last but some sunrises in Rocky will become forever etched in one's mind. This was one of those mornings as the sun illuminated the sky over Sheep Lakes and Horseshoe Park. Clouds overhead color the sky above Sheep Lakes and just enough glint light strikes the flanks of Deer Mountain in the distant to turn it a brilliant orange as Deer Mountain reflects in one of the two bodies of water that make up Sheep Lakes. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sheep-lakes-rising/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SheepLakes4.12.14.4.jpg Sheep Lakes Rising Known as one of the better locations in Rocky Mountain National Park to observe and view bighorn sheep, aptly named Sheep Lakes also commands and impressive view of Horseshoe Park and Deer Mountain. Sunrise helps to paint the beautiful landscape over Horseshoe Park and Sheep Lakes in shades of red, magenta and blue. While the grasses around Sheep Lakes and Horseshoe Park still are brown, spring has slowly crept back into the meadow as the reflection of Deer Mountain in Sheep Lakes can attest to. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-alluvial/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Alluvialfan4.3.14.1.jpg Frozen Alluvial Spring in Rocky Mountain National Park may not be exactly what you thought it was. In this image, spring is actually on it's way even though fresh snow coats the rocks along the side of Alluvial Fan Falls near Horseshoe Park. The Roaring River is starting to flow with snowmelt as it bounds and cascades along the frozen boulders that line its bank. Waterfalls take on a magic quality when its cold enough to freeze the water along the sides of the stream, but not the stream itself as was the case this day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mountain-waves/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark4.5.14.1.jpg Mountain Waves Mountain wave clouds form over the northern front range of Colorado. The sky is ablaze with color this morning as it reflects in the water of the Big Thompson river from Moraine Park. Because Rocky Mountain National Park is situated just west of the high plains of Colorado, it is home to some of the most brilliant sunrises, especially when clouds hover over Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-moraine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark4.5.14.2.jpg Spring Moraine After a long winter, spring is finally starting to show signs of life as the conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park transition from winter. The Big Thompson river is finally free of snow as it flows through Moraine Park. Clouds drift over the continental divide and Stones Peak as the sun illuminates and warms the mountains peaks still covered with winter snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/horseshoe-overlook/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Horseshoepark3.29.14.1.jpg Horseshoe Overlook From jut above Horseshoe Park along Old Fall River road is an overlook famillar to many who make this famous drive in Rocky Mountain National Park. This vantage point gives a commanding view of Horseshoe Park and Deer Mountain. During the winter and spring months, Old Fall River is closed which allows hikers the ability to enjoy this location in total solitude. A lenticular cloud hangs over Estes Park and the eastern foothills and brings brilliant color to the sky over Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/between-rock-and-sky/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CrownRock2.22.24.1.jpg Between Rock And Sky A lone pine tree clings to exsitence on the side of a rock along the flanks of Crown Rock near Boulder,Colorado. Halfway up Flagstaff Mountain, this lone pine manages to persevere in the face of high winds, lighting and little soil. It's beauty on full display as the sunrise paints the sky and rock pink and red. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rising-above-it-all/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffmtnsummit3.23.14.2.jpg Rising Above It All The crests the horizon over the eastern plains of Colorado as seen from the summit of Flagstaff mountain. The snow and cold is trapped down over the lower elevations and the city of Boulder by an inversion. The summit of Flagstaff mountain is actually warmer the down below in town and because of this has stayed above the clouds making for a perfect perch for photography this morning. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/summit-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffmtnsummit3.23.3.jpg Flagstaff Summit View High atop Flagstaff Mountain looking south towards Green Mountain and the Flatirons of Bouder, sunrise colors the morning sky. An inversion is hanging over the high plains of Colorado and has cloaked the cities of Boulder and Denver under cloud cover. From the summit of Flagstaff Mountain I was able to get above the low clouds and inversion and capture the warm sun lighting the north side of the Flatirons over Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-watchman/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Horseshoepark2.1.14.3.jpg The Watchman It's a bitterly cold morning in Horseshoe Park. Snow has been falling over Rocky Mountain National Park most of the night. As sunrise approaches, the fog and clouds broke long enough to illuminate the skies with warmth and color the frosty landscape. A small pine presides over this beautiful sunrise as the sun begins to rise behind Deer Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/holding-court/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Morainepark2.1.14.jpg Holding Court Tree's are my favorite subject to photograph. I love their uniqueness and rugged individualism like qualities. Some tree's in particular exert stoic like qualities even in the face of a harsh climate. Floods, fires, wind, and snow have not caused this beautifuly shaped Ponderosa pine to waver. Located along the banks of the Big Thomspon river in Moraine Park, this tree has seen its share of snowy and cold days. Standing alone in Moraine Park it looks as though its standing proud amongst a crowd of tree's telling tall tales of it's struggle for surrival through snow, floods and fires here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rocky-thaw/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierGorge3.15.14.2.jpg Rocky Thaw It's late in the winter months and signs of spring are slowly approaching in Rocky Mountain National Park. Glacier Creek has just begun to thaw, making for a nice juxtaposition of water flowing over and around the rock and snow that still lines Glacier Creek.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/magical-longs/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeak3.8.14.1.jpg Magical Longs This was indeed a magical morning to be out in Rocky Mountain National Park. A late winter storm had blanketed Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park the previous night. Snow covered the pines and the peaks of Rocky refreshing the landscape in a pristine white covering. By sunrise, almost all of the clouds and snow had cleared leaving only a few stragglers hanging over Longs Peak, Glacier Gorage and Otis Peak. With the skies cleared and the sun rising, the clouds and peaks were illuminated in warm red light from the rising sun over the high plains of Colorado. This winter view of Longs Peak is located above Bear Lake and below Dream Lake and making it one of the most impressive views of 14,259 ft Longs Peak from anywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ghosts-of-chautauqua/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/chautauquapark1.27.14.2.jpg Ghosts Of Chautauqua It's a wintry snowy day over Boulder. Snow falls heavily on the Front Range of Colorado lowering visibility and cloaking the mountains and foothills in fog. Periodically however, the snow subsides just enough to reveal the mountains and peaks the storm has been busy disguising. Like ghosts emerging from a fog, the storm gives just enought respite to reveal the Flatiron formations which tower over a snow covered Chautauqua Meadow. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-for-moraine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Morainepark3.1.14.1.jpg Snow For Moraine Snow is falling on the aspen tree's on a winter morning in Moraine Park. Aspen tree's make beautiful subjects anytime of year, but when coated with snow and white reveal a subtle but enduring beauty. The aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park are set apart from aspen trees in other parts of Colorado by their damaged bark along the base of the tree. The large population of Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park will chew the bark off the trees for food during the long winter months. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-above-flagstaff/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Realizationpoint3.2.14.2.jpg Sunrise Above Flagstaff As the morning sun breaks over the horizon, the skies over Flagstaff Mountain just west of downtown Boulder illuminate with color. Fresh snow has fallen along the flanks of Flagstaff Mountain and a cold air inversion keeps clouds and snow nestled over the city of Boulder. Above Flagstaff, the clouds have parted just enough to allow this view looking east over Flagstaff Mountain and the plains of Colorado. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mill-creek-meander/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Millcreek3.1.14.1.jpg Mill Creek Meander It's a late winter day along Mill Creek. Snow is falling on the willows and pine that surround the small stream on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Winter is strating to lose her grip and Mill Creek has broken free from the ice and is now flowing freely. Subtle hints of reds and yellows can be seen in the grasses along Mill Creek adding a slight touch of color to this beautiful winter scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/on-the-edge-of-the-abyss/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LostGluch2.23.14.4.jpg On The Edge Of The Abyss A lone tree hangs high atop a ridge over Lost Gulch and the City of Boulder while clouds and fog from an inversion obscure the view and give a heavenly feel to the snow covered landscape. Cold air and snow trapped below Flagstaff Mountain has created and inversion layer which has covered the eastern plains of Colorado in clouds. Above the inversion layer on Flagstaff Mountain, sunrise is coloring the tops of the clouds in beautiful pastels. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lost-gulch-surprise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LostGulch2.23.1.jpg Lost Gulch Surprise Snow along with a cold air inversion has settled in over the foothills surrounding Boulder,Colorado. Down below the cloud layer, the city of Boulder was covered in clouds, fog and snow. Heading up Flagstaff Mountain just west of town finally got me above the inversion and cloud layer and I was rewarded with a spectacular sunrise. In this view, the sky explodes with color looking north from Flagstaff Mountain over Lost Gulch, Boulder Canyon, Four Mile Canyon and Sugarloaf. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/good-morning-sunshine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HalletPeak2.15.14.1.jpg Good Morning Sunshine It's a turbulent winter morning over the continental divide of Colorado. The winds are howling and the snow is blowing hard off the ridgelines. Hallet Peak, one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most recognizable peaks weathers it all. The sun shining through the clouds and illuminating the blocky granite flanks of Hallet Peak give warmth to this famous icon of Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wonder-above-willows/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Stormpass2.15.14.1.jpg Wonder Above Willows It had been a brutually windy and raw pre-dawn winter morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The winds were blowing at a gale and snow covered the peaks of the continental divide. Just before sunrise the winds took a brief respite and the clouds covering Hallett, Flattop, Otis receeded as the sun began to paint the sky and the peaks over Rocky Mountain National Park. Within 15 minutes of sunrise the winds and clouds returned obscurring again this view of the mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-over-crown-rock/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderFlatirons2.2.14.4.jpg Sunrise Over Crown Rock The morning sun peeks above the clouds that have blanketed the City of Boulder. Looking east over Crown Rock and the eastern plains of Colorado, fog can be seen all the way to the horizon. From my perch on the side of Flagstaff Mountain, I was able to get above the clouds caused by this inversion to photograph this beautiful sunrise. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/two-of-a-kind/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bobolinkfrost2.10.14.3.jpg Two Of A Kind A pair of symmetrical trees stand tall in the marshy field near Boulder's popular Bobolink open space trailhead. Snow has fallen overnight and now the tree's and meadow are coated in beautiful hoarfrost that makes the tree's appear ghost like as fog encompasses the east side of Boulder,Colorado. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/drifters/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderFlatirons2.2.14.3.jpg Drifters Clouds push up against snow covered pines growing along the slopes of the Flatirons as sunrise dapples them in pink light. A cold air inversion has covered over Boulder and Chautauqua Park below. Climbing up Flagstaff Mountain allowed me to get above the cloudline and photograph this rare and beautiful occurance. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/eagles-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderFlatirons2.2.14.2.jpg Eagles View A cold air inversion has caused clouds, fog and snow to settle over Boulder Valley. The inversion is not deep enough to encompass the higher elevations and peaks nor Boulder's famous Flatirons. It had been snowing the previous few days over Colorado which left the Flatirons covered in fresh fluffy snow. In this view from Flagstaff Mountain, the blue pre-dawn light is about to give way to the warmer hue's of a frigid sunrise.   Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/estes-inversion/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Twinsisters2.1.14.1.jpg Estes Inversion Fog and snow has crept up and filled the Estes Valley. The peaks above the clouds and Estes Park catch a small glimpse of sunrise from this view along Trail Ridge Road. The Twin Sisters stand out over the Estes Valley on this cold winter morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/golden-meadow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauqua51813.3.jpg Golden Meadow Every spring the meadow at Chautauqua Park will fill with a wide variety of wildflowers. In May, Chautauqua Meadow is host to brilliant displays of bright yellow Golden Banner. Nicknamed 'scrambled eggs', the yellow patches of Golden Banner make a spectacular companion to the famous Flatirons formations that Boulder, Colorado is so well known for. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/teton-skies/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/schwabacherlanding7413.13.4.jpg Teton Skies Clouds drift over the Grand Tetons at sunrise from Schwabacher Landing. Sunrise illuminates the bottom of the clouds in a subtle pink color while the Tetons turn with a more intense red glow in what can only be described as a post card perfect sunrise. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/alone-and-single/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark1.4.3.jpg Alone And Single A single Pondersoa Pine tree weathers a winter storm on the flats of Moraine Park. Heavy snow is falling over Moraine Park and Rocky Mountain National Park bringing near white out conditions to the east side of Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/windsong/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Manyparks1.11.4.jpg Windsong A colorful winter sunrise unfolds in the skies over Deer Mountain and RockyMountain National Park. Though the colors of sunrise are beautiful this morning over Rocky Mountain National Park, the conditions are less than ideal. High winds are rolling over the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park while blowing snow launches over the continental divide in waves. The waves of snow blowing over the peaks and parks of Rocky Mountain National Park help to add a dreamy feel to the lighting and the scene this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snowbound/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark1.4.1.jpg Snowbound A lone Ponderosa pine tree weathers the cold and snow on a hillside above Moraine Park. While life in Moraine Park can be pleasant and beautiful, the torent of winter must also be endured by both the flora and fauna that inhabit Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-winds-over-many-parks/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Manyparks1.11.14.3.jpg Winter Winds Over Many Parks The morning sun crests the horizon over Rocky Mountain National Park and illuminates the sky and snow in vibrant reds and oranges. The winter winds are howling over the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park this morning and snow from the continental divide is blowing eastward into the Estes Valley. Through the blowing snow, the sun shines its warm light along the flanks of Deer Mountain, Upper Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park. Many Parks Curve, located along Trail Ridge Road gives visitors to Rocky a great overview of Moraine Park and Upper Beaver Meadows. Many Parks Curve is also the ending point of Trail Ridge Road over the winter months as the National Park Service only keeps Trail Ridge Road open to this point. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/welcoming-in-the-new-year/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark1.1.14.1.jpg Welcoming In The New Year A lone Ponderosa Pine welcomes in the new year from a lookout above Moraine Park and the Big Thompson river. Light snow dusted Moraine Park and the peaks over Rocky Mountain National Park but the clouds parted long enough at sunrise to color the sky on the first day of the new year. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-chautauqua/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauquapark12.6.13.2.jpg Frozen Chautauqua Warm rays of light turn the Flatirons of Boulder pink on a frigid but beautiful morning in Chautauqua Park. Fresh snow has dusted Chautauqua Meadow and the Ponderosa pines at the base of the Flatirons making for a perfect winter scene over Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-solstice/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mummyrange122113.1.jpg Winter Solstice Sunrise unfolds over the peaks of the Mummy Range on a blustery first day of winter. Ypsilon Mountain is lighted in a warm magenta hue as snow squalls periodically obscure the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/otis-in-a-breeze/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MtOtis12.14.jpg Visions of Thatchtop As a late April snowstorm begins to clear out of Rocky Mountain National Park, the fog breaks for a few short moments to reveal the summit of Thatchtop Mountain bathing in the sunlight, covered with a coating of fresh spring snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-on-sheep-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sheeplakes112813.3.jpg Winter On Sheep Lake A kaleidoscope of color envelops the sky over Horseshoe Park and Sheep Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The winter winds have shaped sweeping patters over the frozen Sheep Lake as Deer Mountain stands watch to the east. Sheep Lake is one of the best locations in Rocky Mountain National Park to view Big Horn Sheep. Much of the year, Big Horn Sheep will make their way down the hillsides of Horseshoe Park to visit aptly named Sheep Lake. Sheep Lake which is often dry, becomes a salt lick for the Big Horns much of the year. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/timeless-light/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauquapark12.6.1.jpg Timeless Morning It's a cold start to the day as the Flatirons over Boulder, Colorado welcome the rising sun. The thermometer reads a very cold -9 degress Farenheit as fresh snow has covered Chautauqua Park in white.   Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/four-mile-perch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fourmiletree112913.3.jpg Four Mile Perch A lone Ponderosa Pine holds court on the top of a hill overlooking Four Mile Creek in Boulder. Clouds skirt the pre-dawn skies cloaked in blue and red as if being orchestrated by this one pine acting as maestro. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/blue-note/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvista112413.1.jpg Blue Note It's a cool morning near Doudy Draw and the Flatirons Vista trail. Snow has been lightly falling over Boulder the last few days but on this morning the sun make a brief appearance. Splashing the Flatirons with warm light that cuts through the fog and blue light and gives the Flatirons a ghost like resemblence. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/east-county-tapestry/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Boulderopenspacecottonwood102913.1.jpg East County Tapestry It's easy to get caught up with the mountain scenery on the west side of Boulder. Miles of evergreens, mountain peaks, and canyons beckon hikers, climbers and photographers. Eastern Boulder Country has it's fair share of scenic gems as well, especially come fall. An old Cottonwood tree and some scrub make for a beautiful autumn palette on a misty fall morning on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Park's property east of the foothills. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/havana-glen-autumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Montourfalls101613.5.jpg Havana Glen Autumn McClure Creek cascades through Havana Glen on a beautiful autumn day in October. Just above these beautiful cascades lies Eagle Cliff Falls. The water running through Havana Glen has just poured over the 41 ft high Eagle Cliff Falls and now has a much more moderate cascade through the remainder of Havana Glen. Montour Falls, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cascading-eagle/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Montourfalls101613.2.jpg Cascading Eagle Eagle Cliff Falls cascades over the rocks downstream. Fall is in its full splendor at Eagle Cliff Falls and the golden trees and fallen leaves make for a tranquil scene. Montour Falls, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierstadt-skies/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadtlake11.9.13.1.jpg Bierstadt Skies A beautiful late season sunrise unfolds in the skies over Bierstadt Lake. The frozen surface of Bierstadt Lake reflects the beautiful orange and blue hues in the sky. Bierstadt Lake garners it's name from famous nineteenth century landscape painter Albert Bierstadt. Bierstadt was known for his dramatic and colorful landscape depicting the landscapes of North America. The skies this particular morning at Bierstadt Lake would fit right into place in one of Bierstadt's dramatic landscape paintings. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/phoenix-rising/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadtlake11.9.2.jpg Phoenix Rising A once in a lifetime sunrise errupts in the skies over Rocky Mountain National Park. High winds aloft formed beatiful streaming lenticular clouds in the skies over Longs Peak and Bierstadt Lake which once illuminated by the rising sun over the high plains of Colorado made the skies look as if they were on fire. The lenticular clouds changed shapes and shading as the sun rose to the east and if you look on the left side of the photo, one cloud in particular has taken the shape of an eagle rising up through the firey clouds like a real life phoenix. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/eagle-cliff-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Montourfalls101613.1.jpg Eagle Cliff Falls Eagle Cliff Falls plunges over the edge of the rocks and downstream into Havana Glen. Fall has settled into Havana Glen and Eagle Cliff Falls looks spectacular when framed against the beautiful autumn display. Montour Falls, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mr-freeze/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Adamsfalls11213.jpg Mr. Freeze Winter is fast tightening her grip on Adams Falls as ice and snow begin to accumulate on the falls. Located just outside Grand Lake, on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Adams Falls see's thousands of visitors during the warmer months of the year. As the cold settles in to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, far fewer visitors spend time observing this beautiful water feature. On this particular day, the air was still and a cold fog hung over Grand Lake and Adams Falls. Other than the noise of the water running over the rocks and ice, the forest was quiet and calm. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tonahutu-cascade/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tonahutucreek11313.1.jpg Tonahutu Cascade Tonahutu Creek rambles over the water smoothed boulders on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Winter is quickly approaching and soon Tonahutu Creek will freeze over and be covered with snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/welcoming-winter/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Eastinlet11313.1.jpg Welcoming Winter The season are quickly changing along the East Inlet on Rocky Mountain National Park's west side. Snow has fallen and covered the meadow and Mount Baldy is now dressed in white. Ice is slowly creeping over the slowly moving waters of the East Inlet, slowing her on its way towards Grand Lake and the Colorado River. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rocky-mountain-tsunami/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeak101913.1.jpg Rocky Mountain Tsunami High winds and turbulent weather go hand in hand with one's daily exsitence when situated at over 14,000 ft above sea level. Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak, Longs Peak is no stranger to high winds having recorded the state of Colorado's highest wind gust at 201 mph in 1981. While the winds aren't raking the 14,259 ft high summit of Longs Peak with that kind of velocity this morning, the summit would be a forboding place to be. Lenticular or mountain wave clouds form along the Front Range when high winds are present in the upper atmosphere. This particular morning, a beautiful wave cloud setup just to the east of Longs Peak. As this wave cloud grew, it gave the appearance of a large tidal wave about to overtake Longs Peak. Sunrise colored this lenticular cloud in beautiful hue of orange and red. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/roll-along-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Southbouldercreek102013.1.jpg Roll Along Fall Patches of sunlight illuminate the Flatirons as a dramatic sunrise unfolds over Eldorado Springs and Boulder. South Boulder creek, still running strong this late into the season rolls on through the landscape as the creekside Cottonwoods display their autumn colors. Eldorado Springs, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fleeting-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauquapark9.29.1.jpg Fleeting Fall Pastel hue's light the skies over Boulder and the Flatiron formation on a spectacular autumn morning in Chautauqua Park. The Flatirons reflect in a small pond that has formed from recent rains and the trees on each side of this small but beautiful pond in Chautauqua Meadow frame the reflection of the Flatirons perfectly. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tundra-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeak9.7.13.1.jpg Tundra View Hiking to the summit of Longs Peak is both popular and challenging. It's over eight miles one way to the summit of Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak. The first three miles of the hike are spent in dense evergreen forests, at just above 11,000 ft you exit the trees and are greeted with this view of Longs Peak and The Diamond from above treeline. It's nearly 5 more miles to the summit of 14,259 ft Longs Peak from treeline. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-colors-of-columbine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Columbinefalls9.7.13.2.jpg The Colors Of Columbine A lone piece of granite disrupts the flow of rushing water at Columbine Falls. High above the Tahosa Valley and just below Longs Peak, Columbine Falls is one of the more impressive waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park. The colors of sunrise against a deep blue Colorado sky paint the waters of Columbine Falls in pink and blue hues. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chickadees-song/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chickadeepond8.31.13.1.jpg Chickadee's Song Chickadee Pond has one of the largest concentrations of pond lilies as any body of water that I can think of in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. All of Chickadee Pond is covered with these beautiful lilies which float on the surface of the ponds smooth water. The colors of sunrise reflect amongst the lilies as colorful clouds skirt over the pond and Wild Basin. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mirrormirror/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MillsLake9.1.13.1.jpg Mirror, Mirror The view of Glacier Gorge from Mills Lake is breathtaking both morning and afternoon. The view looking north from Mills Lake back towards Otis Peak, The Glacier Knob and Flattop Mountain is also spectacular, especially when the lighting is favorable. Beautiful puffy clouds glide over Mills Lake and create a facsimile like view of the peaks bathed in golden light. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/calypsos-dance/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Calypsocascades8.31.13.1.jpg Calypso's Dance Calypso Cascade wraps, turns and tumbles through over the boulders and logs of Wild Basin. Summer is winding down and Cony Creek is flowing at a pace that makes Calypso Cascade subtle, yet just as beautiful as earlier in the season. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/twisted-existence/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sandbeacksnag8.17.13.jpg Twisted Existence The exposed ridges and meadows of Rocky Mountain National Park are dotted with these beautiful tree snags. The high winds, sun and weather shape these former trees into twisted and weathered pieces of wood. No two are alike and the patterns, shapes and colors on each tree is complex yet beautiful. I found this particular snag along the shores of Sandbeach Lake in Wild Basin. Sanbeach Lake sits near the base of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker thus subjecting this tree snag to some of the harshest and windiest weather in the entire park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rushing-columbine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Columbinefalls9.7.13.1.jpg Rushing Columbine Columbine Falls sprints over the granite rocks and boulders of the high country on it's downhill journey. The sun has just begun to peak over the Twin Sisters formation on a sublime morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The orange and red hues of sunrise reflect in the rushing waters of Columbine Falls just below Longs Peak. Columbine Falls resides at the base of Longs Peak, Rocky's highest peak making it one of the most dramatic waterfalls in all the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/reflections-of-sprague/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguelake8.11.13.2.jpg Reflections Of Sprague A completely placid and tranquil morning results in a mirror like reflection in the calm and peaceful waters of Sprague Lake. Beautiful clouds drift over the divide as Otis Peak, Hallet Peak,Flattop Mountain and Notchtop Mountain reflect in Sprague Lake's trout filled waters. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunburst-over-chickadee-pond/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chickadeepond8.31.13.2.jpg Sunburst Over Chickadee Pond Chickadee Pond is located deep within the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's situated northeast of Ouzel Lake but because no train goes to Chickadee Pond hikers often walk right by the pond on their way to Ouzel Lake or Bluebird Lake. Chickadee Pond has to have one of the highest concentrations of lilly pad in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's late August and the grasses are already starting to show their fall colors. The Lilly Pads no longer sport flowers but the sun rising over the pond and lilly pads at sunrise made for a memorable scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mills-legacy/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MillsLake9.1.13.3.jpg Mills Legacy Most consider Enos Mills the champion of the cause that eventually lead to the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park. Enos Mills, with the help of many others worked tirelessly to lobby for protection over the land that now encompasses one of the most popular National Park's in the United States. It's only fitting that one of the most beautiful locations in Rocky Mountain National Park was named is his honor. Mills Lake rests at the base of Longs Peak inside of Glacier Gorge. Enos Mills scaled Longs Peak over 250 times during his lifetime guiding many of the park's earliest visitors to the summit.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/adams-chasm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AdamsChasm8.3.13.1.jpg Adams Chasm Just below Adams Falls on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is this imposing rocky chasm. Water from the East Inlet rushes over Adams Falls and then is funneled through this chute. The mist from the rushing water coats the rocks and makes the flora turn a vibrant green adding color to the dark granite walls. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hallet-on-the-rocks/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHaiyaha8.25.13.1.jpg Hallett On The Rocks Hallett Peak glows red as the first light of the day lights the peak from Lake Haiyaha. Lake Haiyaha which translates to 'many rocks' in Arapaho is a rocky lake situated south of Dream Lake and off the popular Bear Lake trailhead. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colorado-river-rocks/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coloradoriver8.3.13.1.jpg Colorado River Rocks The West's most iconic river, the Colorado has its headwaters situated in Rocky Mountain National Park. The headwaters of the Colorado River are placid as they meander through small meadows and parks. 1450 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park the Colorado River will reach the Gulf of California and Mexico. Cool, clean mountain water streams through an assortment of colorful rocks that make up the Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/musical-cascade/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lyricfalls8.17.13.1.jpg Musical Cascade Hunters Creek tumbles through the aptly named Lyric Falls deep in the heart of Wild Basin. Lyric Falls is a small but beautiful waterfall tucked off the beaten path. Rocky Mountain National Park is full of beautiful waterfalls and water features and Lyric Falls is certainly one of the hidden gems of the bunch. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/powells-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sandbeachlake8.17.1.jpg Powell's View Beautiful pink clouds glide over Sandbeach Lake deep inside the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park's two tallest peaks, Longs Peak and Mount Meeker along with Pagoda Mountain can be seen reflecting in the unusually calm waters. John Wesley Powell the famous geologist and explorer who eventually became known for his travels down the Grand Canyon camped near Sandbeach Lake the night before Powell and his party made the first succesful ascent of Longs Peak on August 23rd, 1868. After numerous failed attempts to climb Longs Peak, the summit of Longs Peak at 14,259 ft above sea level was thought to be attainable only by winged creatures until this day. John Wesley Powell with the help of his assistant L.W. Keplinger, was able to find a route to the summit of Longs Peak along its south side and succesfully reach the summit. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/silver-sandbeach/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sandbeachlake8.17.13.3.jpg Silver Sandbeach Silver clouds drift over a placid Sandbeach Lake in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Wind is often a factor here on the southside of Rocky Mountain National Parks two largest mountains. Mount Meeker, Longs Peak and Pagoda Peak reflect in the waters of Sandbeach Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/1447-miles-to-go/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coloradoriver8.3.13.4.jpg 1447 Miles To Go The Colorado River stretches 1450 miles from it's headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park all the way to the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. The Colorado River spends only a handful of those miles traversing through Rocky. As the Colorado River winds downstream from its headwaters it's only a mere shadow of what it will become. The Colorado twists and winds lazily through the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park with only but a few cascades to ripple it's current. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/timeless-sprague/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguelake8.11.1.jpg Timeless Sprague When Abner Sprague built his lodge near present day Sprague Lake, one has to wonder if Abner had any idea that the view for the lake bearing his name would become one of Colorado's most iconic views. Sprague's Lodge has been gone for well over a half a century now and the land returned to the park service, but the view from Sprague Lake is timeless. Clouds skirt over Sprague Lake and the sun dances off the peaks of Thatchtop,Otis, Hallett and Flattop on a beautiful morning. Over the years, I'm sure Abner Sprague viewed his share of beautiful sunrises with his guests around the lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/starbucks-prints-display/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Starbucks1.jpg Starbucks Prints Display 5 Thomas Mangan Prints hang at the Starbucks in Estes Park, Colorado Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/thunderous-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Thunderlake8.10.1.jpg Thunderous Sunrise Six and a half miles from the nearest trailhead or road, Thunder Lake rests in one of the most beautiful alpine settings in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Located in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park, Pilot Peak and Mount Alice rise from the banks of Thunder Lake reflecting in the outlet of the lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rushing-adams/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Adamsfalls8.3.13.1jpg.jpg Rushing Adams Most visitors to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park will take the short hike to Adams Falls. Adams Falls is both beautiful and easily accessible to visitors looking for waterfalls on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/abstract-colorado/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coloradoriver8.4.13.1.jpg Abstract Colorado The headwaters of the western United States most iconic river, the Colorado begin on the western slop of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Colorado River's passing through Rocky Mountain National Park is not quite as dramatic as it is in the National Park south of Rocky on its 1450 mile journey to the Pacific Ocean, but nonetheless it's still a beautiful and serene journey. Having formed only a few miles upstream, the blue water of the Colorado River are seen cascading over rocks as the reflection of sunrise lighting the peaks above the Colorado reflect red in the cool waters. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/summers-in-the-meadow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EastInlet8.3.13.1.jpg Summers In The Meadow East Inlet flows through East Meadow on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. East Meadows grasses are a vibrant green during the height of summer as the colors reflect in the peaceful waters of East Inlet as it meanders towards it junction with Grand Lake. Mount Craig or Mount Baldy depending on who you ask rises above this tranquil, while classic Colorado scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/clearing-cathederal/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Theloch7.7.12.2.jpg Clearing Cathederal Heavy rains fell all through the night over Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park. The weather calmed, the rain stopped and the sun begins to break through the cloud cover on a beautiful morning at The Loch. Sunlight spotlights the Cathederal Wall on the far end of the lake as clouds swirl. The aroma of pine weighs heavy in the air as the occasional trout breaks the smooth surface of The Loch. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/down-the-chute/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Westcreekfalls62213.4.jpg Down The Chute West Creek Falls plunges over granite and into a pool of cool water at the upper falls. West Creek Falls is located just inside the border of Rocky Mountain National Park. West Creek has less visitors than some of the other more visited waterfalls in Rocky. Not only is it a great hike into West Creek Falls, your much more likely to be able to enjoy the sound of the water plunging over the rocks alone. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/kissed-with-light/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Deermountain7.28.13.jpg Kissed With Light The town of Estes Park and much of the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park are covered by fog and rain. Above 10,000 ft however, the skies are mostly clear. As sunrise breaks above the level of fog created by the inversion, sunlight kisses the top of the clouds skirting the flanks of Deer Mountain. Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/splashed-with-light/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lumpyridge7.28.jpg Splashed With Light An inversion over Rocky Mountain National Park has caused clouds to settle in over the town of Estes Park and Lumpy Ridge. Just enough sun was able to break through the morning overcast to illuminate the granite peaks of Lumpy Ridge on this beautiful and dynamic morning where the fog clung to the granite ridges like a blanket. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/touch-of-marigold/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marigoldponds2006.3.jpg Touch Of Marigold Most visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park hike right on past Marigold Ponds without even noticing them. They reside just a few hundred yards off the popular trail to Odessa Lake and can be easily overlooked. Nonetheless a scramble across the boulder field that hides Marigold Ponds is worth the effort as they give spectacular views of Notchtop Mountain and Flattop Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rolling-over-timberline/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Timberlinefalls7.7.12.3.jpg Rolling Over Timberline Timberline falls and tumbles over rocks and boulders just below Lake of Glass in Loch Vale. Timberline Falls was named by Robert Sterling Yard due to its close proximity in elevation to treeline or 'timberline'. Timberline occurs in Rocky Mountain National Park typically around 11,500 ft above sea level. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-aspens-along-lumpy-ridge/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lumpyridge52713.jpg Spring Aspens Along Lumpy Ridge Spring aspens show off there newly leafed spring greens along the trail to Gem Lake. Aspens trees are common in the Lumpy Ridge area of Rocky Mountain National Park and can be found setting up shop in the nooks and crannies of the numberous rock formations found in and along Lumpy Ridge. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/blue-paradise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bluebirdlake7.20.1.jpg Blue Paradise Magnificent Ouzel Peak rises up along the shores of Bluebird Lake deep in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park's Wild Basin unit. Bluebird Lake was once used as part of the Arbuckle Resevoir system for the City of Longmont. Since that time Bluebird lake has been restored to its pre-exsiting natural condition. Many of the lakes and streams in Wild Basin are named after birds per the idea of William S. Cooper who was responsible for much of the exploraion of the Wild Basin area. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sculpted-gem/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gemlake52713.1.jpg Sculpted Gem Gem Lake is a very popular location for both hikers and climbers who visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Gem Lake is an interesting lake in that it has no inlet nor outlet stream and exsists only as a seep. Along the shores of Gem Lake, resting in the water were these old twisted remains of a fallen pine tree. The sun has bleached the bark and the winds have smoothed the surface making for a petrified like form resting in the waters of Gem Lake and slowly returning to mother nature. Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/nymph-lake-bloom/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nymphlakelillies7.14.131.jpg Nymph Lake Bloom Every year from late June until early August, Pond Lilies bloom on the surface of Nymph Lake. The Pond Lilies which bloom only in lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park which are shallow and have low water flow make for striking sujects for photographers. The yellow blooms of the Pond Lilies on Nymph Lake against a Colorado blue sky backdrop are a beautiful combination. Nymph Lake more iconic sister lakes such as Dream Lake and Bear Lake may be larger, but their deeper and swifter moving currens prevent Pond Lilies from growing on the surface of those lakes. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mills-lake-in-motion/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MillsLake7.13.13.1.jpg Mills Lake In Motion An ominous looking sky appears over Longs Peak and Mills Lake on summer morning. A storm is rolling into Rocky Mountain National Park and sunlight graced Longs Peak, the parks highest for only a few minutes before ducking back into the cover of the storm clouds. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/silent-drifters/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Halletpeak7.7.13.3.jpg Silent Drifters Many mornings in Rocky Mountain National Park dawn cloudless. While nobody will ever complain about a sunny bluebird mountain day, clouds help make iconic views even more dramatic. This particular morning the clouds over Hallet Peak just below Dream Lake were impeccable. The clouds drifting over Hallet Peak and reflecting in this small tarn made for a perfect morning of photography in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/summer-on-the-snake-river/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/schwabacherlanding7413.2.13.jpg Summer On The Snake River Clouds drift over the high peaks of Teton range while the Snake River reflects this glorious Wyoming morning. This was a perfect morning. There was no wind this morning at Schwabachers Landing which allowed for a beautiful reflection of the Grand Tetons and the airy clouds overhead. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hallets-welcome/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HalletPeak7.7.1.jpg Hallets Welcome Just before arriving along the shores of Dream Lake a majestic view of Hallet Peak comes into view. While the view of Hallet Peak from Dream Lake is iconic, this view from below the outlet of Dream Lake is just as beautiful. Water streaming from the outlet of Dream Lake forms this small tarn which also happens to reflect Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain perfectly. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/schwabacher-independence/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/schwabacherlanding7413.1.jpg Schwabacher Independence The Grand Teton and the Teton Range do their best to help celebrate a beautiful fourth of July at Grand Teton National Park. Beautiful clouds glide over the range as the first rays of color the sky and peaks. The beaver ponds at Schwabacher's Landing are smooth as glass on this windless Wyoming morning. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/placid-nymph/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NymphLake63013.1.jpg Placid Nymph A total stillness envelopes Nymph Lake and Longs Peak on a tranquil morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is no wind over Nymph Lake this morning as the clouds over Longs Peak catch the subtle light from a subdued yet beautiful sunrise over Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/orange-crush/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dunebeach6813.2.jpg Orange Crush As the mornings sun crests the horizon it colors the skies of Dune Beach and Southampton a fiery red. The pounding of the aquamarine surf on the beautiful sandy beaches made for a memorable morning of photography. The beaches on Long Island's east end are some of the most beautiful in the world. Photographing dramatic condtions on Dune Beach such as these is just icing on the cake. Souhtampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/comanche-peak-columbines/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Commanchepeakscolumbine61313.2.jpg Comanche Peak Columbines Blue Columbines fill a meadow in the Comanche Peak Wilderness area just outside of Estes Park, Colorado. The state flower of Colorado is one of the most beautiful wild flowers and can be found at varrying locations and elevations depending on the time of summer. I found this patch of Columbines in full bloom along the northern boundary to Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tranquil-pastels/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dunebeach6813.4.jpg Tranquil Pastels Pastel colors light the sky and color the sea at daybreak over Dune Beach. The sea mist in the air combined with the colors of the sand and sea bring out these pleasing and peaceful colors over one of New York's most beautiful ocean beaches. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/west-creek-falls-runoff/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Westcreekfalls62213.3.jpg West Creek Falls Runoff The spring runoff has caused West Creek to swell and has made the water flow over the normally modest West Creek Falls an impressive sight. Located along the eastern boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park, West Creek Falls is a location and waterfall that is often overlooked by visitors to Rocky. It's off the beaten path location makes it a great hike for those looking for a little more solitude along the trail. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-on-shinnecock-bay/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Shinnecockbay61013.jpg Morning On Shinnecock Bay A tranquil and peaceful sunrise unfolds over Shinnecock Bay and Southampton, New York. There had been a lot of rain that had fallen on the beach and bay this week, but the rain finally parted and a beautiful pastel sunrise greeted the new day.   Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/beauty-in-chaos/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cublakefire6113.1.jpg Beauty In Chaos A spruce tree near Cub Lake displays it's scars from the Fern Lake fire which burned through the area. The blackened and charred surface is all that remains of the outter bark of this tree. The Cub Lake area was hard hit by the Fern Lake Fire which was one of the largest wildfires recorded in Rocky Mountain National Park's history. As with all things nature, wildfires are part of the natural process and the area will recover from the fire. Even amongst the destruction of the Fern Lake fire, beauty still exisits within the burn zone. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lovely-lupines/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauqualupine6413.1.jpg Lovely Lupines Silver Lupines Bloom in Chautauqua Meadow on a stormy spring morning. The Flatirons catch a vibrant albeit brief few rays of drop under sunlight from sunrise. Within minutes the sun would disappear for the day and rain would soon fall on the green grasses and wildflowers in Chautauqua Park. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chautauquas-wild-iris/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauquawildiris52613.1.jpg Chautauqua's Wild Iris Every spring, wildflowers bloom in the meadow of Chautauqua Park in Boulder. The deep purples of the Wild Iris present visitors with some of the most intense and beautiful colors of any of the wildflowers blooming. Wild Iris can be found blooming in and around moist drainages which also help keep the grasses that surround them a vibrant green. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-over-dark-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DarkMountain52513.jpg Sunrise Over Dark Mountain A muted but still brilliant sunrise colors the sky and clouds orange over ominously named Dark Mountain. The layered peaks are part of the Mummy Range and most visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park can view this area from Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/reflections-of-chautauqua/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons51213.jpg Reflections Of Chautauqua Clouds drift over the Boulder Flatirons and Chautauqua Park on a placid spring morning in Colorado. Spring rain and snow has caused a small pond to form near the bottom of the drainage through the meadow. This pond which only forms every few years is short lived. It lasted long enough this spring season to provide this beautiful mirror like reflection of the Flatiron formation above Chautauqua Meadow. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ethereal-chautauqua/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chautauqua51813.1.jpg Drifting Chautauqua Spring in Chautauqua Meadow is a special time of year. Chautauqua Meadow errupts with wildflowers as the a long winter abates from the Colorado Front Range. A stunning sunrise unfolds over the iconic Flatiron formations while Golden Banner covers the slopes below the Flatirons of Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/blue-tempest/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeak5413.1.jpg Blue Tempest Clouds rise and swirl over Glacier Gorge and Longs Peak on a cool spring morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Heavy spring snows still cling to the summit of Rocky's highest peak and the combination of clouds and cool lighting enhance the mood. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/unfrozen-dreams/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dreamlake51413.jpg Unfrozen Dreams A serene sunrise errupts over Hallet Peak and Dream Lake on a quiet and peaceful morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's already springtime at Dream Lake but it would be hard to tell the difference from winter. The outlet of Dream Lake has thawed just enough from a long winter to allow a reflection of Hallet Peak in the chilly waters of Dream Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/magenta-morning-at-sprague/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguelake5613.jpg Magenta Morning At Sprague Otis Peak, Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain bask in the first light of the day as the skies and clouds over Sprague Lake take on the colors of purple and magenta. It's early spring on Sprague Lake but the lake had nearly thawed out and the long winters snow is melting along her shores and the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spragues-place/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguelake41313.2.jpg Sprague's Place I have been lucky enough to witness quite a few memorable sunrises in Rocky Mountain National Park. This particular sunrise at Sprague Lake was one of the most dramatic. The vibrant and changing colors in the sky lasted for nearly a half hour. The colors of this sunrise on Sprague Lake went from cool blues and magentas until they exploded over the lake in a display of fire reds and pinks that was jaw dropping. Abner Sprague spent many a morning at this location tending to his lodge and guests that once stood near this location which now bears his name. I'm sure Abner Sprague was lucky enough to witness quite a few colorful sunrises like this one from Sprague Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sculpted-reverence/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Trailridgesunrise62712.2.jpg Sculpted Reverence Near treeline in Rocky conditions are harsh and punishing. High winds and heavy snows make this transitional zone a place where only the hardy can flourish and endure. Skeletons of two Krummholz tree's welcome the morning sun on a peaceful morning along Trail Ridge. These tree's endured through these difficult conditions for many years, and their windswept remains are a testement to natures harsh beauty. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-big-chill-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark42013.1.jpg The Big Chill Spring in Rocky Mountain National Park can be very fickle. Weather varies greatly and the line between winter and spring is often a fine one. It's well into late April but a late spring snowstorm has dumped over two feet of snow on the Front Range of Colorado. Spring storms tend to be warmer than their winter counterparts. This storm had record low temperatures packed in with the heavy snow. Temperatures were cold enough to freeze the surface of the Big Thompson over this late in the season. The colors of sunrise reflecting off the snow and ice helped to warm up this view of Moraine Park however. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/steel-blue-sprague/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguelake41313.1.jpg Steel Blue Sprague Transitions between seasons can make for some beautiful imagery. It's mid April on Sprague Lake but the seasons are still in flux between winter and spring. Parts of Sprague Lake are thawing, but cold nights and recent snows have caused much of the open water to freeze over again. This newly frozen surface of Sprague Lake reflects dawns blue light as a a hint of red lights the clouds over Rocky Mountain National Park in a hint of things to come as the sun rises. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/breaking-trail/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lumpyridge32313.jpg Breaking Trail Does it get any better than this? Fresh snow covers the trail on Lumpy Ridge and not another soul is out and about. It's time to slap on the snowshoes and be the first to break trail on this beautiful morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/photo-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadtmoraine4613.jpg Rocky Icon Waves of snow and clouds wash over the blocky summit of Hallet Peak on a spring morning. Sunrise illuminates the iconic features of Hallet Peak in warm reds and pinks. Hallet Peak is one of Rocky Mountain National Parks most recognizable features. Visitors to Bear, Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lake get an impressive and up front view of Hallet Peak. This view is from the Bierstadt Moraine is equally as impressive. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pastels-on-south-boulder-creek/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Southbouldercreek33112.1.jpg Pastels On South Boulder Creek Pinks, reds and magenta's fill the sky over the Flatiron formation as the sun begins to rise. Spring has begun and the leaves on the tree's along South Boulder Creek are just starting to bud out on some of Boulder's most popular open space areas. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/north-winds-over-longs/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeak21613.2.jpg North Winds Over Longs Strong northerly winds rake over the summit of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker in this winter view of the two tallest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. The strong winds help to create their own weather over Longs and Meeker causing clouds to form and roll over the peaks. Sunrise dapples the clouds in hues of pink and red as cold day dawns. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lumpy-ridge-ponderosas/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lumpyridge32313.1.jpg Lumpy Ridge Ponderosa's Fresh spring snow has fallen on the trunks of this group of Ponderosa Pines high atop Lumpy Ridge. Lumpy Ridge is dotted with beautiful trees and boulders. The subtle beauty of Lumpy Ridge makes the area a spectacular place to photograph after a new snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/emeraldstwo/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Emeraldlake32313.jpg Emeralds Two A pair of evergreens weathers a late spring snow storm on the hillsides above Emerald Lake. These two trees poking out of the heavy snow where the only details on a snow blanketed landscape below Hallet Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/etherealsunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Doudydrawsunrise11412.1.jpg Ethereal Sunrise An almost otherworldy sunrise unfolds over the Boulder Flatirons as photographed from the Doudy Draw area. A Ponderosa lone sentinel stands over the Flatirons as the sky explodes with color as a new day dawns.   Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/goldentransistions/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffaspens10512.2.jpg Golden Transistion Seasons in Colorado often collide with one another making for great images. In this scene, snow is falling on golden fall aspen leaves along the flanks of Gregory Canyon just above Boulder, Colorado. The heavy wet snow has coated the meadow as well as the Ponderosa Pine's surrounding this small aspen grove. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flagstaffautumngold/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffaspens10512.1.jpg Flagstaff Autumn Gold A small grove of aspen tree's basks in the fall color on Boulder's Flagstaff Mountain. The boles are surrounded by underbrush which has turned a brilliant yellow as is typical during the fall. Even small aspen groves like these can look spectacular in the autumn when cloaked in golden yellows. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/subtlemarchsunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierGorge3.16.13.jpg Subtle March Sunrise A Krummholz tree in Glacier Gorge welcomes a new day in the month of March. March is a transitional time of year in Rocky Mountain National Park and the sublte colors of sunrise highlight the beautiful backdrop nature has provided this tree. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspensandwillows/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Horseshoeparkaspens3.9.13.1.jpg Aspens And Willows A stand of aspen trees in Horseshoe Park stand tall during a powerful winter snowstorm. Snow is falling hard on the branches and boles of the aspen trees and the winter willows add a subtle splash of color to this winter scene in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morainperseverance/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark3.9.13.1.jpg Moraine Perseverance A lone ponderosa pine weathers a battering from a late winter blizzard over Rocky Mountain National Park. This lone pine is one of my favorite tree's in all of Rocky. The shape and form of this tree is exquisite and is a testement to its strength. This tree has been through many storms like the one this day and will hopefully remain for many more.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colorsofmoraine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark111012.1.jpg The Colors Of Moraine Sunrises in Rocky Mountain National Park come in all shapes and sizes. Weather plays the greatest role in providing the drama of a brilliant sunrise in Rocky. On this particular morning in Moraine Park, a large group herd of Elk bugled a few hundred yards away as snow started to fly. Just enough of the eastern horizon was open enough to allow a short window of color from sunrise to color the skies above Moraine Park and the Big Thompson River. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/skyview/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Doudydraw1.17.12.jpg Skyview The big sky views and vistas from the southside of Boulder reveal some of the best viewpoints of the famous Flatiron formation. Beautiful clouds float over the Flatirons during an sunrise from the Doudy Draw Open Space. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/walkerranchwhiteout/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Walkerranch22413.jpg Walker Ranch Whiteout Wind and snow whips through the Ponderosa Pine tree's at Walker Ranch Open Space. Located just west of Boulder, Colorado, Walker Ranch is the site of a former homestead. Today, Walker Ranch is part of Boulder County Open Space is a favorite location for photography. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/burningbush/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gregorycanyon92712.1.jpg Burning Bush Deep within the confines of Gregory Canyon high above Boulder's famous Chautauqua Park the underbrush take on a vibrant autumn hues of red and yellow. A light rain is misting down on Gregory Canyon and the diffused light brings to life the brilliant colors of red, yellow and green. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spraguelakeblue/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguelake22313.1.jpg Sprague Lake Blues A frozen and wind swept Sprague Lake awakens as the winter sunrise lights up the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Thatchtop, Otis, Hallet and Flattop catch the first colorful rays of sun as the frozen ice of Sprague Lake reflects the blue sky overhead. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierstadthallet/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Halletpeak22313.1.jpg Bierstadt's Light On Hallet A winter storm is quickly moving in over Rocky Mountain National Park. High winds and blowing snow rake the granite flanks of Hallet Peak. Sunrise provided dramatic lighting on Hallet Peak as the combination of snow and clouds help to create a scene reminiscent of an Albert Bierstadt painting. The famous nineteenth century painter visited Estes Park in 1863 and many of his paintings feature dramatic lighting and weather simmilar to the lighting in this image. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/gregorycanyongold/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gregorycanyon92512.1.jpg Gregory Canyon Gold An otherwise subtle Aspen grove near the top of Gregory Canyon turn a brilliant yellow as peak fall color comes to the forest above Boulder, Colorado. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winterwelcome/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvistasunrise21713.1.jpg Winter Welcome Sunrises over the Front Range of Colorado as well as Boulder are legendary. The unobstructed views to the east and 'big sky' make for a large canvas just waiting to be painted by the rising sun. This particular morning was no exception as the sun rose over Boulder and the Flatirons Vista Open Space Property. A lone Ponderosa welcomes the morning sun as colors explode in the sky overhead. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/southbouldercreekautumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Southbouldercreek93012.jpg Autumn Along South Boulder Creek The riparian habitat along the banks of South Boulder creek is quickly turning a to a golden hue as autumn settles in around Boulder. The Flatirons and South Boulder Peak turn a fire red and clouds skirt overhead as a new day dawns over this iconic Colorado rock formation. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wintertempest/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeak21613.1.jpg Winter Tempest Sunrise unfolds over 14,259 ft Longs Peak. Winters full force can be seen in this image as the summit of Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak is battered by snow and high winds. The early morning sun illuminates The Diamond on Longs Peak's east face. This view is from the flanks of the Twin Sisters were conditions were cold and windy, but certainly more pleasant than it would be on the summit of Longs this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wintermillslake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MillsLake2.9.13.jpg Winter At Mills Lake It's a chilly morning at the lake that bears the name of the man known as the 'Father of Rocky Mountain National Park'. Clouds turn a brilliant red over 14,259 ft Longs Peak as the blue ice of Mills Lake contrasts with the color in the sky above Glacier Gorge. Mills Lake is named after Enos Mills, a conservationist, photographer and guide who worked tirelessly to make sure the beautiful wilderness area around Estes Park would eventually become Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/daybreakonmtmeeker/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mtmeeker12613.jpg Daybreak On Mount Meeker Mount Meeker looks almost volcanic as the new days sunlight illuminates the flanks of the peak. Clouds climb up the side of Meeker as a new winter storm system is rapidly approaching Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pastelovertheplains/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Doudydraw1.17.13.jpg Pastels Over The Plains Shades of pink and magenta unfold over the skies of Boulder, Colorado. It's just before sunrise near Doudy Draw and this lone Ponderosa Pine has a front seat to the spectacular light show unfolding all around. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/newyearboulder/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvista1113.1.jpg New Year Over Boulder The first sunrise of the year over Boulder and the Flatirons is an impressive one. The sun kisses the Flatirons formation turning them a brilliant red while beautiful clouds over Boulder are illuminated by the morning sun. A light dusting of snow coats the trees and trails just south of Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/newdaydawning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fallriver102012.3.jpg New Day Dawning The sun breaks the horizon and lights the banks of Fall River in Horseshoe Park. It's a beautiful autumn morning in Horseshoe Park. Fall River meanders slowly through Rocky Mountain National Park as clouds glide overhead. Elk can be heard bugling through the tree's as the rut is in full swing in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/horseshoedawn-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Horseshoepark121512.3.jpg Horseshoe Park At Dawn A breathtaking sunrise unfolds over Horseshoe Park and Deer Mountain on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Winter has settled into the valley but snow has yet to cover the grasses and meadows. Snow is lightly falling however as the sun rises behind Deer Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/stainedglass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fallriver112412.1.jpg Stained Glass Fall River has just begun to freeze over. Cold winds rake across the surface of Fall River and through Horseshoe Park freezing over the surface. Snow has not yet blanketed Horseshoe Park allowing for surface to take on a stained glass like appearance. The subtle early morning light on the Mummy Range combined with the clouds made for a perfect cathederal view in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fallriverice/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fallriverice112412.1.jpg Fall River Ice Newly formed ice is forming along the banks of Fall River in Horseshoe Park. The ice has formed on the surface of fall river, but water is still flowing freely below the think layer of wind blown ice. The patterns of the newly formed sheet of ice make for unique, one of a kind compositions. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozenhorseshoes/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fallriver111912.1.jpg Frozen Horseshoes Nature's fireworks were on full display this morning in Horseshoe Park and over Deer Mountain. Fall River has frozen over and the newly formed ice reflects the light show perfectly. Herds of Elk meandered nearby as the sky lit up with pinks, blues and magentas. Personally, this was one of the most intense and colorful sunrises in Rocky Mountain National Park I've been lucky enough to witness. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moraine-freeze-over/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Morainepark11172012.1.jpg Moraine Park Freeze Over The seasons are changing from autumn to winter in Moraine Park. The Big Thompson River is freezing over slowly but surely as snow coats the high peak of Rocky Mountain National Park. Clouds illuminate a brilliant pink as the sunrise starts to warm the Colorado landscape. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wonderlandchasm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chasmfalls111012.4.jpg Wonderland At Chasm In a postcard like scene, Fall River plunges through Chasm Falls after a fresh coating of snow has dusted the trees and rocks along the banks of the stream. Old Fall River has been long closed for the season and the solitude and quietness at Chasm Falls was an expierence to behold.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bigthompsontranquility/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MorainePark112212.1.jpg Tranquility Along The Big Thompson The sun is just about to peek over the high plains and illuminate Colorado's Front Range. A beautiful wave cloud drifts over Moraine Park and a tranquil and partially frozen Big Thompson River. It's late fall in Rocky Mountain National Park and the golden grasses and gently flowing Big Thompson River help to reflect the spectacular light show taking place in the sky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mummyrangerising/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiverMummy111912.jpg Mummy Range Rising Fall River is in the process of freezing over for the winter as yet another beautiful sunrise unfolds over Rocky Mountain National Park and Horseshoe Park. Mt. Chapin, Chiquita and Yipsilon glow a beautiful pastel pink as the early morning sunshine illuminates the fresh snow on the Mummy Range. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lumpyridgegreens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LumpyRidgeaspens51912.1.jpg Lumpy Ridge Greens A light rain is falling on the forest and Lumpy Ridge. The refreshing and cool spring rain has coated all the foilage with droplets of moisture and help to bring out their vibrant spring colors. This small group of Aspen trees were especially vivid in the soft diffused light. When the aspen leaves first bud out in spring they have a beautiful lime like translusence. Photographing in this kind of weather and light helps to bring out the beauty and pop in these subtle scenes. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snowychasmfalls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chasmfalls111012.1.jpg Snowy Chasm Snow falls on the granite that makes up beautiful Chasm Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. While it's a cold day in Rocky, Fall River has yet to freeze over for winter. Chasm Falls is a popular stop for visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park in summer as Old Fall River Road passes near Chasm Falls. In the winter however, a hike is required to visit Chasm Falls. Compared to the busy summer seaons, visiting Chasm Falls in winter is a peaceful and solace experience. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/honeycombeddream/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLakeIce1.jpg Honeycombed Dream Honeycomb like patterns form on the frozen surface of Dream Lake. Blue skies above reflect in the frozen surface of Dream Lake while the fractures, bubbles and patterns on the surface of the ice and texture to this frozen scene in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snowonouzelfalls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ouzelfalls101312.3.jpg Snow Falling On Ouzel An autumn snowstorm covers Wild Basin and Ouzel Falls with a fresh layering of white. Ouzel has yet to freeze over but the boulders and pines that line the banks of North Saint Vrain Creek are coated with a few inches of fresh snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ramblingboulderbrook/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Boulderbrookrambling102212.jpg Rambling For Gold Many of Colorado's early settlers came to the Front Range in hopes of finding gold and striking it rich. For most of these early pioneers, this realization never came to fruition. This day I too was in search of gold, but instead of panning Boulder Brook, I was in search of golden aspen leaves falling from the sky. These brilliant yellow leaves covered the forest floor in and around Boulder Brook in Rocky Mountain National Park. In this image, Boulder brook tumbles and rambles downstream through a beautiful fall aspen grove. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bearlakefreezeout/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bearlake11312.1.jpg Bear Lake Freeze Out It's early November as Bear Lake begins to see it's first sheet of ice form on the surface. Before long, all of Bear Lake will be burried under ice and snow until late spring. The patterns on the fresh ice helped to create a beautiful relection of Longs Peak as a spectacular wave cloud formed over Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/calypsocascadessnow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Calypsocascades101312.1.jpg Fresh Snow On Calypso Cascades Fresh snow covers the rocks and blow down covering Calypso Cascades in Wild Basin. Calypso Cascades is a popular hike in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. An early season snow allowed me to capture the still unfrozen waterfall while snow coated the trees and boulder of Calypso Cascades making for some unique photographic oppurtunities. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hiddenfrost/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HiddenValleyFrosted10612.1.jpg Hidden Frost Snow and rime ice coats the aspen and spruce trees in the Hidden Valley area of Rocky Mountain National Park. These aspen trees have just shed their golden leaves prior to the first snow of the season arriving in Colorado and painting the trees of Hidden Valley a frosty white. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/silvermummy/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MtYipsilon10612.1.jpg Silver Mummy Mount Yipsilon reveals her iconic face as the clouds lift over Rocky Mountain National Park. An upslope weather system has coated the lower elevations in snow and rime ice, but above 11,000 ft there is very little snow coating the high peaks of the Mummy Range. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mysticalboulderbrook/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Boulderbrook92312.8.jpg Mystical Boulder Brook One of the most subtle, yet beautiful locations in Rocky Mountain National Park is the Boulder Brook area during the autumn season. Boulder Brook brambles through the aspen forest on the side of the hill, while the golden autumn aspen leaves cover Boulder Brooks mossy green banks. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/whiteabovecony/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Stvrain101312.1.jpg White Above Cony North Saint Vrain creek tumbles through downed trees in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. The North Saint Vrain is about to join up with Cony Creek as they flow eastward. This small unamed waterfall is still freely flowing even as snow falls on the rocks and trees along the banks of the creek. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/horseshoedawn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Horseshoepark102012.jpg Horseshoe Dawn A lone tree in the meadow of Horseshoe Park welcomes a new dawn. The sun has yet to rise over Rocky Mountain National Park, but the skies over Horsehoe Park and Deer Mountain are exploding with color. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fallriversunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FallRiver102012.jpg Sunrise Along Fall River Lenticular clouds hovering over Horseshoe Park and Fall River turn a fiery red and orange as sunrise approaches. Autmumn is in full swing in Horseshoe Park and the willows and grasses along Fall River display their fall hues while Elk bugle in the meadow just out of view. A genlty meandering Fall River allowed for a perfect reflection of this spectacular sunrise occuring just behind Deer Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cascadingcopeland/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Copelandfalls101312.1.jpg Cascading Copeland Copeland Falls and North Saint Vrain creek cascade over the rocks and boulders of this popular location in Wild Basin. Copeland is the first of three waterfalls in Wild Basin that most visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will hike past. It's the smallest of the three but has a subtle beauty to it. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lastoftheseaon/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WildBasinleaves101212.jpg Last Of The Season Snow has covered the forest floor in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. The aspen trees have shed their golden leaves of fall and most of them now rest on the forest floor decaying. These two red aspen leaves which had recently fallen from a tree caught my eye amongst the snow covered leaves on the forest floor. There was just enough of Autumn left in this small section of the park, but enough to make me smile and look forward to next years golden season in Rocky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mummymountaindawn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mummymountain10612.jpg Mummy Mountain Dawn A late fall upslope system has left the flanks of Mummy Mountain coated with a light dusting of snow on this cold morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Clouds part ways over the Mummy Range revealing a fiery red in the clouds as the storm clears the peaks over Rocky's Mummy Range. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ouzelfallsinwhite/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ouzelfalls101312.2.jpg Ouzel Falls In White The first snow of the season begins to coat the still unfrozen Ouzel Falls and North Saint Vrain Creek. Snow coats the rocks and logs around this impressive waterfall located in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Before long, Ouzel Falls will freeze over and be covered with snow as winter sets in over this beautful area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cloudsbelowdeermountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Deermountaininversion10612.jpg Clouds Below Deer Mountain Deer Mountain plays peek a boo with the inversion of clouds hovering over the Estes Valley and the Front Range of Colorado. It's hard to believe but its snowing beneath the cloud cover east of Rocky Mountain National Park, but high above Deer Mountain on Trail Ridge Road, it will be sunny and clear. Hoar Frost and Rime ice coat the flanks of the pines of Deer Mountain as the sun is just about to crest the horizon. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mcgregoryinversion/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGregormountain10612.1.jpg McGregor Inversion Snow, freezing rain and fog have enveloped the Front Range of Colorado. High above the inversion, McGregor Mountain peaks its head through the clouds just before sunrise. This particular morning was a spectacular morning to be on Trail Ridge Road. The snowline had not made it all the way up into Rocky Mountain National Park so Trail Ridge Road was still open to Rainbow Curve. The view from Rainbow Curve looking east towards the rising sun, and upslope weather pelting the lower elevations with snow was like being in an airplane 37,000 ft above Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/twoleavesonalog/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrook9231222.jpg Two Leaves On A Log Two golden aspen leaves rest on the bole of a fallen aspen tree in Rocky Mountain National Park. I photographed these two autumn aspen leaves along the banks of Boulder Brook. The contrasting colors of the darkened aspen bole and yellow fall aspen leaves were beautiful. Moss and grasses have begun to grow out of the aspen trunk now resting on the forest floor of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/threeaspenleaves/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Boulderbrook92312.jpg Three Aspen On Boulder Brook Three autumn aspen leaves rest on the surface of a wet boulder along the banks of Boulder Brook in Rocky Mountain National Park. The golden yellow leaves from the aspen trees would fall from above and stick to the wet boulder for only a few minutes before being moved on downstream by the water. The dark glassy surface of the rock combined with the vibrant yellow leaves of the aspen tree made for a great composition. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/boulderbrookabstract/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Boulderbrook92312.10.jpg Boulder Brook Autumn Abstract Boulder Brook navigates its way between two rocks on its way through this beautiful forest located in Rocky Mountain National Park. It's Fall and golden yellow aspen leaves have fallen on the rocks along Boulder Brook. The Autumn season in Colorado presents the photographer and hiker with beautiful scenes of grandeur and also more subtle beauty in more intimate scenes such as these. Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/leafcatcher/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Boulderbrook92312.5.jpg Leaf Catcher A small spruce tree grows between two aspen boles along the banks of Boulder Brook. The golden fall aspen leaves cover the pine boughs and forest floor on a beautiful autumn day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspenpotpourri/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Boulderbrook92212.1.jpg Aspen Potpourri The smell of an aspen forest during autumn is one of the true pleasures of hiking through Rocky Mountain National Park. Moist and decaying aspen leaves cover the forest floor and the unmistakable scent of the wet and decaying leaves fills the air with fall scents. I photographed these fall aspen leaves in various stages of color floating on the surface of Boulder Brook. They aspen leaves had been falling into the stream and then backing up in a small bend on Boulder Brook. The various colors of autumn made for a picture perfect vignette of the fall aspen leaves on the surface of Boulder Brook.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lonepine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvista72912.2.jpg Clouds Over Lone Pine A lone ponderosa pine tree stands guard over the Flatirons formation just east of Boulder, Colorado. The high winds prevalent and common in this area of Boulder have sculpted this tree into it's unique shape. The tree resides on Boulder County Open Space and Mountain Park's property. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bearlakeautumngold/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake91612.1.jpg Autumn Glory At Bear Lake The hillsides above Bear Lake are ablaze in gold and red. The area around Bear Lake is host to some of Rocky Mountain National Park's most beautiful aspen tree groves. This particular grove above Bear Lake is unique in that some of the aspen trees not only turn their typical golden yellow, but also an orange and red hue as well. The sunrise illuminates clouds swirling over Longs Peak as it's framed by this beautiful set of aspen trees. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspenrocks/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bearlakeroadaspens92911.2.jpg Aspen Rocks Along Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, there is a group of aspen trees that puts on a terrific display of autumn color each year. Tucked in amongst a group of boulders on a small talus field, these particular aspens turn yellow, gold and red. They make for an interesting subject and the boulder field the thrive in does as well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bearlakeroadaspens1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bearlakeroadaspens92911.1.jpg Aspen Glow Aspen leaves become translucent as the turn golden during their autumn peak. Standing within an aspen grove with the sun above is an amazing experience. The aspen leaves cast a soft yellow gold on the entire forest canopy and floor. These aspen trees located near the Bear Lake area where doing just that the day I photographed them. Finding a good composition of this particular stand was difficult, but the light was just to beautiful to walk away from without attempting to create an image. I finally found a juxtaposition of aspen boles and leaves that I really liked. The smell of the fall forest, elk bugling down below and the golden colors made for an unforgettable experience in Rocky Mountain National Park on this day. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/columbinefallsautumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Columbinefalls91612.1.jpg High Country Sunrise Below Longs The sun rises up over the Twin Sisters and high plains of Colorado to illuminate Columbine Falls near the base of Longs Peak. The calendar still says summer, but the alpine tundra is already showing off its fall splendor. Columbine Falls is no longer a rushing torrent, but instead a gently cascading alpine stream making its way eastward. The seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park are short, and summer above treeline is even shorter. The short summer season makes visits to Columbine Falls and nearby Chasm Lake all the more enjoyable, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/peacockpoolautumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Peacockpool91512.1.jpg A Touch Of Autumn At Peacock Pool The alpine tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park has turned a brilliant red and orange hue. The deep blue of Peacock Pool, which resides near the base of Longs Peak contrasts perfectly with the golden hue's of autumn. Columbine Falls races down it's granite face on it's way towards Peacock Pool. Before long, this area of Rocky Mountain National Park will be covered with snow and ice. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mysticalmoraine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Frozenmoraine9712.jpg Mystical Moraine Morning Witnessing the transformation of the seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park is truly an amazing experience. The seasons are quickly shifting from summer into autumn in Moraine Park this morning. Elk could be heard bugling all around Moraine Park this early September morning. The Big Thompson river is flowing lazily this late in the year, but a heavy frost has coated the grasses along its banks. Fog has settled just over the Big Thompson while Stones Peak glows red with the first light of a new day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dynamicnotchtop/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lakehelene9312.2.jpg Dynamic Notchtop It's just before sunrise at Lake Helene but the show of light and clouds has already begun over Notchtop. It was a spectacular morning to photograph Lake Helene, but even more humbling to witness the beauty and power of nature revealing herself. Fast moving clouds move atop Notchtop Peak while a nearly full moon sets up over Notchtop and Lake Helene. It was a windy morning but his small cove provided enough shelter for me to capture Notchtop reflecting in Lake Helene. The combination of the pre-dawn blue, fast moving clouds, and autumn colored underbrush all help to reveal the majesty and beauty found in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glacierblue/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Glaciergorge9112.1.jpg Glacier Blue The small sliver of red and pink on the horizon hints at the impending sunrise over Glacier Gorge. Fast moving colorful clouds drift over Rocky Mountain National Park as the sky begins to turn from the grey and blue of night to the warm hues of sunrise. Facing eastward, this Krumholtz tree Silhouetted against the backdrop of the Glacier Knobs has witnessed thousands of sunrises just like this one from it's one in a million perch atop Rocky Mountain National Park . Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/majesticmchenry/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Blacklake7412.2.jpg Majestic McHenry McHenry's Peak towers over a still Black Lake on a perfect morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Clouds skirt over McHenry's Peak and Arrowhead Peak and make a perfect reflection in the still waters of Black Lake deep within Glacier Gorge. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/coopersbeachatlanticblue/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersatlanticblue81112.jpg Atlantic Blue It's just before daybreak at Coopers Beach on the east end of Long Island. Strong storms overnight are causing a very heavy surf along Coopers Beach. As they sky begins to fill with light, last nights storm clouds can be seen hovering over the Atlantic Ocean. Because of the soft blue light this morning, I used a long exposure to create a dreamy effect along the beach which has helped to smooth out the breakers this morning. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/coopersredflag/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach81112.1.jpg Red Flag Day At Coopers Beach Heavy surf crashes along the shore of Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York. Coopers Beach is one of the Hamptons most popular beaches but it certainly wont be a day at the beach for the lifeguards manning the chair on this day. Heavy storms off the east end of Long Island have created a heavy surf and riptide warning and the flag mast over Coopers Beach is flying red flags. Even if one cant swim at Coopers on a day like this, what better place to spend a day in the sand. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dunebeachdawn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dunebeach81012.1.jpg Dawn On The Dunes A spectacular sunrise unfolds along the dune breaks of Dune Beach in Southampton, New York. It had been a stormy few days on the east end, but there was enough of a break in the cloud cover this morning to illuminate the clouds over the Atlantic Ocean a beautiful red and magenta. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chasmlakeglow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chasmlake911011.2.jpg Chasm Lake Glow It's a rare event to have little to no wind scraping the surface of Chasm Lake at the base of Longs Peak. High above Rocky Mountain National Park and nestled right at the base of Rocky's tallest peak, weather can be harsh at Chasm Lake anytime of year. Luckily for me on this morning there was almost no wind present and I was able to capture a near perfect reflection of The Diamond and 14,255 ft high Longs Peak in Chasm Lake. Sunrise lights the Diamond with an intense red glow as Longs Peak is the first peak to recieve light.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/photo/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/biopic2.jpg https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/alluvialfanfalls2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Alluvialfan62612.2.jpg Alluvial Ribbons The rushing cascades of the Roaring River have helped to smooth and define the red hued rock that now makeup Alluvial Fan Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Though Alluvial Fan Falls was created when a man made dam failed at Lawn Lake, watching the water channel through and over the rocks is as serene and peaceful as any place in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chickadee-pond/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chickadeepond81812.1.jpg Chickadee Pond Located just below Ouzel Lake, deep within Wild Basin, Sunrise colors the sky over Chickadee Pond. Looking eastward, the morning sun is about to crest a large Thunderstorm over the eastern plains of Colorado. Wildfires over the western United States have covered the air over Rocky Mountain National Park with smoke and haze the takes on a pastel glow as the first rays of sun illuminate the sky. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lakeirenevortex/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lakeirene101611.3.jpg Lake Irene Color Vortex Shortly before sunrise, the skies over Lake Irene explode with intense color. A completely placid Lake Irene helps to reflect the brilliant colors on the surface of the lake. The seasons are changing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fall has settled in and the first snow of the season have coated the shores of Lake Irene. While Lake Irene may no be one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most photographed lakes, it's beauty shines under conditions such as these. Lake Irene is a short distance from Trail Ridge Road, and a short but popular hike for visitors to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flattopapparition/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flattopapparition7812.jpg Flattop Apparition These are my favorite weather conditions to photograph in. Most summer days in Rocky Mountain National Park arrive full of sun and clear blue bird skies. While one cant complain about weather like that, dynamic conditions with fog, mist and rain can transform iconic locations into mysterious landscapes of wonder. After heavy rains the night before, the sun was attempting to break through the layer fog at Emerald Lake. Just enough of the fog parted to reveal a ghostly silhouette of Flattop Mountain. A few seconds later, the fog covered the peaks again. The overcast diffused lighting help to display Emerald Lake's green color which on sunny days is less obvious to the eye. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ouzelfalls3/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ouzelfalls62312.2.jpg Ouzel Falls Veil Rushing water spills over the rocks and boulders of Ouzel Falls. The North Saint Vrain Creek is running at a good clip which helped to make accentuate and make Ouzel Falls and even more impressive sight. Located in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park, Ouzel Falls is one of many hearty water features found in the area. Wild Basin's streams and waterfalls, combined with it's thick timber give it a feeling that is unique to other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ouzel Falls is named after the bird also known as the American Dipper. After hiking to Ouzel Falls, keep and eye out for the birds swimming and splashing through the undercurrent in search of food. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/blacklake1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Blacklake71412.1.jpg Reflections Of Black Lake McHenry's Peak turns a brilliant red as the morning sun illuminates the granite peak deep within Rocky Mountain National Park. Black Lake is still as glass this morning, allowing for McHenry's Peak a perfect reflection in the clear waters of Black Lake. Black Lake is located deep within Glacier Gorge. The area around Black Lake contains some of Rocky Mountain National Park's most impressive peaks and beautiful locations. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cathedralspires/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sharkstooth72112.1.jpg The Cathederal Spires From Sky Pond The famous Cathedral Spires formation rises above Sky Pond on a clear and calm summer morning. World famous with rock climbers, the Cathedral Spires encompasses such famous rock climbing formations as the 'Sharkstooth' and the 'Petit Grepon'. Sky Pond is located high above Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most scenic locations and I was very lucky to be able to capture a reflection of the Cathedral Spires in Sky Pond as the winds can be unforgiving at Sky Pond which is located just below 11,000 ft. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/timberlinefalls2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Timberlinefalls7712.2.jpg Cascading Timberline One of the more impressive water features in Rocky Mountain National Park is certainly Timberline Falls located in Loch Vale. Located just below the outlet to Lake of Glass, Timberline Falls is an impressive series of waterfalls cascading over boulders and rocks. Hikers heading to Lake of Glass and Sky Pond also will fondly remeber Timberline Falls, as the trail to those two lakes require that one scale and boulder over the right side of Timberline Falls to reach the shelf where Lake of Glass lays. While not a technical climb, scalling the side of Timberline Falls wet and slippery rocks requires some concentration and attention. The payout for scalling Timberline Falls is great however, as Lake of Glass and Sky Pond are one of the most beautiful areas in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bearlakeplacid/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bearlake72212.jpg Bear Lake Necessities The vast majority of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will visit Bear Lake. It's one of the iconic locations of Rocky Mountain National Park and for good reason. Not only is Bear Lake easily accesible, its downright beautiful as well. The Bear Lake area and the associated trailheads that lead to other spectacular and iconic locations in Rocky Mountain National Park such as Nymph and Dream Lake is an extremly popular area. Because of it's popularity, many visitors, hikers and climbers will arrive early to the Bear Lake trailhead. Many of these visitors are likely to encounter a view simmilar to this image. Puffy clouds begin to build over Hallet Peak and reflect in the still waters of Bear Lake. It's hard to think of many better ways to begin a morning then to depart on a hike from Bear Lake on summer mornings such as these. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/taylorpeakskypond1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Taylorpeakskypond72112.1.jpg Taylor Rising Over Sky Pond In a truly majestic scene, Taylor Peak is viewed at sunrise from Sky Pond. High above Loch Vale, Taylor Peak and the Cathederal Spires glow orange as the sun's first rays illuminate the peaks above Sky Pond. Sky Pond can be difficult to photograph as the winds that so often frequent Rocky Mountain National Park are nearly constant at this location just below treeline and 11,000 ft. I was very lucky this day to be blessed with almost no winds that allowed for a near perfect reflection of Taylor Peak and the Cathederal Spires in Sky Pond. The only ripples on Sky Pond are that of the lake slowly draining towards it's outlet to Lake of Glass directly below Sky Pond. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/paradisecascade/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BlackLake71412.2.jpg Paradise Cascade Images and photographs sometimes fall short of conveying just how beautiful a location may be. Making sucessful photographs is about knowing not only what to include within the frame, but what not to include. Scenes such as this just above the inlet to Black Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park present the photographer with just such a dilema. The area around Black Lake is just so spectacular, it's easy to be overwhelmed by it's scenery and grandeur. Waterfalls cascading from granite walls at the base of the peaks, beautiful clouds skirt over the mountains, and soft lighting bathes McHenry's Peak and Arrowhead peak with warm morning light. Climbing above a placid Black Lake and photographing this location this morning was without a doubt one of my most memorable mornings in the Glacier Gorge area as well as Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lakeofglass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lakeofglass72112.jpg Lake Of Glass From Sky Pond High above Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park, Lake of Glass and Sky Pond can be found. Rocky Mountain National Park is filled with beautiful alpine scenery but Lake of Glass and Sky Pond present the visitor with idyllic Colorado alpine scenery. This area is both a beautiful area to photograph and is world renown with mountain climbers who attempt to tackle and climb formations such as the 'Sharkstooth' and the 'Petit Grepon'. Photographing sunrise from Sky Pond looking back over Lake of Glass is one of my favorite things to do and makes the 4.5 mile hike from the Glacier Gorge trailhead well worth the effort involved. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tworiversindependence/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tworivers7412.4.jpg Two Rivers Independence Notchtop Mountain and Flattop Mountain put on their own fireworks display on this beautiful fourth of July morning. Smoke from nearby wildfires intensified the early morning light on Notchtop Mountain and a beautiful set of clouds drifts over the peaks and Two Rivers Lake. It was fairly windy this morning at Two Rivers Lake, but there was enough of a sheltered area along the outlet of the lake to allow me to capture Notchtop Mountain reflecting in Two Rivers Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ribbonfalls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ribbonfalls71412.jpg Sunrise At Ribbon Falls Tucked high into the valley that is Glacier Gorge, at the foot of McHenry and Arrowhead Peaks lies Ribbon Falls. The upper reaches of Glacier Gorge are without contain some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park. In this image Glacier Creek tumbles over Ribbon Falls having just left Black Lake above the falls on it's course downstream. Beautiful clouds at sunrise helped to illuminate the entire gorge and mountains around Ribbon Falls with soft warm light. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rockcutlichen/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Rockcutlichen71512.1.jpg Rocky Exsistence Life above treeline is anything but a walk in the park. Both plants and animals lead a harsh, difficult and mutted exsistence above treeline in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lichen growing on this granite rock near the Rocky Cut is testement to the frigid winters and very short summers. Even so, this lichen displays a beautiful array of colors and diversity. At over 12,000 ft above sea level, the lichen on this rock is exposed to some of the most difficult and harsh conditions present in both Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/notchtopglow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ferncreek71512.2.jpg Notchtop Glow Notchtop Mountain reflects the new days morning colors as viewed from the banks of Fern Creek near Odessa Lake. High cirrus clouds over Notchtop Mountain take on a subtle magenta glow that bathes the entire landscape around Odessa Lake and Fern Creek in a warm and soothing light. Odessa Lake is a popular destination for hikers in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/emeraldcradle/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EmeraldLake7812.1.jpg Emerald's Foggy Cradle Fog hangs in the saddle below Hallet Peak as the sunrise briefly illuminates Emerald Lake. It had been raining in Rocky Mountain National Park for the last two days, but the sun made a short but spectacular appearance this morning at Emerald Lake. Not only were the clouds and fog perfect on Emerald Lake, but there was no wind giving me a rare chance to photograph this location with a perfect reflection. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/timberlinefalls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Timberlinefalls7712.1.jpg Timberline Falls And Mountain Bluebells Perched high atop Loch Vale, Timberline Falls tumbles down over rocks and boulders on its way downstream towards The Loch. Mountain Bluebells and other wildflowers bloom along the shores of the creek. Timberline Falls is well known for the scramble hikers must take directly up the side of the falls in order to reach beautiful Lake Of Glass and Sky Pond. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lochvalecloaked/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Theloch7712.1.jpg Loch Vale Cloaked In Fog And Light The still waters of The Loch enhance the mood of this otherwise rainy morning at Loch Vale. Heavy rains had been falling on The Loch and Rocky Mountain National Park through the night. I arrived at The Loch after hiking in a light mist. At sunrise, just enough light managed to filter through the clouds and illuminate the Cathederal Wall formation and the far shore of The Loch. This brilliant light show over Loch Vale lasted for only a few brief moments, but the fog managed to clear The Cathederal Wall just long enough so that I could capture this image. As quickly as The Cathederal Wall appeared, fog moved back in and in a fleeting moment the view was gone. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tworiversstreaking/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwoRivers7412.1.jpg Streaking Skies Over Two Rivers High clouds streak over Notchtop Mountain and Two Rivers Lake just before sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. The high cirrus clouds over Notchtop Mountain took on a beautiul magenta and red hue before the sunrise illuminated Notchtop Mountain and Two Rivers Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park , Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/indianpainbrush1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Threepaintbrush.1.jpg Three's Company Red Indian Paintbrush flowers are a common sight along the trails of Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer months. Common as they may be, few Colorado wildflowers are as beautiful as Indian Paintbrush. Nestled between the flanks of Mount Wuh and Flattop Mountain, I found these three beautiful specimens tucked in amongst some lush ferns. The contrasts of green and red helped to highlight these spectacular wildflowers. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/windswept/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Windswept62612.1.jpg Windswept The sun bleached and windswept remains of two krummholz trees stand gaurd on top of Trail Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park. Life is a struggle at this high elevation. At treeline, trees such as these are shaped and molded by the high winds the constantly batter their trunks, causing them to grow only in the direction away from the prevailing winds. This morning the winds were still moderate as the sun's rays lit the ridge a brilliant orange as clouds moved overhead. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tworiverstarn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tworivers7412.3.jpg Two Rivers Morning Palette A small tarn just a few yards from the outlet of Two Rivers Lake lights up with the reflective colors of a stunning sunrise. Rocky Mountain National Park has some of the most beautiful sunrises anywhere in Colorado. Because the sun rises directly over the high plains to the east of Rocky Mountain National Park, there are no obstructions to block the intense light that bathes the landscape as the sun rises over the plains. These clouds to the east of Two Rivers Lake were a perfect compliment to the sunrise from the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-in-blue/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Rockcut62612blue.jpg Longs Peak In Blue High above Estes Park on Trail Ridge road, nearly 12,000 ft above sea level is the Rock Cut. The Rock Cut gives one some of the most thrilling views of Rocky Mountain National Park highest peak, Longs Peak. The Rock Cut also gives visitors a look down Forest Canyon and across the valley to the Gorge Lakes area of Rocky Mountain. The Rock Cut is also a favorite location for photographers seeking to capture dynamic images of Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park. In this view from the Rock Cut, the late after soon is viewed poking through the clouds and bathing Longs Peak in soft dappled lighting. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/windsculpted1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Windswept1.jpg Sculpted By The Wind High atop Trail Ridge in Rocky Mountain Natoinal Park, the trunk of a former limber pine has been carved and sculpted by the harsh winds and elements. I find great beauty in the texture and patterns of these tree's. The sun bleached remains of this krummholz tree contains patterns,details and texture that tipify the conditions of life in the high country and passes of Colorado.    Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/trailridgebluecolumbine1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Trailridgecolumbines62512.1.jpg Blue Columbines On Trail Ridge A perfect display of Colorado Blue Columbines is seen blooming amongst the talus slopes of Trail Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park. Blue Columbines are one of Colorado's most spectacular wildflowers and a fixture along the trail during a summer hike. There is a reason the Blue Columbine is Colorado's state flower, and during most years they can be found blooming in Rocky Mountain National Park both in the montane forests as well as the rocky outcroppings of the sub-alpine zone. This particular set was perched high atop Trail Ridge. Luckily for me, there was almost no wind this morning and the Columbines stayed still long enough for me to capture this image. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/trailridgesunset/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Trailridgesunset62512.jpg Sunset Over Specimen Mountain A spectacular sunset unfolds over Trail Ridge Road and the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park. The sun has just set behind Specimen Mountain turning the sky and clouds over Trail Ridge a fiery red and orange. Sunset from the Trail Ridge Road area can be quite a site especially when condtions and clouds are favorable for this kind of lighting. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wildbasinwildroses/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/StVrainwildrose62312.1.jpg Wild Roses of Wild Basin Spring in Rocky Mountain National Park brings all sorts of delights to visitors and hikers. Streams and waterfalls run fast with snowmelt, high country trails become snow free, and wildflowers start to bloom all over Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park has a great variety of Colorado wildflowers, and they will vary greatly depending on your elevation and location. After a great morning of photography in Wild Basin, I spied these Wild Roses growing alongside and Aspen Bole and North Saint Vrain Creek. The blues of North Saint Vrain Creek made a perfect backdrop for these beautiful pink Wild Roses. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ouzelfallsmystic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ouzelfalls62312.1.jpg Mystic Ouzel Falls The granite boulders and rocks of Ouzel Falls are covered in water and mist and the North Saint Vrain splashes and crests over this popular waterfall. The mist associated with the heavy runoff on the North Saint Vrain helped to bring alive the red color found in the rocks and boulders located around Ouzel Falls in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. The contrasting blue's of Ouzel Falls combined with the iron red of the boulders makes for a perfect contrast. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/alluvialfanfalls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Alluvialfan62612.1.jpg Roaring River Cascades The Roaring River tumbles down a jumble of rocks at the Alluvial Fan Falls in Horseshoe Park. Alluvial Fan Falls is an impressive site to visit when in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Alluvial Fan and falls were created when Lawn Lake Dam failed on July 15th, 1982. The failure of the Dam caused a massive release of water onto the Roaring River which drastically altered the landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fivesprucesunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nymphlake62412.jpg Five Spruce Sunrise Just above Nymph Lake and Bear Lake, Five Colorado Spruce Tree's greet a magnificent sunrise over Rocky Mountain National Park. Sunrise this morning had an intense red glow aided by a wildfire burning twenty miles or so from Rocky Mountain National Park. The smoke and particulates in the air took on a red and magenta hue as an orange like orb, that is the Sun crested the Mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tombstoneridge/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tombstoneridge62712.1.jpg The Tombstone Twins Perched high atop Tombstone Ridge, along Trail Ridge, two wind sculpted frames of Limber Pines are testement to the difficult exsistence of life in an alpine habitat. The winds that helped sculpt these Krummholz tree's made photography difficult but a beautiful sunrise unfolded as the clouds above took on the pink hue of the mornings first light. Much of Rocky Mountain National Park is located above 11,000 ft, and visitors who venture into the sub alpine zone will find these Limber Pines or Krummholz twisted and contorted from the high winds and weather. These tree's make for amazing photographic subjects as no two are ever alike. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/adams-falls-autumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Adamsfalls101511.jpg Adams Falls Autumn Just a half a mile or so from the shore of Grand Lake lies Adams Falls. Located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Adams Falls is an easily accesible, yet impressive waterfall. Located along the East Inlet trailhead, Adams Falls forms an impressive water feature after Echo Creek and the East Inlet Creek combine above the falls forcing water through the narrow chasm that is Adams Falls. The scrub along the falls in the photo is showing it's fall colors and the more subdued water flow of autumn make for a placid sight. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longspeakmoraine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longsfallmoraine101610.jpg Longs Peak From Moraine Park One of the best views of Longs Peak is from the Moraine Park area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Framed with Aspen trees in their full fall splendor, Longs Peak and The Diamond are coated with early season snow. The seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park are in full transistion and elevations changes play a major role in the conditions present in different areas of the park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/januarywinds/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Januarywinds12112.jpg January On Longs Peak 14,255 ft high Longs Peak takes on a spectacular red glow as the first rays of sun illuminate The Diamond. As beautiful a scene Longs Peak was this morning, conditions on the summit were not. 80 mph bone chilling January winds are swirling over the summit of Longs this morning. Waves of blowing snow can be seen scraping the side of Longs Peak, Mt Meeker and Mount Lady Washington. All in all, another beautiful albeit windy day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longsrevealed/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/longspeakrevealed51312.jpg Longs Peak Revealed The 14,255 ft summit of Longs Peak reveals its fresh coat of late spring snow as fog clears away from the Lower Beaver Meadows area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rain has fallen overnight on the lower elevations but snow has coated the moutains above 11,000 ft. Longs Peak eastern face known as The Diamond, looks splendid in the early morning light. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/coppercony/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/coppercony5512.1.jpg Copper And Cony Creek Cony Creeks stream bed reveals it's copper coloring and hue. I photographed Cony Creek weaving and bobbing through these small boulders one morning just below Calypso Cascades in Wild Basin. Wild Basin is filled with interesting waterfalls and water features and is a great location to photograph streams and water in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ouzelsgift/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ouzelsgift61612.jpg Ouzels Gift Nestled below the water and mist of Ouzel Falls, the spring foilage takes on vibrant greens as its covered in water droplets from Ouzel Falls. During the spring, Ouzel Falls, located in Rocky Mountain National Park's Wild Basin area becomes a torrent of water. The water and mist cover the entire area around the falls making for perfect conditions for plants and wildflowers. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ouzelfalls1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ouzelfalls61612.jpg Spring Below Ouzel Falls Bittercress and Mountain Bluebells are blooming along the bank of North Saint Vrain Creek in Wild Basin. A mix of boulders and fallen trees line the creek as the winter snowmelt navigates through the rocky chasm on its way eastward. Ouzel Falls is just a few hundred yards above this location and is one of the more impressive waterfalls in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/stvrainrush/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/rush7410.1.jpg Rush Spring runoff on the St. Vrain is an impressive sight to behold. During a wetter year, the snowmelt can turn the St. Vrain into a powerful torrent of water. The many rocks and boulders in the St. Vrain hold steady as the runoff follows the path of least resistence. As the St. Vrain exits the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park, there are many great locations along the trailheads to stop and watch the cold water head on downstream. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/haiyahadrifting/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lakehaiyaha81411.jpg Drifting Haiyaha Wispy clouds skirt over Hallet Peak and Lake Haiyaha on a perfect summer morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. The rocky shores of Lake Haiyaha make a perfect forground to Hallet Peak, one of Rocky's and Colorado's most iconic landmarks. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/notchtopwildflowers/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Notchtopwildflowers1.jpg Wildflowers Below Notchtop Yellow Bracted Lousewort blooms from the skeleton of a pine tree below Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Notchtop is illuminated in a fiery red as the first light of the day illuminates the peak above the blooming wildflowers below. Grace Falls can be seen flowing at a good clip from the mid section of Notchtop Mountain. There are few more enjoyable experiences than a backcountry summertime sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cublakelenticular/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/cublake6912.jpg Lenticular Sunrise At Cub Lake Many of my images from Cub Lake are taken from the east end of the lake looking west towards Stones Peak. Sometimes Mother Nature has other plans as was the case this morning. This beautiful Lenticular wave cloud was forming off to the east of Moraine Park. Sunrise was quickly approaching and I could see this clouds was going to turn a brilliant red once the Sun began to rise. I quickly headed to the west side of Cub Lake to frame this wave cloud before the first light of the morning began illuminating the cloud. The vibrant green grasses and lilly pads along the shores of Cub Lake added the extra pop to an already colorful view of Cub Lake.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/thepool/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/thepool6912.1.jpg The Pool And The Big Thompson River A short hike of just under 2 miles from Moraine Park leads the adventurer to this rocky area along the Big Thompson River. The Big Thompson funnels through a small but impressive rocky channel at this location which has aptly been name The Pool. During the spring runoff, The Pool is anything but placid as water rushes through the gorge and rocks.   Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moraineparksnow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/morainepark42411.1.jpg Rocks And Reds It's a beautiful easter morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. A fresh coating of heavy wet spring snow covers the Ponderosa Pine trees and the boulders found along the hillsides of Moraine Park. The wet snow does a great job making the red bark of the Ponderosa Pine tree's standout against the white backdrop of snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pikespeaknorth/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GatewayRock112611.jpg North Winds Blowing Over Pikes Peak A strong wind from the north blows over the summit of Pikes Peak in this view from Garden of the Gods and Gateway Rocks. A light dusting of snow from the previous night has covered the top of the 14,110 summit which is now being whipped by cold north wind. The northerly winds have caused clouds to form and roll over the summit of Pikes Peak in a train like fashion. Colorado Springs, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/yuccas/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffyucca6312.2.jpg Fanning Out Yucca leaves fan outward from it's spring flower stem creating a stunning symmetry and pattern. I photographed this Yucca plant on Flagstaff Mountain on the west side of Boulder. Yucca's are a common site on City of Boulder Open Space and Moutain Park's property. Their a hearty plant that does well in Colorado's dry climate. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moraineparksentinel/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Morainparkponderosa52612.jpg Moraine Park's Old Sentinel This old Ponderosa Pine located near the banks of the Big Thompson river is a favorite of mine. It's twisted form from wind and weather gives it great character. This morning, as a cool blue fog rises from the Big Thomspon and out of the Moraine Park, the first warm rays of sunlight grace the top of this magestic tree. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dream-lake-perfect-duplicity/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/dreamlake51212.2.jpg Dream Lake Perfect Duplicity Clouds hover over Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain after a fresh spring snow has fallen on Dream Lake. A perfect reflection has formed on the mirror surface of Dream Lake this morning. Dream Lake is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most iconic location, and on days when the conditions are as perfect as they were this morning, it's one of the most beautiful spots in all of Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bridal-veils-spring-showing/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bridalveilfalls51912.1.jpg Bridal Veil's Spring Showing Cow Creek tumbles down over Bridal Veil Falls in the Lumpy Ridge area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Spring runoff cascades over the granite surface of Bridal Veil Falls. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mystical-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McGreggorAspen51212.1.jpg Mystical Aspens A nice sized grove of Aspen trees display their electric spring green in the Lumpy Ridge area of Rocky Mountain National Park. A light rain and fog helps to intensify the key lime green color newly budded aspen leaves display during the spring. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-emerald/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Emeraldlake51312.1.jpg Frozen Emerald Emerald Lake had been enjoying a mild and pleasant spring thaw. A late May spring snow dumped snow on Hallet Peak and Emerald Lake however, quickly freezing over the surface of Emerald Lake. After the storm, a calm and quiet sunrise greeted Emerald Lake. A slight hint of fog rising from the surface of the lake and some clouds overhead made for a perfect morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/big-blue-sky-over-wild-iris/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/flatironsiris5612.jpg Big Blue Sky Over Wild Iris A deep blue sky filled with high cirrus clouds drifts over Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado. Over the course of the spring and summer, Chautauqua Meadow will fill with many different wild flowers. The purple Wild Iris are some of my favorite flowers to fill the meadow. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rushing-spring/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/boulderfalls51112.1.jpg Rushing Spring North Boulder Creek pours over Boulder Falls fresh with runoff from melting snow above. North Boulder Creek has to navigate not only Boulder Falls at this location but also a tight rocky chasm that is almost tunnel like. The geography around Boulder Falls makes it a favorite location to photograph the creek and falls. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/yin-and-yang-on-the-saint-vrain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Stvrain5512.jpg Yin And Yang On The Saint Vrain A rushing North Saint Vrain Creek flows around a large boulder in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. The dichotomy here was stunning. Fast moving water from the spring runoff and the large immobile boulder staying pat. Both objects of opposite forces, but both working in unison of each other. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/golden-banner-and-rocks/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffgoldenbanner.jpg Golden Banner And Rocks Spring is settling in on Flagstaff Mountain outside of Boulder, Colorado. On this spring day, I came upon a cluster of Golden Banner growing amongst the rocks along an east facing slope of Flagstaff Mountain. Of particular interest was the way the Golden Banner seemed to be sprouting out of and around one of the typical red colored stones found on the Mountain. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dream-lake-awakening/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake32412.1.jpg Dream Lake Awakening Dawn's pre-glow light bathes Hallet Peak, Flattop Mountain and Dream Lake in a soothing and surreal light. There is no wind on this early spring morning and Dream Lakes surface is as smooth as glass as the winter snows have begun to receed from the surface of the once covered Dream Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-on-holly-flagstaff-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Snowonholly1.jpg Snow On Holly, Flagstaff Mountain Snow falls lightly over Boulder, Colorado Flagstaff Mountain. Pellets of snow coat the ground while the Holly leaves growing up and around the boulders manage to catch and collect the pieces of snow in their leaves. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/red-dawn-on-deer-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Deermountain11511.jpg Red Dawn On Deer Mountain A new day breaks through the low hanging cloud cover around Rocky Mountain National Park and lights the sky with vibrant reds and yellows. Deer Mountain silhouettes the sunrise in this view looking east from Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/streaming-through-chasm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chasmfalls421121.jpg Streaming Through Chasm Fall River flows through the granite chamber that makes up Rocky Mountain National Parks Chasm Falls. Chasm Falls located near Old Fall River Road is a popular location for visitors traveling the windy and steep road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/clearing-storm-over-the-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/flatironsvista41512.jpg Clearing Storm Over The Flatirons Spring in Boulder can bring warm and pleasant days, or heavy wet snows to the area. The Seesaw Spring weather we expierence on the Front Range of Colorado can open the door to tremendous conditions conducive to dramactic imagery. This view of the Flatirons from Boulder Open Space and Mountain Park's property south of Boulder reveals those epic conditions. The previous nights Spring storm is moving out after coating Boulder with fresh snow. Just enough of a break in the clouds on the horizon allowed the Flatirons to glow oranage and red, creating dramatic lighting on the Flatirons and fresh snow. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/summer-on-lilly-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LillyLake7107.jpg Summer On Lily Lake The reflections of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker and the Estes Cone glow on the placid surface of Rocky Mountain National Park's Lily Lake. Summer is in full swing as the grasses around the lake are a vibrant green in contrast to the deep reds of sunrise on Rocky's highest peaks. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/perfect-morning-at-bierstadt-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt41412.jpg Perfect Morning At Bierstadt Lake It doesn't get much more beautiful than this. All the elements came together for me this morning at Rocky Mountain National Park's Bierstadt Lake. Named in honor nineteenth century painter Albert Bierstadt, the clouds, light, color and mountains looked very much like the elements Bierstadt used to create his paintings of the American West. The view of the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park are spectacular from Bierstadt Lake. Notchtop, Flattop, Hallet Peak, Otis and the edge of Thatchtop mountain all can be seen reflecting in Bierstadt Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/clouds-over-south-boulder-peak/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Southbouldercreek1.jpg Clouds Over South Boulder Peak South Boulder Peak turns a fiery red as the first rays of light coat the Flatirons just outside of Boulder, Colorado. Spring has just begun along South Boulder Creek and some the buds on the Cottonwood trees that line it's bank are just starting to pop. This colorful sunrise helped illuminate South Boulder Creek and made for a great morning at the Flatirons. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumns-last-stand/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons111410.jpg Autumns Last Stand The meadow in Chautauqua Park is displaying late autumn colors in it's grasses, but winter weather has dusted the Flatirons with snow and fog. Seasons in Colorado can vary greatly between elevation. Chautauqua Meadow and Boulder received rain the night before, but just a few hundred feet above the meadow, snow coated the trees and rock's of the Flatirons. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tree-and-flatirons-at-daybreak/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvista1226.jpg Tree And Flatirons At Daybreak One of the most colorful sunrises I have witnessed breaks over the Boulder Flatirons on a spectacular winter morning in Colorado. It was nearly the shortest day of the year when I photographed the Flatirons this morning. The sun's slow ascent over the horizon created a tremendous light show with clouds swirling over Boulder open space property. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/south-boulder-creek-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Southbouldercreek4.jpg South Boulder Creek Sunrise The cloud cover over the south end of the Flatirons and South Boulder Peak open up just enough to allow for the first rays of light to coat the peaks around Boulder, Colorado. South Boulder Creek cuts through the bottom of the frame and the spring buds on the trees are just starting to bloom along this portion of Open Space property. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/springs-in-the-meadow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons4.1.12.1.jpg Spring's In The Meadow One of the best sunrises I have witnessed from Chautauqua Park in Boulder unfolds over Boulder's iconic Flatiron formation. Spring is unfolding in Chautauqua Meadow as the grasses come to life after a long winter with a vibrant green hue. The clouds towering over the Flatirons this morning turned a magnificent pink right as the sun broke the horizon to the east of Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rocky-mountain-cotton-candy/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Halletsnow2.jpg Rocky Mountain Cotton Candy Clouds linger over Hallet Peak from a previous nights snowstorm. The storm produced only light snow over the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, but enough of the cloud cover remained tucked into the nooks of Hallet Peak and Otis Peak to produce a colorful sunrise. This view of Hallet Peak is from the Bierstadt Moraine. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mummy-range-aurora/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mummyrange2.jpg Mummy Range Aurora A brilliant sunrise unfolds over Mt. Yipsilon and the Mummy Range of Rocky Mountain National Park. Winter brings some of the best sunrise color over the mountains and peak's of Rocky Mountain. Often times the beautiful sunrises are accompanied by high winds, but this morning's spectacular pink glove over Mt. Yipsilon was perfect. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-on-the-loch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Theloch3.jpg Spring On The Loch The spring thaw has started at Loch Vale and the ice is starting to receed from The Loch. The Cathederal Wall reflects over the open water as cirrus clouds float over this iconic Rocky Mountain National Park locale. The area around Loch Vale is accessed from the Glacier Gorge trailhead and it's one of the more popular hiking destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glacier-creek-abstract/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Glaciercreekabstract1.jpg Glacier Creek Abstract While this is not a Rorschach test, a thawing Glacier Creek does it's best abstract impersonation of a Rorschach. The snow melting from Glacier Creek left small pockets of open water visible on this early spring day. The green moss growing on the rocks of Glacier Creek helped to add some color to the melting Winter snow along the creeks bank. This image of Glacier Creek was photographed just below Loch Vale and during the Summer months this area makes for quite and impressive waterfall. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-pom-poms/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Winterpompoms.jpg Winter Pom Poms Rime ice coats the Ponderosa Pine tree's near the summit of Boulder's Flagstaff Mountain. Shooting in light fog and snow are some of my favorite conditions to photograph in. Flagstaff's elevations just west of Boulder makes it a great location for finding rime ice on the tree's when conditions are just right. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-big-chill/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sawhillponds3.jpg The Big Chill It's a cold sunrise at Boulder's Sawhill Ponds. The ponds at Sawhill have frozen over and fresh snow coats the shoreline. Low lying fogs hangs over the ice and sky making for a dramatic and colorful sunrise. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-thaw-at-dream-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake317.jpg Winter Thaw At Dream Lake A mild winter has caused the east outlet of Dream Lake to thaw and reveal open water earlier than is typical of this iconic location in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain and most of Dream Lake are still covered in ice and snow as beautiful magenta and red hued clouds float over Dream Lake and the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/time-catcher/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLakeIce2.jpg Time Catcher Air bubbles are frozen in time along the surface of Rocky Mountain National Park's Dream Lake. Frigid temperatures and Winter winds have frozen this popular Summer hiking destination in an icy stasis. Ice fractures and air bubbles add great texture and form to the surface of Dream Lake and a Colorado bluebird sky reflecting overhead gives the ice it's cool blue hue. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/drifting-dawn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvista3212.jpg Drifting Dawn Pink hued clouds drift overtop of Boulder's Flatiron formation on a spectacular morning. This view from Open Space and Mountain park's Flatiron Vista area allowed for a perfect view of the Flatirons and the illuminated clouds floating above. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-on-hallet/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Hallettsnow1.jpg Winter On Hallet Clouds and wind's whip over the summit of Hallet Peak. Remnants of a winter storm that moved over Rocky Mountain National Park the previous night have left Hallet Peak dusted with some light snow as the Sun's first rays color Hallet Peak in this view from the Bierstadt Moraine. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/crown-rock-on-ice/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Crownrock1.jpg Crown Rock On Ice Snow and Hoar frost clings to the tree's along the slopes of Boulder's Crown Rock formation on Flagstaff Mountain. The reddish hue's of Crown Rock contrast nicely against the snow covered Ponderosa Pines and Cedar's clinging to the rocky slopes. Crown Rock is located on Flagstaff Mountain, a popular open space location for hikers and climbers just west of downtown Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-fire/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvista12.jpg Morning Fire The Boulder Flatirons welcome the new day with a spectacular array of color's at Sunrise. The intense early morning light bathes the landscape in a fiery red hue as colorful clouds float over this Colorado icon. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-on-winter-willows/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sanitaswillows1.jpg Snow On Winter Willows A light snow falls on the Willows at the base of Mount Sanitas in Boulder, Colorado. The red of the Willows along Mount Sanitas are offset by the snow and winter grasses making for an interesting and abstract image. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wisps-of-winter/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Doudydrawblue2.jpg Wisps Of Winter On a very cold morning, Boulder's Flatiron formation is photographed through the dense cold air from Doudy Draw. Hoar frost has formed on a lone snowy Ponderosa pine tree. This lone Ponderosa overlooks Boulder and has one of the best views in all of town. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/twin-sisters-surprise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Twinsisters4.jpg Twin Sisters Surprise The brilliant morning sun peaks above the cloud line and illuminates the Estes Valley with a fire like appearance. While most of the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park were shrouded under the clouds and fog, The Twin Sister's formation peaked out from under the cloud cover at just the right time. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sawhill-ponds-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sawhillponds2.jpg Sawhill Ponds Sunrise The morning Sun peaks above the horizon casting a redish hue over Boulder's Sawhill Ponds. Low lying fog drifts over a frozen pond and slowly breaks up as the Sun warms a frozen landscape. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sawhill-ponds-freezeout/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sawhillponds1.jpg Sawhill Ponds Freezeout The first rays of a new day are already bathing the Colorado mountains in orange light but Boulder's Sawhill Ponds look otherworldly covered in fog and rime ice. The area around Sawhill Ponds is shrouded in fog and the magenta glow in the sky is the filtered sunrise light illumating the Front Range. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fine-art-print/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/fineartprint1.jpg Fine Art Print https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sanitas-valley-ponderosa/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sanitasvalley1.jpg Sanitas Valley Ponderosa The vibrant red bark of a Ponderosa Pine makes for a great detailed photography subject. Combine that with the awesome texture of the Ponderosa Pine tree's bark and I could stare and study the different patterns on these trees all day long. This particular Ponderosa Pine is located at the base of Mount Sanitas, in the Sanitas Valley. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bio-photo/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/biopic1.jpg Bio Photo Erie, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/of-light-and-wind/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/windylongs1.jpg Of Light And Wind This was a challenging day for photography. Sustained winds of 45 mph blow through Estes Park this morning. Wind gusts on Longs Peak where double that this morning. Even with the wind, sunrise looked promising with a nice pastel display of clouds. Even more interesting was the wave cloud that was rounding over the Diamond and Keyboard of the Winds on Longs Peak. I was lucky enought to shield myself and camera well enough to capture the dynamic display of light and wind over Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fern-canyon-avalanche/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ferncanyonwinter1.jpg Fern Canyon Avalanche Snow slides down the granite face of the rocks that make up the Flatirons in Fern Canyon. A foot of fresh snow had fallend on this Ponderosa tree and while I was photographing it, cascades of snow streams would silently slide down the rock face towards the base of the tree. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-vista/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvista-6.jpg Sunrise Vista Wave clouds are a common site over Boulder in the Winter months. While the accompanying winds that come with wave clouds can create some discomfort in the field and make photography difficult, the end result is hard to dispute. The colors at sunrise are never the same and the wave clouds always have different textures and shapes. The reflected pre-dawn sunrise light makes the Flatirons look splendid and casts a pink and magenta coloration over Doudy Draw and the entire landscape. This view is south of Boulder along Open Space and Mountain Park's property. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bobolink-loner/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bobolinksnow1.jpg Bobolink Loner A lone Cottonwood tree endures a winter storm enveloping Boulder, Colorado. Grasses in the meadow along Bobolink, still hold onto their Autumn color and add some pop to the monochromatic scene. The meadow along Bobolink sits on Boulder County Open Space and Mountain Park's property. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sand-dunes-fall-tapestry/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sanddunesfall1.jpg Sand Dunes Fall Tapestry Sometimes the small details are just as impressive as the larger landscapes. While the actual Sand Dunes get most of the attention at Great Sand Dunes National Monument, the grasses and scrub oak along Medano Creek give up some hidden gems during Autumn. Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-reflections/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsreflection-1.jpg Spring Reflections Once every few years, when Boulder has an unusually rainy spring, a small pond forms in Chautauqua Park from the runoff and moisture. This small pond that forms in Chautauqua meadow allows for a perfect reflection of the Flatirons welcoming the morning sun. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/whiteout/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironswhiteout1.jpg Whiteout Heavy snow is falling on the Flatirons and the town of Boulder in this view from Flagstaff Mountain just west of downtown. The Flatirons were playing hide and seek with the photographer this morning making for ghostly like renditions of the Flatirons as they drifted in and out of the heavy snow. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/one-tree-hill-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsvista3.jpg One Tree Hill Sunrise A beautiful wave clouds sits over Boulder's Flatirons as the first rays of sunrise turn the famous formation a brilliant red. Photographed from south of Boulder, Boulder County Open Space and Mountain Park's property allows for this great vantage point to view the Flatirons. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/doudy-draw-winter-sky/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DoudyDraw1.jpg Doudy Draw Winter Sky Popular with trailrunners, Boulder County Open Space and Mountain Park's Doudy Draw trail has some of the best views of the Flatirons as well. The winter weather pattern over Boulder can create some awesome cloudscapes which translate into beautiful sunrires. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/leaning-trees-of-shanahan-ridge/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Shanahanridge1.jpg Leaning Trees Of Shanahan Ridge With 10 inches of fresh snow weighing heavily on the pine boughs of an evergreen tree, Shanahan Ridge is a winter wonderland. The red trunks of the prominent Ponderosa Tree's found along Shanhan Ridge offset nicely against the white snow as the tile ever so slightly back towards the west. Shanahan Ridge is located on Boulder Open Space and Mountain Park's property and is great location for hiking and snowshoeing in south Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/red-glow-over-bright-angel/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/matherpoint-1.jpg Red Glow Over Bright Angel The last few clouds of the afternoon glow red and orange as they hover over Bright Angel Canyon. This view of the Grand Canyon is from the South Rim, near Mather Point. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/windy-afternoon-at-yavapai-point/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Yavapaipoint-1.jpg Windy Afternoon At Yavapai Point Standing on an outcrop overlooking the Grand Canyon from Yavapai Point is quite awe inspiring. This day, all the elements were coming together for me except one. A weather system was moving away from the National Park and out of Arizona leaving the Canyon bathed in golden speckled light. The only problem for me this October day was the constanst howling winds along the rim of the Canyon. The wave clouds or lenticular clouds forming over Bright Angel Canyon is testement to the high winds this day, but I was thankful as it added an extra element to my images from this shoot. Grand Canyon, National Park, Arizona https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-at-dune-beach/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DuneBeach-4.jpg Morning At Dune Beach The sun rises over Dune Beach in Southampton, New York. Waves crash along the shore's of the Beach and the few passing clouds will pave the way to a nice day at the beach. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/beach-house-welcome/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BeachHouse1.jpg Beach House Welcome A Door to a Southampton, New York beach house welcomes visitors with a view of Shinnecock Bay Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/beach-dunes-and-grasses/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Beachdunes-1.jpg Beach Dunes And Grasses Dune grass shows off it's late Summer golden hue as high wispy clouds skirt over the Ocean and Beach. Just over the rise lies Dune Beach. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/evening-blue-over-shinnecock-bay/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Shinnecockblue-1.jpg Evening Blue Over Shinnecock Bay The sun is setting just below the blue tinted clouds moving over Shinnecock Bay in Southampton, New York. All is calm over the Old Fort Pond section of Shinnecock Bay and the blue afterlight of dusk helps to set a moody feel over the water on this evening. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dune-fences-of-halsey-neck-beach/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Halseyneck-1.jpg Dune Fences Of Halsey Neck Beach Heavy rain accompanied by large Thunderstorms had swept over the beaches of Southampton, New York the previous night. I arrived at Halsey Neck Beach to find the dune grasses and fences covered with rain from the previous night. The Sun was about to rise brining forth another beautiful day for the beach, but water droplets and moisture on the fences and dune grasses helped to bring out the subtle tones. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/early-riser-at-dune-beach/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DuneBeach-3.jpg Early Riser At Dune Beach A glorious sunrise crest the horizon over the eastern end of Long Island's Dune Beach. Waves lap up and down the shoreline at this beach located in the town of Southampton, New York Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-sunrise-over-longs-and-meeker/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeaktwinsisters-1.jpg Autumn Sunrise Over Longs And Meeker A brilliant magenta and red sunrise illuminates Longs Peak and Mount Meeker from the Twin Sisters. It's a serene and windless morning over the Tahosa Valley, but the clouds passing overhead put on a tremendous light show over Rocky Mountain National Park's highest and most famous peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bridal-veil-falls-cascade/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bridalveilfalls-1.jpg Bridal Veil Falls Cascade Cow Creek tumbles 20 feet over the granite and rock that forms Bridal Veil Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rain and mist was falling on the spring green aspen tree's the surround Bridal Veil falls and Cow Creek was flowing at a brisk pace. Bridal Veil Falls is a pleasant 3 plus mile hike along Cow Creek. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/into-the-mystic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstafffog-1.jpg Into The Mystic Spring is in the air high above the City of Boulder on Flagstaff Mountain. Rain and fog coat the spring growth at the base of the Ponderosa tree's on Boulder Open Space and Mountain Park property. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-blues/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/winterblues1.jpg Winter Blues A subdued Winter sunrise along the Flatirons of Boulder made for some dramatic lighting. This view near the Flatirons Vista open space, is one of the best areas in Boulder to photograph the Flatiron formation. Just enough of a break in the clouds remained on the eastern plains to highlight the big sky view over fresh snow. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-yucca-mound/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffsummit-3.jpg Frozen Yucca Mound Near the final asscent to the summit of Flagstaff Mountain, the eastern facing hillside is covered with boulders and Yucca's. Snow was falling hard this day in the Boulder foothills, but the weather and snow made for great imagery as it coated the Yucca's, Ponderosa's and boulder's on Flagstaff summit. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/almost-gone/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Almostgone1.jpg Almost Gone The changing season is evident as these Aspen tree's located in Gregory Canyon hold on to the last of their golden leaves. Heavy winds from the previous days have stripped these tree's nearly bare. Just enough of the golden leaves remained to make a compelling image. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/springtime-on-flagstaff-summit/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffsummit-2.jpg Springtime On Flagstaff Summit It may not look exactly spring like, but when I photographed this view, we were eleven days into the month of May. A late spring snowstorm sacked the summit of Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder and coated the Ponderosa's and Yucca's with a heavy wet snow. Look closely enough and you can see all the new spring growth on the forest floor peaking out from under a blanket of white. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-neon/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Springaspens-1.jpg Spring Neon Aspens tree's in Boulder's Gregory Canyon show off their spring leaves under a light rain. Aspen tree's take on a brilliant almost neon like appearance when their new leaves are budding out. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/subtle-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gregorycanyonfall-2.jpg Subtle Fall Amongst the rocky slopes of Boulder's Gregory Canyon, a carpet of golden leaves brings forward the Autumn season. The granite boulders mixed with Ponderosa Pine tree's helps to bring out the fall colored underbrush that would normally would be an afterthought. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/red-rocks-and-trees/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Redrocks1.jpg Red Rock's And Tree's Tree's grow against the backdrop of Boulder's Red Rock's formation. Lichen growing on the Red Rock's add's color to this location on Open Space and Mountain Park's property. Red Rock is a fammilar scened to Boulder residents and is most easily viewed before entering Boulder Canyon on the west side of Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/setting-moon-and-the-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironslupine1.jpg Setting Moon And The Flatirons The Moon is viewed setting over the Flatiron formation in Boulder, Colorado. Silver Lupine grow in the meadow of the iconic Chautauqua Park on this beautiful plot of Open Space and Mountain Park's property. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/gregory-canyon-in-white/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gregorycanyon-1.jpg Gregory Canyon In White Fresh powdery snow coats the tree's along the walls of Gregory Canyon in Boulder, Colorado. Gregory Canyon, located just west of the famous Flatirons formation is a popular hike in Boulder. Gregory Canyon is even more fun to hike in snowshoes after some heavy snow. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fog-over-the-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsfogandsnow1.jpg Fog Over The Flatirons Waves of fog move over Boulder's Flatiron formation and the Chautauqua Park area. Snow was falling at a pretty good clip when I photographed this scene from Flagstaff Mountain. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flagstaff-yucca-garden/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffsummit-1.jpg Flagstaff Yucca Garden A plethora of Yucca's grown amongst the rocks and boulders on the summit of Flagstaff Mountain. Flagstaff Mountain just outside of Boulder, Colorado is popular with hikers and local climbers but is also one of my favorite Open Space areas for photography. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-march-of-the-sweet-pea/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SweetPeaFlatirons1.jpg The March Of The Sweet Pea Surnise illumates Boulder's Flatiron formation just above Chautauqua Park. Sweet Pea flowers are blooming in Chautauqua Meadow making for a great subject to frame the Flatirons. While the Sweet Pea flowers look great, there not a native species to the meadow and actually classified as an invasive species by Open Space and Mountain Parks. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/springtransistion-flagstaff-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstafftransistions1.jpg SpringTransistion Flagstaff Mountain Sometimes in Colorado it's hard to tell exactly what season it is. In fact, some days you may get a taste of 2 or 3 seaons all within a few hours. This was the case on Flagstaff Mountain Open Space just outside of Boulder. Spring green's are blooming all around but a heavy wet spring snow storm has coated the Ponderosa pines with snow and moisture. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/canyon-color/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gregorycanyonfall-1.jpg Canyon Color The Autumn color of Gregory Canyon explodes along the base of a pair of Ponderosa Pines. The canyons in and around Boulder Open Space are great locations to view some of Boulder's best fall color. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/boulder-foothills-blues/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Frostedforest1.jpg Boulder Foothills Blues Fog and snow moves in and out of the flanks pine along Boulder's famous Flatiron formation. The overcast lighting, fog and snow covered the landscape with a diffused cool blue lighting which help to enhance the mood of this Winter day in Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/where-the-prarie-meets-the-mountains/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sbouldertrh-1.jpg Where The Prarie Meets The Mountains Boulder County Open Space and Mountain Park's trailheads feature varrying and diverse habitat. The area around the South Boulder trailhead is a great location to see Colorado's Prarie habitat transistion to Mountain habitat. Shrubby Cinquefoil wildflowers bloom amongst the rock's and Yucca's common to this area of Boulder. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/granite-and-snow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gregorycanyonwinter1.jpg Granite And Snow The granite walls of Gregory Canyon are covered with plenty of new snow after a Winter snow storm. A Winter storm dumped 9 inches of fresh powder on Boulder, leaving Gregory Canyon and Winter Wonderland. The white snow does a great job highlighting the red granite and red trunks of the canyons many Ponderosa Pines. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mountain-ash-autumn-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoutainAsh-1.jpg Mountain Ash Autumn View Under the right conditions, Mountain Ash tree's turn into one of Colorado's most colorful tree's during the Autumn season. This particular season, the Mountain Ash tree's in Boulder's Gregory Canyon were primed to display their brilliant fall foilage. Mountain Ash tree's turn a vibrant orange that makes an unmistakable impression to hikers passing through the Canyon. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fog-over-the-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsflagstaff1.jpg Fog Over The Flatirons A previous nights snowstorm begins to move out, revealing Boulder's famous Flatirons formation and a fresh line of snow. This view is from Flagstaff Mountain just above Boulder, Colorado and part of Boulder's beautiful Open Space and Mountain Park's property. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-cottonwoods-along-bobolink/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bobolink-1.jpg Spring Cottonwoods Along Bobolink The complex pattern of Cottonwood limbs near Bobolink was too interesting a subject to pass up. Flowering bushes along the base of the Cottonwoods help to convey that spring has arrived. The Bobolink Open Space trailhead sits east of the Boulder foothills and is home to some great Riparian habitat. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fern-canyon-granite-and-lone-ponderosa/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ferncanyongranite-1.jpg Fern Canyon Granite And Lone Ponderosa The red granite of Boulder, Colorado has been made famous by both the iconic Flatirons that make up much of the facade and the climbers who venture up the steep faces each day. A lone Ponderosa Pine tree is framed in front of the red granite near Fern Canyon. Fern Canyon is a popular climbing and hiking locale which can be accessed through Boulder County Open Space's vast trail system. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/gregory-canyon-spring-green/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gregoryspringaspen-1.jpg Gregory Canyon Spring Green Aspen tree's in Colorado are famous for their vibrant golden color during the Autumn season. Aspen tree's however, put on an equally impressive show during their spring leaf out. For a short window of time, the spring leaves on the Aspen tree's take on a lime green like transluscent that is in my opinion equally as impressive as their Autumn hue. This small Aspen grove near the top of Gregory Canyon is one of my favorite locations to photograph Aspen tree's when hiking along Boulder many great Open Space locations. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/twins/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstafftwins1.jpg Twins High atop Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado, a late Winter snow storm has covered the Douglas Fir's with a fluffy coating of powdery snow. Two smaller pines are almost completely covered with the fresh snow. The heavy snow made for some great conditions for photography this day. The snow had covered and coated the the pine bows and trunks making for a monochromatic look to the wintery scene. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-yuccas-on-flagstaff-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstafffrost1.jpg Frozen Yuccas On Flagstaff Mountain A light snow has coated the slopes of Flagstaff Mountain just west of downtown Boulder, Colorado. Yucca's and Ponderosa Pines are coated with hoar frost and fog can be seen drifting in and out of the forest just above the city. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lake-irenes-fall-layers/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeIrenetree-1.jpg Lake Irene's Fall Layers Shades of yellow, red and green cloak the shoreline of Lake Irene in Autumn splendor. Puffy clouds drift overhead and reflect in the placid water's of Irene creating a surreal like view of along the shoreline of this popular location in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/deep-blue--swirls-of-sprague/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SpragueLakeice-3.jpg Deep Blue Swirls Of Sprague The surface of Srpague Lake has almost frozen over in this early winter view. Only the area near the inlet to Sprague Lake remains unfrozen. The ice on Sprague Lake reflects the deep blue sky above Rocky Mountain National Park, while red's from sunrise reflect over portions of the surface of the icy lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/silent-serenity/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineParkaspens-3.jpg Silent Serenity The Aspen Groves of Moraine Park and cloaked in a heavy Winter coat of powdery snow. The silence in Moraine Park this morning was awesome. Light snow was falling on the Aspen Tree's scarred from the Elk heards and occasionally a clump of snow would fall from one of the branches void of any noise whatsoever. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/follow-the-yellow-brook-road/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrook-2.jpg Follow The Yellow Brook Road Rocky Mountain National Park's Boulder Brook is an awesome location for a hike amongst the Autumn splendor of Colorado's high country. The hike weaves in and out of some of the Park's best Aspen Groves. Golden Aspen leaves will coat the mossy brook's bank and the combination of green moss, golden aspen leaves, and a bubbling Boulder Brook help to create a fairy tale like atmosphere. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/kawuneeche-valley-reflections/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kawuneechevalley-1.jpg Kawuneeche Valley Reflections The Never Summer Mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park reflect in the Beaver Ponds of the Kawuneeche Valley. A cool Colorado Autumn night has brought a heavy frost to the still green grasses along the shores of the Beaver Pond, and ice has started to form on the surface of the water. The Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular location to view Moose that are often found in and around the many ponds and streams of the valley. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/independance-day-marsh-marigolds/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marshmarigolds-1.jpg Independance Day Marsh Marigolds Marsh Marigolds are one of the first species of wildflowers to bloom in the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park. Marsh Marigolds can be found early in the Summer blooming in areas with lots of moisture from snowmelt. I found this patch of Marsh Marigolds blooming near the outlet to Dream Lake on the morning of the fourth of July. The previous years snowpack was slow to melt, and because of this, the conditions were perfect for Marsh Marigolds. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dream-lake-dawning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLakedawn-1.jpg Dream Lake Dawning The very first hints of sunrise begin to reveal themselves at Dream Lake. A beautiful soft magenta hue coats Hallet and Flatop Peak as the new day begins to break. Heavy thunderstorms had pounded Rocky Mountain National Park the previous night. The trees and forest were saturated from the heavy downpours from the night before. The calmness, the lifting fog, and the smell of the dew on the grasses and pine trees surrounding Dream Lake was something to behold. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/forest-floor-aspen-collage/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aspencollage1.jpg Forest Floor Aspen Collage The Aspen tree's were quickly shedding their leaves as a light snow coated the floor of this Aspen grove in Rocky Mountain National Park. Seaons often overlap in Colorado, and the Autumn season is no exception. When the first snows arrive in RMNP, there is only a short window before the changing fall Aspen leaves turn from yellow and red to brown. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glacier-gorge-autumn-ferns-and-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierGorgeFerns-1.jpg Glacier Gorge Autumn Ferns And Aspens It's easy to photograph Colorado or Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall and concentrate only the the State's Aspen Trees. Colorado has more of a diversity of fall color then most relize when visiting. Mountain Ash and Scrub Oak can yield beautiful fall color, but impressive displays of fall color can be found at the base of Aspen groves when the Ferns turn to yellow. You wont find these Ferns in every Aspen Grove, but in wetter areas such as Glacier Gorge, they can be found and photographed quite easily. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/marigold-ponds-columbine-bouquet/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marigoldcolumbines-1.jpg Marigold Ponds Columbine Bouquet A healthy bouquet of Blue Columbines grows amongst the boulder fields around Marigold Ponds. Marigold Ponds is just off the trail to Odessa Lake, near Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Columbines are the Colorado State flower, and can be found in July and August blooming amongst the rocky slopes of the National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-journey-begins/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ColoradoRiver-1.jpg The Journey Begins With the first few milescomplete,the Colorado River still has well over 1400 miles to go before it will reach the Gulf of California. Of course, most of this water will be diverted between the start and the terminus of the Colorado River to thirsty cities of the West. The Headwaters of the Colorado River begin in Rocky Mountain National Park just below La Poudre Pass and will continue downstream through some of the most scenic and dramatic landscapes of the West. The Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park is much more subdued and subtle then it is in more famous locations such as the Grand Canyon and Canyonlands National Park. Because of this, the Colorado River is almost an afterthought to most visiting Rocky. In this view, the Colorado River can be seen placidly gliding downstream on an Autumn Morning. The Colorado River flow is low this time of year, and its banks reveal smooth rocks and boulders normally hidden beneath the surface during the wetter months. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-thaw-at-sprague-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguelakespring-1.jpg Spring Thaw At Sprague Lake Winter is finally beginning to loosen it's grip on the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park. Sprague Lake had started it's annual spring thaw before another spring storm coated the shores and trees of Sprague Lake with a coating of heavy wet snow. The edges of Sprague Lake have refrozen from the storm, but most of the lake remained clear of ice. As the Sun begins to rise in the east, the clearing storms clouds relect a beautiful red, magenta and blue from the shores and waters of Sprague Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/keeper-of-the-flame/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SnowyBearAspens-1.jpg Keeper Of The Flame Every few years, the weather conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park come together at the right time to allow for a clash of season to occur. While it's not that uncommon for it to snow during Autumn, getting snow on peaking Aspen trees prior to the leaves falling or being frost damaged is a little more tricky. This particular year, the weather conditons in Colorado came together perfectly. This Aspen tree near Bear Lake Road often turns orange and red as opposed to the more typical yellow. It rests amongst large boulders on the side of the hill. It was quite a challange climbing the icy and snow covered boulders to get to this location but it was well worth it. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/up-up-and-away/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierdstadtaspenup-1.jpg Up, Up And Away The next time you find yourself wandering amongst an Autumn Aspen grove, I highly recommend viewing the trees from the Forest floor. Find an open patch of ground and then proceed to lie down on your back looking up. Following the Aspen boles as they appear to reach the sky culminated with shimmering golden aspen leaves against a cobalt blue sky will make anybody smile at the moment. These particular Aspen's along the Bierstadt Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park, made for just such an experience. I was so caught up photographing these trees, that a herd of Mule Deer almost walked right over me while I was on my back photographing. Needless to say, both myself and the Mule Deer had a bit of a scare once we discovered each other. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/beaver-meadow-aspen-translucence/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BeaverSpring-1.jpg Beaver Meadow Aspen Translucence Aspen's in Colorado are famous for their golden shimmer during the Autumn season. Many visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park overlook the display the Aspen Tree's in the Park put on for a short time during spring. The leaves of the Aspen trees take on an bright green translucence. This translucence is even more exaggerated on rainy and overcast days. The Elk scarred Aspen's were photographed in Upper Beaver Meadows in a constant mist which helped make the green's really pop. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-clouds-over-lake-irene/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeIrene-1.jpg Sunrise Clouds Over Lake Irene Puffy clouds float over Lake Irene shortly after sunrise. Lake Irene is located onthe west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake which sits over two miles above sea level is a popular stopping point for visitors driving through the park over Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pastels-on-mt-nimbus/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MtNimbus-1.jpg Pastels On Mt. Nimbus High cirrus clouds swirl above the summit of Mt. Nimbus just prior to sunrise. Mt. Nimbus is located in the Never Summer Range on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Not only do the Never Summer's have some of the most creative names for their peaks, but the name of the range itself is one of Colorado's best in my opinion. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/transition-of-the-seasons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrooksnow-1.jpg Transition Of The Seasons As is so often the case in Rocky Mountain National Park, seasons collide and compete. It's not uncommon to expierence multiple seasons and weather in Rocky Mountain National Park in a few short hours. On this day, a still unfrozen Boulder Brook meanders down through the rocks while an early Autumn snow covers the ground. The early snow caused the golden fall Aspen leaves to fall from the trees and coat the shores of the small creek. This unique occurance would be short lived as many of the aspen leaves would soon be covered by the fresh snow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moraine-park-winter-aspen-boles/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineAspenboles-1.jpg Moraine Park Winter Aspen Boles Elk damaged Aspen Boles stand in unity against the elements in Moraine Park. Rocky Mountain National Park's large Elk population scars the base of these aspen tree's when they eat the bark during the long Rocky Mountain Winters. The Aspen trees of Rocky Mountain National Park bare these unique scars thanks to the hungry herds of Elk that populate Moraine Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/log-jam-at-two-rivers-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwoRiversoutlet-1.jpg Log Jam At Two Rivers Lake I was hiking along the shores of Two Rivers Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park looking for compositions to photograph Notchtop Mountain reflecting in the lake. As I walked past the outlet of Two Rivers lake, this pile of sticks and logs immediately caught my eye. Almost the entire outlet of Two Rivers lake was covered with these beautiful pieces of wood. Sun, snow and wind helped to sculp these pieces of wood and water had moved them into these interesting patterns. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bubbling-boulder-brook/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderBrook-1.jpg Bubbling Boulder Brook Boulder Brook in Rocky Mountain National Park is truly one of the park's hidden gems. While the Boulder Brook area is quite popular with hikers, many will just hike along portions of the brook while heading to other destinations in Rocky Mountain. During the fall, the Aspen trees that line portions of this placid, subdued stream shed their leaves and cover the ground around the brook with brilliant yellow Aspen leaves. Combine golden Aspen leaves, with vibrant green moss and rock filled stream and you have some of the most subtle, yet beautiful scenery in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colors-of-autumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLakerdaspens-1.jpg Colors of Autumn Four aspen boles placed amongst a hillside of large boulders help to produce an amazing aray of fall color. Golden yellow, orange, some green and blazing red Aspen leaves make these stands of Aspen trees look like they are on fire. The area in and around Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the better locations in Rocky Mountain to view the Park's Aspen groves during peak fall color which typically occurs during the last week of September. Rocky Mountain National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/upside-down-emerald/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UpsideEmerald-1.jpg Upside Down Emerald The hike from the Bear Lake trailhead to the famous trifecta of lakes above Bear Lake is a favorite amongst visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake grace postcards found in gift shops all around the park for good reason. Emerald Lake is the farthest of the 3 lakes at 1.8 miles from the parking lot but one of the most spectacular. Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain rise dramatically above Emerald Lake creating a classic Colorado alpine scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-on-glacier-creek/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Glaciercreek-1.jpg Spring on Glacier Creek Glacier Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park is thawed and flowing freely but Winter's grip still has a hold on Rocky Mountain National Park. Glacier Creek glides past snow coated pines covered with powdery fluffy spring snow. Colorado's Front Range and Rocky Mountain National Park are subject to large spring storms well into the month of May. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lake-of-the-pines/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineLake-1.jpg Lake Of The Pines Fog reflects in this small lake located between Moraine Park and Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The combination of new growth and old growth pines combined with the foggy wet conditions made this scene to difficult to pass up. I've hiked past this locations dozens of times, but the weather conditions and the varrying hue's of green this morning caught my eye as I hiked back down from Cub Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/anasazi-fire/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mesaverdefire-2.jpg Anasazi Fire Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado is well known for it's archeological sites of ancestral puebloans people. The landscape of Mesa Verde National Park which means 'Green Table' is populated by Pinyon Pines, Juniper and Scrub or Gambel Oak. During the fall, the Scrub Oak can turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. In the last decade, Mesa Verde has also had numerous wildfires which have burned much of the landscape. The skeletons of burnt Pinyon Pines can be seen rising above the colorful underbrush. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mesa-verde-colors-of-the-ancients/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MesaVerdefire-1.jpg Mesa Verde Colors of the Ancients Scrub Oak displays vibrant reds, orange and yellows amongst the remaining skeletons of Pinyon Pine trees which were burned by large fires which have burned over much of the area of Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde National Park is very well known for its Ancestral Pueblo ruins that remain in pristine conditon. I was at Mesa Verde with the intention of photographing the many ruis and sites but the fall color I found in amongst the Scrub Oaks was some of the most colorful foilage I've ever photographed in Colorado. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/loch-vale-in-blue/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BlueLoch-1.jpg Loch Vale In Blue Glacier creek flows out of the outlet of The Loch in the beautiful Loch Vale area of Rocky Mountain National Park. First morning light graces the Cathedral Wall and Taylor peak as high wispy clouds drift over The Loch. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-aspen-umbrella/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moraineparkaspens-2.jpg Autumn Aspen Umbrella Rocky Mountain National Park plays host to large herds of Elk. The now oversized herd of elk likes to chew and eat the aspen tree park throughout the park and because of this, the aspen boles have a unique look to them. That unique look can be seen in this photo as the Elk chew the base of the aspen trees when hungry causing the scarring that is visible near the base of the aspen trees of Rocky Mountain National Park. This particular grove of trees located near Moraine Park has had its fare share of 'grazers but still put on an awesome fall color display. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fog-and-friends/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cublakefog-1.jpg Fog and Friends Mist and fog swirls through the trees along the shores of Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The eastern facing slopes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains are typically drier than those on the west side. Because of this, oppurtunities to photograph dynamic conditions such as these present at Cub Lake are not as common as one might think. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/keyboard-of-the-winds/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longswindy-1.jpg Keyboard Of The Winds If you have spent anytime in Rocky Mountain National Park, you've probably been exposed to the high winds often present. During the late winter and early spring, the winds can be especially brutal. Snow and clouds can be seen blowing over the 14,255 ft summit of Longs Peak and McHenry Peak in this view of the backside of Longs Peak. The backside of Longs Peak in view here is aptly named 'The Keyboard of the Winds'. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/stillness-at-the-loch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheLoch-3.jpg Stillness at The Loch Loch Vale and The Loch are one of my favorite locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. I've been up at the Loch countless times over the years to capture sunrise on Mt. Taylor and the Cathederal Wall. While I've captured some beautiful images, prior to this morning, I've never been able to capture sunrise with the entire lake smooth as glass. Even on very calm mornings, it is very rare to arrive on the hike in and find the entire lake smooth as glass. This is the one and only time I've been lucky enough to witness the entire Loch still as can be during sunrise. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/stepping-stones/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moraineeaster-1.jpg Stepping Stones On snowy overcast days you can often find me wandering around the Ponderosa Pine forests around Rocky Mountain National Park. There is just something special about the orange tinted bark of the Ponderosa pine and that way its boughs hold on to the fluffy Colorado powder like snow. Ponderosa's make for great photographic subjects and are one of my favorite trees to photograph. I photographed this scene on Easter morning. I was hiking amongst the Ponderosa trees of Moraine Park. The previous nights storm that brought the snow was moving out and the sun was peaking through the clouds on occasion. This time of year, the radiant heat from the sun was warm enough to melt all the snow from the rocky surfaces but not from the tree's themselves. The small boulders and rocks present in Moraine Park started to reveal themselves from below the fresh snow creating interesting compositions amongst the snow that remained on the ground and on the pine boughs and trees. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cub-lake-duality/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLakeDuality-1.jpg Cub Lake Duality This was one of those clasic Rocky Mountain National Park mornings for photography. When I parked my vehicle at the trailhead for Cub Lake, I headed off in the dark across Moraine Park in a steady drizzle. I did not think I would get any clearing at sunrise but continued on with the hike up to Cub Lake anyway. I could not see Stones Peak through the fog when I arrived at Cub Lake so I hiked to the west end of the lake to see if there was any chance of a colorful sunrise looking east. The clearing in the sky to the east was brief and lasted only a few minutes before the fog and rain settled back in. In those few minutes, I was able to catch a bit of Colorado blue sky over Cub Lake with fog drifting in and out of the pines over the recently thawed lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/odessa-lake-and-the-gable/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OdessaGable-1.jpg Odessa Lake and The Gable From high above a ridge on the flank of Joe Mills Mountain, a lone Krumholz tree resides over Odessa Lake and the Gable. It's another mile hike down to Odessa Lake but the area around Odessa Lake and Lake Helen is some of the most beautiful back country in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moraine-park-blues/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moraineparkblue-1.jpg Moraine Park Blues These are some of my favorite days to be out in the field photographing Rocky Mountain National Park. The diffused light, subtle cool tones and ever changing weather make for dynamic conditions in which to photograph Rocky. This particular day, snow rolled in and out of Rocky Mountain National Park in waves. In between the waves, Moraine Park would be covered in fog which would lift and then fill the valley back in as a new wave of snow would arrive. I made numerous images this day of the fog and snow on the trees, but when the fog settled along the mountainside leaving much of the snow coated pines exposed, I realized the image I had been waiting for was now perfect. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moraine-park-white-out/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moraineaspens-1.jpg Moraine Park White Out A grove of Cottonwood trees endures a spring snowstorm in Rocky Mountain National Park's Moraine Park. Snow is falling at a pretty decent clip creating near white out conditions in Moraine Park. This great conditions allowed me to capture this Cottonwood grove in a Hi-Key like fashion. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mill-creek-winter-willows/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Holowellpark-1.jpg Mill Creek Winter Willows Light snow falls on the willows skirting the shores of Mill Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mill Creek meanders through this section of Hollowell Park and not a sound could be heard except for the trickle of Mill Creek as fluffy and light Colorado powder coated the scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-sunrise-at-sprague-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguelakewinter-1.jpg Winter Sunrise at Sprague Lake Wind blown ice at Sprague Lake helps to reflect a fiery winter sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park. Looking eastward, high cirrus clouds make for a spectacular sunrise over Sprague Lake. Wind has blown most of the snow off a frozen Sprague Lake and its glass like surface makes a perfect foreground to capture this glorious Colorado sunrise Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/reflections-of-longs-peak/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chasmreflection-1.jpg Reflections of Longs Peak 14,255 ft high Longs Peak reflects in a unusually placid Chasm Lake. Longs Peak's famous Diamond can be seen reflecting in a windless Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado is host to 54 peaks that reach 14,000 ft or above and Longs Peak is both the northernmost 14'er, and the only peak in Rocky Mountain National Park that is higher than 14,000 ft above sea level. I was very lucky when I arrived this morning to find the wind which is almost a constant companion this high up to be non-exsistent. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dream-lake-bonsai-garden/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLakebonsai-1.jpg Dream Lake Bonsai Garden Dream Lake is host to one of Rocky Mountain National Park along with the state of Colorado's most iconic views. The classic view of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain from the shores of Dream Lake is only one of many intersting features found in this area of Rocky Mountain. On a rare foggy and wet morning, the Bristlecone Pine trees along the shore of Dream Lake look more like a Bonsai garden then a scene from Colorado. No wind, a moisture coating all the trees from a heavy rain the night before helped to make the emerald green colors stand out when photographing this scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/visions-of-dream-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake-1.jpg Visions of Dream Lake Fog sifts through the crags of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain during and epic sunrise at Dream Lake. A small gap in the clouds on the eastern horizon allowed for the intense glow of first light to cover the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park for only a few minutes. It can be difficult to photograph iconic Colorado locations such as Dream Lake and come away with something unique, but when weather conditions such as these occur at sunrise it's hard not come away with a compelling image of an iconic location. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspen-sky/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierdstadtAspens3-HT.jpg Aspen Sky Aspen trees growing along the side of the Bierstadt Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park show off their fall color. With a cobalt blue Colorado sky as a backdrop, the golden leaves of fall aspen trees shine and glimmer. Aspen trees in Rocky Mountain National Park typically peak the last few weeks of September. The fall color display comes early to this area of Rocky Mountain National park but can make for some spectacular photography. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/springtime-on-cub-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cublake2-HT.jpg Springtime on Cub Lake Stones peak is reflected in Cub lake on a peaceful spring morning. Pond lillies have replaced the ice and snow which has covered much of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Colorado winter is finally releasing its grip on the high country and the ice and snow is being replaced by green grass. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/leaning-trees/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierdstadtaspens-1ht.jpg Leaning Tree's Fall Aspen's photographed growing on the side of the Bierstadt Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park have a slight lean in their stance so to speak. These Aspen tree's growing along the side of the Bierdstadt Moraine look brilliant in the diffused Colorado Autumn lighting.Diffused lighting such as this allows me to capture all the details present on the Aspen boles while still alowing the golden glow of the Aspen leaves to shine through in the final image. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-on-ponderosas/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Beavermeadow1-ht.jpg Snow on Ponderosa's A light snow coats the Ponderosa Pine forrest near Beaver Meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ponderosa Pines are a common sight in the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado. I love conditons like this. Just enough fresh snow to coat the pine bows, but plenty of detail left amongst the ground cover which allows the photograph to reveal lots of fine detail. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-thunder/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsRockcut2-HT.jpg Last Light On Longs Peak The setting sun is just about to dip behind the Specimen Mountain and leave Longs Peak and the Rock Cut in darkness for the evening. Just before the sun does that however, a beautiful red glow showers Longs Peak and the Rock Cut with soft evening light of the setting sun. Viewing sunset from the Rock Cut and Trail Ridge Road is an awesome experience to have when at Rocky Mountain National Park. The view from the Rock Cut at over 12,000 ft above sea level makes for some of the most impressive view of Longs Peak and Forest Canyon. Longs Peak being Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak will turn a brilliant red right before the sun sets. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/intimate-dream-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DreamLake3-HT.jpg Intimate Dream Lake Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park features one of the most iconic locations in the state of Colorado. Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain dramaticaly rise above Dream Lake, creating a post card perfect scene. As all Photographers know, sometimes Mother Nature gives you lemons and you need to make lemonade. Dramatic sunrises and windless mornings at Dream Lake dont happen as often as we photographers make it appear. It's on these days that I find myself looking for more intimate scenes of these iconic locations. On this day, I turned my view camera away from Rocky's peaks and found a more pleasing view along the shores of Dream Lake. Rocks and grasses rise out of the shallows of a placid Dream Lake on a cloudy, overcast morning. I often find scenes like these more rewarding to photograph than the often photographed Colorado iconic views. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/alberta-falls-spring-runoff/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Albertafallsr1-HT.jpg Alberta Falls Spring Runoff Alberta Falls in one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular locations. Located along the Glacier Gorge trail, many will pass by Alberta Falls on their way to other locations in the Park. Alberta Falls was named by Abner Sprague after his wife Alberta. Abner Sprague, was one of the original outfitters and tour guides for this area of Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lower-calf-creek-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Calfcreekfalls1-HT.jpg Lower Calf Creek Falls Utah's Grand Staircase-Esclante National Monument is filled with hidden treasures. Much of the Grand Staircase requires long hikes into remote canyons. While Lower Calf Creek requires a two mile hike to view, it has become a popular Utah icon. Lower Calf Creek falls located outside of Escalante, Utah plunges 126 ft from top to bottom into a beautiful emerald pool. It's an impressive sight to view and photograph in the arid southern Utah environ. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/luminosity-defined---kissing-camels/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kissingcamels1-HT.jpg Luminosity Defined - Kissing Camels Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs features fascinating red rock formations. One of the more well known formations in Garden of the Gods is the Kissing Camel formation. On this brilliant morning, clouds skirt overhead just before sunrise. The combination of the sun rising on the eastern horizon and the clouds over Kissing Camels caused for a unique lighting oppurtunity. The illuminated clouds began to act as a large diffuser of light and the red rock formation began to take on a pre dawn glow that would not have been present if not for the clouds floating overhead. I managed to expose two sheets of film before the glow dissipated. Garden of the Gods, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bryce-canyon-from-sunrise-point/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunrisepoint2-HT.jpg Bryce Canyon from Sunrise Point The hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park glow in the warn late afternoon sunset. Ironically Sunrise point is one of the better locations in Bryce Canyon National Park to shoot at Sunset. Previous Utah snows cover the ground around the hoodoos and spires and Bryce making for an interesting contrast of light and shadow. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spectacle-view---windows-section/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Windows1-HT.jpg Spectacle View - Windows Section North and South Window stand tall under a cobalt blue Utah sky. High clouds glide over Arches National Park in the Windows Section of one of Utah's most famous National Park. North and South Window make fine photographs by themselves, but when photographed together take on the apperance of a pair of glasses carved from sandstone. Arches National Park, Utah https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/skeletons-of-the-sonoran/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Organpipeajo2-HT.jpg Skeletons of the Sonoran Organ Pipe National Monument, located in the Sonoran desert of Arizona is an amazing place to photograph. Organ Pipe National Monument is unique in that not only can a photographer capture the iconic Saguaro Catus, but also the less common Organ Pipe Catcus of which the monument is named. In this photo, a dead Saguaro catus makes for a perfect foreground object. Many assume desert life is bleak and lifeless. Here the Ajo Mountains are dotted with life. Saguaro Cactus, Organ Pipe Cactus, Blooming red Ocotillo, Palo Verde trees, Cholla and Brittle Brush can all be seen flourishing in this springtime scene. Organ Pipe National Monument sits of the U.S. Mexico border and the Mexican border lies 50 yards south of the photographers location. Organ Pipe National Monument, Arizona https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/marigold-ponds-and-notchtop-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarigoldPonds2-HT.jpg Marigold Ponds and Notchtop Mountain Reached via a two and half mile hike from Bear Lake lies Marigold Ponds. These small ponds rest just below Two Rivers Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Notchtop Mountain is reflected in one of the small alpine tarns. Clouds skirt over Notchtop Mountain as the first light of the day hits the majestic Colorado peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cowboy-chaps-delicate-arch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DelicateArch2-HT.jpg 'Cowboy Chaps' Delicate Arch Utah's most iconic location is probably Delicate Arch. Located in Arches National Park, Delicate Arch is found on countless numbers of magazine covers and even the state of Utah's liscense plates. Delicate Arch sits on top of a bench in the National Park and in the afternoon, one can frame the La Sal Mountains located just east of Moab in the iconic arch. Delicate Arch has also been nicknamed 'Cowboy Chaps' due to its likeness to the famous western wear of Ranchers and Cowboys. Arches National Park, Utah https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-from-the-estes-cone/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/EstesLongs-1HT.jpg Longs Peak from The Estes Cone A short but steep 3 mile climb up to the summit of the Estes Cone unvieled this view of Longs Peak. Longs Peak is the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park at 14,255 ft above sea level. On the left side of Longs Peak, Mt. Meeker can be seen and on the right side of Longs Peak Mt. Lady Washignton can be viewed from the summit of the Estes Cone. The original Native American inhabitants of Colorado reffered to Longs Peak and Mt.Meeker as 'Rabbit Ears'. French fur traders reffer to Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker as 'Les deux oreilles' or both/two ears. The view from the summit of the Estes Cone does a great job illustrating how these names came about. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cholla-and-ajo-mountains/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Organpipeajo1-HT.jpg Cholla and Ajo Mountains Wispy clouds drift over Arizona's Ajo Mountains deep in the Sonoran Desert. Organ Pipe National Monument is deceptively vibrant and lively on this spring day. Organ Pipe, named for the large Organ Pipe Cactus that are found here is a hodgepodge of Sonoran Desert life. Cholla, Brittle Bush, Saguaro Catus and Organ Pipe Cactus dot the rocky landscape only a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Organ Pipe National Monument, Arizona https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/white-sands-and-yuccas/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WhiteSands2-HT.jpg White Sands and Yuccas Yucca's dot the gypsum sand dunes of White Sands National Monument. White Sands National Monument is home to the largest gypsum dunes found in the world. These amazing white dunes cover over 275 square miles of this New Mexico National Monument. Winds constantly blow over these dunes and hardy plants such as the Yucca somehow manage to survive these harsh conditons. White Sands National Monument, New Mexico https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tyndall-creek-cascade/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tyndall-Creek-4.jpg Tyndall Creek Cascade A hodgepodge of wildflowers bloom along the banks of Tyndall Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer brings a profusion of wildflowers to the Colorado high country and the banks of the various outlets and streams of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-on-loch-vale/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TheLoch-2.jpg Sunrise on Loch Vale The Cathedral Wall catches first light a clouds drift over Loch Vale in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hints of orange can be seen reflecting in the outlet of the Loch on this magnificent Colorado morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/high-plains-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Roggencistern-1.jpg High Plains Sunrise The state of Colorado is mostly known for its mountains and canyons. The high plains are mostly an after thought to residents and visitors to Colorado. The high plains however, offer photographers the oppurtunity to present another portion of Colorado many pass through without stopping. Windmill powered cisterns dot the eastern plains of Colorado and help to bring water to much of the livestock grazing on the vast plains. This windmill and cistern added a nice touch to a beautiful sunrise on the plains. This particular view is located near Roggen, Colorado in Weld County. Roggen, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/breaking-dawn---lake-haiyaha/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeHaiyaha-3.jpg Breaking Dawn - Lake Haiyaha Hallet Peak basks in the glow of first light at Lake Haiyaha. The early morning sun is just peaking over the eastern plains of Colorado lighting Hallet peak with a soft pink glow. 'Haiyaha' is a Native American word which means 'many rocks'. It's will be quickly apparent to vistors and hikers of Rocky Mountain National Park how aptly named Lake Haiyaha is. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/reflections-on-nymph-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NymphLake-4.jpg Reflections on Nymph Lake Lilly pads dot the surface of Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each summer, Nymph Lake is covered with lilly pads. Nymph Lake is tucked below iconic Dream Lake and just above Bear Lake. Because of its sheltered location, the surface of the Nymph Lake is often shielded from the winds and breezes common in Colorado. This day only a slight breeze skirts the surface of Nymph Lake allowing for an impresionist view of Hallet Peak reflecting in Nymph Lake Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wisps-of-nymph-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NymphLake-3.jpg Wisps of Nymph Lake Wispy clouds form over Hallet Peak and Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer is slow to come to the Colorado Rockies and even though Nymph Lake has thawed, a large snowbank holds on to the west side of the lake. The wind is beginning to pick up but Nymph Lakes somewhat sheltered location below Hallet Peak and Dream Lake leave the surface of the lake placid enough to catch a reflection of the wind formed clouds high above. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/two-rivers-lake-alpenglow-and-rainbow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TwoRivers-1.jpg Two Rivers Lake Alpenglow and Rainbow It was not the image I intended to photograph this morning at Two Rivers Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The classic view from here is of Notchtop Mounain rising above Two Rivers Lake. After hiking the 3 miles into Two Rivers Lake, I was pelted with snow and rain accompanied by Rocky Mountain National Park's famous wind. Sunrise was very breif this morning and the alpenglow which can be seen lighting the base of Notchtop Mountain just below Grace Falls lasted only a minute or so before it was gone. Of the six frames I was able to capture of this dynamic scene, only one was usable because of rain and snow droplets that coated the front of my lens. While I did not notice it when I was actuall photographing the scene, I was pleased to discover a faint rainbow that had formed over Two Rivers Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cryder-beach-dune-fence-and-grass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CrydersBeach-1.jpg Cryder Beach Dune Fence and Grass Grasses line the Dune Fence along Cryder Beach in Southampton, New York. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunflowers-and-sky/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Niwotsunflowers-2.jpg Sunflowers and Sky A beautiful sky hangs over a large field of Sunflowers near Longmont, Colorado. The sun daples light on and off the peaks as well as the Sunflowers. Sunflowers are a common site along Colorado's Front Range in early August. Longmont, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/blue-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Niwotsunflowers-1.jpg Blue Morning A large field of Sunflowers near Longmont, Colorado gets ready to greet another sunrise. The sky and clouds are just starting to pick up the redish hue of the sun pushing over the eastern horizon. Shortly, the sun will light up the east face of Colorado's Front Range. Longmont, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dune-beach-dreams/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DuneBeach-2.jpg Dune Beach Dreams Pastel colors form in the sky and ocean above Dune Beach in Southampton, New York. Waves crash along the shoreline on a peaceful but overcast morning. I used a 25 second exposure for this photograph to not only bring out the muted colors on the beach this morning, but also to give the photograph its dreamy look. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/broken-down-dune-fence/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flyingpoint-3.jpg Broken Down Dune Fence Dune fences are a common and iconic site along the beaches of the New York and the 'Hamptons'. The dunes which line the beaches of Long Island south shore act as a storm break and barrier to the powerful Atlantic Ocean. Over time, storms, winds and surges take their toll on the fences as well as the dunes. This iconic Dune Fence located near Flying Point Beach in Southampton, New York has done it's job well but is in need of some attention. Pieces of the dune fence can be seen scattered throughout grasses and dunes as they lead the beach goer toward Flying Point. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flying-point-beach-pastels/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flyingpoint-2.jpg Flying Point Beach Pastels The sky above Flying Point Beach begins to break and the sea mist from the Atlantic Ocean subsides. Blues and pinks fill the sky and sea on a warm summer morning in Southampton, New York. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/endless-summer---flying-point-beach/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flyingpoint-1.jpg Endless Summer - Flying Point Beach The Sun slowly breaks through the early morning mist over Flying Point Beach. Sea mist and haze from a warm morning obscure the Sun but create an other worldly color pallete along this beautiful location. Flying Point Beach was is located in the town of Southampton, New York is where Mecox Bay flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dune-beach-tide-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DuneBeach-1.jpg Dune Beach Tide View Waves break along the sands of Dune Beach in Southampton, New York as high tide rolls in. Clouds skirt overhead in step with the breaking waves on a very pleasant morning for a walk on the beach. Mornings in the Hamptons often find a thin marine layer of clouds floating above. On days such as these, the clouds will quickly burn off and beach goers will quickly fill the beach. The diffused light on mornings such as these really help to highlight the aqua marine colors of the Ocean and Sky. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/coopers-beach-simplicity/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach-8.jpg Coopers Beach Simplicity The skies above Coopers Beach put on quite a show at sunrise but the photographer is the only person on the beach this morning to witness the show. Coopers Beach is one of the Hamptons most popular beach locations for good reason. It's located in Southampton, New York and the beach on Long Islands south shore is a great place to bury your feet in the sand or go for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/coopers-beach-daybreak/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach-7.jpg Coopers Beach Daybreak First light scatters along the dunes of Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York. Coopers Beach is one the Hamptons most popular locations, made even more popular when recently named the best beach in the United States. These dunes which run along the south shore of Long Island act as a barrier to the mighty Atlantic Ocean only a few hundred yards away. Southampton, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/taughannock-falls-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Taughannock-2.jpg Taughannock Falls #1 Taughannock Falls abrubtly drops 215 ft to the bottom of the large gorge near Trumansburg, New York. These impressive falls located in the Finger Lake region of New York and the state park is a short drive from the town of Ithica. Trumansburg, New York https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/emerald-lake-and-fog/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Emeraldlake-3.jpg Emerald Lake and Fog Fog shrouds Flattop Mountain and Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Flattop Mountain is obscured by the Fog but the lake surface is smooth as glass. The diffused light reveals the glacial rocks under the surface as well as the emerald colored water of the alpine lake from which it inherits its name. The ancient Bristlecone pines that line portions of Emerald Lake's shoreline get a reprive from an area that sees it's fair share of wind. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dream-lake-tranquility/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dreamlakefog-1.jpg Dream Lake Tranquility One of the most iconic locations in Rocky Mountain National Park is Dream Lake. Dream Lake, located just above Bear and Nymph Lake presents a classic Colorado viewpoint. Vistors to Dream Lake are typically presented with a stunning view of a majestic mountain lake and Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain reflecting in the lake. This morning was very different from my many visits to Dream Lake. I hiked into Dream Lake before sunrise. Upon my arrival I found the lake shrouded in fog but smooth as glass. My original intention was to photograph the classic view of Hallett Peak towering over the lake. Instead, I was quite pleased to photograph Dream Lake in this more subdued but just as beautiful rendition of one of my favorite locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cub-lake-and-pond-lillies/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLake-3.jpg Cub Lake and Pond Lillies A large lenticular cloud hangs over Stones Peak and Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cub Lake is situated just above Moraine Park and during the early summer months is covered with beautiful pond lillies. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/beaver-meadow-spring-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Beavermeadow-2.jpg Beaver Meadow Spring View Golden Banner wildflowers dot the landscape as a small stream weaves through the spring aspen groves in Beaver Meadow. Springtime has come to Rocky Mountain National Park and the area around Beaver Meadow has taken on a luminous green hue. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wild-basin-and-the-st-vrain-river/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WildBasin-1.jpg Wild Basin and the Saint Vrain Creek The Wild Basin unit of Rocky Mountain National Park has a unique feel compared to other sections of the National Park. Visiting Wild Basin, one will quickly understand how this area came to inherit its name. The forest in this area is lush and thick. Streams such as the St. Vrain filter down from majestic alpine lakes high above the trailheads. It's easy to quickly get away from the crowds found in other areas of the National Park. In my opinion, Wild Basin is one of Colorado's gems, and a great place to photograph less iconic, subtle but beautiful scenes such as these. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fog-over-bear-lake-and-longs-peak/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearLake-3.jpg Fog over Bear Lake and Longs Peak Morning fog rolls over Longs Peak and Bear Lake on a beautiful summer morning. Longs Peak, the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park acts like a beacon as the clouds glide in and around this iconic Colorado scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dawn-at-dead-horse-point/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/DeadHorsePoint-2.jpg Dawn at Dead Horse Point Daybreak is quickly approaching the red rocks of Canyonlands and the Colorado River. The shadow of the earth can be seen receeding into the sky as daybreak looms over the Colorado Plateau this beautiful morning. This impressive view of the goosenecks of the Colorado River is from Dead Horse Point State Park. The view from Utah's Dead Horse Point State Park is an impressive one of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park below and beyond. Dead Horse State Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/juniper-skeleton-and-yarrow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mineralcreekyarrow-1.jpg Juniper Skeleton and Yarrow Yarrow wildflowers grow out of the base of a Utah Juniper skeleton. I discovered this interesting dichotomy near Mineral Creek oustide of Moab, Utah and Canyonlands National Park. Yarrow was blooming all over the plateau near Island of the sky and while exploring the area happened to stumble upon this scene. The Junipers located around the Colorado Plateau are impressive in both life and death. Moab, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bright-angel-point-from-north-rim/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BrightAngel-1.jpg Bright Angel Point from North Rim Bright Angel Point along the North Rim of Arizona's Grand Canyon basks in the last rays of the evening. This view of Bright Angel Canyon is from near the beautiful Grand Canyon Lodge which also has a spectacular patio in which to take in sunsets of one of our most iconic National Parks. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/grand-canyon-from-cape-royal/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WootonsThrone-1.jpg Grand Canyon from Cape Royal Wootons Throne strectches through the frame in this view from the Cape Royal on the Grand Canyon's North Rim. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon has some of Arizona's best viewpoints of the National Park. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/clouds-over-the-grand-canyon/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PointImperial-3.jpg Clouds over the Grand Canyon The play of light this evening at Point Imperial was amazing. Clouds hang over Arizona's Grand Canyon and as the sun sets, portions of the Grand Canyon are filled with shadow or brilliant afternoon light. In this view, the sun is spotlighting Mt. Hayden as the wall of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon glow in varrying shades of red and amber. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wootons-throne-from-cape-royal/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WootonsThrone-2.jpg Wootons Throne from Cape Royal Cape Royal on the Grand Canyon's North Rim has some of the best viewpoints found anywhere along the Rim. Not only is the view of Wootons Throne awe inspiring from the Cape Royal, but it is the only viewpoint on the entire North Rim of the Grand Canyon in which one can see the Colorado River which helped form this National Park. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mt-hayden-from-point-imperial/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PointImperial-2.jpg Mt. Hayden from Point Imperial Soft diffused light splashes over the peaks of Arizona's Grand Canyon. Mt. Hayden stands as a sentinel over the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in this magestic afternoon view from Point Imperial. The Grand Canyon is one of the jewels of the National Park system and the North Rim is a great place to get away from the crowds and view some of the parks best viewpoints. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/north-rim-sunrise-from-point-imperial/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PointImperial-1.jpg North Rim Sunrise from Point Imperial Lenticular clouds hang over Arizona's Grand Canyon and Mt. Hayden. This view from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is from Point Imperial. These magnificent colors lasted only a few minutes before the sun dipped behind the clouds. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flagstaff-mountain-ponderosa-pine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffponderosa2-HT.jpg Flagstaff Mountain Ponderosa Pine Two Ponderosa Pine trees are viewed along the side of Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado. Light snow and fog drifts in and out of this area along Colorado's Front Range. Flagstaff Mountain, located in the western part of Boulder has a large population of Ponderosa trees which makes for some very nice areas to photograph these trees. Flagstaff Mountain has many great hiking trails and is part of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/north-boulder-creek-and-boulder-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BoulderFalls1-HT.jpg North Boulder Creek and Boulder Falls North Boulder Creek plumets down 70 ft high Boulder Falls a few miles west of Boulder Colorado. Boulder Falls is located west of Boulder in scenic Boulder Canyon. Just past Boulder Falls, North Boulder Creek will enter Middle Boulder Creek and continue eastward. This is a popular area for tourists and rock climbers. The rock formation around Boulder Falls are not stable and the area is often closed off to ensure viewers of Boulder Falls remain safe. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spruce-and-aspens-in-snow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bearspruceaspen-HT.jpg Spruce and Aspens in Snow The skeleton of a long gone Spruce tree is split by two smaller Aspen trees. The trees, located near Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park are surviving through the Winter. Nearing the end of a Colorado Winter, these trees near Bear Lake are covered with three to four feet of Colorado snow. It wont be until early July that all the snow around Bear Lake and in the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park will completely thaw and melt. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mesa-arch-morning-sunstar/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mesaarchsun1-HT.jpg Mesa Arch Morning Sunstar Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park welcomes the sunrise through it's grand sandstone arch. Looking east towards Utah's La Sal Mountains, the sun breaks the ridgeline causing Mesa Arch to glow a vibrant red. This moment is short lived and Mesa Arch appears to be on fire for only a brief time. The Sun continues to rise over Utah and it's famous Canyonlands. As the Sun continues to rise over the Colorado Plateau, the sandstone will go from a fire red, to a more subdued chocholate brown veneer. Canyonlands National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/one-seed-juniper-and-gateway-rock/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OneseedGOG1-HT.jpg One Seed Juniper and Gateway Rock A one seed Juniper perfectly frames Gateway rock in Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods Park. These beautiful Juniper trees can be found all along the ridgelines at Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods is a great location to photograph the many rock formations as well as Pikes Peak and the Kissing Camel formations. Garden of the Gods which is located in Colorado's Front Range, just outside of Colorado Springs, is reminiscent of Utah's famed red rock canyon country. Colorado Springs, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/maroon-bells-colorado-classic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MaroonBellsfall2-HT.jpg Maroon Bells Colorado Classic North and South Maroon Peak are viewed from an area near Maroon Lake. The Maroon Bells are one of the most photographed icons in all of Colorado as well as the western United States. These two 14'ers serve as a backdrop for the Colorado town of Aspen. Snow has already coated the peaks of the Maroon Bells as the Aspen trees below the 'Bells' display their fall foilage. The Maroon Bells are located in the White River National Forest and act as a gateway to some of the best hiking in the Aspen area. Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspen-study-kebler-pass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Keblerpassaspen3-HT.jpg Aspen Study Kebler Pass Fall Aspen trees are viewed along Kebler Pass road outside of Crested Butte, Colorado. Kebler Pass which is located a short distance from Crested Butte, offers unlimited views of some of Colorado's most pristine Aspen scenery. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/west-elks-splashed-with-light/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Beckwithwestelk1-HT.jpg West Elks Splashed with Light West Beckwith mountain in the Colorado West Elk range flirts with sunlight on this fall day. The clouds glide over the West Elk range just outside of Crested Butte, Colorado and the aspen groves at the base of the Beckwiths glow as the sun spotlights the brilliant fall color. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/springtime-in-moraine-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MoraineParkflowers1-HT.jpg Springtime in Moraine Park Golden Banner and Wild Iris fill the meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park's Moraine Park. Stones peak still has a coating of winter snow melting but the wildflowers in Rocky Mountain National Park are really starting to bloom in the lower elevations. Colorado is well known for its large variety of wildflowers. Blooms vary greatly based on elevation and it will be another month or so until all the snow melts off Stones peak and wildflowers bloom on the alpine tundra above tree line. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-light-at-north-window-arch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Northwindowarch2-HT.jpg Morning light at North Window Arch Sunrise illuminates North Window Arch in a brilliant red. Turret Arch is viewed through North Window Arch in this view of Arches National Park. Utah is well known for its red rock and when photographed at first light, Utah's famous sandstone becomes an almost unreal, intense red. Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/marcellina-mountain-fall-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marcellinamountain2-HT.jpg Marcellina Mountain Fall View Marcellina mountain along Kebler Pass road shimmers in the warm fall light. Aspen trees along the base are at their autumn peak. Marcellina mountain is located along Kebler Pass road about 15 miles outside of the Colorado town of Crested Butte. This area is very popular with both photographers and leaf peepers during Colorado's fall season as the area is host to Colorado's largest and most regal aspen groves. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/white-river-aspen-grove/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClurepassaspens2-HT.jpg White River Aspen Grove One of Colorado's most colorful aspen grove lives up to its reputation in this autumn scene. McClure pass just outside of Aspen, Colorado hosts beautiful aspen stands that showcase the areas namesake trees. Marble, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/deer-mountain-chinook-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Deermtn1-HT.jpg Deer Mountain Chinook Sunrise Winter sunrises on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park can be some of the most spectacular anywhere in Colorado. This morning is no exception as warm chinook winds drifting down the east slope of the Front Range have caused lenticular clouds to form over Rocky Mountain. Deer Mountain is silloueted by the blood red sky in this photograph taken from the Many Parks curve area of Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/grand-tetons-from-jackson-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Jacksonlake3-HT.jpg Grand Tetons from Jackson Lake An intense rain and thunderstorm has just passed over Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. The summer storm has cleared just in time to allow for the last rays of the day to glow on the Grand Teton range. The leftover clouds from the intense storm glow as the sun sets and Jackson Lake reflects the intense colors of the sky. Soon after I was done exposing this view of the Tetons and Jackson Lake, the sun set and the lightshow faded. This classic Wyoming location is tpically photographed in the morning hours, but with this otherwordly sky, it turned out to be one of my favorite images of Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/misty-mountain-falls---yellowstone/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lowerfalls3-HT.jpg Misty Mountain Falls - Yellowstone Early morning finds the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Lower Falls shrouded in fog and mist. Slowly as the Sun rises in the sky the fog begins to lift and reveal this awesome sight. When I first arrived at the sight this morning, the Lower Falls could only be heard crashing over the drop, but because of the very thick fog, one could not be see the actual falls for sometime. It was an impressive sight watching this Wyoming landmark slowly reveal itself as the fog and mist lifted over Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/grand-canyon-of-the-yellowstone/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lowerfalls2-HT.jpg Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone The Yellowstone River is seen plunging down the Lower Falls. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of Yellowstone National Park as well as Wyoming's most impressive and popular view points. Yellowstone National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/harriman-state-park---tioratti-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TiorattiFalls2-HT.jpg Harriman State Park - Tioratti Falls Located deep in the woods of Harriman State Park, lies Tioratti Falls. New York's fall color is peaking as the creek spills over falls and through the color autumn ground cover. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/kawuneeche-valley-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Timbercreekaspen1-HT.jpg Kawuneeche Valley Aspens In recent years the Kawuneeche Valley on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park has been hit hard by the Pine Beetle infestation. Many of the Lodgepole Pines have succumb to the Beetle and the Beetle has greatly transformed the landscape on the west side of the Park. Because of the loss of many of the Lodgepole Pines, many of the Aspen Groves have thrived and are now unobstructed and more easily accessible for photography. Fall is almost complete for these tree's near Timber Creek but just enough color is hanging on to make for an interesting view. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/marcellina-mountain-autumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marcellinafall-HT.jpg Marcellina Mountain Autumn Aspens and Scrub Oak drape the side of Marcellina Mountain with various shade of fall color. Located outside the Colorado ski town of Crested Butte, Marcellina Mountain is a popular location along Kebler Pass Road. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/clouds-over-forest-canyon/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Forrestcanyon1-HT.jpg Clouds over Forest Canyon Rocky Mountain National Park's alpine tundra unfolds in this view from high atop Forest Canyon. At nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, it almost appears as if one can reach out and touch the clouds gliding overhead. The clouds are a result of Colorado's summer monsoon season but this afternoon have dispersed before becoming acutal rain storms. Rocky Mountain National Park's Trail Ridge Road provides great views of Rocky's tundra and pristine mountain scenery. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/indian-summer-chautauqua-meadow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsfall3-HT.jpg Indian Summer Chautauqua Meadow The Boulder Flatirons welcome the Suns first rays of the day on this Autumn morning. Chautauqua Meadows fall color is in full display on this pleasant Colorado fall morning. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colorado-aspen-grove---mcclure-pass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClureaspens1-HT.jpg Colorado Aspen Grove - McClure Pass Aspens along McClure Pass in central Colorado show off their vibrant yellow leaves as a light drizzle coats the Aspen boles as the fall season peaks in the high country. McClure Pass, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/smoke-on-the-water-bierstadt-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierdstadtlake3-HT.jpg Smoke on the Water, Bierstadt Lake Bierstadt Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park presents travelers with a classic view of Rocky Mountain National Park's famous peaks in and around the Bear Lake area. On this day fires burning in Idaho have clouded Colorado's skies with haze and smoke obscuring the classic Bierstadt Lake view. The haze from the fires however, presented a unique image of sunrise from Rocky Mountain National Park. The smoke and haze caused the sunrise to glow a very intense red and orange, which reflected beautifully in a tranquil Bierstadt Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/albert-bierdstadts-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadtlake-9.13.09-1.jpg Albert Bierdstadt's Morning Bierdstadt lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is named in honor of the famous Hudson River School painter, Albert Bierstadt. Bierstadt famously painted vibrant landscapes in dynamic conditons. Many consider his work the forfront to modern day landscape photography. On this morning, clouds glide over the Divide and the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado has received it's first dusting of snow for the season. This scene is reminiscent of a Bierstadt painting, and what a better place to photograph this scene then at the lake named after the famous painter. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-on-flattop-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flattop-Tarn-2.jpg Sunrise on Flattop Mountain The morning sun illuminates Flattop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Flattop Mountain reflects in a small tarn formed by Tyndall creek, just below Emerlad Lake. Clear blue Colorado skies greet the photographer this peaceful morning in Rocky Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tyndall-creek-zen-pool/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flattop-Tarn-1.jpg Tyndall Creek Zen Pool Flattop Mountain reflect in a mountain tarn just below Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. The green grasses of the Colorado high country frame this pool along Tyndall Creek perfectly as clouds skirt the sky above this classic Rocky Mountain view. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/misty-morning-at-bierstadt-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BierstadtLake-29.jpg Misty Morning at Bierstadt Lake A brilliant sunrise illumintes Hallet Peak as it reflects in the placid waters of Bierstadt Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is can be one of the windier Coloardo locations so its always nice to be rewarded after a long hike in the Park with little to no wind. In fact, Bierstadt Lakes resident Mallards did more to disturb the lakes reflection than did the famous Rocky Mountain winds. Not only was it great to find Bierstadt lake calm and placid with a light fog lifting off the lake. The peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park also received their first dusting of snow on this late August date. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/notchtop-mountain-from-lake-helene/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lakehelene1.jpg Notchtop Mountain from Lake Helene Nothctop Mountain catches the Sun's first rays of the day as the peak is refelected in Lake Helene. Notchtop Mountain is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most recognizable peaks and Lake Helene does a great job framing the mountain in a classic Colorado scene. It's a 3 mile hike from the Bear Lake trailhead to reach Lake Helene and take in this view of Notchtop. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-greeting---colorado-sunflowers/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunflowers-5.jpg Morning Greeting - Colorado Sunflowers A large field of Colorado Sunflowers greets the rising sun after a stormy night in Eastern Colorado. Clouds glide over alternating the large yellow fields in sun and shade. For the last few years, Sunflower fields in Colorado have become more difficult to find as Farmers opt to plant Corn which can be used for Ethanol. Although this field in Weld County was surrounded by Corn, luckily this large patch of land was planted with Sunflowers. Weld County, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/boston-skyline-and-charles-river/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bostonweb-1.jpg Boston Skyline and Charles River Downtown Boston reflects the last rays of the day. The Charles River glides under the Longfellow bridge and reflects the lights of the city in its placid water. Boston, MA https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-next-to-last/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrain7.jpg Ski Train 'Next to Last' The Ski Train is photographed climbing the grade just west of Rocky siding and starting the ascent into the 'Little Ten' and 'Big Ten' curves on its journey west with Skiers bound for Winter Park Resort. A Blizzard had pounded Colorado's Front Range two days prior and the hike out to the curves proved very difficult, especially when navigating the two to three ft wind driven snow drifts. The Flatiron formations of Boulder can also be viewed coated in snow behind the Ski Train. Sadly, this was the Ski Train's next to last run over the Front Range. After 69 years of service, The Ski Train was sold and this Colorado tradition was halted. The Ski Train had a great run and it will be sad to see this beautiful train and icon leave Colorado. Arvada, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-at-little-ten-curve/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrain6.jpg Ski Train at 'Little Ten' Curve The Ski Train is viewed climing 'Little Ten' curve 20 miles west of Denver, Colorado. In a moment the Ski Train will start in 'Big Ten' curve on its ascent up the Rockies westward towards the Ski Resort of Winter Park. The Ski Train is running on formers Denver and Rio Grande Trackage rights, and the 'Big Ten' and 'Little Ten' curves are just two of the many engineering marvels used by David Moffat in his attempt to cross the Rockies from Dever to points west. Arvada, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-and-table-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrain5.jpg Ski Train and Table Mountain Denver's Ski Train rounds the curve at Clay, Colorado as it heads westbound towards the Ski Resort of Winter Park. Table Mountain just north of Golden, is viewed behind the Ski Train as it climbs upgrade. Clay, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rippled-morning-at-emerald-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Emeraldlake-2.jpg Rippled Morning at Emerald Lake Hallet Peak reflects in Emerald Lake on a beautiful calm morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Emerald Lake is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's more popular areas, but its exposure to wind makes it a rare occurance to get refelections on Emerald Lake. It was an extra treat this morning to get some clouds moving over Hallet Peak. Mornings on Colorado's Front Range often break with cyrstal clear blue skies and scarce cloud cover. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dream-lake-after-the-snow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dreamlakewinter1-HT.jpg Dream Lake after the Snow Snow has fallen through the night in Rocky Mountain National Park. The upslope snow storm common on Colorado's Front Range has quickly moved out allowing for skies to clear with only puffy clouds skirting over Hallett and Dream. All the conditions came together just perfect this morning. Dream Lake had thawed from a long winter, there was no wind present and the surface of Dream Lake remained like glass. All the while fresh spring snow coated the pine bougs surrounding Dream Lake. This is by far one of my most memorable mornings spent at Dream Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moss-on-spruce-tree---wild-basin/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Wildbasinmoss-HT.jpg Moss on Spruce Tree - Wild Basin Moss grows on an older Spruce tree in the Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park. Spruces trees are common in Colorado and Rocky Mountain, but it is not typical to find moss growing on these trees except in areas where higher moisture content is found. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-and-columbine-falls-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeakcolumbine2-HT.jpg Longs Peak and Columbine Falls Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest peak hovers over Columbine Falls. 14,255 ft Longs Peak is Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak as well as the most prominent mountain on Colorado's Northern Front Range. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-at-chautauqua-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsfall2-HT.jpg Autumn at Chautauqua Park The grasses and trees below Boulder's Flatirons display golden brown and red colors of Autumn. The Flatirons are located in Boulder, Colorado's Chautauqua park and are popular for hiking and outdoor activities all year long. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/saguaro-national-park--1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SaguaroNP1-HT.jpg Saguaro National Park # 1 Saguaro cactus dot the hillside of Saguaro, National Park in Tucson, Arizona. Contrary to popular opinion, the Sonoran Desert hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna. Barrel Cactus, Ocotillo, and Palo Verde trees can also be found lining the hillside. Saguaro National Park, AZ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/four-aspens-at-bear-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bearlakesnowaspen2-HT.jpg Four Aspens at Bear Lake Snow is falling on the Autumn Aspen trees around Bear Lake on a chilly fall day. Weather in Rocky Mountain National Park as well as Colorado can vary greatly when seasons change. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tioratti-falls-in-spring/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tiorattispring1-HT.jpg Tioratti Falls in Spring Tioratti creek in Harriman State Park is running fast over Tioratti falls preceeding days of heavy spring rains. Spring is in full force in New York and the trees are a luminous green with all the moisture that has fallen. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/jackson-lake-after-the-storm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Jacksonlake2-HT.jpg Jackson Lake after the Storm The Sun is setting behind Wyoming's Grand Teton Mountain Range and Mt. Moran. Afternoon Thunderstorms raked over Jackson Lake and the Teton's prior to Sunset. As the storms cleared with the setting Sun Jackson lake and the Grand Tetons were bathed with this colorful sunset. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/oxbow-bend-sunrise-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Oxbowbend2-HT.jpg Oxbow Bend Sunrise #2 The magenta hue of sunrise light up Mt. Moran at Oxbow Bend. Oxbow Bend on the Wyoming's Snake River is one of Grand Teton National Park's most recognizable landmarks. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tioratti-creek-and-autumn-leaves/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tioratticreek1-HT.jpg Tioratti Creek and Autumn Leaves Tioratti Creek in Harriman State Park cascades through the fall Autumn leaves the coat the forest floor. Harriman State Park and much of Southeast, New York are displaying their prime fall colors. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mcclure-pass-aspens-5/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClureAspens5-HT.jpg McClure Pass Aspens #5 Ferns and Aspen Trees display their Autumn colors on the top of McClure Pass, Colorado. McClure pass has some of Colorado's best Aspen Trees and is located a few miles outside of the town of Marble. Marble, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/summer-aspens-on-kebler-pass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McCluresummer1-HT.jpg Summer Aspens on Kebler Pass The top of Kebler Pass just outside of Crested Butte, Colorado is host to beautiful groves of Aspen Trees. Colorado's largest Aspen groves are located in this part of the State and a drive over Kebler Pass in Summer will reveal thousands of green Aspen Trees. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierdstadt-moraine-and-hallet-peak/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadtmoraine2-HT.jpg Bierdstadt Moraine and Hallet Peak Hallet Peak welcomes the early morning sun on a beautiful autumn morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspen trees all over the state of Colorado are changing from green to yellow. Bierstadt Moraine is not yet at peak but will be within the week. The lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park will also soon begin to change colors as well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mcclure-pass-pastel/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClureaspens4-HT.jpg McClure Pass Pastel McClure Pass Aspens near Marble, Colorado are not quite yet to peak. In another week or so the colors of these Aspen trees will reveal deeper reds and yellows. This subtle Autumn scene has a charm all its own. Marble, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-on-yuccas---flagstaff-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaffsnow1-HT.jpg Snow on Yuccas - Flagstaff Mountain Snow coats the ground of Flagstaff Mountain on a cold March Morning. Part of Boulder, Colorado Open Space and Mountain Parks, Flagstaff Mountain typically gives unhindered views east towards Colorado's high plains. In this photo Yucca's and a Ponderosa Pine are coated with a light dusting of snow as fog sifts in and out of the trees. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/watkins-glenn-in-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Watkinsglenn2-HT.jpg Watkins Glenn in Fall Watkins Glenn cascades through the rocks which are covered with Autumn leaves. Watkins Glenn is located in the Finger Lake Region of New York State and its a beautiful hike through the Glenn especially during the fall season. Watkins Glenn, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wyoming-bonsai---old-patriarch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Oldpatriarchpano1-HT.jpg Wyoming Bonsai - Old Patriarch In Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, tucked away from the new road throug the park lies one of the National Park's old trademarks. The Old Patriarch is one of Grand Teton National Park's treasures and it now rests peacefully away from the hustle and bustle of the National Park. The Old Patriarch used to line the old road into Grand Teton National Park. The road has sinced be re-alligned away from this amazing tree and viewing this Wyoming hallmark takes more effort than in the past but the reward is still as great. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/north-window-arch-and-turret-arch-wide/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Northturretarchpano-HT.jpg North Window Arch and Turret Arch Wide North Window Arch acts as a perfect natural frame for Turret Arch in this classic Utah View. Arches National Park is home to hundreds of natural arches but very few compliment each other as well as North Window Arch and Turret Arch do here in the Colorado Plateau just outside of Moab. Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glacier-gorge-after-the-storm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Glaciergorgepano-HT.jpg Glacier Gorge After the Storm Fresh snow from last nights storm coats the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. This view from near the Storm Pass Trailhead is looking west towards Glacier Gorge. Thatchtop, Mt. Otis and Hallet Peak are coated with six inches of new snow from a late season Colorado snow storm. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/forest-canyon-sunflowers/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Forestcanyonpano-HT.jpg Forest Canyon Sunflowers Alpine Sunflowers line the tundra above treeline on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Alpine Sunflowers are common in Colorado but carpeted areas such as these found along Trail Ridge Road happen only every 7 years or so. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/schwabachers-landing-wide-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Schwabacherspano-HT.jpg Schwabacher's Landing Wide View Along the Wyoming's Snake River in Grand Teton National Park is one of the best locations to view the Grand Teton Mountains. Schwabacher's Landing lends the classic refelection shot of the Teton's from sheltered Beaver Ponds just off the Snake River. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/boulder-flatirons-in-white/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironsinsnow1-HT.jpg Boulder Flatirons in White Boulder, Colorado's iconic Flatiron formations are coated with fresh snow in this view from Chautauqua Meadows. Snow typcially does not stay around low at these lower elevations along Colorado's Front Range. The Flatiron formations are already showing bear rock as the morning sun heats and melts the freshly fallen snow. Boulder, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/shades-of-the-maroon-bells/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Maroonbellsfallpano1-HT.jpg Shades of the Maroon Bells The morning Sun shades and illuminates the Maroon Bells and valley below. Pyramid Peak lends its shadow to bowl area below North and South Maroon Peak while the Aspens below these famous fourteeners shimmer in gold. This iconic Colorado scenes is locates a few miles from the town of Aspen, Colorado. Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/watermill-beach-wide/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Watermillpano-HT.jpg Watermill Beach Wide The surf crashes along the southern shore of Long Island at Watermill Beach, New York. Watermill Beach is located in the Village of Southampton and is home to some of Long Island's and the Hamptons best beaches. Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/boulder-flatirons-from-chautauqua-meadow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironswinterpano2-HT.jpg Boulder Flatirons from Chautauqua Meadow Boulder's Flatirons meet the new day with Colorado blue skies and fresh snow. The Flatirons are a trademark landmark in and around Boulder and one of the most popular places to view and photograph them is from historic Chautauqua Meadows. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/storm-pass-aspen-panoramic-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Stormpasspano-HT.jpg Storm Pass Aspen Panoramic View Light snow has fallen and the grasses in Rocky Mountain National Park have turned reddish brown. Aspens around the state of Colorado are turning golden yellow and seasons are clashing. As I was photographing this grove of Aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park, I could hear Elk bugling above me on the Bierstadt Moraine. The prescence of Elk can be seen on the trunks of these aspen trees as the Elk will eat the bark during the colder months when food sources are scarce. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lower-falls-of-the-yellowstone-panoramic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lowerfallspano-HT.jpg Lower Falls of the Yellowstone Panoramic The spring run-off at the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River is running briskly this morning. The falls had been covered in fog upon arrival but as the Sun rose, the fog parted and revealed this view of the falls. The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone is one of Yellowstone National Park's scenic highlights as one of the scenic highlights of Wyoming. Yellowstone National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/firehole-river-primal/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fireholepano-HT.jpg Firehole River Primal Steam from the many thermal vents along the Firehole river can be seen in one of Yellowstone National Park's more popular areas. This portion of Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park rests on top of a large Caldera and this results in abudance of geothermic activity in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pikes-peak-panoramic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GOGRattlesnakepano-HT.jpg Pikes Peak Panoramic Peaks Peak is viewed from Rattlesnake Ridge in Colorado's Garden of the God's Park. Garden of the God's is located on the west side of Colorado Springs and features great views of Pikes Peak. In this view, a One Seed Juniper frames Pikes Peak and the Kissing Camel formation which can be seen on the right side of the photograph. Colorado Springs, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tug-boat-on-a-frozen-hudson-river/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Frozenhudsonpano-HT.jpg Tug Boat on a Frozen Hudson River Only during very cold periods will the Hudson River freeze this far south. A Tug boat pushes nortbound as it approaches the Bear Mountain Bridge. Heavy snow had fallen the day prior and termperatures hovered around zero degrees in southeast New York State for over a week. This photograph is taken from Bear Mountain State Park looking north towards the Bear Mountain Bridge. Bear Mountain State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colorados-dallas-divide---autumn-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dallasdividepano-HT.jpg Colorado's Dallas Divide - Autumn View The high peaks of Colorado's San Juan Mountains just outside of Ridgway. The high peaks are dusted with fresh snow but the meadows at the lower elevations along the Dallas Divide are still displaying fall color. Scrub Oak and Aspen trees display red and gold colors accenting this beautiful scene. Ridgway, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/escalante-cloudscape/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Escalanteclouscape-HT.jpg Escalante Cloudscape Clouds glide over the Colorado Plateau in southern Utah on a calm morning. I photographed this scene in Grande Staircase Escalante National Monument along the 50 mile cliffs off Hole in the Rock Road. Grand Staircase Escalante NM, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-in-harriman-state-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harrimanfallfogpano2-HT.jpg Fall in Harriman State Park Fog rolls in and out of a grove of Maple trees in Harriman State Park. Located in New York's Hudson Valley Harrian State Park is a great location to photograph fall color. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/grand-tetons-panoramic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Antelopeflatspano-HT.jpg Grand Tetons Panoramic The Grand Tetons tower across the valley in this panoramic view from Antelope Flats. The wildflowers are blooming in this section of the Grand Tetons National Park. Buffalo roam along the flats in this typical Wyoming scene. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/grand-staircase-sandstone-swirls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Escalantepano1-HT.jpg Grand Staircase Sandstone Swirls Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is one of the more recent areas dedicated Monument status. It is by far one of the United States most interesting and least traveled areas in southern Utah. Grand Staircase is made up of sandstone cliffs and deep canyons carved by the Escalante river as it heads towards it meeting with the mighty Colorado. This location is not far from the actual town of Escalante, Utah and is typical of many of the scenes near and along Hole in the Rock Road. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/paper-birches-along-the-hudson-river/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Hudsonriverbirches1-HT.jpg Paper Birches along the Hudson River Paper Birch trees line the shore of the Hudson River at Iona Island, New York. Spring is just starting and these trees have yet to leaf out. Iona Island is part of Bear Mountain State Park and a favorite haunt of birders. Bear Mountain State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/great-sand-dunes-and-mt-medano/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gsnppano2-HT.jpg Great Sand Dunes and Mt. Medano Wispy clouds float over Colorado's highest dunes in the San Luis Valley. The Grass along Medano creek are green and the redish hue of the sand on the dunes compliments the Colorado blue Sky. Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to America's highest Dune, Star Dune. Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pearl-pass---clearing-storm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pearlpasspano-HT.jpg Pearl Pass - Clearing Storm Fall Aspens shimmer in the backlighting as a weather moves out and allows the Sun to peak through. These stunted Aspen trees are found along Pearl Pass and the Castle Creek Valley just outside of Aspen, Colorado. Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/crested-butte-aspen-panorama/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebleraspenpano1-HT.jpg Crested Butte Aspen Panorama A healthy grove of Aspens in photographed in a light drizzle in mist outside of Crested Butte, Colorado. These Aspen trees are located along Kebler Pass, 15 miles or so from the Ski Town of Crested Butte. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/maroon-lake-aspen-bowl/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MaroonlakeAspen-HT.jpg Maroon Lake Aspen Bowl Fall Aspens shimmer on a cool, cloudy day at the Maroon Bells just outside of Aspen, Colorado. These aspens are well photographed but typically are viewed from Maroon Lake looking at the Maroon Bells. These are the Aspen trees that sit at the base of one of Colorado's most iconic location. This day conditons were not ideal for the typical Maroon Bells photograph, but I was happily rewarded with a short hike up into the Aspen Bowl below the 'Bells' to find this scene. This location is part of the White River National Forest and the Maroon Bells Wilderness area. Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/beaver-meadow-and-longs-peak-wide/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsBeaverpano2-HT.jpg Beaver Meadow and Longs Peak Wide 14,255 ft Longs Peak towers over Beaver Meadows just inside the enterance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The east face of Longs Peak, known as the Diamond shimmers above the yellow fall Aspen trees far below the summit. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierdstadt-moraine-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierdstadtaspens-HT.jpg Bierdstadt Moraine Aspens Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Colorado and the park. Even though Rocky Mountain National Park is not known for its large Aspen groves, Bierdstadt Moraine near Bear Lake is covered with them. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-along-the-mummy-range/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mummywinterpano-HT.jpg Winter along the Mummy Range Mt. Yipsolon and the Mummy Range lie coated in snow on this cold, calm morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fresh snow has fallen on the pines and clouds are drifting over the high Colorado peaks. The Mummy Range is so named because of if one looks at the peaks long enough, the shape of a mummified person appears. This view is simmilar to the one most travelers through Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park see when driving on Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/maroon-creek-aspen-chaos/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Whiteriverpano2-HT.jpg Maroon Creek Aspen Chaos A healthy grove of Aspen tress displays their yellow and orange fall color along Maroon Creek. These Aspen trees are in varying stages with some a brilliant orange, some a more typical yellow and some still green. This location is just outside the town of Aspen, Colorado and only a few miles from the iconic Maroon Bells in the White River National Forest. Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/maroon-creek-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Whiteriverpano1-HT.jpg Maroon Creek Aspens Aspen trees in Colorado's White River National Forest change to hues of brilliant oranges and yellows. This Aspen grove is located a few miles from the famous Maroon Bells near Maroon Creek just outside the town of Aspen. Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-from-beaver-meadows/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsBeaverpano-HT.jpg Longs Peak from Beaver Meadows Longs Peak is coated with a dusting of fresh snow as the Aspen trees down below in the Beaver Meadow section of Rocky Mountain National Park begin to turn yellow as Autumn approaches. Longs Peak is one of Colorado's 14'ers and its summit is the highest part of Rocky Mountain National Park at 14,255 ft. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/balanced-rock-and-window-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Balancedrockpano-HT.jpg Balanced Rock and Window View Balanced rock towers high above the Windows section of Arches National Park. Utah's La Sal mountains can be seen to the east of the park. Arches National Park is one of the highligts of the Colorado Plateau around Moab, Utah. Although the National Park is well known for its numerous red rock arches, Balanced Rock is one of the more popular stops inside the Park. Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/landscape-arch-panoramic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Landscapearchpano-HT.jpg Landscape Arch Panoramic One of Arches National Parks iconic views is Landscape Arch. Landscape Arch hangs perilously in the sky and gives one the impression that it could come crumbiling down at any moment. Large pieces of Landscape arch have fallen in recent years though nobody knows how long it will remain suspended. This section of Utah in and around Moab has thousands or Arches which can be found amongst the 'red rock' country and backroads. Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chautauqua-meadows-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/ChuatuaquMeadows-HT.jpg Chautauqua Meadows Morning Chuataugua Park at the base of the Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado looks stunning this calm morning. Clouds drift over the top of the meadow as Golden Banner sprouts up through the green spring grasses. Chuataugua Park is part of Boulder Mountain Open Space park system. The Flatirons are also one the most recognizible icons of Boulder as well as the entire northern Front Range. Boulder, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/midtown-manhattan-from-new-jersey/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Midtownpano-HT.jpg Midtown Manhattan from New Jersey A rainy day in New York City is nearing its end. The Clouds are moving out quickly presenting the photographer with a brillant glow over Midtown Manhattan and the Hudson River. This photograph was taken from Weehawken, New Jersey on the west side of the Hudson River looking east towards New York and Manhattan. Weehawken, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/last-dollar-road---panoramic-wide/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LastDollarpano-1-HT.jpg Last Dollar Road - Panoramic Wide Last Dollar road is one of Colorado's great drives. Located between the towns of Ridgway and Telluride in the San Juan Mountains, Last Dollar winds a climbs through some of Colorado's most scenic areas. On this rainy fall day, the fog and mist combined to provide some great intimate shots of the golden Aspen trees. The fog and rain also made driving on Last Dollar road very challenging as the wet surface resembled more grease than dirt and the return trip down the road made for some interesting driving this day. Telluride, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/east-beckwith-fall-panorama-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BeckwithPano-2-HT.jpg East Beckwith Fall Panorama #2 The Aspen trees are nearing their peak just outside of Crested Butte, Colorado. East Beckwith Mountain can be seen with a light dusting of snow as last night storm begins to break apart revealing the sun. East Beckwith can be viewed from Kebler Pass Road and is a pleasant 15 mile drive from the town of Crested Butte. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/east-beckwith-mountain---autumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Beckwithpano-1-HT.jpg East Beckwith Mountain - Autumn East Beckwith Mountain located along Kebler Pass just outside of Crested Butte, Colorado looks impressive as low lying fog and clouds lift at Sunrise. Kebler Pass has some of Colorado's most impressive fall color as well as scenic views. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/west-point---garrison-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Westpointpano-HT.jpg West Point - Garrison View The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is viewed on a very cold Winter morning from Garrison, New York on. Fresh snow covers the landscape and the Hudson River is starting to crystalize with ice from the cold temperatures. Garrison is on the east bank of the Hudson River and affords one of the best view of West Point and the Hudson Valley. Garrison, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tioratti-falls-panoramic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/TiorattiFallsPano1-HT.jpg Tioratti Falls Panoramic Tioratti Falls glides through the autumn forest of Harriman State Park. New York and Harriman State Park are famous for their fall colors. When there is enough moisture in the Hudson Valley, the falls will continue to run late into the fall providing beautiful scenes such as these. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/changing-of-seasons---maroon-bells/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MaroonBellsPano-1-HT.jpg Changing of Seasons - Maroon Bells Fall is just starting to dot the hills and valleys of this Colorado Icon and one of the most picturesque areas in Colorado. The Aspen trees around the Maroon Bells are starting to take on a yellow hue and some of the groves have already turned golden. The Maroon Bells are one of Colorado's most photographed landmarks and are located a short way from the town of Aspen. Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/marcellena-mountain-panoramic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MarcellinamtPano-HT.jpg Marcellena Mountain Panoramic Colorado's Fall Color can be seen in all their splendor around Marcellena Mountain just outside of Crested Butte. Marcellena Mountain is one of the scenic highlights of the 30 mile long Kebler Pass road between Crested Butte and Paonia, Colorado. Kebler Pass is also home to Colorado largest Aspens groves. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-on-silver-pick---telluride/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SilverpickPano-HT.jpg Fall on Silver Pick - Telluride Fall is in full swing just outside of Telluride, Colorado. Wilson Mesa and Silver Pick road are a just outside the beautiful mountain town of Telluride and is a must see during the Autumn season. Telluride, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sugar-maple-wide---harriman/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sugarmaplespano-HT.jpg Sugar Maple Wide - Harriman The Sugar Maples of Harriman State Park in New York are at their peak. Sugar Maples colors during the fall can range from a yellow to a deep red. This tree is cloaked in a brillant orange hue. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-on-the-st-vrain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/StVrainpano-HT.jpg Spring on the North Saint Vrain The St. Vrain river starts high atop Rocky Mountain National Park's Wild Basin area. The Wild Basin section of Rocky Mountain National Park is typified by thick Evergreen forests at lower elevations and numerous streams heavy with run-off from Snow. This section of the Park, though on the East side of the divide appears simmilar to conditons usually found on the Western slopes of Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/clearing-storm-on-kebler-pass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/KeblerPasspano-HT.jpg Clearing Storm on Kebler Pass One of the best places to be in Colorado during the Fall Color season is Kebler Pass just outside of Crested Butte. In this view from near the summit of Kebler Pass, a fall storm that has dusted the tops of the peaks begins to move out and the sun starts to shine on the yellowing aspen trees. East Beckwith Mountain can be seen in the distance revealing itself from behind the fog and mist. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/desert-spectacles/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/NorthSouthWindowPano-HT.jpg Desert Spectacles South Window arch and North Window Arch located in Arches National Park are nicknamed "The Spectacles". When viewed from a distance these two arches take on the appearance of a pair of glasses. Prior to photographing this August morning, I had driven over 1000 miles from San Francisco to Moab from a freind's wedding on my way back to Colorado. I was greeted by this beautiful view after a night of sleep in my vehicle. This morning though beautiful, had lows hovering in the high 80's. Needless to say I did not sleep all that well after my drive across the Utah Desert. Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cow-creek-panoramic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CowCreekPano-HT.jpg Cow Creek Panoramic Colorado's spring run-off helps keep Cow Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park flowing at a good clip. Thes Aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park have just recently leafed out. As Summer approaches, the greens will fade as will the pace of Cow Creek. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mt-sneffels---autumn-glow-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sneffelspano-HT.jpg Mt. Sneffels - Autumn Glow #1 Mt. Sneffels basks in the late afternoon sunlight just outside of Ridgeway, Colorado. The Aspens are peaking and Fall is in full stride in this panoramic view of one of Colorado's famous 14'er's which resides in Colorado's San Juan Mountain Range. Ridgeway, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lifting-fog-over-the-hudson-river/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/HudsonRiverIona-HT.jpg Lifting fog over the Hudson River The early morning fog that covers the bottoms of the marshes and creeks at Iona Island, New York begins to lift revealing a placid Hudson River. Iona Island is part of Bear Mountain State Park and the brackish wetlands along the banks of the Hudson River offer great hiking as well as avian viewing. Bear Mountain State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/grasses-and-sand/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GreatSandDunespan-HT.jpg Grasses and Sand Late Summer grasses line the plains that surround Colorado's largest sand dunes. Wild Sunflowers are mixed in amongst the sand and grasses in this view of Great Sand Dunes, National Monument. Great Sand Dunes National Monument, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-and-mount-meeker-peak--a-boo/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsMeeker-HT.jpg Longs Peak and Mount Meeker Peak- a-boo Mount Meeker and 14,255 ft Longs Peak sift in and out of the cloud cover at sunrise after a heavy winter storm had passed through Colorado. The Winter snow storm coated Rocky Mountain National Park with almost 8 inches of snow. After driving up from Boulder early enough to make sunrise, I snowshoed up the Twin Sisters across the Tahosa Valley to this view of these peaks. The famous Diamond feature on the east face of Longs Peak was covered in clouds for most of the morning. From time to time the clouds would lift away and reveal the Diamond giving the appearance of a Volcanic erruption. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-on-bear-mountain---panoramic-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bearmtnpano-HT.jpg Fall on Bear Mountain - Panoramic View The fall colors are starting to peak near the summit of Bear Mountain State Park in New York's Hudson Valley. The reds and oranges of the maples mix in with the green leaves of the Mountain Laurel trees that surround the base of the trees. Bear Mountain which is part of New York's Pallisade Interstate Park is a great location for hiking and photography during all four seasons. Bear Mountain, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/glacier-gorge---longs-peak-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeakview-HT.jpg Glacier Gorge - Longs Peak View Longs Peak shines in the distance after a being coated by an early season snowstorm. Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park is certainly a transitional period. I photographed this scene in early October. The Aspen leaves have not yet fallen, but a fresh coat snow coats the peaks in the park. This scene may look fammilar to some, the Colorado Quarter minted by the U.S. Treasury gives a very simmilar perspective of Longs Peak and McHenrys peak near Glacier Gorge. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flatirons---chautaugua-meadows/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Winterflatirons-HT.jpg Flatirons - Chautaugua Meadows Snow and clear, crisp blue skies greet the famous Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado. This view of the Flatirons was photographed after an early fall snowstorm coated the peaks around Boulder with fresh powder. Chautaugua Park and meadow sits just below the Flatirons and is the gateway to much of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain trails. Boulder, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colors-of-fall---harriman-state-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harrimanfallpano-HT.jpg Colors of Fall - Harriman State Park Fall color explodes in New York's Hudson Valley. This small pond filled with yellowing lilly pads and vibrant fall colors is located a short distance from New York City in Harriman State Park. On this glorious fall day heavy rain and fog persisted making photography difficult. I had to wait for short breaks in the rain in order to expose my film and capture the colors in the soft misty light. They however, are my favorite conditions to photograph in. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rattlesnake-ridge---garden-of-the-gods/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GOGPikespeakpano-HT.jpg Rattlesnake Ridge - Garden of the Gods Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods are viewed from the Rattlesnake Ridge on the east side of this Colorado icon. The Kissing Camels can be seen framing Colorado's famous icon just outside of Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/placid-morning-at-cub-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/CubLakepano-HT.jpg Placid Morning at Cub Lake Stones peak reflects in Cub Lake as another beautiful morning unfolds in Rocky Mountain National Park. Cub Lake is an easy 2 mile hike from Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park but it's also one of the best areas to view Colorado wildlife such as Elk, Mule Deer and Coyote. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frozen-bear-lake-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Frozenbearaspens-HT.jpg Frozen Bear Lake Aspens Aspens above Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, hang on as seasons collide in the park. Winter does not want to wait for these aspens to slowly change and a light dusting of snow and rime ice coats this grove. Seasons in Colorado as well as Rocky Mountain National Park are often not well defined with the possibity of Snow just about anytime of year. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mesa-arch-wide/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mesaarchpano-HT.jpg Mesa Arch Wide The Sun crests over Utah's La Sal Mountains and lights the underside of Mesa Arch and the Canyonlands. Mesa Arch, located in Canyonlands National Park Island of the Sky unit is one of the Southwests must see locations. Canyonlands National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/heres-looking-at-you/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunflowerpano-HT.jpg Here's looking at you Large fields of Sunflowers are commonplace in the High Plains of Colorado. Late in the Summer one can find acres upon acres and rows upon rows of the yellow flowers lining the landscape. With the Sun at ones back, one almost feels as if they are being watched by minions of flowers. This particular field was a real treat to photograph as I discovered it only a few miles west of Boulder, Colorado. Boulder, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-in-the-west-elk-mountains/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WestElkpano-HT.jpg Fall in the West Elk Mountains The day is nearing its end in Coloroado's West Elk Mountains. East and West Beckwith along with Mt. Gunnison take in the last rays of the day as the base of their slopes are covered with golden Fall Aspen's. This view near Kebler Pass and Crested Butte, takes travelers through Colorado's largest Aspen Forest and is a favorite route during Fall. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/misty-morning-at-lake-nawahunta/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FoggyNawahunta-HT.jpg Misty Morning at Lake Nawahunta A light rain falls on Lake Nawahunta in Harriman State Park on a moody Fall morning. The trees in Harriman are at their peak as is much of this portion of lower New York State. The mists glides in and out of the trees and the smell of wet leaves and Autumn fills the air. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rocky-mountain-national-park-white-pines/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Rockywhitepinepano-HT.jpg Rocky Mountain National Park White Pines Rime Ice and a dusting of snow coats the Lodgepole Pines along Glacier Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lodgepole Pines or White Pines are common in the State of Colorado and much of the West. Sadly, many of these pines are now being ravaged by a Bark Beetle infestation. Many of these White Pines will succumb to the Beetle and will take hundreds of years to re-populate. Many of these trees will be replaced with competing species such as Aspen trees. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hudson-river-from-iona-island/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/IonaHudsonPano-HT.jpg Hudson River from Iona Island Brackish marshland along the banks of the Hudson River are viewed from Iona Island. Iona Island, now part of Bear Mountain State Park, is a popular location for bird watching as well as fishing. Iona Island is located about 40 miles north of New York City. Bear Mountain State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snake-river-panoramic-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Snakeriverpano-HT.jpg Snake River Panoramic Morning Near the to the location made famous by Ansel Adams, the Snake River winds its way through Grand Teton National Park. This is one of Wyomings Iconic locations and a must see for visitors of Jackson Hole and the Tetons. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sprague-lake-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguelakepano-HT.jpg Sprague Lake Sunrise First light breaks on Rocky Mountain National Park's Hallet Peak. The calm water of Sprague Lake set a tranquil scene in one of the Park's most visited locations. Colorado can experience fast moving weather. Although it is now calm, ominous clouds are forming over the divide which will later turn to large thunderstorms. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/maroon-bell-aspen-grove/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MaroonBellsAspen-HT.jpg Maroon Bell Aspen Grove Aspen groves near Colorado's famous Maroon Bells catch the last of the days Sun. The White River National Forest is home to some of Colorado's most beautiful Aspen groves. These beautiful trees are located very near to the posh Colorado town that takes their name, Aspen. White River National Forest, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sand-dunes-and-sunflowers/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/SandSunFlowers-HT.jpg Sand Dunes and Sunflowers August in the Great Sand Dunes is a great time for photography. While the San Luis Valley is one of Colorado's coldests spots during Winter, Summertime sings a different tune. Sunflowers rise from the slopes of the Great Sand Dunes National Park on this late Summer day. Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/panoramic-pawnee/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/PawneeButtes-HT.jpg Panoramic Pawnee Pawnee Buttes are located on Colorado's Eastern Plains. The Limestone Buttes are situated in the middle of the Pawnee National Grasslands 40 miles east of Greeley. Pawnee Buttes serene setting it surrounded by thousands of acres of grasslands and ranches and is a very quiet and peaceful place to spend a sunset. Pawnee Buttes National Grasslands, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/home-on-the-range/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MormonBarn-HT.jpg Home on the Range Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park sits as a testement to some of Jackson Hole's early settlers of Western descent. The National Park Service has kept the area in tact and the barn along this former settlement from a great backdrop to Wyoming's Grand Teton Range. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspen-canopy-along-kebler-pass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Keblercanopy-HT.jpg Aspen Canopy along Kebler Pass On a cool but sunny fall day, the Aspens are nearing peak on Kebler Pass. Looking up the Quaking Aspen leaves appear to shimmer amongst the cobalt blue sky of Western Colorado. Soon the seasons will change and Crested Butte will be host to thousands of skiers looking for fresh powder. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/oxbow-bend-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OxbowBend-1HT.jpg Oxbow Bend Sunrise The morning sunrise greets Mt. Moran along the banks of the Oxbow River in Grand Teton National Park. Oxbow Bend is one of Wyomings iconic and oft photographed locations. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-at-lake-nawahunta/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Nawahunta-Wide-1.jpg Morning at Lake Nawahunta The sun peaks briefly through the clouds at Harriman State Park. New York's fall color look splendid as the fog and low hanging cloud cover tries to burn off. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-over-columbine-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LongsColumbine.jpg Longs Peak over Columbine Falls 14,255 ft Longs Peak rises over Columbine Falls high above Rocky Mountain National Park. Columbine Falls flows below the 'Diamond' Longs Peaks well known eastern face. Longs Peak is an impressive view from many portions of Rocky Mountain National Park but is just as impressive when viewed from Colorado's Front Range. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pikes-peak-view-from-garden-of-the-gods/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pikes-Peak-1.jpg Pikes Peak View from Garden of the Gods Pikes Peak is scene through Gateway rock at Garden of the Gods just west of downtown Colorado Springs. Pikes Peak is one of Colorado and the Front Range iconic 14'er's. Colorado Springs, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/streaked-walls-of-zion/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Zion-Streaked-Wall.jpg Streaked Walls of Zion The sunrise breifly shines through the thick cloud cover over Zion National Park. The lighting, although brief helps highlight the red sandstone walls and streaks of varnish created by the occasional rains over the park. Sunrise in Utah often means cloudless blue skies and bright sunshine, springtime however, can produce conditions such as this. Zion National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sands-of-time/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sand-Dunes-1.jpg Sands of Time Great Sand Dunes National Monument near Alamosa, Colorado is host to the United States largest sand dune at over 750 ft. Winds in the San Luis Valley help shape and move the dunes. Each day the photographer is presented with a unique view as the winds have reshaped the dunes in the valley. Great Sand Dunes National Monument, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspen-rain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Pass-Aspens1.jpg Aspen Rain Kebler Pass is host to Colorado's largest Aspen grove. Each fall season this huge forest is privy to one of the best displays of fall color in the state. I shot this scene about 15 miles outside of Crested Butte, Colorado. The Aspens are at there peak and will soon shed there yellow leaves to make way for the changing of the seasons. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspen-symphony/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Aspens-9.jpg Aspen Symphony Aspens along Kebler Pass Road near Crested Butte, Colorado show off their brilliant fall color. Even the underbrush has turned orange and yellow as Winter approaches Colorado's largest Aspen grove. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/thunder-basin-windmill-and-cistern/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Wyomingcistern.jpg Thunder Basin Windmill and Cistern A Windmill and Cistern are viewed on the high plains of Wyoming near Bill. In this portion of Wyoming, Cattle and Antelope outnumber their Human companions. It's a calm Winter evening on the Thunder Basin grasslands as the sun sets over this desolate portion of the United States. Bill, Wyoming https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tribute-in-light-from-liberty-state-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tribute3.jpg Tribute in Light from Liberty State Park A tribute in light shines above lower Manhattan where the World Trade Centers once stood high above New York City. This view is from across the Hudson River at Liberty State Park. Jersey City, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/midtown-sunset-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Midtown4.jpg Midtown Sunset #1 The sun starts to set over New York City and Midtown Manhattan. The Hudson River reflects the pastel colors as the sun dips below the western horizon. Weehawken, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/george-washington-bridge/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GWbridge1.jpg George Washington Bridge The Hudson River and George Washington Bridge are viewed from Englewood, NJ looking east towards Manhattan and New York City. Englewood, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lower-manhattan-and-world-trade-centers/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/WTC2.jpg Lower Manhattan and World Trade Centers The World Trade Center photographed along the banks of the Hudson River from Liberty State Park, NJ. This was a cold February day in New York City but one that led to a beautiful sunset. Jersey City, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dusk-along-the-hudson-river/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Midtown3.jpg Dusk along the Hudson River Sunset comes to Midtown Manhattan as the sun pierces the clouds ending what has been a rainy day. The Chrysler building can be seen shimmering in the distance. The aircraft carrier Intrepid, one of New York City's most visited attractions can be seen docked in the Hudson river in the bottom left portion of the phot. Weehawken, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tribute-in-light---brooklyn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Brooklyntribute2.jpg Tribute in Light - Brooklyn Boats pass under the Manhattan Bridge as they glide along the East River and lower Manhattan. The Tribute lights shine brightly over the former location of the World Trade Center. This photograph of New York City is taken from the Brooklyn side of the East River. New York City, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/manhattan-and-empire-state-building/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/midtownnight1.jpg Manhattan and Empire State Building The Empire State Building stands high above the Hudson River as the sun sets over Midtown Manhattan. The New York City skyline shimmers with the colors of the sunset. This view of Midtown is taken from Weehawken, New Jersey. Weehawken, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hills-of-gold/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClure-Aspens-5.jpg Hills of Gold Golden Aspen tree's line the area around McClure Pass in central Colorado. These Aspen trees have turned from green to a brilliant gold in anticipation of the coming winter. The area around Marble is a great location for viewing some of Colorado's best fall color. Marble, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colorado-fall-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClure-Aspens-4.jpg Colorado Fall Aspens Aspens along McClure Pass in central Colorado show there fall splendor as they transistion from green to a brilliant gold. McClure Pass is located near the town of Marble and is host to one of Colorado most colorful and vibrant concentrations of Aspen groves. Marble, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/prickly-pear-cactus-in-bloom/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pricklypear1.jpg Prickly Pear Cactus in Bloom Prickly Pear cactus bloom amongst the sandstone outcrops along the Colorado River just outside of Moab, Utah. Prickly pear cactus typically bloom in early May in this portion of the Colorado Plateau. The bright yellow flower of the prickly pear helps add a splash of color to this desert landscape. Moab, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/clouds-and-waterpocket-fold/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Capitolreef1.jpg Clouds and Waterpocket Fold Menacing clouds form over the sandstone mesa's along the Waterpocket fold in Capitol Reef, National Park. Though these clouds appear menacing, southern Utah's dry climate will prevent these clouds from releasing any moisture on the already parched landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Capitol Reef National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/136-lbs-rail-at-east-portal-co/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/136lb-Rail.jpg 136 lbs Rail at East Portal, CO A pile of 136 lbs rail sits at the ready on Union Pacific's Moffat Subdivision. The rail is stacked at the East Portal of the Moffat tunnel to facilitate quick repairs to this vital coal route. The Moffat tunnel is located along Colorado's Front Range and is 8 miles long. East Portal, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/old-patriarch-cathedral-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Old-Patriarch-2.jpg Old Patriarch Cathedral View The Old Patriarch stands proudly along the base of the Grand Teton Mountains. This icon of the Grand Teton National Park is a thousand year old Limber Pine that sits on the flats east of the Teton Range. The original Park road through Grand Teton National Park passed near to this tree and made it a scenic highligh. Today, the tree is more difficult to find as the new park road passes about 1/2 mile west of the old grade. On this morning I hiked out across the flats hoping to shoot the classic Wyoming view of the Cathedral group framing the Old Patriarch. It was clear as I hiked out across the flats and damp sage but as the soon began to rise, fog quickly formed and only allowed for a partial view of the Cathedral group. The Old Patriarch however, was illuminated by the warm morning light as the Sun peaked through the newly formed fog. I often try to photograph under interesting skies. This morning was one of the most unique morning I have spent in the field. The smell of the damp sage brush, this ancient limber pine, and the quikcly forming fog made for a very memorable morning of photography. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-covered-aspens--along-bear-lake-rd/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Lake-Snowy-Aspens-1.jpg Snow Covered Aspens along Bear Lake Rd Rocky Mountain National Park is not known for prolific aspens stands such as are found in the western portion of the State of Colorado. The Bear Lake area of Rocky Mountain is an exception to this rule. A man made forest fire from a picnic gone awry near Bear Lake in the 1920's caused many of the Pines in the area to burn. These burned areas were re-populated with Aspen groves. In this view, the Aspens along Bear Lake Road are displaying their fall color as light snow and fog sifts through the trees. Even as snow fell on the forest this day, there was little wind and little traffic along Bear Lake Road. This made for a serene experience as light snow fluttered down on the brilliant yellow Aspen trees. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-at-tydall-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tyndall-Falls-2.jpg Morning at Tyndall Falls Tydall Falls cascades through the pines between Emerald Lake and Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mountain Blue Bells and wildflowers line the side of Tyndall Creek as Flattop Mountain rises high above the valley. Tyndall Falls is often coated with snow until mid July. After the snow finally melts, Colorado wildflowers bloom along the creek, saturated with the previous Winter's snowmelt. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/first-light-at-dream-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dream-Lake-6.jpg First Light at Dream Lake The first snow of the season has coated Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain at Dream Lake. It's the first week of September but Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park have already received a light dusting of snow. On this day the hike from Bear Lake was only wet as the snowline sat around 11,000 ft. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/marcellina--mountain-autumn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Marcelennamtn1.jpg Marcellina Mountain Autumn Red Scrub Oak and Yellow Aspens at there Autumn peak are photographed along the flanks of Marcellina Mountain outside of Crested Butte, Colorado. Marcellina Mountain is located about 16 miles outside of Crested Butte along Kebler Pass Road. Kebler Pass Road in the West Elk Mountains is one of Colorado's best areas to view fall color. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-on-kebler-pass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Aspens7.jpg Fall on Kebler Pass Kebler Pass features one of Colorado's largest Aspen groves. Every fall, just outside of Crested Butte, the Aspens put on a vibrant display of color. The golden Aspen leaves look great in Colorado's vibrant sunshine but look just as splendid on a rainy and foggy day. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rainy-days-of-fall---kebler-pass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Aspens6.jpg Rainy Days of Fall - Kebler Pass Rain pelts the photographer as the Aspens show off their bright yellow Autumn colors. Kebler Pass is located outside of Crested Butte and is one of the best areas to find fall color in all of Colorado. Wheather in Colorado during the fall can be warm and sunny, but can also be chilly and rainy as was the case when these Aspens where photographed. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/last-days-of-fall---kebler-pass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Aspens5.jpg Last days of Fall - Kebler Pass Autumn is in full swing on Kebler Pass as a large storm arrives in the West Elk Mountains. Both the Aspens and the Scrub Oak are at peak but the heavy rain and snow with the arriving front will strip most of the leaves from the forest. While photographing this scene outside of Crested Butte, fog swirled in and out of the forest and rain pelted the photographer. Colorado has some of the best fall color in the western United States, but scenes such as these may only last a brief time as the transition to Winter will occur quickly. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspen-eyes---kebler-pass-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Aspens-3.jpg Aspen Eyes - Kebler Pass Fall Both the Aspens and the underbrush turn a vibrant yellow and orange the first week of October as Fall is underway at Kebler Pass, Colorado. Kebler Pass features one of the largest Aspen groves in the State of Colorado. This scene was photographed about 15 miles outside of Crested Butte. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bear-lake-aspens-and-longs-peak/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeakfall4.jpg Bear Lake Aspens and Longs Peak Fall Aspens turn a brilliant gold and red on the hillsides up above Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. A light dusting of early season snow can already be seen on the westside of Longs Peak as clouds drift over Rocky Mountain National Park's tallest peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bear-lake-fall-view/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeakfall1.jpg Bear Lake Fall View The Aspens are at their peak above Bear lake on this spectacular fall morning. High cirrus clouds drift over Hallett Peak and the surface of Bear Lake is a smooth as glass. Fall in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful times of year in the park, and anyone who has spent time in Colorado knows that the first winter storm to hit the park will freeze the lake and strip the aspen trees of their leaves. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/frosted-pines---harriman-state-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FrostedPines1.jpg Frosted Pines - Harriman State Park Snow coated pines along the shores of Lake Kanawauke in Harriman State Park. Snow had fallen the night before in the Hudson Valley, but the skies cleared prior to sunrise. This allowed for fresh snow to be photographed under the warm light of sunrise. Harriman State Park is located in New York, 40 miles or so north of New York City. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-winter-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeak2.jpg Longs Peak Winter Sunrise 14,255 ft Longs Peak greets the Sun this windy Winter morning. Longs Peak is Colorado's northernmost 14'er and is the most identifiable peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. This view of the west side of Longs Peak was taken near Bear Lake and Flattop Mountain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/shades-of-fall-on-kebler-pass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebleraspens5.jpg Shades of Fall on Kebler Pass Misty rainy fall days in Colorado are some of my favorite conditions to photograph the autumn color in. The overcast diffused lighting allows for the subtle colors of a given photograph to pop. The combination of the wet aspen bark, orange ferns on the ground and peaking yellow aspen leaves were to much to pass. Scenes like these keep me going back to Kebler Pass just outside of Crested Butte, year after year. Crested Butte, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-at-coal-creek-canyon/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AmtrakSkitrain1.jpg Ski Train at Coal Creek Canyon The Ski Train is pictured at Tunnel 1 just west of Arvada, CO. The train is in the mouth of Coal Creek Canyon but will turn north and eventually follow the South Boulder Draw upgrade. The train is on its morning run between Denver and Winter Park, Colorado. The train will return from Winter Park to Denver later in the afternoon. The Ski train now runs with matching Ski Train units but prior to there arrivals Amtrak F-40PH's were used on the point. Arvada, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-at-tunnel-one/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrain4.jpg Ski Train at Tunnel One The Ski Train is seen moving up Colorado's Front Range at Tunnel One just west of Arvada. The Ski Train is making its way from Denver to the Ski Area at Winter Park. The train will continue to climb upgrade to the eight mile long Moffat Tunnel. When the Ski Train reaches the end of the eight mile Moffat Tunnel it will have arrived at Winter Park. Arvada, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-marker-car---union-station/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrainnight2.jpg Ski Train Marker Car - Union Station The Ski Train has completed is run from Denver to Winter Park and has just unloaded its passengers at Denver's Union Station. The Ski Train climbs over the Colorado Front Range from Denver to the ski resort of Winter Park. There Skiers disembark from the train and hit the slopes. The marker car is the last passenger car in the consist and is typically reserved for VIP's. Denver, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train---denver-union-station/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrainoffice1.jpg Ski Train - Denver Union Station The Ski Train, a Colorado tradition departs Union Station 2-3 days a week shuttling skiers from Denver to Winter Park. The Ski Trains neon sign lights the night air at Union Station. Denver, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/amtrak-california-zephyr-at-tunnel-one/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/AMTK3tunnel1.jpg Amtrak California Zephyr at Tunnel One Amtrak's California Zephry is pictured at the mouth of Coal Creek Canyon just east of Tunnel one at Arvada, CO. The Zephyr, reffered to as Amtrak #5 on the railraod travels between Chicago, IL and Oakland, CA. This scenic route will cross the Colorado Rockies, Utah's Wasatch front and the Siera Nevada range before arriving near sea level in Oakland, CA. Arvada, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/union-pacific-7111-east-at-leyden-co/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UP7111Leyden.jpg Union Pacific 7111 east at Leyden, CO A Union Pacific train loaded with western Colorado coal heads eastbound at Leyden. While still headed downgrade towards Denver, the train has navigated the majority of the difficult grade from the Moffat tunnel through the Front Range. Leyden, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bnsf-9625-south-at-husted-co/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BNSF9626cosprings1.jpg BNSF 9625 south at Husted, CO Two relativley clean BNSF SD-70MACS lead a loaded Powder River Coal train southbound near Husted. Husted is a few miles north of Colorado Springs along Colorado's Front Range. Husted, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/union-station-night/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UnionStationnight1.jpg Union Station Night The famous neon sign that sits atop Denver's Union Station shines brightly over Denver's lower downtown area. Union Station is the starting point for the famous Ski Train as well as a stop of Amtrak's Chicago to Oakland California Zephry's. Denver, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-westbound-to-winter-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrainsnow1.jpg Ski Train Westbound to Winter Park The Ski Train heads upgrade through the Front Range after a nice coating of snow has fallen the night before. The Ski Train is pictured here in the mouth of Coal Creek Canyon making its way towards Winter Park. The Ski Train shuttles skiers between Winter Park and Denver and after the fresh snow, a great day on the slopes. Arvada, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-at-denver-union-station/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrainnight1.jpg Ski Train at Denver Union Station The Ski Train is seen pulling into Denver's Union Station after a trip up the Moffat Road to the Winter Park Ski Resort. The Ski Train is a longtime Colorado tradition that ferrys Skiers from downtown Denver to the Slopes of Winter Park. The former Denver and Rio Grande right of way that the Ski Train traverses is some of the most scenic of any Railroad. The Ski Train climbs up over the Front Range and then through the eight mile long Moffat Tunnel before arriving at Winter Park. Denver, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bnsf-5071-at-broomfield-co/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BNSF5071Broomfield.jpg BNSF 5071 at Broomfield, CO BNSF 5071 continues its drive south towards its destination of Denver, Colorado. The train which originated in Laurel, Montana is passing and empty Valmont coal train on the siding at Broomfield, CO. Broomfield, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bnsf-5071-at-louisville-co/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BNSF5071louisville.jpg BNSF 5071 at Louisville, CO BNSF 5071 leads the Laurel, MT to Denver, CO manifest train southbound at Louisville, Colorado. A light dusting of snow has coated the Front Range this morning as the train continues south towards its final destination of Denver. BNSF's Front Range sub while typically hosting only 4-6 trains a day can still be a good place to photograph trains along the Front Range. Louisville, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/union-station---denver-colorado/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UnionStation1.jpg Union Station - Denver, Colorado Union Station's eastern facade welcomes travelers from around the country. Though Union Station is no longer as busy as it once was, the Ski Train, Amtrak's California Zephry's and RTD light rail all use the staion. It's neon sign encourages people to 'Travel by Train'. Denver, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/up-5995-at-leyden-co/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/UP5995Leyden.jpg UP 5995 at Leyden, CO Union Pacific 5995 leads a loaded coal train east on the Moffat Subdivision west of Denver. The train is decending downgrade towards Denver with coal from western Colorado. These rails were once part of the Denver and Rio Grande's Moffat road but are now owned by Union Pacific. Leyden, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bnsf-9360-at-irondale-co/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BNSF9360Irondale.jpg BNSF 9360 at Irondale, CO A new BNSF SD-70Ace approaches the south end of the siding at Irondale, Colorado. The shiny new locomotive is pulling empty coal cars that are headed north to the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. A small pond along the right of way reflects the consist as it easily makes track speed. Irondale, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bnsf-4404-rolls-down-collier-street/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BNSF4404longmont.jpg BNSF 4404 rolls down Collier Street BNSF 4404 leade the Laurel, MT to Denver, CO manifest train south throug Longmont, CO. Thie portion of BNSF's Front Range Sub splits Collier street in two portions and offers a unique view of trains moving through the middle of the street. Longmont, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/up-1989-pilots-ski-train/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrain1989.jpg UP 1989 Pilots Ski Train Union Pacific engine 1989, which is a commerative unit honring former Denver and Rio Grande Western leads the Ski Train up the Front Range. Though Union Pacific owns the rails the Ski Train travels along between Denver and Winter Park, Denver and Rio Grande ties are still strongly rooted in the Ski Train tradition. The Ski Train is seen rounding the curve just outside of Tunnel 1 as it continues its ascent towards the Winter Park Ski area. Arvada, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sugar-maple-reflection/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeNawahunta3.jpg Sugar Maple Reflection Sugar Maples reflect in Lake Nawahunta in Harriman State Park. Harriman State Park is located in New York's Hudson Valley Region. Harriman, which is located about 40 miles from New York City sports some of the best fall color displays in all the Hudson Valley as well as New York State. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-on-bear-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/BearMtFall1.jpg Fall on Bear Mountain The trees near the summit of Bear Mountain begin to show there fall color. Bear Mountain State Park is located near the Hudson River about 40 miles from New York City. Bear Mountain State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hudson-river-birches/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Hudsonbirches1.jpg Hudson River Birches A line of Paper Birches grows along the banks of the Hudson River in Bear Mountain State Park. The Birches can be found on Iona Island which is a tidal marsh located along the Hudson River. Bear Mountain State Park is located 40 miles or so north of New York City. Bear Mountain State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/routt-national-forest-aspen/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RouttAspen1.jpg Routt National Forest Aspen Aspens in the Routt National Forest outside of Toponas, Colorado begin to show there fall colors. The grasses and underbrush have already turned and the Aspen groves have started the turn to yellow. Toponas, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/henry-mountains-and-waterpocket-fold/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Henrymts1.jpg Henry Mountains and Waterpocket Fold Sunset on the Henry Mountains from Capitol Reef National Park. The Waterpocket Fold of Capitol Reef catches last light on its Sandstone fins as do the snowy peaks of Utah's Henry Mountains. Capitol Reef National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sulphur-creek-goosenecks/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sulphur-Creek.jpg Sulphur Creek Goosenecks Last light falls on the sandstone buttes at the goosenecks of Sulphur Creek. In the far distance, past the Waterpocket Fold, Utah's Henry Mountains can be seen in the distance from this popular overlook in Capitol Reef National Park. Though the park itself garners many visitors, the Henry Mountains were one of the last mapped mountain ranges in the lower 48 states. Capitol Reef National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/metate-arch-drifting/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Netatearch1.jpg Metate Arch Drifting Located in the Devils garden of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Metate arch is just one of the many unique sandstone formations in the Monument. Devils Garden is located along Hole in the Rock Road a hadful of miles for the town of Escalante, Utah. Grand Staircase Escalante N.M., UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/coopers-beach-driftwood-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach7.jpg Coopers Beach Driftwood #2 Driftwood along the shores of Southampton, New York's Coopers Beach. Storm clouds from the night before slowly begin to break over this beach on Long Islands South Shore. Coopers Beach is not only a popular beach in the Hamptons but often is rated as one of the best beaches in the United States. Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/early-snow-on-dream-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dream-Lake5.jpg Early Snow on Dream Lake A few weeks after Labor day and Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain have already received a fresh dusting of snow from a storm the night before. The calendar still says its Summer but its not uncommon for snow to fall early in September in Rocky Mountain National Park as well as most of Colorado's high country. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sugar-maples-in-harriman-state-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harrimanmaples3.jpg Sugar Maples in Harriman State Park A Sugar Maple canopy is viewed from the forest floor in Harriman State Park. Fall colors are at peak in the Hudson Valley and the Sugar Maples take on a vibrant orange. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-view-from-twin-sisters/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longsview1.jpg Longs Peak View from Twin Sisters Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker are viewed from across the Tahosa Valley from the Twin Sisters. Snow has yet to coat the summit of Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker but the Tundra above treeline is a vibrant orange in antacipation for the coming Winter. This photograph was taken during one of driest recorded periods in Rocky Mountain National Park's history. Typically there would be snow on the peaks, but this year only the shadows from the clouds and the silloute of the Twin Sisters covers the base of Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/the-little-matterhorn-and-fern-creek/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ferncreek2.jpg The Little Matterhorn and Fern Creek Fern creek flows out of Lake Odessa as the Little Matterhorn and Notchtop Moutain glow red as the sun rises. This location is a 4 mile hike from the Bear Lake trailhead and one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Little Matterhorn is named after the likeness of its Europeon counterpart. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mt-moran-from-oxbow-bend/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Oxbowbend1.jpg Mt. Moran from Oxbow Bend A purple hue bathes Mt. Moran along the shores of the Snake River at Oxbow Bend. This is one of the most photographed locations in Grand Teton National Park. Waterfowl, Moose and the occasional Grizzly Bear all travel through this location. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/maple-canopy-harriman-state-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harrimanmaples1.jpg Maple Canopy, Harriman State Park Fall Sugar Maples turn a brilliant orange in Harriman State Park. Harriman State Park and the entire Hudson Valley Region was at Fall Peak when this photograph was taken Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/south-window-arch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Southwindowarch1.jpg South Window Arch Clouds glide over South Window Arch on a very warm August morning. The Sun has been up for less than an hour but temperatures already are reaching 90 degrees. South window is attached to North window arch which is just out of the frame to the right. These two Arches have been nicknamed the 'Spectacles'. Arches National Park is located just outside the town of Moab Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/calf-creek-gambel-oaks/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Calfcreek1.jpg Calf Creek Gambel Oaks Hiking along the trail to Calf Creek Falls, the Sandstone walls were illuminated by the Sun. The many groves of Gambel Oaks were still in shadow. I quickly got my camera out to photography the Oaks as they soon to would be illuminated by the Sun as it rose higher in the Sky. Calf Creek Falls is located in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Calf Creek Falls are spectacular but the hike in to the falls presents may oppurtunities as well Grand Stair Case Escalante NM, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/delicate-arch-and-la-sal-mountains/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Delicatearch1.jpg Delicate Arch and La Sal Mountains Delicate Arch frames Mt. Werner and the La Sal Mountains from Arches National Park. Delicate Arch is probably one of the most photographed and well known icons in the state of Utah for good reason. Arches National Park lies just outside the town of Moab adjacent to Canyonlands National Park Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-sunrise-on-the-bierdstadt-moraine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Halletpeak1.jpg Autumn Sunrise On The Bierdstadt Moraine Pastel clouds swirl around and over Hallet peak on a stunning autumn morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Aspens on the Bierdstadt Moraine east of Hallet Peak glow a brilliant yellow as they near their peak. High peak and golden fall aspen's certainly make for the classic Colorado autumn postcard scene Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pin-oak-and-leaf/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ionapinoak1.jpg Pin Oak and Leaf A Pin Oak Leaf lies at the base of the tree it once called home. Moss and Lichen coats the base of this Pin Oak found in a grove at Iona Island. Iona Island is in Bear Mountain State Park and is a beautiful Tidal Marsh area located along the Hudson River Bear Mountain State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierstadt-lake-fire/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Spraguesunrise1.jpg Bierstadt Lake Fire The pines along Bierstadt Lake appear to be sentinels watching the sunrise unfold before them. Lenticular clouds help to add drama to this sunrise. I had planned on hiking to Bierstadt lake to shoot a reflection of the Divide looking west. High winds prevented this, but they also helped to create these Lenticular clouds east of me which help to make this a memorable morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/otis-peak-sunsrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/MtOtis1.jpg Otis Peak Sunsrise Rocky Mountain National Park can be one of the windiest locations during any of the four seasons. Late fall is no exception to this rule. On this morning, high winds combine to blow snow and clouds around the summit of Otis Peak as sunrise paints the peak in a pink pastel. Otis peak sits between Hallet peak and Taylor peak and can be viewed from the Glacier Gorge, Bear Lake areas Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rocky-mountain-dawn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RMNP1.jpg Rocky Mountain Dawn I was on my way to the Bear Lake trailhead this morning to shoot sunsrise. On my way up Bear Lake road I caught this view out of the corner of my eye on one of the last turnouts before the parking lot. Fog was lifting out of the valleys below while the sunrise to the east of my location created this incridble red glow. This was one of the best sunrises I have witnessed in the Park Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/trail-of-leaves/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harrimantrail1.jpg Trail of Leaves Fall leaves cover the Trail leading towards Tioratti Falls in Harriman State Park. Fall color in this part of the park was at its peak as was the Color throughout most of the Hudson Highland region. The overcast skies created a nice even glow to the forest canopy Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lake-kanawauke-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LakeKanawauke1.jpg Lake Kanawauke Morning Fall Color reflects in Lake Kanawauke in Harriman State Park. Harriman State Park is located in the Hudson Valley region of New York and boast some of the regions best fall color Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/harriman-sugar-maples/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harriman3.jpg Harriman Sugar Maples Sugar Maples and underbrush turn a bright orange and red as fall is in full swing in the Hudson River Valley. Harriman State Park boasts some of the Northeast's best fall color every October Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/gore-pass-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gorepassaspens1.jpg Gore Pass Aspens Aspens atop of Gore Pass show of there splendor on this fall day Gore Pass, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspens-and-snow-falling/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/GlacierGorgeaspesn1.jpg Aspens and Snow Falling A pair of aspen boles stand unwavering as snow falls amongst the forest and trees in the valley around Glacier Gorge in Rocky Mountain National Park. The light and airy Colorado powder looks great as it blends in amongst the off white branches of the aspen trees of Glacier Gorge. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/north-window-arch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Northwindow1.jpg North Window Arch North Window arch at Sunrise. Finding clouds in Utah can be a challage some days. Luck was on my side this morning and I was able to photograph this scene with both the early morning light, and nice cloud formations Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fog-and-fall-maples/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harriman4.jpg Fog and Fall Maples Mist and fog sifts through these Sugar Maple groves in Harriman State Park. Each year Harriman State Park in New York's Hudson Valley shows off some of the best fall color on the East Coast Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/harriman-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harriman1.jpg Harriman Fall Fall color is in full peak in this small pond in Harriman State Park in New York's Hudson Valley Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pond-lillies-and-clouds-on-nymph-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nymphlake2.jpg Pond Lillies And Clouds On Nymph Lake Clouds reflect off the surface of Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. By the middle of summer, Nymph Lakes surface will be covered with these beautiful pond lillies. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-sugar-maples-harriman-state-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harrimanmaples2.jpg Fall Sugar Maples, Harriman State Park Sugar Maples in Harriman State Park turn a brilliant orange and yellow as fall colors begin to peak in the Hudson Valley Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/indian-peaks-sunset/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Eriesunset1.jpg Indian Peaks Sunset An amazing sunset unfolds along the Front Range. Pawnee peak and the Indian Peaks Wilderness turn gold in this view from Erie Erie, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/shoshone-peak--lake-isabelle/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lakeisabelle1.jpg Shoshone Peak , Lake Isabelle Shoshone peak catches the first rays of the day on a windy morning in the Indian Peaks Wilderness just west of Brainard Lake near Boulder. Indian Peaks, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/indian-peaks-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lakeisabell2.jpg Indian Peaks Sunrise Shoshone Peak catches first light just above Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area just west of Boulder Indian Peaks, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lake-haiyaha-calm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Haiyaha3.jpg Lake Haiyaha Calm Soft diffused sunrise alpenglow light filters over Hallet Peak and the rocky shore line of Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park. The pink hue of the Colorado morning casts a subtle but powerful glow over the placid scene this summer morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bryce-canyon-sunset/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunrise-Point2.jpg Bryce Canyon Sunset Sunset at Bryce Canyon National Park from Sunrise Point. The sun has dipped below the horizon and the Earth's shadow can be seen above the Hoodoo's of Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-grasses-at-chautauqua-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-11.jpg Fall Grasses At Chautauqua Park The colors of Autumn fill the meadow of Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado. Bluestem grass is highlighted by the fire like sunrise over the famous Flatirons. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-aspens-and-mt-sneffels/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mt.Sneffels6.jpg Fall Aspens and Mt. Sneffels Mt. Sneffels shows a fresh dusting of snow as the Aspens change a brillant shade of yellow thousands of feet below the summit Ridgeway, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lost-lake-slough-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/LostLakeSlough1.jpg Lost Lake Slough, Fall Fall Aspens reflect in Lost Lake Slough just off of Kebler Pass near Crested Butte Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/high-tide-old-fort-pond/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Oldfortpond2.jpg High Tide, Old Fort Pond High tide rolls in along the shores and docks of Old Fort Pond in Southampton, New York after another glorious day in the Hamptons Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/odessa-lake-blue/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/OdessaLake1.jpg Odessa Lake Blue Cyrstal clear blue skies and calm winds let the Little Matterhorn and Notchtop Mountain reflect perfectly in a mirror smooth Odessa Lake deep in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park, Coloardo https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/blooming-laurels-on-bear-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Mt.-Laurels-2.jpg Blooming Laurels on Bear Mountain Mountain Laurel bushes bloom along the slopes of the Hudson Highlands in Bear Mountain State Park Bear Mountain State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-on-ponderosas/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/FlagstaffMtnPoderosa2.jpg Snow on Ponderosa's Fresh snow coats the Pondrosa Pines along the rocky slopes just west of Boulder, Colorado on Flagstaff Mountain Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/elbow-beach-pastel-sunset/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elbow-Beach-2.jpg Elbow Beach Pastel Sunset A beautiful pastel sunset amongst the Palm trees along the shores of Elbow Beach, Bermuda Elbow Beach, Bermuda https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/on-the-road-to-bear-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Lake-Aspens-3.jpg On The Road To Bear Lake A wild display of fall color takes places at all levels of Rocky Mountain National Park. I was on my way up to the Bear Lake trailhead when this rainbow of colors caught my attention from the corner of my eye. I quickly found a place to park my vehicle and hiked in to the location to explore different compositions with camera in hand. Most people think of fall color in Colorado as mostly golden Aspen and Cottonwood trees. Look hard enough and there are lots of oranges and reds as well. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/watermill-beach-paradise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Watermill-Beach-5.jpg Watermill Beach Paradise The Dunes of Watermill Beach lead to this beautiful spot on Long Islands South Shore in the Hamptons Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/watermill-beach-and-dune-fence/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Watermill-Beach-2.jpg Watermill Beach and Dune Fence Morning at Watermill beach. Watermill beach is one of Southamptons nicest beaches and a great place to spend the day Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/finger-lakes-potting-shed/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pottingshed4.jpg Finger Lakes Potting Shed Potting Shed Window and Door in the Finger Lakes Region of New York Elmira, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hamptons-driftwood/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach6.jpg Hamptons Driftwood A storm clears off Coopers Beach revealing this piece of Driftwood along Long Islands South Shore. Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/potting-shed-window-and-door-3/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pottingshed3.jpg Potting Shed Window and Door #3 Potting Shed in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York Elmira, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/potting-shed-window-and-door-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pottingshed2.jpg Potting Shed Window and Door #2 Potting Shed window and door in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York Elmira, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/potting-shed-window-and-door-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pottingshed1.jpg Potting Shed Window and Door #1 Potting Shed window and door in the Finger Lake region of New York. Elmira, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/coopers-beach-calm/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach5.jpg Coopers Beach Calm Storm clouds move out of the Hamptons and the South Shore of Long Island. Coopers Beach reveals a placid Hamptons Morning. Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/clearing-storm-and-driftwood/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach4.jpg Clearing Storm and Driftwood A storm begins to clear Long Islands South Shore at Coopers Beach. Driftwood sways in the surf as the storm moves out of the Hamptons Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/driftwood-and-surf/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach3.jpg Driftwood and Surf Driftwood and surf at Coopers Beach in Southampton, NY. Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/morning-calm-at-coopers-beach/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach2.jpg Morning Calm at Coopers Beach Sunrise reveals calm surf at Coopers Beach Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/coopers-beach-and-dune-grass/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Coopersbeach1.jpg Coopers Beach and Dune Grass Sunrise at Coopers Beach in Southampton, NY. Dune grass covers the beach edges leading to the beach Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ghosts-of-the-yellowstone/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Yellowstone-River.jpg Ghosts of the Yellowstone Fog and mist in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. This was photographed just below the lower falls of the Yellowstone. The Grand Canyon of the the Yellowstone River is one of the scenic highlights of Wyoming as well as Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/world-trade-centers-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/World-Trade-Center-2.jpg World Trade Centers 2 World Trade Centers from Liberty State Park at Sunset Jersey City, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/world-trade-centers-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/World-Trade-Center-1.jpg World Trade Centers 1 World Trade Centers from Liberty State Park along the Hudson River Jersey City, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wilson-peak/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Wilson-Peak.jpg Wilson Peak Wilson Peak in the Fall from Silver Pick Road near Telluride Telluride, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/white-sands-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Whitesands1.jpg White Sands #1 A Pair of Yuccas sit atop the White Sand Dunes. The gypsum dunes of White Sands are a great place to photograph. Although this is a National Monument, much of the Dunes is part of a Missle testing range White Sands National Monument https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/white-river-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/White-River-Aspens.jpg White River Aspens Fall color along Maroon Creek near Aspen. This grove was located along Maroon Creek road on the way to the iconic Maroon Bells. Although the Sun did not shine on the 'Bells' this morning, the trip up yielded this result. Photographing Aspens in overcast lighting produces subtle but stunning results. This is my favorite wheather condition to photograph the changing fall colors in Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/west-elk-mountains-in-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/West-Elks.jpg West Elk Mountains in Fall Speckled light filters through the Aspens in the West Elks near Crested Butte Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/watkins-glenn/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Watkins-Glenn.jpg Watkins Glenn Watkins Glenn is located just Southeast of Seneca Lake. The Glenn is a pleasant 2 mile hike under and through Waterfalls and Cascades. Even on a sunny day, your likely to get wet. Watkins Glenn, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dune-fence-watermill-beach/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Watermill-Beach-6.jpg Dune Fence, Watermill Beach A Dune Fence along Watermill Beach, Southampton. These dune fences are found along many of the beaches of the Hamptons to protect the dunes from storm and wind erosion Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/watermill-beach-southampton/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Watermill-Beach.jpg Watermill Beach, Southampton Watermill beach and dunes on a calm morning in the Hamptons Southampton, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tyndall-falls-and-flattop-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tyndall-Falls-1.jpg Tyndall Falls and Flattop Mountain Tyndall Creek rushes below Flattop Mountain. This cascade is located in Rocky Mountain National Park. It sits between beautiful Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. It's a short 1.5 mile hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tyndall-creek-and-flattop-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tyndall-Creek-1.jpg Tyndall Creek and Flattop Mountain Tyndall Creek glides downstream towards Dream Lake. Clouds glide over the summit of Flattop Mountain on this beautiful morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tyndall-bouquet/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tyndall-Creek.jpg Tyndall Bouquet Mountain Blue Bells and Arnica line Tyndall Creek in Rocky Mountain National Park just west of Dream Lake. Tyndall Creek, located near the base of Hallet Peak and Emerald Lake is a popular destination for hikers and visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tribute-in-light/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tribute-Liberty-State-Park.jpg Tribute in Light Tribute in Light from Liberty State Park, New Jersey Jersey City, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunflowers-along-trail-ridge/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Trail-Ridge-Sunflowers.jpg Sunflowers along Trail Ridge Prolific Alpine Sunflowers line the slopes along Trail Ridge Road looking west towards the Never Summer Mountains. These Alpine wildflowers also know as 'Old Man of the Mountain' prolificly bloom in 5 year cycles Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/brooklyn-tribute/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tirbute-Brooklyn.jpg Brooklyn Tribute Tribute in light honors the place where the World Trade Center's once stood. Brooklyn, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/tioratti-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Tioratti-Falls.jpg Tioratti Falls Tioratti Falls and Fall Color in Harriman State Park. This is one of my favorite sections of Harriman State Park. These falls are tucked in amongst the foilage and are a short 1 mile hike from the roadside. This is a great location in both spring and fall Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/taylor-peak-and-the-loch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/The-Loch.jpg Taylor Peak and The Loch Taylor Peak reflects in The Loch on a georgeous morning in Glacier Gorge. The Loch gets its name from an early Scotish vistor to the area who spent the night in Glacier Gorge waiting out a heavy snowstorm. Glacier Gorge and the Loch is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular hiking destination and is a must see for any Colorado visitor. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunflowers-and-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunflowers-4.jpg Sunflowers and Flatirons Sunflowers populate a field east of the Flatirons near Boulder. This was one of my greatest days in the field. I managed to photograph this cloud bank over the divide for about 20 minutes before the sun was covered by clouds. Boulder, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunflower-panorama-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunflowers-3.jpg Sunflower Panorama #1 Sunflowers along the Front Range near Boulder. This field was located east of Boulder near Lookout road. The field has not been replanted with Sunflowers since this photo was taken. Having both Sun and clouds over the field only helped to make this scene really pop. Boulder, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/front-range-sunflowers-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunflowers-2.jpg Front Range Sunflowers #2 Sunflowers as far as the eye can see stretch out along the Front Range near Boulder, Colorado. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/front-range-sunflowers/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sunflowers-1.jpg Front Range Sunflowers Front Range Sunflowers greet the Sun if only for a few minutes. This Sunflower field was located east of Boulder, Colorado. Off in the distance to the west, the Rocky Mountains and the Indian Peaks Wilderness area can be seen. I visited this field each morning in an attempt to capture alternate views and moods. This morning was the most dynamic of any of the time I spent in this large Sunflower field. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/storm-pass-aspens-and-snow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Storm-Pass-Aspens.jpg Storm Pass Aspens and Snow Fresh Snow helps to usher in a change of season as the Aspen leves turn a golden yellow near the Storm Pass trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sprague-lake-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Sprague-Lake.jpg Sprague Lake Morning Clouds and sun at Sprague Lake one brilliant morning. Otis Peak, Hallet Peak and Thatchtop glow a stunning red as clouds float overhead. Sprague Lake was once home to the Sprague Inn, a popular fishing resort run by Abner Sprague, a Colorado pioneer whom homesteaded on this property prior to it becoming Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snake-river-overlook/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Snake-River-2.jpg Snake River Overlook Grand Tetons and Snake River. This view was made famous by Ansel Adams. Although the view is still spectacular, the foilage has grown quite a bit from the time that Ansel made his famous photograph Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snake-river-and-grand-tetons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Snake-River.jpg Snake River and Grand Tetons Snake River and Grand Tetons from the Snake River Overlook. In a scene similar to Ansel Adams famous photograph the sun peaks through the clouds backlighting the Snake River and the Grand Tetons Cathedral Group. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/schwabachers-landing/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Schwabachers-Landing.jpg Schwabachers Landing The Grand Tetons reflect in Schwabachers Landing near the Snake River Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mt-owen-and-the-ruby-range/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ruby-Range.jpg Mt. Owen and the Ruby Range A splash of color covers the Dyke at the base of Mt. Owen along Kebler Pass Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/last-light-rock-cut/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Rock-Cut.jpg Last Light, Rock Cut Last light hits the Divide. Longs Peak turns pink in this view from the Rock Cut along Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's big attractions. Vistor who drive the road between Estes Park and Grand Lake are treated to fantastic alpine scenery. Trail Ridge Road which reaches over 12,000 ft is also the highest continuous paved road in both Colorado as well as the United States. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/white-pines/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RMNP-White-Pines.jpg White Pines Hoar Frost and a light dusting of snow coats the Lodgepole Pines along Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/rock-cut-panorama/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/RMNP-Rock-Cut.jpg Rock Cut Panorama Sunset from the Rock Cut. Clouds and sun light the peaks along the Divide from Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-falling-on-giants/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Ponderosa-Beaver-Meadows.jpg Snow Falling On Giants A fluffy light snow continues to fall on the Ponderosa Pine trees of Horseshoe Park. Snow coats the pine bows of these beautiful and large trees found amongst the lower elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pawnee-buttes/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Pawnee-Buttes.jpg Pawnee Buttes Another day comes to an end on the Eastern Plains. Pawnee Buttes is located on Colorado's eastern plains in the Pawnee National Grasslands Pawnee National Grasslands, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/onahu-creek/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Onahu-Creek.jpg Onahu Creek Onahu Creek moves through downed timber on it's way towards the Colorado River. Onahu Creek is located on Rocky Mountain National Park's west side near Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/old-patriarch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Old-Patriarch.jpg Old Patriarch The Old Patriarch, a thousand year old Limber Pine greets the sun as the fog lifts behind the Teton Range and the Cathedral View Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lilly-pads-and-nymph-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Nymph-Lake2.jpg Lilly Pads and Nymph Lake Hallett Peak reflects in Nymph Lake. Every July the pond lillies bloom on the lake presenting stunning yellow flowers. This July a combination of little wind and puffy clouds above Hallett Peak made for a picture perfect morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/notchtop-below-two-rivers/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Notchtop-Mtn.jpg Notchtop below Two Rivers A small tarn located just below Two Rivers Lake reflects Notchtop Mountain this morning. Two Rivers Lake is located at the base of Notchtop Mountain which is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most striking peak. A 3 mile hike from the Bear Lake trailhead will allow visitors to view Colorado scenery at its best. Rocky Mountain National Park, Coloardo https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/desert-eye/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/North-Window-2.jpg Desert Eye Clouds skirt above North Window Arch on a warm but beautiful morning in Arches National Park. Arches National Park is located near the town of Moab, Utah. Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/north-window-and-turret-arch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/North-Window.jpg North Window and Turret Arch First light greets North Window and reveals Turret Arch. Arches National Park features hundreds of natural arches. This popular location allows one to view one arch through the other Arches National Park, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/jackson-lake-dusk/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Jacksonlake1.jpg Jackson Lake Dusk After a violent thunderstorm, pastel light bathes Mt. Moran and the Grand Tetons from the shores of Jackson Lake Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/winter-sunrise-mummy-range/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mummy-Range.jpg Winter Sunrise, Mummy Range The Mummy Range greets early morning light on a cold February day in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Mummy range is named after its likeness to a resting Mummy. If one looks long enough and uses enough immagination, the head and body of the Mummy resting can bee seen. This view is from Trail Ridge Road, just a short distance from Estes Park, Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/grand-teton-sunrise-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moulton-Barn2.jpg Grand Teton Sunrise #2 Moulton Barn frames the Grand Tetons from Mormon Row Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moulton-barn-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moulton-Barn.jpg Moulton Barn #2 Moulton Barn is flaked by the Grand Tetons on this beautiful morning. Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/grand-teton-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mormon-Row.jpg Grand Teton Sunrise Mormon Row and the Grand Tetons greet the sun for another beautiful morning. Grand Teton, National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mormon-row-panoramic/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mormon-Barn-2.jpg Mormon Row Panoramic Mormon Barn along Mormon Row. This barn is one of the original structures built by early Mormon settlers to the Jackson valley or 'Hole' Grand Teton National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/spring-in-moraine-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moraine-Park2.jpg Spring in Moraine Park Fresh snow coats the Boulder along the Big Thompson River as winter refuses to release its grip on the divide. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/moraine-park-morning/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Moraine-Park.jpg Moraine Park Morning Sunrise illuminates Moraine Park and Stones Peak along the Big Thompson river. Some of the best area to view sunrises in Rocky Mountain Natinonal Park are along the Big Thompson river. This particular are is a favorite for anglers looking for trout. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/manhattan-at-night/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Midtown-Night.jpg Manhattan at Night Midtown Manhattan glows along the banks of the Hudson River Weehawken, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/midtown-sunset/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Midtown-Day.jpg Midtown Sunset The clouds break at Sunset to bathe Midtown Manhattan and the Circle Line Weehawken, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/canyonlands-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Mesa-Arch.jpg Canyonlands Sunrise Mesa Arch at sunrise. This iconic spot is a favorite of photographers for obvious reasons. When the sun rises above Utah's La Sal Mountain to the east Mesa Arch underside glows red. There are actually two arches in this photo. Washer Women Arch can be seen in the middle left portion of the photo mixed amongst the high buttes. Canyonlands, National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mcclure-pass-panorama/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClure-Pass-Aspens-Fall.jpg McClure Pass Panorama Vivid Fall Color along McClure Pass. Typically Aspen trees in Colorado will turn yellow during fall. This group of trees at the base of McClure Pass often yields brilliant yellow and red Marble, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/seasons-of-change/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClure-Pass-Aspens-3.jpg Seasons of Change Fall Color begins to fill in along the underbrush on McClure Pass Marble, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-in-beaver-winter-on-longs/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Longspeak1.jpg Autumn In Beaver, Winter on Longs Sunrise lights up Longs Peak from upper Beaver Meadows. An early Autumn snow storm has coated the summit of Longs Peak as well as the Ponderosa and Aspen trees of upper Beaver Meadows with fresh snow. I've photographed this location many times in Rocky Mountain National Park. This was the first time I was able to get fresh snow not only on Longs Peak, but also on the surrounding trees in upper Beaver Meadow. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mcclure-pass-aspens-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClure-Aspens-2.jpg McClure Pass Aspens #2 Vibrant fall color along McClure Pass. McClure Pass is one of the few places in Colorado where one can photograph red and orange Aspens along with the more typical yellow Aspen. Marble, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mcclure-pass-aspens-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/McClure-Aspens.jpg McClure Pass Aspens #1 Fall color explodes along McClure Pass. This grove which sits just above the town of Marble is well know for its orange and red Aspens Marble, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/maroon-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Maroon-Lake.jpg Maroon Lake Maroon Bells reflect in Maroon Lake. This location ranks as one of the most photographed locations in the west. You can often find 200 of your closet freinds lined up along the lake most fall mornings hoping to capture this postcard scene Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/wild-iris-and-the-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatironswildiris.jpg Wild Iris and the Flatirons Wild Iris grow along the base of the Flatirons. These Wild Iris grow in a small drainage each spring in the Chautauqua park meadow Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/maroon-bells-lemon-lime/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Maroon-Bells-.jpg Maroon Bells-Lemon Lime Sunrise on the Maroon Bells. One of Colorado's most iconic locations lives up to its reputation this fall morning. Aspen, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lower-falls-of-the-yellowstone/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lower-Yellowstone.jpg Lower Falls of the Yellowstone Fog clears the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone. When I first arrived to shoot this scene I could not even see the falls, though the noise created certainly made their presense felt. The sun burned the fog away and in between exposing my 4x5 film, I watched a pair of Osprey's dive for fish in the Yellowstone River. Yellowstone National Park, WY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lost-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lost-Lake-Aspens.jpg Lost Aspens Colorado Fall Aspens at Lost Lake. I found this Aspen grove on Lost Lake Road late one fall evening. The sun was starting to set behind the West Elk Mountains but this grove of aspens shimmered in the late evening light. Lost Lake is located 15 miles or so from Crested Butte along Kebler Pass Road. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lilly-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lilly-Lake.jpg Lily Lake Dawn Longs Peak and Mount Meeker reflect in Lily Lake. This is a popular lake located off Highway 7 in the Tahosa Valley. Lily Lake lies close to Enos Mills original cabin. Enos Mills was a great activist in helping Rocky Mountain National Park achieve its designation as a national park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/yuccas-and-snow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Leigon-Park-Yucca.jpg Yuccas and Snow Snow coated Yuccas and fog. These Yuccas grow on many of the western slopes of the Front Range Foothills. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/last-dollar-road/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Last-Dollar-Fall-.jpg Last Dollar Road Aspens turn as fog sifts through the trees along Last Dollar Road Telluride, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-3/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrain3.jpg Ski Train 3 Ski Train shown rounding the curve just past Tunnel 1 Plainview, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-at-plainview/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrain2.jpg Ski Train at Plainview Ski Train climbing the grade out of Denver near Plainview, Colorado. Plainview, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/ski-train-at-tunnel-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Skitrain1.jpg Ski Train at Tunnel 1 The Ski Train continues its climb up the Front Range Plainview, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dallas-divide-fall-color/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Last-Dollar.jpg Dallas Divide Fall Color Fall color along the Dallas Divide. Driving from Telluride to Ouray one fall afternoon I drove by this scene and quickly turned around. This photograph was taken just past Last Dollar Road. The backlight Aspen grove and the whispy clouds over the Dallas Divide provided a postcard scene this day. Ridgeway, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/landscape-arch/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Landscape-Arch.jpg Landscape Arch Landscape Arch glows in the early morning desert light. Erosion from freezing and thawing has thined this arch. Arches, National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/nawahunta-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Nawahunta2.jpg Nawahunta Fall Sunrise at Lake Nawahunta. Lake Nawahunta in Harriman State Park sits perfectly still on this autumn morning. The reflection however, would soon be broken by a pair of nesting swans that inhabit the lake. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunrise-at-lake-nawahunta/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Nawahunta.jpg Sunrise at Lake Nawahunta Fall colors along the shores of Nawahunta. Dark clouds are present north of the lake and the sunlight soon dissapeared behind the clouds. This was a perfect day in my book. Great early morning light that gives way to subtle overcast lighting which allowed me to continue to shoot these fall scenes in Harriman the rest of the morning. Harriman State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lake-haiyaha-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Haiyaha.jpg Lake Haiyaha Sunrise Hallet Peak reflects in Lake Haiyaha. Lake Haiyaha is a Native American term which means "many rocks". Visitors to this lake quickly understand where the name came from. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/marcellina-mountain-fall/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Pass-2.jpg Marcellina Mountain Fall Fall color along the flanks of Marcellina Mountain. This scene is located along Kebler Pass Road, about 16 miles from Crested Butte. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/east-beckwith-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Aspens4.jpg East Beckwith Sunrise Fog clears to reveal sunrise on Mt. Beckwith. This beaver pond along Kebler Pass Road reflects the fog and mountain quite well this morning. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/kebler-pass-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Aspens2.jpg Kebler Pass Aspens Fall color along Kebler Pass. About 15 miles outside of Crested Butte, the fall color sings in one of the largest Aspen groves in the state of Colorado. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aspen-canopy/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Kebler-Aspens.jpg Aspen Canopy Fall Aspens along Kebler Pass with a view from the ground. Looking up from the forest floor provided this view of the proud grove of trees. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hudson-river-reflection/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Iona-Island.jpg Hudson River Reflection Hudson River at Iona Island. Iona Island is a tidal marsh that sits along the west shore of the Hudson River. Not only is this a favorite spot of birders, but its also a favorite spot of fisherman and crabbers alike. Bear Moutain State Park, NY https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-color-and-pond/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harriman-Fall.jpg Fall Color and Pond Fall colors at Harriman State Park. Sugar Maples and pond lillies present a spectacular scene. Harriman State Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/harriman-state-park/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Harriman-2.jpg Harriman State Park Harriman State Park at sunrise. The clouds parted just long enough to light this pond and trees with the early morning light. Harriman State Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/gothic-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Gothic-Rd-Aspens.jpg Gothic Aspens Fall Aspens along Gothic Road. This photograph was taken between Mt. Crested Butte and the small town of Gothic. As is typical, the fall color did not dissapoint this year. Crested Butte, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hudson-river---george-washington-bridge/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/George-Washington-Bridge.jpg Hudson River - George Washington Bridge The Hudson River glides under the George Washington Bridge. This view is looking east from New Jersey over the Hudson to New York and Manhattan. Englewood, NJ https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/clouds-of-the-gods/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Garden-of-the-Gods2.jpg Clouds of the Gods Clouds form over the garden during sunrise. Garden of the Gods https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/garden-of-the-gods/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Garden-of-the-Gods1.jpg Garden of The Gods Sunrise over the garden. This One Seed Juniper frames the garden nicely as the rocks turn a vibrant red as the sun rises over the eastern plains. Garden of the Gods, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/garden-of-the-gods-2/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Garden-of-the-Gods.jpg Garden of the Gods #2 One Seed Junipers frame sunrise on this Memorial Day morning. Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs and offers many great views of red rocks as well as the Front Range. Garden of the Gods, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flatirons-winter-panorama/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-Winter-2.jpg Flatirons Winter Panorama Fresh snow on the Flatirons from Chautaugua Meadows just outside of Boulder. Boulder, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-on-the-flatirons/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-Winter.jpg Snow on the Flatirons Fresh snow coats the Flatirons and adjacent meadow. This meadow is located in Chautauqua Park and is one of Boulder's scenic highlights. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/stormy-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-Sweet-Pea.jpg Stormy Sunrise Sunlight briefly touches the Flatirons in Chautaugua Park. On this morning a clouds covered the entire sky. To the east I had a tiny break in the clouds that lit the Flatirons briefly. I was able to expose two sheets of film with my slow 4x5 camera before the sun went behind the clouds for the rest of the morning. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/golden-banner-and-moonset/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-Golden-Banner.jpg Golden Banner and Moonset Moonset over Chautaugua. Golden Banner or Yellow Pea sways in a gentle breeze as the Moon sets behind the Flatirons Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/pines-and-snow/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flattop-Winter.jpg Pines and Snow The morning sun greets fresh snow on Flattop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. A wintry night is followed by a stunningly clear blue sky day in Colorado. A fast moving 'upslope' storm caused heavy snow to fall along the Front Range the night prior, but just as quickly as the front moved in, it has parted the state. After dumping snow on Estes Park and the Front Range, the skies have cleared and left the photographer with a pristine postcard scene. I arrived at this location after snowshoeing 2.5 miles from the Bear Lake area early this morning. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flatirons-winter-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flatirons-3.jpg Flatirons Winter Sunrise A glorious sunrise greet the Flatrions in Boulder, Colorado. Fresh snow coats Chautaugua Park as the storm from the previous night parts just enough to let the first rays of sun cover the Front Range and Boulder Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/flagstaff-ponderosas/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Flagstaff-Ponderosa.jpg Flagstaff Ponderosa's Fresh snow on the Ponderosa Pines of Flagstaff Mountain. Hoar Frost coats the trees as a light snow falls just west of Boulder CO. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fifty-mile-point/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Fifty-Mile-Point.jpg Fifty Mile Point Sunset over Fifty Mile Point. Fifty Mile Point is located on Hole in the Rock Road. Early Mormon settlers traveled this path and eventually were forced to dig through the sandstone walls of the Escalante Canyon to continue their journey. Escalante National Monument https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sandstone-swirls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Escalante-Sandstone.jpg Sandstone Swirls Sunrise in Escalante National Monument. These sandstone swirls are located near Hole in the Rock road just outside the town of Escalante, UT. Escalante National Monument https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/all-calm-below-hallet/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Emerald-Lake.jpg All Calm Below Hallett Hallett Peak reflects the first rays of daylight in the high country of Rocky Mountain National Park. Emerald Lake sits right at the base of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain. Viewing Hallett Peak from Emerald Lake is quite an impressive sight. Hallet Peak towers high above Emerald Lake but seems close enough to reach out and touch it. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/beach-and-umbrellas/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elbow-Beach-6.jpg Beach and Umbrellas Umbrellas line the beach this morning at Elbow Beach, Bermuda. Elbown Beach, Bermuda https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/umbrellas-at-elbow-beach/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elbow-Beach-5.jpg Umbrellas at Elbow Beach Morning on Elbow Beach. Umbrellas line the beach before most of the beach goers arrive. Elbow Beach, Bermuda https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/stairway-to-heaven/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elbow-Beach-4.jpg Stairway to Heaven Stairway to Elbow Beach. This stairway leads down the steep hill from the hotel to Elbow Beach. Elbow Beach, Bermuda https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/elbow-beach-1/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elbow-Beach-3.jpg Elbow Beach 1 Morning at Elbow Beach, Bermuda. The beach has been groomed and the umbrellas set before any beach goers have arrived. Elbow Beach, Bermuda https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/sunset-at-elbow-beach/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Elbow-Beach-1.jpg Sunset at Elbow Beach Sunset on the pink sands of Elbow Beach, Bermuda. Elbow Beach, Bermuda https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dream-lake-after-the-rain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dream-Lake-2.jpg Dream Lake After The Rain First light at Dream Lake reveals a dranatic scene over Hallet Peak as a storm from the previous night clear out just enought to allow the first rays of sunrise to filter onto the Flattop and Hallet Peak. Dream Lake is accessed from the Bear Lake area of Rocky Mountain National Park. Located about 15 miles from downtown Estes Park, it's one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park as well as one of the most iconic viewpoints in all of Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/hallet-peak-from-dream-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dream-Lake.jpg Hallet Peak from Dream Lake Peaceful morning at Dream Lake. An old pine frames Hallet Peak from this location. Sadly this pine has since fallen and the scene although still beautiful, can no longer be reproduced. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/dead-horse-point/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dead-Horse-Point.jpg Dead Horse Point Colorado River at Dead Horse Point. From Dead Horse Point State Park, we get a spectacular view of the Canyonlands on this morning. Dead Horse Point, UT https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fall-on-the-dallas-divide/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Dallas-Divide.jpg Fall on the Dallas Divide Fall on the Dallas Divide. Just outside of Ridgeway, the view is popular with tourists and photographers alike traveling between Telluride and the Million Dollar Highway. Ridgeway, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/cub-lake-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cub-Lake.jpg Cub Lake Sunrise First light bathes Stones Peak from the Cub Lake. Cub Lake is a short 2 mile hike from Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mt-sneffels-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/County-Rd-5.jpg Mt. Sneffels Sunrise Alpenglow lights up Mt. Sneffels in a magenta hue. This view is taken a few miles up County Road 5. Ridgeway, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/quicksand-and-varnish/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Cottonwood-Wash.jpg Quicksand and Varnish Cottonwood Creek slows to a trickle in Zion National Park. The mud blends nicely with the desert varnish on the sandstone walls of the canyon. Zion National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-and-columbine-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Columbine-Falls.jpg Longs Peak and Columbine Falls 14,255 ft. Longs Peak rises above Columbine Falls. Columbine Falls sits just below Chasam Lake and the base of the Diamond. The Diamond, Longs Peak eastern face rises 2500 ft from the base of Chasam Lake. It's 2500 ft granite face is an impressive site from both Columbine Falls and Chasam Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/longs-peak-from-chasm-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chasam-Lake.jpg Longs Peak From Chasm Lake The Diamond rises 2500 ft from the shores of Chasam Lake. Longs Peak is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most climbed mountain peak. Technical climbers scale the 2500 ft Diamond to reach the summit. Most day hikers begin very early in the morning and reach the 14,255 ft summit of Longs Peak via a challenging 8.1 mile hiking trail. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/chasm-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Chasam-Falls-2.jpg Chasm Falls Fall River rolls on through Chasm Falls. This is a popular destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. Chasm Falls can be found along Fall River Road. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/boulder-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Boulder-Falls-3.jpg Boulder Falls Spring runoff at Boulder Falls. Boulder Falls is located about 8 miles west of Boulder in Boulder Canyon. This location is popular with climbers as well as visitors on the way to Nederland. Boulder, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bierstadt-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierstadt-Lake.jpg Bierstadt Lake Sunrise over Bierstadt Lake. Named after the famous Hudson River School painter Albert Bierstadt the beauty of this location, especially this morning lives up to the hype. Hallet Peak, Otis Peak and Flatop Mountain can be seen in this clasic Rocky Mountain National Park view. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/stormy-sunrise-on-bierstadt-moraine/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bierdstadt-Moraine.jpg Stormy Sunrise on Bierstadt Moraine Ominous clouds greet the changing seasons. Hallet Peak and the Bierstadt Moraine are dapled in sun and shade on this beautiful fall morning in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Coloardo https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/mountain-laurel-on-bear-mountain/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Mt.jpg Mountain Laurel on Bear Mountain Mountain Laurel bloom along the slopes of Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain State Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/fire-and-ice/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Lake-Aspens-2.jpg Fire and Ice Fresh snow coats the changing fall aspen leaves in the groves above Bear Lake. In Colorado seasons often clash leaving the photographer with unique views. Aspens are common at this elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Bear Lake area is one of the better areas in the Park to view these trees. Bear Lake is a popular destination in Rocky Mountain National Park due to the many hiking trails and its closet proximity to Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Coloardo https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/snow-on-aspens/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Lake-Aspens.jpg Snow on Aspens Light snow, Hoar Frost, and Rime Ice coats this fall Aspen Grove near Bear Lake. Although Aspens are not as plentiful in Rocky Mountain National Park as they are in other parts of Colorado, the Bear Lake area has a fair density of the iconic tree. Aspens are more commonly found in this area due to a fire that occured in the 1920's which burned much of the pine forest around Bear Lake. Aspen trees often revegitate areas where fire or slides have occured. Bear Lake is a popular destination because it is so close to the town of Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/first-snow-at-bear-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Lake3.jpg First Snow at Bear Lake Seasons collide as fresh snow has fallen along the shores of Bear Lake while the Aspen leaves turn from green to yellow in this early fall scene. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/balanced-rock/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Balanced-Rock.jpg Balanced Rock Sunset over Balanced Rock and the La Sal Mountains. This is a classic view of Balanced Rock in Arches National Park. Arches National Park which is located just north of Moab, Utah is home to many interesting red rock formations typical of the Colorado Plateau. As erosion occurs, Balanced Rock will eventually sucumb to natures forces and break apart. Arches National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/aqua-canyon/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Aqua-Canyon.jpg Aqua Canyon On this particular morning the sandstone red hoodoo's of Bryce Canyon did not disappoint. The view from Aqua Canyon at sunrise leaves little doubt that Bryce Canyon in southern Utah is a favorite destination of travelers around the world. Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its red rock formations known as 'hoodoo's'. Bryce Canyons 'hoodoo' formations are unlike any others found along the Colorado Plateau. Bryce Canyon National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/antelope-flats/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Antelope-Flats.jpg Antelope Flats Wildflowers bloom in Antelope Flats along the base of the Grand Tetons. Antelope Flats is one of the best areas of Grand Teton National Park for wildflowers in the spring. Antelope Flats is a short drive from the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Grand Teton National Park https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/adams-falls/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Adams-Falls.jpg Adams Falls Adams Falls tumbles towards the Colorado River on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park near Grand Lake. Adams Falls is located close to the town center of Grand Lake and is worth a short detour to view the cascades. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/colorado-national-monument/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Colorado-Nat-Monument.jpg Colorado National Monument Storm clouds drift over the Coke Ovens in the Colorado National Monument. A small window of light at sunrise allowed for this view from the rim of the monument. Though Colorado is known for its towering peaks and alpine scenery, the Colorado National Monument typifies much of the scenery found in western Colorado and the Southwest. The Colorado National Monument is located just outside the city of Grand Junction and offers stuning views of the Grand Valley. Colorado National Monument https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/autumn-rainbow-at-bear-lake/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Lake.jpg Autumn Rainbow At Bear Lake The Aspen grove above Bear Lake are some of the most colorful Aspen tree's in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. Depending on weather conditions, some of the Aspen's above Bear Lake will turn a brilliant orange and red, mixed in along with traditionaly yellow aspen trees. Bear Lake was smooth as glass this morning as the first rays of morning sun illuminate the hillside and reflect along the shores of Bear Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/bear-lake-sunrise/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Bear-Lake-2.jpg Bear Lake Sunrise An amazing sunrise at Bear Lake looking towards 14,255 ft Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake which is located about 15 miles from Estes Park, is one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular destinations. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/photo/lake-isabelle/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/images/xl/Lake-Isabelle.jpg Lake Isabelle After hiking to Lake Isabelle, the clouds broke just long enough to reveal Shoshone Peak. This was my first visit to Lake Isabelle and one I will not forget. Indian Peaks, Colorado https://www.thomasmangan.com/news/ https://www.thomasmangan.com/contact/