Hello! I'm Erik, a nature photographer and author who has spent the last 20 years photographing and writing about Rocky Mountain National Park. On this channel I'll be covering a wide range of topics related to visiting the national park from hiking advice to tips and tricks when visiting, as well as sharing some of my own life in the park and my deep passion for our natural world. I have a long list of topics I plan to cover, but I'd love to hear from you. Let me know if there are certain topics that you want me to cover in my videos.
As you begin planning for your next trip, be sure and stop by my website: www.RockyMountainNationalPark.com. You can also find most of my books at: www.RockyTrailPress.com.
There aren't specific hiking guides for different times of year. If you are planning to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, then I recommend "Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: The Essential Guide". www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/product/publications/. On page 105 and 106 you'll find a list of recommended Autumn Hikes and in the book you'll find all the details for those hikes.
@@MNP208 Oh, so you want a person to guide you, not a guide book. Here's a link to a couple of companies that offer that service: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/guide-hiking/
I'm glad it gives you a glimpse into what goes into these photos. As I was hiking out of the park late last night I was realizing that most of my summer photos involve 6-12 hours of hiking. They certainly take a lot of time and effort. Thanks for recognizing that! :)
I had my cabin booked and timed entry permits purchased for August, but I am shuffling everything to September. I've always come in June, July, or August. It's time to experience the magic of September! Thanks for this very informative video!
Hello Erik, I have a booking reservation for a camp ground at timber Creek and also a entry permit for bear lake at 2pm. You think I can enter the park and go to bearlake early? Or do I need to wait until 2pm?
Such a wonderful video! Always a treat to watch your adventures Erik. I also greatly appreciate that you are wearing a helmet as you traverse through the rocks, especially being alone. You’re setting such a great example for us all.
@@ErikStenslandthank you, that means a lot coming from you. Some day I’ll get into good enough shape to attempt some of these peaks. You’re making it look easy!
I think I was just so tired after having run up the mountain with a 40lb pack that I wasn't thinking straight that morning. I'm sure the decreased 02 didn't help. Oh well. :)
That moment at about 5:18, when the sunlight is casting a shadow....I felt my shoulders actually drop, and release a little tension. ♥ Thanks for sharing this journey. I love your work, and this was a fun way to see what goes into the making of them!
We are planning to visit RMNP in Mid-Sep '24. This will be our first time there. Your videos have been very helpful. This one in particular helps me plan my trip over Trail Ridge Road. What is your recommendation on starting the road trip in Mid-Sep? Looking forward to stop by your store in Estes Park. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Doing it in September will be very similar, just colder up high and the tundra will have begun to move into its winter phase as it awaits the arrival of the winter snows in early October.
Making my 1st trip to RMNP on July 15th. I have watched all of your videos in preparation for my trip. Thank you so very much. We intend to follow your advice.
Great video as always! 😊 We’ve visited the area before, but next month we’ll be there for the first time during the time of year when Trail Ridge Rd is open. Really looking forward to making the trip across from Grand Lake, and I’m glad to have this video for ideas on where to stop. Thanks!
Thanks for the great video! We have a 10-12 Bear lake entry time but not sure how early to get to the park entrance? Will there be any parking at that time of 10-12 or should we just plan on taking the shuttle? Thanks!
Randy, I think you'll need to plan on taking the shuttle. Most of the parking areas fill up before 7am. As for getting in to the entrance, if you are there by 9:45 you should not have too much of a wait. The busiest time will be around 7-8:30am.
Thank you very much for the information. I am going to visit RMNP at the beginning of August. I like your videos and subscribed, and they are so helpful!
We decided to plan our trip after watching your videos this Winter - we're heading to RMNP in late August and are so excited! Thank you for all of the insights - we will definitely visit your gallery. Are there any other Estes Park activities, businesses, or restaurants you would recommend?
So glad you are coming to visit. Check out my website for ideas: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com. Also check out the events calendar: www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/ and also www.Estes-park.com for more ideas.
It’s great that you’re coming out to Estes Park in August. I hope you have a wonderful time. Check out the events calendar: www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/ and also my website: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com for more ideas.
I love little Lake Irene as well. Sorry I didn't feature it. There was just no way to fit everything in there I wanted to add. Someday I may do a full hour long video on all there is to do and see along Trail Ridge Road.
@@ErikStensland That would be awesome. Lake Irene is my very favorite place (I'm @patchworkchickenstudio) and I can spend hours there just staring at the water.
@@sugarbushequinemarketing, thanks. I'm working as hard as I can to make them a high quality. Still a long ways to go as I slowly improve. :) I appreciate you mentioning the change you've seen.
Very nice video! Could you please make one driving through the Trail Ridge Road also? Will visit there in two weeks and need suggestion on which one to pick? Do you have any advice for safe driving?
