Jason HatfieldExplorer
Adventure and travel photographer based out of Denver, Colorado. I teach photography workshops and offer private guiding around the west. More at jasonjhatfield.com
Definitely a pretty drive with less traffic than Trail Ridge Road, make sure to stop often to really enjoy all it has to offer. The past few years the road has seen construction closures and delayed openings due late season snow, be prepared for it to not be open.
4.0
If you're a photographer this is the best way to get an early start for sunrise photography of the Bells. It can get busy in the fall and you'll be competing with over a hundred other photographers for the traditional sunrise. The lot was originally meant for backpackers but use has greatly increased in the past 8 years for photography, so you'll probably have some neighbors for the night. Depending on the time of year, porcupines might be out and looking to munch on things under your car, if there's chicken wire available use it!
5.0
This is a go-to trail for me with nice climbs and views. I most often use it to create a loop with the Hogback trail. It some areas that can get really muddy after recent snow or rain but it drains relatively quickly.
4.0
It's an interesting stop along the road but the falls are not particularly photogenic. Water flow is very seasonal and the falls are usually a trickle in autumn.
3.0
Not as stunning as the Hoh Rainforest but it lacks the big crowds. Beautiful trail and fairly easy.
4.0
First off, the views from this hut at almost 12,000 ft are incredible. Sitting just above treeline you can see down the whole valley, as well as distant peaks. The hut is newer and has some quirks to work out but is one of the best stocked I've been to. The separate sleeping rooms are nice and the main area layout with the big winds is beautiful. The winds get pretty intense up here so unless there's a recent snow, skiing opportunities are limited to the trees a half mile down the valley. A nice bonus for this hut is you can take a snowmobile up if you want to bring family members or friends that can't make the trek.
5.0
Off trail travel winter travel here can be challenging after a fresh snow but it's worth it. The ice formations are very unique and with the right sunrise light this place can produce epic photos. Be careful around the frozen edge of the lake as it is possible to fall through in some spots where the water has receded and left empty pockets.
5.0
The view here is one of the U.S. National Park classics, and it's easy to see why. I enjoy stopping here for night photography or sunset when the huge fall sunrise crowds are gone. I've seen moose and elk here almost every time and the occasional bear in the distance.
5.0
It's a bit of a long slow drive but the views are worth it. The top is a great vantage point for a sunrise pano of the Teton Range and you'll likely have it to yourself in the fall.
4.0
If the light is great it's worth checking this out. The butte is massive and makes a great foreground for night shots too.
4.0
This is one of the most incredible drives on the planet. I've been up here a couple time now and it still impresses beyond belief. The Colorado Rockies where I live are great, but nothing compared to these.
5.0
Sol Duc Falls is definitely worth the long drive and whole forest surrounding it is just amazing. If you're there in mid-day the falls tend to form a rainbow but the contrast between the shaded forest and bright falls can be hard to photography.
4.0
Great views on this trail and occasionally a herd of elk. There's not much shelter in the winter from the cold winds coming down from Squaw Pass but it's a great place to run to escape the summertime heat in Denver.
3.0
So much awesomesauce on this trail. The loop makes for a superb trail run and gets you away from the bigger crowds in the park.
5.0
Fun little hike with nice views, worth stopping if you're driving by.
4.0
Running from the lower lot is great training and has nice views on the way up. Mountain bikers can be moving pretty fast on the way down so keep an eye out.
3.0
After visiting here numerous times, I finally made it in the winter. It was a bitter -22˚ and hard to stay warm but still incredibly beautiful. As I finished packing up my camera gear at the barn I heard a pack of wolves howling with the sunrise, pretty awesome!
5.0
This is a long approach but well worth it. The views of the West Elks are stunning and you'll encounter a lot fewer people than on nearby Mt Elbert.
5.0
Nice singletrack, beautiful views of Denver and the mountains, and lots of elevation gain make this one of the best trail-systems in the city. Green Mountain doesn't have trees so it can get pretty windy as well as hot in the summer. If there's recent snowmelt or rain the trails are a sloppy mess.
4.0
This is one of the true ghost towns in Colorado and set in a pretty stunning valley. It's mind-boggling how high this town is and that it even functioned in the winter. I believe there's a sign that says no dogs but I don't see an issue if you stay on the trails and clean-up after them.
4.0
This trail has awesome views and is great for running to. In the winter, it can get pretty muddy so I only recommend it if it's dry or has fresh snow.
4.0
This is a beautiful place for sunset photography. I was a little surprised by the amount of pollution in the air but it does make for better colors in the sky.
4.0
This was a gorgeous campground until the massive pine beetle kill. It's still a great place to spend the night though, and definitely a lot less crowded than the east side. If the campground is full ask about nearby national forest.
3.0
It's not one of the better places to view fall colors in Colorado but it's still pretty. The bigger forests of Aspens in the north are near Steamboat Springs and the Flat Tops Wilderness.
3.0
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