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
You feel like you're in Yosemite or the Dolomites. If you go early season you'll have to fight your way through snow but you'll likely have the area sans mosquitoes or other hikers.
5.0
The view of the surrounding San Juan Mountains is jaw dropping. If you're an avid explorer of the area you can spot many areas you've likely visited from the summit. Getting to the upper TH can be interesting but doable with high clearance 4WD.
5.0
One of the easiest 14ers and stellar views.
4.0
This makes for an amazing and challenging run with a big reward. I loved all the scrambling/climbing and recomend going on a weekday to spend more time on it without the crowds.
5.0
This is a prime winter hike for sunrise photography in RMNP. If Dream Lake is clear of snow it's worth a stop for the interesting ice formations.
4.0
The falls and cascade aren't very photogenic but it's still a great hike.
3.0
Not really an iconic spot but worth the trip. You're likely to have the lake to yourself and views of the valley are great.
3.0
One of my favorite backpacking spots close to the Front Range. Mirror lake is incredible for sunrise/sunset and fishing can be had in nearby Crater lake.
5.0
This a prime spot for sunrise and wildflowers near the Front Range.
5.0
While not as impressive as arches in the Southwest, it's still one of the coolest places for a weekend trip from Cincinnati.
3.0
It takes quite a bit of effort to get here the first time, but it's so worth it. This is easily my favorite falls in the PNW.
5.0
I've hiked this many times and will continue to do so, it's an icon for a reason. Winter is the best time to avoid crowds, but you'll want traction devices if it's icy. Don't plan on getting a people-free sunset pic here during peak tourist season.
5.0
I love the single-track here, and it's a lot less crowded than the Colorado Front Range. It can definitely get hot here in the summer so plan for early morning or evening riding.
4.0
The south side of West Maroon Pass has some of the best wildflower concentrations in the area during July.
5.0
Some of the best trail views in Denver. There's not much shelter or cover so it gets hot in the summer and cold when windy.
4.0
Beautiful little falls that's easy to get to.
4.0
In the right conditions this can be a beautiful spot to photograph. Human elements surround the majority of the lake so if you're not into that you'll have to work for compositions.
3.0
Some of the best views on an easy trail near Breck. This is a great trail to snowshoe in the winter too.
4.0
RMNP is full of incredible hikes and photo opportunities. That being said, there are definitely prettier places in Colorado and if you travel with a dog there's not much to do here. My favorite time to visit is in the winter when most of the tourists are gone and the snow is plentiful.
4.0
One of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in RMNP.
4.0
Combine this with the Red Beds trail loop from the campground for a nice 5-mile run. You'll get to see most of the park and catch all the best angles of Devil's Tower. https://www.strava.com/activities/52748369
4.0
I visit this spot often, but my favorite time was a night run in the negative temps. It was so cold all the animals were out and moving to stay warm. I saw deer, coyote, owls, and fox. Despite being surrounded by the city, it was so quiet I felt like I was hours from civilization.
4.0
Depending on snow-melt a summer visit here can yield a muddy-brown falls with too much flow. The water level is usually lower and the color more blue in late summer/early fall.
4.0
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