Rocky Mountain National Park

[quark]

We just got back from a wonderful national park. I had never been to this one before. We also decided to hike up to timberline falls which is the "journey" I thought might be worth sharing.

http://quarky.smugmug.com/photos/87159042-M.jpg

Apparently a high traffic trail. Hard to believe how many people felt the need to leave a mark on a poor tree.

http://quarky.smugmug.com/photos/87176301-M.jpg

A little of the local wildlife. I think he was posing. I was just glad for a break in the climb. Did I mention the high altitude yet?

http://quarky.smugmug.com/photos/87179775-M.jpg

Believe it or not this is not the destination waterfall. What a great sidebar!

http://quarky.smugmug.com/photos/87176087-M.jpg

The rest of the hikers wait patiently for the photo-nerd to run up the hill for a better view - i.e. crawling on the ground to get the wildflowers in the foreground. At least a few of those shown are also taking another altitude break.

http://quarky.smugmug.com/photos/87186540-M.jpg

The Loche is a lake below Timberline falls. Great mountains and reflections. We also met a nice duck or two and lots of fish.

http://quarky.smugmug.com/photos/87198647-M.jpg

Another great waterfall. Wonderful view looking into the valley, but wow what a hike. Did I mention the altitude?

This hike comes highly recommended but if you come from far away consider brining your tripod and ventilator. :D

[marlof]

Loved the commentary on the people waiting for the photo nerd. Been there, done that. Nowadays, I don't bring a tripod if I go with non-photographers. It's not worth the hassle I get with them. Nice shots, and a good way to share your beautiful hike.

[Nappalonia]

Another great hiking journey, thanks for sharing:thumb

[TopRow]

Thanks for sharing your hike! Your photos are great. I've done that hike myself and highly recommend it. The trail is popular up until the lake before the Loch. It's work to get up there, but is absolutely beautiful. If I may share, here's a few photos from my hike last year. If this is not appropriate for this forum, I'll happily edit these out.

"The Loch"
http://toprow.smugmug.com/photos/30308282-M.jpg

One of my favorite snapshots from my hike; on the way between the Loch and Timberline Falls:
http://toprow.smugmug.com/photos/30308204-M.jpg

And, the view back down to the Loch from atop Timberline Falls:
http://toprow.smugmug.com/photos/30308171-M.jpg

Happy Trails!

[Stustaff]

photos not showing Toprow :dunno

[TopRow]

photos not showing Toprow :dunno

Sorry. Silly me had links turned off on that gallery.