Make the most of the majestic Trail Ridge Road by lingering on the mountainside until sunset to watch the tundra turn sunlit orange and the distant snowy peaks fade into night.
Trail Ridge Road is an incredible highway that crosses the mountains between Grand Lake and Estes Park, one of the most famous parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. It features incredible views of the Rockies and the Front Range, as well as the unforgettable experience of being immersed in the tundra of Sundance Mountain.
I encourage you to spend the day hiking on one of the many trails in the park. Rocky Mountain has a lot of adventures to offer, whether it's day hiking, camping, wilderness backpacking or rock climbing. But if you find yourself on Trail Ridge Road near the end of the day, or if you have the time to drive out, stop at Forest Canyon Overlook for sunset.
Forest Canyon Overlook is located halfway between the Alpine Visitor Centre and Many Parks Curve. The parking lot is just on the side of the road, with an easy quarter-mile trail to the viewpoint. Stay off the fragile tundra. Grab a camera and a warm sweater and go take in the glacier-etched vista. You'll be treated to views of Terra Tomah Mountain and Stones Peak, with the vast expanse of Forest Canyon in between.
You can learn more about night photography at Trail Ridge Road from Jason Hatfield.