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Erik Stensland
United States
Приєднався 29 лип 2011
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.
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.
Avoid these 5 mistakes when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park
Planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? Watch this video to learn about 5 common mistakes to avoid during your visit. From visiting Trail Ridge Road to making the most of your timed entry, Erik Stensland shares valuable insights for a seamless experience in one of Colorado's most stunning national parks. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time visitor, these tips will help you make the most of your Rocky Mountain adventure. Don't miss out on capturing breathtaking moments and creating unforgettable memories in this iconic destination. Explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park with expert advice and practical tips in this must-watch video!
LEARN ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK:
🌲Learn everything you want to know about Rocky Mountain National Park at my website: www.RockyMountainNationalPark.com
🥾 Get a copy of my highly acclaimed hiking guide: "Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: The Essential Guide". www.rockytrailpress.com/product/publications/
🖺 Article: "What you absolutely need to know about Rocky Mountain National Park". www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/need/
👮Learn about the timed-entry reservation system. ua-cam.com/video/Nw9KWeaKS2w/v-deo.html
🏔 Prepare for high elevation: ua-cam.com/video/yF9TLnyPqzg/v-deo.html
🌳What you need to know about hiking in Rocky: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/hiking-know/
🐶 Learn about dogs in Rocky Mountain National Park: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/dogs/
ABOUT ME:
📸 My photos of Rocky Mountain National Park can be found at: www.ImagesofRMNP.com
📖 All of my books, calendars and notecards can be found at: www.RockyTrailPress.com
🌐 My personal website is: www.ErikStensland.com
🎨 My gallery in Estes Park is located at: 203 Park Lane. For times and details visit: www.imagesofrmnp.com/page/EstesParkGallery/
📺 I have just launched a second UA-cam channel. You can find it at: www.youtube.com/@DiveBeneathTheSurface
NOTES:
🎥 All filming in Rocky Mountain National Park was done with a commercial filming license obtained through the National Park Service.
LEARN ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK:
🌲Learn everything you want to know about Rocky Mountain National Park at my website: www.RockyMountainNationalPark.com
🥾 Get a copy of my highly acclaimed hiking guide: "Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: The Essential Guide". www.rockytrailpress.com/product/publications/
🖺 Article: "What you absolutely need to know about Rocky Mountain National Park". www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/need/
👮Learn about the timed-entry reservation system. ua-cam.com/video/Nw9KWeaKS2w/v-deo.html
🏔 Prepare for high elevation: ua-cam.com/video/yF9TLnyPqzg/v-deo.html
🌳What you need to know about hiking in Rocky: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/hiking-know/
🐶 Learn about dogs in Rocky Mountain National Park: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/dogs/
ABOUT ME:
📸 My photos of Rocky Mountain National Park can be found at: www.ImagesofRMNP.com
📖 All of my books, calendars and notecards can be found at: www.RockyTrailPress.com
🌐 My personal website is: www.ErikStensland.com
🎨 My gallery in Estes Park is located at: 203 Park Lane. For times and details visit: www.imagesofrmnp.com/page/EstesParkGallery/
📺 I have just launched a second UA-cam channel. You can find it at: www.youtube.com/@DiveBeneathTheSurface
NOTES:
🎥 All filming in Rocky Mountain National Park was done with a commercial filming license obtained through the National Park Service.
Переглядів: 2 735
Відео
Early Access: Exploring Trail Ridge Road Before the Crowds
Переглядів 1,3 тис.14 днів тому
Join me on a photography outing up Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, experiencing it before the road opens to traffic. Follow along as I hike up into the world above the trees with twenty foot snow drifts and breathtaking scenery. We'll witness a stunning sunset and capture magical moments through photography. Get ready for an adventure on Trail Ridge Road! LEARN ABOUT ROCKY MOU...
What is June like in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Переглядів 2 тис.28 днів тому
If you are planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during the month of June, then you are in for a treat. Learn all about what you can expect in terms of weather, how busy the park will be, where to see wildlife, great activities to do at this time of year, and restrictions to park access. You'll find all this and more in this video. I have spent the last 20 years exploring and photograp...
How Do We Preserve the Beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park?
Переглядів 270Місяць тому
With millions of people visiting Rocky Mountain National Park each year, how can we protect this place from ourselves so that it is a place of continued wonder and beauty for generations to come? READ & SIGN: The Rocky Pledge: www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/rockypledge.htm If you want to take it a step further, then spend some time learning about the Leave No Trace Principles: lnt.org/why/7-pri...
What should I pack for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Переглядів 808Місяць тому
If you are going hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, it is very important that you carry the right things with you. Things can go wrong and when that happens, you want to be sure that you are properly prepared. It's possible to bring everything you need for such emergencies without loading yourself up with too much stuff. Learn about what you should and shouldn't pack for a day hike in Rock...
5 keys for staying healthy at altitude in Rocky Mountain National Park
Переглядів 1 тис.Місяць тому
Many people who travel to Rocky Mountain National Park haven't given much thought to how the high elevation is going to impact them. They struggle with feeling unwell and even put their health at risk without even realizing it. In this video I'll share with you a few simple steps that will help you avoid altitude sickness. LEARN ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: 🌲Learn everything you want to ...
What is May like in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Переглядів 4 тис.Місяць тому
If you are planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during the month of May then you'll want to learn all about what you can expect in terms of weather, how busy the park will be, where to see wildlife, great activities to do at this time of year, and restrictions to park access. You'll find all this and more in this video. I have spent the last 20 years exploring and photographing Rocky ...
How to navigate Rocky Mtn NP's timed-entry permit system
Переглядів 2,1 тис.2 місяці тому
Planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? Make sure to watch our detailed explanation of the Timed-Entry Permit System! Discover the best times to visit, how to secure your permit, and essential tips for a smoother park experience. Subscribe for more insider insights on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park! 0:00 Intro 0:30: Purpose of the system 1:16: Permit dates 2:03: Two permit optio...
Behind the scenes with Rocky Mountain National Park’s trail crew
Переглядів 4982 місяці тому
Join me for an interview with Doug Parker, program supervisor for Rocky Mountain National Park's trails program. Doug, shares with us what we can expect to find on the trails in 2024 as well as providing us with a behind the scenes look at all that the trails crew actually does. This video is only a portion of a longer interview. The full interview goes more indepth on the work being done on th...
Experience an alpine photo outing with Erik Stensland
Переглядів 1 тис.2 місяці тому
As a landscape photographer focused on Rocky Mountain National Park, I head out into the park at all hours of day and night and all season of the year. Join me on one of my outings as I head up Flattop Mountain to photograph Longs Peak at sunset in mid-March. It's a gorgeous hike and promises to provide some beautiful views. LEARN ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: 🌲Learn everything you want t...
What is it like in April in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Переглядів 2,1 тис.3 місяці тому
If you are planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during the month of April then you'll want to learn all about what you can expect in terms of weather, how busy the park will be, where to see wildlife, great activities to do at this time of year, and restrictions to park access. You'll find all this and more in this video. I have spent the last 20 years exploring and photographing Rock...
Can I ski in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Переглядів 5883 місяці тому
Over the years many people have wondered at how I ski in Rocky Mountain National Park since there aren't any chairlifts. They had all sorts of ideas about how it worked or what it is like, so in this video I lift the veil on this enjoyable and challenging winter activity. 0:51 History of Skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park 2:10 How backcountry skis work 4:07 Safety Concerns 6:45 Getting star...
What should I expect for March in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Переглядів 1,8 тис.3 місяці тому
If you are planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during the month of March then you'll want to learn all about what you can expect in terms of weather, how busy the park will be, where to see wildlife, great activities to do at this time of year, and restrictions to park access. You'll find all this and more in this video. I have spent the last 20 years exploring and photographing Rock...
What's in my bag? (Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park)
Переглядів 5903 місяці тому
If you are coming to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter season, you'll want to be sure that you carry the right things with you to stay safe in the mountains. In this video I walk you through what I carry in my bag during the winter season. LEARN ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: 🗻 Learn everything you want to know about Rocky Mountain National Park at my website: www.RockyM...
Float on top of the snow in Rocky Mountain National Park
Переглядів 6964 місяці тому
If you are coming to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter season, then snowshoes are one of the best ways to get around in the snow. Learn all about how to snowshoe, where to get snowshoes, and where to go with your snowshoes in this video. LEARN ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: ⛰ Learn everything you want to know about Rocky Mountain National Park at my website: www.RockyMou...
Should I visit Rocky Mountain National Park in February?
Переглядів 7674 місяці тому
Should I visit Rocky Mountain National Park in February?
5 Things Not To Do in Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park
Переглядів 3 тис.5 місяців тому
5 Things Not To Do in Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park
Favorite 2023 photos from Rocky Mountain National Park
Переглядів 1 тис.5 місяців тому
Favorite 2023 photos from Rocky Mountain National Park
What can I expect in January in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Переглядів 1,2 тис.5 місяців тому
What can I expect in January in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The Secret Lives of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trees
Переглядів 5266 місяців тому
The Secret Lives of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trees
What to expect in December in Rocky Mountain National Park
Переглядів 1,8 тис.6 місяців тому
What to expect in December in Rocky Mountain National Park
How not to break a leg in Rocky Mountain National Park
Переглядів 6357 місяців тому
How not to break a leg in Rocky Mountain National Park
A snow-free winter hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
Переглядів 1,2 тис.7 місяців тому
A snow-free winter hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
What's Happening in Rocky Mountain National Park - Oct 2023
Переглядів 5657 місяців тому
What's Happening in Rocky Mountain National Park - Oct 2023
Why visit Rocky Mountain National Park in November?
Переглядів 2,5 тис.7 місяців тому
Why visit Rocky Mountain National Park in November?
Experience a peaceful autumn hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Переглядів 1,1 тис.8 місяців тому
Experience a peaceful autumn hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Experience the elk rut in Rocky Mtn. National Park
Переглядів 2,6 тис.8 місяців тому
Experience the elk rut in Rocky Mtn. National Park
What to Expect in October in Rocky Mountain National Park
Переглядів 4,4 тис.9 місяців тому
What to Expect in October in Rocky Mountain National Park
Historic Old Fall River Road: An Unforgettable Experience in the High Country
Переглядів 8 тис.9 місяців тому
Historic Old Fall River Road: An Unforgettable Experience in the High Country
Well Done...🎉❤😁...born in Ft.Collins 1961, worked with Mike Donahue / Colorado Mtn School as a guide from Top Ropes to the Diamond, Truly a wilderness to be Savored and Respected !! ❤🎉😁🏔🏞🏕🌎
Thanks so much. So sad Mike isn’t around anymore. Sounds like you’ve really enjoyed the rugged side of Rocky!
My girlfriend and I are coming for the first time next week! I am worried about the crowds, but I cannot wait to take in all of the beautiful scenery and catch my first trout ever!!! Can people keep fish from Lake Estes? I have not found any information regarding regulations for Lake estes itself but for every other body of water around the area! Thank you in advance!
I really don’t know about Lake Estes as it isn’t in Rocky. I suggest you give the Estes Park Marina a call. They should know.
Can't wait to get there in mid-August! We will stop by your gallery and say hello.
That would be great! It will be here before you know it.
Hi Eric, I used to visit every year when I had family in Colorado. I absolutely love your gallery, it was a highlight! Thank you for your beautiful work.
Thank you Lori!
I live in Colorado and your book always accompanies me to RMNP.
That’s great to hear. I’m assuming you are referring to my hiking guide. 🙂
@@ErikStensland Yes. Specific info regarding specific hikes. I bought it several years ago at the Hallmark store in the Safeway complex. I keep the timed entry permits in there with maps and notes. It is a very useful guide.
Just discovered your channel and website recently. Very informative videos. Visited your gallery today- amazing photos. Purchased one of Sprague Lake. I also saw your website of desert southwest photos and was curious if you've ever been to Chimney Rock canyon in Capitol Reef. My dad was a landscape photographer and that was his favorite place.
So glad you enjoyed the video and made it to my gallery. I have been to Capitol Reef National Park many times and always see Chimney Rock just off the highway, but I don’t think I have any photographs of that formation.
Thanks for the insights in mistakes. I visited your gallery this weekend. I just want to verify something you said about the timed entry system. If I get a timed entry reservation, and someone is in the car with me, they do not need a separate timed reservation. The reservation covers the car. Is thar correct?
That is correct. You only need one reservation per vehicle.
Such great information for all! Even if we live nearby these videos are a great reminder for being prepared in Estes and RMNP! Thank you Erik!
Thanks Wendy!
Thank you for this helpful video! We are visiting in July this year. We have a timed entry permit for our first day but not the second. We are entering from the Grand Lake side, so to my understanding this side should be less busy than the entrance near Estes Park. How early do you think we need to get there before 9 am? We were thinking 8:30, but will that be too late for the day we don’t have a time entry? Thank you!
I think you are probably right to plan for 8:30 to enter from Grand Lake before the reservation system starts, but if you enter earlier you’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife.
This was a wonderful video. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure and I love your photography.
Thanks Greg!
Loved your 5 tips! and your bonus tips! We visit your gallery every time we come. Your staff is wonderful and so helpful. Keep up your wonderful videos, we enjoy them so very much.
Thanks so much Sherry!
Thank you sir, totally enjoy your videos and loved your Gallery on our last visit. I have a question...do you have a preferred weather app or web site to see the days weather in the back country of RMNP and/or Indian Peaks?
John, thanks for your kind words! I rely quite a bit on the NOAA website for those. I actually put together a list of links to different areas of the park which I've put here: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/weather/. Each elevation and area can have such different weather so I rely on checking the actual area I'm heading too. Hope this helps.
@@ErikStensland yes it helps greatly. That is precisely what I was wanting. The elevation changes can fool the generic weather apps I have. Thank you!
@@johnkrumm6860 you are most welcome!
Hi Eric, I have reservations for two days in July for the 8-10 time slot. When should I try to enter? Just before 8? Or later after 9 Am? Thanks for a very informative video!
Kathy, my suggestion is that you arrive closer 8am as it will start to be very busy at the entrance by 8:20. You may even want to consider entering the park earlier than 8 and then explore some of Lower Trail Ridge Road or Beaver Meadows before heading over to Bear Lake Rd. The big challenge is just getting through the main entrance with the crowds. Let me know if that wasn't explained well. :)
@@ErikStensland Thank you! That helps a lot!
@@ErikStensland My reservation is also in July, but during the 9:00-11:00 time slot for the main entrance (not Bear Lake Rd). Should I plan on getting there even a little earlier like 8:30? Or should 9:00 be fine?
John, if I were you, I’d arrive around 9:30 so you don’t get stuck in all the non-permit traffic trying to get in before 9.
@@ErikStensland Ok thank you for the advice!
As always Erik, well done. Great advice!
Thanks Paul!
Amazing video. Thanks for sharing. 👍10
I appreciate it!
Thanks for the advice, we are arriving Sunday but staying in Grand Lake 😊
Terrific! I was just over there this morning. It's really greening up nicely.
Thank you for this information. It is very helpful 😊❤️
So glad you found it to be helpful!
Is there a place where we can rent spikes for our hikes?
Hi Cristie, yes you can rent them from the Estes Park Mountain Shop. They will be happy to help. Heres' the link to their website. They are located on hwy 34 just a bit east of Estes Park. www.estesparkmountainshop.com/
Great job. Looking forward to seeing the rainbow and sunset prints at your studio on our next visit.
I'm not sure that those images will be on the walls in the near future, but I just added a number of new ones this past week. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your wonderful videos.
Glad you like them!
Really liked this video! It's unlikely that I'll ever do this hike, but I enjoyed the "making of the photo" comments.
I'm so happy that you enjoyed the video!
Very nice Erik! We've been over that road many a time. How many miles did you walk that day? We and our kids very fortunate to walk the Going to the Sun Rd in Glacier NP when the road was closed. It too was awesome to do without any traffic. We came across three big horn sheep whic h we very careful to not annoy.
This wasn't a very long walk. I think it was just 6 miles that evening, since the road beyond was closed. I would love to head up Going to the Sun Rd before opening. That would be incredible!
I enjoyed the video - especially sharing how you plan and work. Forest Canyon Overlook is one of my favorite places on Earth! I'll never forget my first visit. Thank you so much for sharing this time with us.
Thank you! It really is a special place. There's something about being in that open space high above it all. :)
Hi Erik! Is it common for at least some parts of Trail Ridge Road to be open for hiking like in the video in late february/beggining of march?
You can walk on the road all winter long. The main differences in the spring are: 1. You can drive all the way to Rainbow Curve, saving you several miles of hiking. 2. The road is plowed so it is easy to walk on. In the winter it will be snow covered and heavily drifted.
That was much fun! A favorite spectacular place :))
Kathy, so glad you enjoyed this!
Loved the beautiful hike and your beautiful sunset to close it all out.
Glad you enjoyed it Billy!
Loved the hike and your beautiful sunset.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank-you so much,I would love to do that!!
You should try it some time. :)
@@ErikStensland I would like to,but I don't have a car.
Loved the photo and your hike brought back great memories. 3 years ago we did it but it was morning and we only made it to the Ute trailhead, due to the winds. It was still so special to take in those views without being in a car! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you had the chance to do this. It is a lot of fun, but so often it is very windy up there. I was up yesterday again and it was very cold and windy. :)
I've been visiting for years and had no idea this was an option! I would love to do this. Wish I would have known this years ago. Thanks for making this video Eric. Awesome as usual. Take us with you more often.
So glad you learned something new! Hopefully one day you can try it.
Beautiful ! Thank you or sharing !
My pleasure!
Great video with gorgeous views! Beautiful captures as always, Erik. Thanks for taking us along.
My pleasure Mathias!
What an awesome hike and amazing photograph! Thanks for taking us along!
Thanks Robin! So glad you enjoyed it!
My best friend and I drove across this at night back in September. You also look like a man I spoke to down the road from Timber Creek campground on September 7th, 2023.
It's an incredible drive. You'll have to do it again during the day time as the views are spectacular. I’m not sure if I’m the guy you met, but I do spend time over there.
Great video….wonderful image from the overlook area.
Thanks Hillary!!!
Amazing video. Thanks for sharing. 👍10
Thank you so much!
Such a gorgeous road in a special place. Beautiful video, thanks!!
Andrew, glad you got to experience some of walking TRR, but sorry you didn't get to walk the higher portion of the road.
I did that same Trail Ridge Rd hike back in October when the road closed. Not much snow then but still beautiful views. Your photos are wonderful. You capture the right moment. I am going to be in Estes Park in a week and will stop in and say hi.
The views up there really are spectacular. Please stop in to the gallery when you come through town.
Thanks for sharing. Great tips.
You are so welcome!
Great information. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful Anne!
Thank you so much for the video. Great as always. I am going to visit Colorado in July, and planning to go to mountains too. I hope I can have some chance to take some good photos.
Sounds great! It's a beautiful time of year to visit with lots of photo opportunities. If you decide to come to Rocky Mountain National Park to take photos you might find my photo guide helpful: www.rockytrailpress.com/product/photo-guide/.
@@ErikStensland Yes, thank you so much! I am gonna try to visit you too if I can. What is the chance to see some big animals around July season? We are going to be visiting bear lake area and some waterfalls close to it.
There aren't too many large animals to be seen in the Bear Lake area in July. I suggest spending some time up on Trail Ridge Road as you are likely to see herds of elk up there and if you are lucky you may see some big horn sheep as well.
Its BS. Good luck getting in between Spring and Fall. That is unless you are rich and can buy permits months in advance and afford to use them or not. They know its a problem but they refuse to fix this.
Don't forget that you can purchase a permit the night before at 7pm at www.recreation.gov. You don't need to be rich or even plan ahead if you do that.
@ErikStensland if you are flying from out of state, you don't want to risk permit a day before. Maybe if garbage is overflowing park should hire more staff?
Next time!!! :)
We are coming June 9-14th, got all my entry passes, so excited, got all our hikes planned out with your hiking guide, one of the best written, well organized and beautifully photographed guides I’ve used, thank you Erik!
Thanks for your kind words on my hiking guide. I hope you have an amazing trip!
Great video! In your opinion, would a rainy weather forecast “ruin” the visit to RMNP? Im thinking about going there next april with my wife and we are worried about the possibility of rain storms and snow
I think the greater likelihood will be snow rather than rain. Whether it ruins your trip depends on what you plan to do. If you plan to snowshoe in the park, then the fresh snow will only improve conditions.
@@ErikStensland great!! Just shifted our plans to go early march to avoid mud season and still get some snow. Last question: do you think this time of year it is OK to book hotels/motels right on the spot? Just so we can change the itinerary order according to the weather. Side note: We just watched almost of of your videos 😅 thanks for the content!
Thanks so much for watching the videos. I hope you found them helpful. In terms of early March, that's a great time to enjoy the snow. Generally, it's not too busy then and you can probably get accomodation without a reservation during that time. I am not certain, but I think it is likely. The second half of March would be more difficult due to people visiting for spring break. Hope that helps. Have a great visit and stop by my gallery to say hello if you have time!
My son and I are coming for the first time in June. Already got my permits secured. I cannot wait to see the beauty and majesty of these mountains!
I hope you have a wonderful time here! It’s definitely one of the most beautiful times of the year here.
Amazing views. Great video. Thanks for sharing. 👍18
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Many thanks!