RMNP Locations: Wild Basin Area: Copeland Lake
At the entrance to Wild Basin there is a small pond known as Lake Copeland. Most people drive right past it, but on calm mornings it can provide an almost mirror like reflection of Mount Copeland in the distance. This section also covers the Wild Basin Entrance area with its wonderful willows and spectacular views to the west.
I shot this image at Copeland Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park just before dawn. There was a beautiful purple hue to everything before the sun rose. The primary mountain in the image with the reflection is Mount Copeland, named the same as the lake. Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.
In June Lake Copeland fills to its limit with water creating the opportunity for a perfect reflection of Mount Copeland. Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.
One of the least visited areas of the Park, but also amongst its most beautiful is the Wild Basin region on the southern end of RMNP. This area provides wonderful hiking to remote lakes and rugged peaks, but one of the best views can be found at Copeland Lake just inside the Wild Basin entrance. From here you can see majestic Copeland Mountain surrounded by other peaks of the Continental Divide high above this alpine gem. Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.
A fresh 17" of snow have covered Wild Basin valley as seen from hwy 7. Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.