Hey there, fellow landscape photography and nature enthusiasts! Today, I want to take you on an exciting journey through Staunton State Park in Colorado, where I embarked on a long hike to capture the breathtaking beauty of Elk Creek Falls. Picture this: a cloudy and overcast morning with the threat of imminent rain, damp and muddy trails lined with lush green spring vegetation, and a roaring waterfall at the end just waiting to be photographed. Let’s dive right in!
It was an unusually gray and cloudy morning in the Rocky Mountains as I made my way to the trailhead in Staunton State Park. Off and on during the early morning drive, interludes of light rain played a soothing melody on the windshield, building some concern as to whether conditions would allow me to actually complete the hike. Fortunately, as I pulled into the park the sound of rainfall faded away leaving an enchanting forest scene of muted light and bright green hues that promised a compelling landscape photography opportunity. Deciding to brave the elements and capitalize on the break in the rain, I made sure my camera and lens were protected in my pack, grabbed my rain jacket, and laced up my hiking boots, ready to embrace the muddy trails.
This early in the morning, I was the only one at the Lazy V trailhead as I set out on the Staunton Ranch Trail, the scent of damp earth and fragrant pine, creating an invigorating atmosphere. Winding through a mixed conifer and aspen forest the trail gently ascended past steep granite cliffs with several spurs for climbing access, although no one was climbing the wet cliffs this morning. The vibrant greens of the foliage along the trail appeared even more radiant against the backdrop of gray clouds. Passing through a grassy valley and a large aspen stand I reached the junction with the Bugling Elk, Marmot Passage, and Borderline Trails, electing to travel the wider Bugling Elk trail through the forest and alongside a small stream to Elk Falls Pond.
Taking a quick breather at Elk Falls Pond, I was able to spot one of the many marmots that call this area home scampering around the large rock formation at the far end of the pond. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to unpack my camera quick enough to grab a photo before it disappeared. It was tempting to enjoy the solitude of the calm and tranquil landscape around the pond a bit longer, but the ominous looking skies overhead spurred me on towards my goal of Elk Creek Falls and I began moving away from the pond along the Chimney Rock Trail.
Meandering through dense woods with lush moss and colorful lichen and across rocky outcroppings slick from the earlier rain I ascended above Elk Falls Pond along the Chimney Rock Trail enjoying the quiet sounds of the early morning forest. After about 2/3 of a mile, I reached the Elk Falls Trail which descends on a series of switchbacks to the base of the waterfall. My anticipation increased as the sound of rushing water grew louder as I made my way down, watching carefully for slick spots on the rocky descent. Soon the air was filled with only the sounds of cascading water and my own carefully placed footsteps. Rounding the last switchback I finally reached the vantage point at the base of the falls and was greeted with a mesmerizing sight. Elk Creek Falls cascaded over the granite rock cliff in an immense display of nature’s power and grace. The cloudy sky acted as a natural diffuser, softening the light and enhancing the overall mood of the scene.
I carefully navigated the wet rocks to get closer to the bottom of the waterfall, finding the perfect vantage point to capture the majesty of Elk Creek Falls. I set up my tripod and carefully composed my shots, allowing the composition to guide my lens. Applying a 10-stop neutral density filter and long exposures of 15 – 30 seconds I was able to create a silky, dreamlike quality to the movement of the falling water, each click of the shutter freezing a moment in time and preserving the waterfall’s ethereal dance forever. Enjoying the photographic process itself immensely, I was so immersed in the art of capturing the scenic waterfall that I initially failed to notice the raindrops had begun to fall lightly again. Quickly packing up my camera and other photography gear I turned my back on the falls and began the rocky ascent back up to Chimney Rock Trail, coming across the first other hikers of the morning as I neared the top.
A light rain continued to fall as I retraced my steps along the misty trail and the return journey was a chance to reflect on the beauty and resilience of nature and the profound impact it has on our souls. As I neared the parking lot the rain gradually subsided again, leaving me with a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude for another wonderful experience outside in nature. Chasing waterfalls on a rainy day may not be the typical adventure one envisions, but the cloudy skies added an ethereal touch to the roaring waters of Elk Creek Falls, providing the perfect subject for my photographic journey and reminding me there’s beauty to be found in every weather condition. Packing up the car and driving home, I was happy that I was not deterred by the cloudy and rainy conditions which had ended up enhancing the overall allure of the scene and contributing to what I hoped was an exceptional waterfall photograph.
Below is the final image of Elk Creek Falls which I hope serves as a window into this breathtaking landscape, invoking a sense of peace, awe, and tranquility. As part of the allure of landscape photography lies not only in the final image but also in the journey itself, I wanted to share this story of how I made one of my favorite waterfall photographs.
Landscape and nature photography prints have become increasingly popular as home decor choices, as they infuse spaces with a touch of tranquility and harmony and transport us to distant lands, reminding us of the beauty that exists beyond our everyday lives. If you’re looking to create a sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle by adorning your walls with the serenity and grandeur of the great outdoors, I invite you to browse the various print options available for my Elk Creek Falls image, as well as my other large scenic Colorado landscape prints available for purchase in my gallery.
