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National-Parks > Reminisces  > Rocky Mountain NP > Alpen Glow
Alpen glow is the term given to the first light of day as the rising sun, coming around the curve of the earth catches the peaks of lofty mountains. The peaks catch the red spectrum of light and appears to make the mountain tops burn with fire. While the event only lasts a few brief minutes those who witness it will never forget the moment.
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Moraine Park is a large glacier sculpted basin on the east side of Rocky.  An easy stroll in the pre-dawn hours will yield spectacular views as the first light of a new day strikes the peaks of the western continental divide.
Morning light changes every few seconds as the sun slowly rises.  Moments before this photo was taken the mountains were black.  Then the very first rays of light struck the peak of Long's and the mountains took on the famed "Purple Mountain Majesty" named in song.  The light was reflected onto the still waters of Bear Lake.
Bear Lake reflects the alpen glow from Long's Peak during a still morning in mid July bringing a feeling of peace.
Perhaps the most popular destination in all of Rocky is Bear Lake.  While day time brings large crowds to the lake few ever see the beauty of Bear at the magic times of the day.  This photo was taken at sunset and I had the entire lake to myself as I captured this magical moment.
Rocky's signature peak is Majestic Long's Peak which rises over 14,000 feet above the Colorado plain.  Visible from nearly everywhere in the park, Long's basks in the last light of day as the sun sets in the west ending another perfect day in Rocky.
At 10,714 feet  and 9.7 miles from the nearest trailhead Lost Lake lies in the north east quadrant of Rocky.  Few hikers ever reach this isolated location but for those who do dawn can offer singular beauty.  This was a chilly morning, with the wind briskly blowing across the lake to add to the cold.  I sat huddled against the cold to enjoy this majestic moment.
Most visitors to Rocky spend their time on the east side of the park.  However the western side has many hidden treasures.  One of my favorite places on earth is Haynach Lakes, a beautiful valley nestled over 11,000 feet high in the west central section of Rocky.  A walk in the dark and cold brought me to the shores of Upper Haynach Lake in time to catch dawn's first rays kissing the western peaks.  While I've been to this little heaven on earth many times, this is the only time I managed to get a few clouds to add drama to the wakening dawn.
Nakai Peak burns with alpen glow while an unnamed tarn reflects the beauty of a new day in the valley of Haynack Lakes.
Lovely Nymph Lake reflects the alpen glow from Hallet Peak at dawn in late July while the low hills glow with the fire of a new day.
Moraine Park is a large glacier sculpted basin on the east side of Rocky. An easy stroll in the pre-dawn hours will yield spectacular views as the first light of a new day strikes the peaks of the western continental divide.
Moraine Park is a large glacier sculpted basin on the east side of Rocky.  An easy stroll in the pre-dawn hours will yield spectacular views as the first light of a new day strikes the peaks of the western continental divide.
Moraine Park is a large glacier sculpted basin on the east side of Rocky. An easy stroll in the pre-dawn hours will yield spectacular views as the first light of a new day strikes the peaks of the western continental divide.
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