Staying overnight at Moraine Lake Lodge gave us the rare chance to greet the Valley of the Ten Peaks before the crowds arrived. The morning began in darkness, the cold air sharp and still as we made our way up the Rockpile Trail with headlamps and quiet anticipation. Despite the early hour, we weren’t alone—quite a few photographers had gathered, each hoping for that perfect moment when first light kissed the peaks.

Randy wanted a clean, uninterrupted view of the lake’s brilliant turquoise surface, so while most stayed clustered near the top, he carefully climbed down in front of the usual vantage point to avoid distractions from the trees. From there, the composition opened wide: the still water mirrored the jagged peaks in perfect symmetry, with just enough warmth in the dawn light to ignite the mountain tops.

It was a scene that felt both timeless and fleeting—the calm before the day’s bustle, when Moraine Lake was quiet, reflective, and at its most breathtaking.