Independence Aspens

Here are some aspen boles from along the West side of Independence Pass, near Aspen, CO.

I've finally got around to updating my Recent Images Gallery, too. Cheers!

Cathedral Spires

I hiked the Cathedral Lake Trail for the first time on September 28, 2008. The trailhead is up the Castle Creek Road from Aspen in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. It is a short (~2.8 miles), but steep (~2000 ft elevation gain), hike to the incredibly scenic Cathedral Lake and it has many, many wonderful views along the way.
The following image is near the end of the trail, about 1/3 mile below Cathedral Lake. I love the blazing color of the tundra and low willow shrubs set against the striking spires in the background.
You'll be seeing a more images from this hike in future posts. :-)

La Plata Aspens

Here's an image from the road that leads to the La Plata Peak trailhead, off Independence Pass.
The rain had just stopped and the thick storm clouds parted allowing beams of light to play across the hillsides. These orange colored aspens seemed to glow.

Colorado Fall Colors

Colorado's fall colors have come somewhat later than usual this year (in most places). But it was well worth the wait! I took a 3-day weekend and photographed the following locations:

• Cottonwood Lake area (photo below), near Buena Vista, CO
• Independence Pass
• Castle Creek drainage and Ashcroft
• Capitol Peak overlook
• The famous Maroon Bells

The colors were fantastic this year - better than I've seen in a number of years - especially the undergrowth and tundra. And although the weather did not cooperate during the sunrise and sunset hours (either too cloudy, or no clouds at all), I had a wonderful time in the mountains. And I managed to come away with some decent images. I'll post more photos over the next few weeks.