Nightscape — Journal — Douglas DeVoto

Longs Peak Milky Way

The best way to avoid the crowds in Rocky Mountain National Park is to visit in the offseason and at off hours. I wanted to capture the alignment of the Milky Way with Longs Peak while snow was still present so May was a good month to spend in the park under the stars. After reaching an almost empty parking lot I hiked up to my viewpoint that just managed to clear any foreground trees. I began this single long take at 10:30 pm and packed up after sunrise at 6:30 am. After the Moon set below the horizon, the Milky Way and Jupiter advanced across the night sky and provided me a good reason to skip sleeping. The bright glow at the horizon is light pollution from Boulder and Denver.

Douglas DeVotoMay 11, 2019Hiking, Rocky Mountain National Park, Nightscape, Sunrise

Lone Eagle Peak

The high country is slowly beginning to melt away and open up the alpine trails. I spent a night by Crater Lake, with a view of Lone Eagle Peak. Getting there was a bit of challenge as many downed trees covered the standard trail, and snow still covered the last few miles. The Milky Way moving across the backdrop of snow-covered mountains made for a memorable night.

Douglas DeVotoJune 17, 2017Indian Peaks Wilderness, Backpacking, Nightscape

Central Utah

Few places have night skies as dark as central Utah. I spent a week exploring canyons, washes, and overlooks. Compared to popularity of Moab, it was refreshing to truly feel in the middle of nowhere.

Douglas DeVotoMay 13, 2017Utah, Backpacking, Nightscape

The Tetons

Skiing conditions were not ideal in the Tetons, but it was nevertheless a scenic trip for my first visit. I spent a morning at the Teton Overlook watching the stars and Jupiter fade into sunrise.

Douglas DeVotoMarch 31, 2017Grand Teton National Park, Nightscape, Sunrise, Wyoming

Maroon Bells

Despite the cancellation of the Golden Leaf Half Marathon, the timing was perfect to have fresh snow on the mountains and the aspens at their peak color. I arrived early enough to enjoy the Maroon Bells under starlight

Douglas DeVotoSeptember 24, 2016Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Nightscape, Sunrise

Ansel Adams Wilderness

I had the great opportunity to spend a week hiking in the Ansel Adams Wilderness with photographer Brad Goldpaint along with several other alumni of his nightscape workshops. Managing the weight of equipment needed to capture the Milky Way with the essentials in an extended backcountry outing over five nights proved to be a fun challenge.

Douglas DeVotoJuly 7, 2016Ansel Adams Wilderness, Backpacking, Nightscape

Palisade

Situated between the Rocky Mountains and Utah deserts, Palisade is a refreshing departure from traveling along I-70. After exiting the interstate, one sees the possibilities for tapping the Colorado River after passing an abundance of wineries and orchards. History surrounds the area with petroglyphs, discarded wagon trails, and farming implements that have earned a resting place along the fields they once cared for.

Douglas DeVotoApril 30, 2016Palisade, Hiking, Nightscape

Arapaho Lakes

The scenic views by Arapaho Lakes are buried by feet of snow in January, but the mountains make a great destination for backcountry skiing. Most treat the trails as a day trip destination from the Front Range, but a few friends decided to camp out in a snow cave. Emergency shovels were put to work, and a temporary accommodation for five was carved out of the snowpack. Battery-powered lights were a great last minute addition to the cave. While I was warm inside, the camera clicked away as the stars tracked across the sky above moonlit mountains.

Douglas DeVotoJanuary 23, 2016James Peak Wilderness, Skiing, Nightscape