Sunrise — Journal — Douglas DeVoto

Mt. Massive

An alpine start to enjoy sunrise on a 14er required getting to the trailhead for Mt. Massive by 3:30 am. The nearly full moon helped illuminate the trail and the many avalanche paths that were still melting away from the record spring snowfall. As we reached 13,000 ft we realized that we would not reach the summit before sunrise so we found a great viewpoint looking south towards Mt. Elbert. The subtle colors in the alpine glow were quickly overwhelmed by the strengthening sun, but not before we captured the first light.

Douglas DeVotoAugust 17, 2019Hiking, Scrambling, Mt. Massive Wilderness, 14er, Sunrise, Mountain Goats

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

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

Dream Lake and Chaos Canyon

Nature can be humbling through its beauty and difficulty and I experienced a little of both in RMNP. With sunrise a little after 5:00 am, we had to leave Boulder around 3:00 am in order to reach Dream Lake. Mornings by the lake are spectacular with the first light reflecting into the water via Hallet Peak.

Douglas DeVotoJune 26, 2016Rocky Mountain National Park, Scrambling, Sunrise

Salem

Trading mountains for the ocean this Memorial Day weekend, I spent one morning on Winter Island in Salem, Massachusetts. The history of the island dates back to the 17th century and remained a fortification for several centuries to protect Salem Harbor. The Fort Pickering Light was built in in 1871, along with the Derby Wharf Light and the Hospital Point Light to aid mariners into the harbor.

Douglas DeVotoMay 31, 2016Salem, Ocean, Sunrise