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.
Read MoreFew 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.
Read MoreSkiing 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.
Read MoreDespite 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
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreNature 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.
Read MoreThe Front Range has experienced an unusually warm June, so I attempted to beat the heat by searching for higher ground. As a day trip, La Plata is an easy class 2 climb accessible off of Highway 82, southwest of Leadville. The mountain was originally named for the silver mines that once operated in the area.
Read MoreTrading 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.
Read MoreSituated 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.
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