Pawnee Buttes on the High Plains of Colorado

Walking out to the buttes on Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado can be full of surprises especially with unpredictable spring weather. This day there were storms rolling through which made for great photography potential. Without any cover or place to retreat we were ever mindful of the lightning that accompanies such storms and probably stayed a bit too long. But the grandeur of the vista and sky were simply too hard to resist. Do you ever indulge yourself in potential risks to shoot photography?

Pawnee Buttes

Two buttes rise above the high plains of Colorado with a stormy sky as a spring storm rolls over the grasslands.

Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

butte art

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Rocky Mountain Beach on the Roaring Fork River, Colorado

Walking along the Roaring Fork River in Colorado is a beautiful experience. You are never quite sure what you will see. It can be turbulent and wild creating a roar to the senses like in this waterfall photograph. Or it can be serene and lovely like this particular image where the river quiets down and nestles in the rocks.

Rocky Mountain Beach

The Roaring Fork River is banked by rocky granite outcrops and a woodland pine forest.

Roaring Fork River, Pitkin County, Colorado

rocky mountain river art

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Mountain Landscape of Independence Pass, Colorado

It was an unusually warm day in September when we visited Independence Pass, elevation 12,095 feet. We were in light t-shirts and totally comfortable in the summery weather. Many people had stopped at the pass to enjoy the big sky view. One other couple I remember well, because they too were celebrating a wedding anniversary.  They were a couple years ahead of us.  After our conversation I watched as they walked off hand in hand enjoying a special day.  Then we did the same.  For me, it doesn't get better. Hope you enjoy the view!

On Top

Mountain landscape photo, of the vast alpine vistas of Rocky Mountain tundra.  

Independence Pass, Colorado.

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Rustic Mountain Outhouse in Independence, Colorado

Last September I took a trip to Aspen, Colorado. On the way up to the Continental Divide east of Aspen there is a little ghost town called Independence. I took this photograph of the outhouse with a great view there. It could be one of the highest outhouses in the USA at 10,830 feet elevation.  I did it in two versions; color, and black and white. I like both versions but for different reasons. I think the color version has better depth of field. However, the black and white fits the subject matter. Which do you like?

I'll be sharing more Colorado photography shot in Independence soon! Thanks in advance for your comments and shares.

Mountain Privy

Colorado outhouse photo, of a primitive rustic privy located in the alpine ghost town of Independence, Colorado. A perfect way to add the rustic beauty of the west to your home, office, or bathroom decor.

Mountain Privy BW

Colorado outhouse photo in black and white.

Independence, Colorado.

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Sky God

Waiting.  Watching.  Floating.  Listening.

The mountain sits.
The watcher waits.
The clouds slowly slowly slowly drift.

The watcher waits.
The mountain looks back unmoved.

 
Sky God 

A rugged peak punches a hole through the drifting clouds at Maroon Bells, Colorado.

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First Snow on Maroon Bells, Colorado

The first snow of the season always holds that childhood magic for me. The quiet falling flakes drift down in spirals to land gently on my nose melting, but leaving me to feel wonder at the uniqueness of each one. We have not had that first snow in town yet, but on mountain tops across Colorado it has come. I see it up there. I long to go there. But not even the eagles, bears, or mountain goats dare to stay in that harsh environment after the snow starts. I settle for gazing out my window.

First Snow 

The first snow of the season on Maroon Bells, Colorado.

 

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maroon bells art

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Colorado's Crown Jewel, Maroon Bells in Autumn

The morning we drove out to Maroon Bells near Aspen it was threatening rain or snow depending on your elevation. I wanted to see the 'Bells' again even if the weather was not conducive for photography. The air was that special flavor of high altitude crisp and the temperature was definitely on the chilly side. But the moment we arrived I knew I would be granted a beautiful opportunity.  There were a few other photographers there as well. There always are and we shared our tips and gadgets as we watched the clouds alternately close in and slowly part for a brief glimpse of the Bell's first snow. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did being there.  Autumn Bells   Famous Maroon Bells gives a brilliant fall display of Colorado aspens peaking in golden color. The cloud shrouded mountain top has just received the seasons first snow, while the lake mirrors the lovely scenic vista. Maroon Bells, Colorado   jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Photography

I have lived in northern Colorado for over twenty years and went to the "Garden of the Gods" for the first time last summer. I never meant to put it off for so long and when we finally did make plans I had my camera charged and anticipated getting many shots. Unfortunately, this is the only decent shot I got as that storm really did roll in and it poured the whole time! Sometimes it just goes that way. We had a fun day out anyway and ending up visiting Cave of the Winds. I am planning on going back for a second try this next year. Fingers crossed.

Garden of the Gods
An iconic red stone mountain rises up against a stormy sky in Colorado's Garden of the Gods.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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Redstone Winter - Colorado Landscape Photography

The winter wind is sharp today but the sun is bright as I walk down the dusty dry dirt road. It is unusual to be so dry in January. The warm sun is welcome none the less and takes the sting out of the cold air. The white bare trunks of the cottonwood trees catch my attention as they stand out prominently against the red sandstone cliff that gives this valley its name, Redstone Canyon. My home.

Redstone Winter
The valley of Redstone Canyon is named for the beautiful red sandstone cliffs found there. A winter stand of cottonwood trees with their white bark showing prominently provides a contrast against the sandstone cliff.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Mountain Majesty in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado

The sky was a beautiful blue with white puffy clouds when we headed down the mountain. The view was snow capped mountain tops as far as you could see. The air, even though summer, had a raw bite that reminded you with each step that you were at the mercy of a landscape that had no mercy or pity for your human frailty. It is a feeling of smallness and at the same time a feeling of being connected to all the wonder about you.

A storm front approached and it was time to leave lest we be reminded again of our short comings. I looked up just in time to see the approaching clouds create an angle that matched the mountains perfectly creating a zig zag window in the vista. Do you see it? Then in an instant the clouds obscured the amazing view and we retreated to safety below. I hope you enjoyed this little diversion and my newest black and white photography.

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Mountain Majesty
The rugged Rocky Mountains of Colorado rise up to touch the storm clouds creating interesting matching angles. View from Mount Evans, Colorado
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Blustery Day - Colorado Rocky Mountains

It was a blustery day in the northern Colorado Rockies. This view from our deck, looking southeast, is often the direction we see weather coming and at times it can be dramatic. A small snow squall was heading toward our home quite quickly and I ran outside to shoot some photos before the sunny blue sky was covered by the cloud of swirling snow. The wind likes to follow the contours of the land and the first icy finger of the small storm raced up the ravine next to our home. I admit it. I love watching weather!

Blustery Day
A snow squall blows through a pine forest under a blue winter sky in northern Colorado.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Mountain Valley View - Colorado Rocky Mountains

It is the first snowfall. It arrived late this year and followed a sunny summery autumn. So imagine the shockingly cold surprise and sparkling white beauty of this season's first snow. As I breathed in the prickly fine air the world about me seemed new. The sun was catching the fine crystals setting off brilliant sparks on each tree and bush. As I looked down our mountain valley to distant peaks all the shades of winter's blue were around me. My favorite color. I hope you enjoy it too.

Mountain Valley View
The distant hazy blue Rocky Mountains of Colorado are seen through a picture frame of snow clad pines.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Rocky Mountain National Park Landscapes - Lawn Lake Trail

On July 15, 1982 an earthen dam in Rocky Mountain National Park failed resulting in the death of three campers and $31 million in property damage in Estes Park, Colorado. The reason I mention the Lawn Lake Flood is because after 28 years the area, though still scarred, also has amazing beauty. This past summer I enjoyed hiking the trail once again. The debris of giant boulders and logs are sprinkled with wildflowers and new life. Mother nature inspires us with her healing resilience once again.

Mountain View
A distant peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado is seen through a pine forest with purple wildflowers blooming near fallen tree trunks.
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Lawn Lake Trail
Purple wildflowers grow amongst rocks and weathered logs on the Lawn Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain NP, Colorado.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

October 2010 Free Desktop Wallpaper Calendar

October's calendar is Lake Agnes located in the Colorado State Forest near Cameron Pass. Although hard to see, this alpine lake has an island off to the right side of the photo which makes it unique among mountain lakes. The elevation of Lake Agnes is 10,663 feet and it is usually accessible only part of the year. This is a wonderful hike to take if you visit Colorado. It is a beautiful and remote trail, but accessible and easy to do if you are in reasonably good shape. And since it is in the Colorado State Forest you may also take your leashed dog, a bonus for dog lovers!

download your free desktop wallpaper calendar for October 2010 here

Easy Instructions
After clicking on the above link
you will be at my Flickr page. Simply click on
"Download the Original size of this photo."
The file will then download to your desktop!

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

September 2010 Free Wallpaper Calendar

We are on the cusp of autumn. Here in the Rocky Mountains, the kids are back in school, the aspen leaves are turning, and the blankets are going back on the bed. Fall has always been my favorite season. Maybe it is the memories of the smell of a fresh box of crayons for school that I still can not resist. Maybe it was the crunch of leaves under foot and jumping into a big irresistible pile of them. Maybe it was bundling up in a soft sweater and drinking cocoa. I think perhaps it is all of that. How about you?

download your free desktop wallpaper calendar for September 2010 here

Easy Instructions
After clicking on the above link
you will be at my Flickr page. Simply click on
"Download the Original size of this photo."
The file will then download to your desktop!

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

A 14,264' View from the top of Mount Evans

It was last June. It was shorts weather in Colorado, but not at the top of Mount Evans. There was a storm approaching the peak and the temperature was below freezing with bitter biting winds. I trotted across the parking lot to the ruins of the old chalet 50 yards away. I was breathless and a little dizzy by the time I reached it, a result of what Coloradans call "rare air" at an elevation of over 14,000 feet. Shivering from the unrelenting cold but at the same time totally juiced to take photos, I shot off as many as I could before my fingers started to go numb. I'm going back this year for sure... in August, with arctic gear, gloves, hat and a tripod. Enjoy the view!

Mountain Window
Looking out a rustic window from the ruins of a chalet at the very top of Mount Evans at an elevation of 14,264' shows a scenic snow capped mountain landscape as far as the eye can see.
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Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Snowy Trees in a Winter Landscape

My boots crunched as I walked the dogs in the frigid morning air. Their breath puffed out in jets of steam as they charged ahead. The fresh snow outlined everything in lacy sparkling white. I had to pause and soak it in, the cold forgotten. I am the "Winter Girl." The cottonwoods on the valley floor remind me of old oil paintings of the romanticism period, with pastural meadows and large trees. It would have looked the same to a passerby one hundred years ago. My contemplations are abruptly ended by dog noses nudging me forward. It is time to continue our walk.

Mesa Cottonwoods in Winter
Snowy cottonwoods line a creek at the bottom of the towering western mesa pointing to a water source and creating layers of subtle color.
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Snowy Cottonwoods in Blue
The western landscape turns a subtle shade of blue under the intense azure winter sky and highlights the stark row of cottonwood trees.
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Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Ed Abbey's American Southwest

The temperature was zero degrees F this morning. It was snowing. It is December in the northern Rockies of Colorado. Everywhere I look there are pine boughs laden with snow, a lovely vision often seen on a holiday card. So just to have a little change of perspective I decided to shift my focus to Ed Abbey's favorite country, the American desert southwest. For those of you who may not know who Ed Abbey was, he wrote many famous books and among them "The Monkey Wrench Gang," is one of my personal favorites. I can envision Hayduke, a radical environmentalist and Vietnam vet in the book, dining at this roadside restaurant and then disappearing into the rocky terrain of Zion National Park. I recently submitted these two photos to a literary magazine called "Matter Journal" for their edition coming out next summer on Ed Abbey. I thought I would share them with you and put the snowy shots aside for today.

Monkey Wrench Diner
It was a hot summer day when I came across this roadside diner in the American Southwest. It made me think of the book, "The Monkey Wrench Gang" by Ed Abbey. I can just imagine Ed dining here.
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Zion Landscape
The layers of sedimentation are clearly visible in this photo taken at Zion National Park. Ancient seabeds became limestone; mud and clay became mudstones and shale; and desert sand became sandstone.
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Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen