I finally had the unique opportunity to explore the Eastern most region of the Beautiful Grenadier Range located in the San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado. Getting there was quite a chore as I almost lost my bumper after getting high centered on a large rock on the terrible path leading to the trailhead. Lucky for us, my father-in-law was following behind with his Razor so we abandoned my vehicle and he was easily able to navigate the difficult path that led us to our journey. We arrived a few hours before sunset so we immediately scrambled up the trailhead I had never traveled before where we were quickly rewarded with a spectacular view of the eastern edge of the Grenadiers which included Guardian, Silex, Whitecap, Peak One, Trinity, and a whole host of other unnamed peaks and high alpine lakes.

The tundra had already changed colors with beautiful reds mixed with greens, golds and browns. I set up for a sunset shot with an alpine lake backdrop and was fortunate to have the perfect conditions for a nice sunstar with its beautiful saturated colors illuminating the alpine floor. This was a place where dreams are made of. We spent many more hours exploring this region and hopefully some of these photos will allow you to share in our wonderful experience…

Canon 6D with 24-70L, 16-35L with Dolica carbon pro tripod.

To those camping below, I have your profile shot ready. Just send me an email to receive.

Late in the evening while sitting atop an unnamed peak in the San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado, the thought of a nice sunset was quickly fading as darkness was quickly setting in.

Then, like so many other times, the sun that had long ago set behind a distant mountain range (or so I thought) suddenly burst forth highlighting my face and the peak I was standing on along with the other peak tops only a short distance away. To be up close and personal with the beautiful saturation all around is the most incredible feeling.

Sometimes people ask me how I can tolerate waiting at 13k plus feet for a sunset when walking down a steep mountain peak in total darkness is guaranteed.  I say anyone who has experienced this could give them a good explanation especially when rewarded with a beautiful sunset or sunrise.   I think my picture speaks for itself even though it doesn’t do it justice, what I was so fortunate to witness…

Unfortunately, there are many times out in the field when nothing happens so when you get a moment like this, it makes it all worthwhile.

I included two behind the scenes shots one before and one during the sunset.

Pano stitch by Adobe Lightroom 6,  Canon 6D with 16-35L,  f/18,  16mm, 1/8 sec, ISO 250, Dolica carbon fiber tripod professional.

This late in the season at over 13k, the tops of the peaks are still full of wildflowers which is not common for this time of year. However, my primary focus was not on the wildflowers this time but instead, on some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the lower 48.

From left to right is Vestal, Arrow, Eolus (in background with snow patches), Turret, and Pigeon on the far right. There are many more peaks seen here like Peak Fifteen, Monitor Peak, and Peak Twelve, etc…

Vestal and Arrow are located in the Grenadier Range and the other mentioned peaks are part of the East Needle Mountains. All These peaks are located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado. Their ruggedness and remote location makes them fairly untouched by most people except for the avid backpackers and experienced mountaineers.

My personal favorite is Pigeon with Vestal a close second which sits like a giant radar tower with its steep broad north face made of solid granite.

I still can’t believe how green the rolling tundra still is as well. We were really blessed this summer with abundant moisture.

Pano 4 vertical stitch Adobe Lightroom 6, Canon 6D  f/10,  1/80 sec, ISO 200, Dolica carbon fiber tripod professional.