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.

I’ve been waiting all summer for this sunset and it couldn’t have come at a  better time. The wildflowers are still at their peak which is unusual for this time of year especially in the San Juan Mountains of SW Colorado. It was especially nice because my son had come along and decided to literally run up a 13K peak to catch the sunset. He made it with plenty of time to spare and I was fortunate to be able to see and photograph his tiny silhouette as he stood at the edge of a massive cliff. There he was, basking in God’s spotlight. His view was certainly better than mine as he could see the Grenadiers off to the South and many other peaks in all directions. I was content in the beautiful wildflower field dazzling with many bright colors in all directions.   A cherished moment in time!