The NIght before Christmas on Mills Lake

The Riddle of Night

Gem Lake Winter

Shelf Falls to Longs Peak

Shelf Falls

Long's in the distance

Hiayaha Winter

Hiayaha's Blue Ice

Hiayaha Sculture

Blue Wall at Hiayaha

Glacial Hiayaha

Dream in the Morning Light

Fern Lake WInter

Cracks in the Glass

It was a bright Spring day after a couple weeks of unusually warm days. The hike to Lake of Glass in Rocky Mountain National Park was a long slog through sticky snow. When arriving at the lake above an icy waterfall, the effort to get there is quickly forgotten. The lake is starting to melt so extreme caution is warranted to even skirt the edges and to creep out to capture the cracks in this beautiful lake.

Sky Pond Melting

The melting of Sky Pond high up in Rocky Mountain Nation Park.

White Ice in the Sky

A frozen lake at 11,000 feet elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park, Sky Pond. Perfect name for a perfect place in the mountains. These rocks frozen in the south shore created a mystic feeling to the lake.

Sky Pond Glass

Sky Pond Spring

Mills Lake Frozen

Mills Lake is a popular hiking destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. This photo was taken during my first snowshoe trip of the season. I had been waiting all Summer looking forward to Winter hiking season. These lakes are beautiful all year round, however there is just something magical when they are blanketed with snow.

The Winter

When Winter takes hold and the world turns monochrome, look for the little scene that are uniquely precious. During a winter hike as I was walking on a log crossing a frozen stream, I looked down to see these branches sticking out from below. This was a little piece of relief from a mostly white field of white.

Sunset Moraine

Sunset over Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park. After an evening watching the elk herds out on the meadow, the sun have us a nice little show. Mountains, rivers, meadows, and elk. Nature is wonderful, get out there and take it in.

Locking Antlers

Two bull elk locking antlers during the fall rut (mating season) in Rocky Mountain National Park. These two looked more like they were practicing than actually battling. The alpha male in this herd had his harem secured nearby. He was not concerned with this fight between these younger rivals.

Hiking The Tundra

The feeling of hiking in the mountain tundra above treeline is special. It seems like a different world. One where we should not be. So foreign, yet so peaceful. Mt. Ida Trail, Rocky Mountain Nation Park.

Elk Morning

Early morning trip to Rocky Mountain National Park turned out amazing. We saw two Elk off Trail Ridge Rd and stopped to watch these regal creatures. After just a few minutes, more came up the hill. The immense size of these animals is amazing. I could have spent all day with these guys.

Haiyaha

Haiyaha Blue

At 10,244 feet sits one of the true treasures of Rocky Mountain National Park, Lake Haiyaha. A millenia ago the glacier between Hallet Peak and Otis Peak carved out this canyon and deposited the boulders that make this lake so spectacular. Haiyaha is a Native American word meaning "rock". Perfect name for a perfect lake.

Living Dead

Heading down from Joe Mills Mountain, I spotted these trees. It was like the branches were reaching out to grab me. Do you remember that scene from Snow White?

Trees at the top

I've been fortunate to have seen and experience some really amazing sites and places. Lakes, mountains, forests, beaches, temples. Recently, I have realized the beauty is extra special when you have to work for it. Go climb a mountain or hike to a secluded site. It's worth the effort.

Ice Bubbles Close

Blue Ice 4

Hiayaha Ice Pinnacle

Hiayaha Ice Pinnacle

Lake of Glass in Winter