Spanish Peaks and La Veta Colorado. March 8, 1993.
Yesterday, December 11, was International Mountain Day, and I missed it. I didn’t even know there is such a day. I love mountains!
The Spanish Peaks in Colorado were my first favorite mountains when I was very young. My mother told me that as a small boy (2-3 years old) living in southern Colorado, I would stare out our front door at the Spanish Peaks. I still love them. Despite it being a bitter cold day, I stopped on U.S. 160 just long enough to take this picture at dusk along with the lights of tiny La Veta.
Pikes Peak from Mile Marker 378 on I-70, two miles east of the Bovina exit.
On the northeast side of Pueblo, Colorado, from the time I was in 1st grade through 11th grade, I could see Pikes Peak from my bedroom window. I loved waking up in the morning and looking out the window to see it.
Ironically, in my folder of favorite Colorado images, my only image of Pike’s Peak was taken from a distance of 96 miles away on I-70 east of Denver. I was at Mile 378, two miles east of the Bovina exit.
Aspen, Mt. Ouray from O’Haver Lake. October 2, 2014
We discovered O’Haver Lake and Mount Ouray when I was in junior high school. After our initial trip, we went camping there several times every year until the year we moved to Nebraska. Mt. Ouray is named for Chief Ouray who was the leader of Tabeguache band of the Ute nation. He made trips Washington D.C. to negotiate on behalf of his tribe. He met with Presidents Lincoln, Grant, and Hayes.
O’Haver Lake, Mt. Ouray, Colorado, October 2, 2014.
Melissa and I took our children on regular trips to O’Haver Lake when they were growing up. My most recent trip was in September 2024.
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Great Sand Dunes from an airplane. January 28, 2017.
Our flight from California to Ohio was delayed for several hours, giving me this beautiful light over the Sangre de Cristos.
The historic Beckwith Ranch and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on U.S. 69 north of Westcliffe Colorado. October 28, 2012.
The Sangre de Cristo (“Blood of Christ”) Mountains in southern Colorado are long time favorites. On some hot summer days in Pueblo we would drive to the Wet Mountain Valley for cooler temperatures and the views of “The Sangres” on the west side of the valley.
Mt. Princeton, one of the Collegiate Peaks. October 7, 2007.
As an adult on photo trips back to Colorado, I look forward to seeing Mt. Princeton and the rest of the Collegiate Peaks as I head for my favorite places in southern Colorado.
Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake, early morning, September 24, 2015.
A much more recent favorite, thanks to my one and only trip to see them, are the Maroon Bells near Aspen Colorado.
Mt. Sneffels at Sunrise from CO-62 west of Ridgway Colorado. October 3, 2002.
Mt. Sneffels is in southwest Colorado is a huge favorite.
Storm Clouds over Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain from the Storm Pass Trailhead. October 1, 2014.
Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park are favorites of mine.
Longs Peak from Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. October 5, 2007.
Longs Peak from Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. October 5, 2007.
Longs Peak in “Rocky” is another favorite.
Last Light on El Capitan, Yosemite National Park. December 30, 1990.
El Capitan Reflection in the Merced River, Gates of the Valley, Yosemite National Park, California. October 25, 2015.
Gates of the Valley (Valley View). El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Merced River. Yosemite National Park. California. October 25, 2015.
My first time in Yosemite was in December 1990 and we were only there for a few hours. I was hooked from the word go. El Capitan in Yosemite is a big favorite.
Last Light on Mt. Rainier, Washington. June 22, 2007.
As is Mt. Rainier in Washington.
The view from the top of Cadillac Mountain. Otter Point and Otter Cove are in the distance. Acadia National Park. October 21, 2007..
Except for Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, all of my favorite mountains are west of the Mississippi.