“AFTERNOON CROWD”

If you’ve ever walked through a dense Aspen grove, you know that these beautiful trees can grow very close to each other. The afternoon light in this grove gives the impression of a gathering crowd.
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“AFTERNOON FAREWELL”

You never know what to expect in the late afternoon in Colorado. Afternoons usually produce clouds and thunderstorms. If the clouds continue to gather and there are no thunderstorms, then the chances of dazzling sunsets increase. As the clouds build this afternoon in the Roosevelt National Forest, the result is this magnificent sunset.
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“ALPINE LACE I”

The drastic difference between the extreme frostiness of the air temperature and swift moving water current create magical forms and contours where the snow and ice mix together on the banks of this mountain stream.
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“ALPINE LACE II”

The drastic difference between the extreme frostiness of the air temperature and swift moving water current create magical forms and contours where the snow and ice mix together on the banks of this mountain stream.
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“ASPEN CARPET”

As you look at the fall colors, it seems that certain areas of the forest and mountains are completely covered with Aspen. This perspective tends to shift one’s senses into experiencing the intense hues covering the ground as resembling a living carpet.
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“ASPEN EYES”

The Aspen is a unique tree in many aspects. The “family” of trees spread from one host tree to form the grove and the color of its’ leaves in the fall is remarkable. One of the most interesting facets of the Aspen are the “eyes” left on the trunk after branches and limbs fall away. The Aspen eyes are always watching.
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“ASPEN HEART”

Fall brings a wide variety of color to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The Aspen are the focus of the color with vibrant hues covering the mountains. The leaves eventually fall, blanketing the forest floor with a rich mosaic in shades of red, orange and yellow. Add a light rain or early morning mist and rain drops on an Aspen leaf can be spectacular.
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“ASPEN MOSAIC”

The brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red erupt and burst forth from the limbs of the Aspen as summer turns to autumn, and autumn colors await the imminent fresh blanket of snow for the approaching winter season.
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“ASPEN SPIRIT”

The fall in the Colorado Rockies is truly unique. The colors can literally begin and end within a two to three week period. This Aspen grove almost seems to slide down the side of this hill as the intense red and golden yellow colors scream out to be noticed.
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“AUTUMN GIANT”

As you walk in an Aspen grove and look up, you notice that the trees grow intimately close while the branches, leaves and shadows create abstract patterns that can fool the senses. The combination of sunlight and color can make you feel as though you are walking through a forest of gold.
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“BARN STORMIN’ II”

The world famous Steamboat Barn has long been a symbol of cowboys and the old west in Northwestern Colorado. The blizzard that encroached on this day was so intense that it was difficult to distinguish the ground in front of me. Everything including the barn itself took on a black and white character.
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“BARN STORMIN’ III”

The world famous Steamboat Barn has long been a symbol of cowboys and the old west in Northwestern Colorado. The blizzard that encroached on this day was so intense that it was difficult to distinguish the ground in front of me. Everything including the barn itself took on a black and white character.
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“CAMOUFLAGE”

Aspen groves are families. The groves grow over the years from the roots of one parent tree. The brilliant reds, oranges and golden yellows of this grove literally erupted in a spectacular display of fall color. These Aspens stood apart from other groves nearby that displayed “more normal” golden yellow fall colors. The combination of moisture and minerals can cause Aspens to produce the extraordinary hues in this fall spectacle.
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“CANOPY”

Walking in an Aspen grove you look high overhead to see green leaves obscure the sky above. As the colors of fall emerge the crown of green turns yellow, orange and red painting a vibrant mural that vibrates with the intense blue of the Colorado sky.
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“CHASING SUNLIGHT”

As fall changes to winter, colors change and you’re never too sure what miracle you’ll find around the next corner. Late afternoon light filters low on the horizon creating beautiful shadows, patterns and colors. As I peered out at a magnificent mountain of spruce, I noticed a “fire” of color in an isolated Aspen grove. The light filtered through the leaves of the spruce and Aspen giving the Aspens the appearance of being “lit” from behind.
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“CIRCUS”

In the chill of the morning when the temperatures are still low, passionate pilots inflate their balloon envelopes with hot air, lifting them silently high above the surface of the earth. As voyagers have done for centuries, these adventurers float in the air in the cool and beautiful morning light. Modern balloonists capture this feeling and bring to the sport magnificent patterns and colors. When dozens of balloons ascend together the spectacle is an overwhelming exhibition of brilliant color and picturesque mountain sky, clouds and scenery.
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“CLASSICAL GAS”

In the chill of the morning when the temperatures are still low, passionate pilots inflate their balloon envelopes with hot air, lifting them silently high above the surface of the earth. As voyagers have done for centuries, these adventurers float in the air in the cool and beautiful morning light. Modern balloonists capture this feeling and bring to the sport magnificent patterns and colors. When dozens of balloons ascend together the spectacle is an overwhelming exhibition of brilliant color and picturesque mountain sky, clouds and scenery.
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“COLUMBINE FIESTA”

The moist and fertile areas beneath Aspen groves and next to river and creek beds is the perfect home for the Colorado Columbine, Colorado’s state flower. This striking group of Columbines thrust their way through the lush green undergrowth of ferns to exhibit distinctive beauty.
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“CROSSING PATHS”

Fall brings a wide variety of color to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The Aspen are the focus of the color with vibrant hues covering the mountains. The leaves eventually fall, blanketing the forest floor with a rich mosaic in shades of red, orange and yellow.
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“EARLY SHADOWS”

Blue sky, wispy clouds, morning sunlight, mountain snow and evergreen trees combine for breathtaking vistas in the Ten Mile Range of the Arapaho National Forest.
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“ERUPTION”

Aspen groves are families. The groves grow over the years from the roots of one parent tree. The brilliant reds, oranges and golden yellows of this grove literally erupted in a spectacular display of fall color. These Aspens stood apart from other groves nearby that displayed “more normal” golden yellow fall colors. The combination of moisture and minerals can cause Aspens to produce the extraordinary hues in this fall spectacle.
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“FALL FLOURISH”

Fall brings a wide variety of color to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The Aspen are the focus of the color with vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow covering the mountains. In the late afternoon light the Aspen can look like gigantic paint brushes waving in the wind.
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“FIREWORKS”

On a hillside, under a meandering Aspen grove, this collection of Broom Senecio (Aster family) exploded into constellations of patterns and brilliant yellow color.
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“FROSTED”

Sometimes the winds blow fiercely and the snow flies horizontally. If conditions are right, the snow seems to permeate the needles of the Evergreens and forms a wonderland of patterns on the bare Aspen limbs. If temperatures are right, the snow can bond to the limbs for days, creating a wonderland of frosted figures and shapes. The contrast between the frosted Aspen limbs and the brilliant blue Colorado sky is magnificent.
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“FULL BLOOM”

Springtime brings rebirth from long, cold winters. Wild animals give birth to their young, grasses grow green and wildflowers and trees begin to bud and bloom. While your thoughts may go toward vivid wildflowers, some flowering trees are spectacular. The blooms in this image are from a flowering crab-apple tree.
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The brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red erupt and burst forth from the limbs of the Aspen as summer turns to autumn, and autumn colors await the imminent fresh blanket of snow for the approaching winter season.
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“GUARDIAN”

It is truly a unique experience to share the wilderness with its inhabitants. When we venture into the Rocky Mountains, we are guests of mountain lions, bears, elk, moose, deer and hundreds of other wild animals. Crossing Cameron Pass one January morning we spotted a herd (perhaps 30 – 40) big horn sheep laying in a meadow. One sturdy and rugged fellow got to his feet to keep an eye on me while I captured dozens of images of the troupe.
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The Maroon Bells are truly one of the most beautiful peaks in all of the Rocky Mountains, and are known worldwide. The golden fall color explodes in the early morning light of the Maroon Bells and its’ mirror like reflection in Maroon Lake.
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“HARVEST MEADOW”

The fall shades of color abound in the long grasses of this peaceful meadow. Late afternoon shadows stretch across the open areas giving a painterly quality to the serene setting that looks southeast toward Long’s Peak and the Continental Divide.
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After a night of heavy snowfall, the fallen flakes stick to virtually every exposed surface. This small meadow on Rabbit Ears Pass reflects the tons of snow that have found a home on every branch and limb of every Aspen and Evergreen tree in sight.
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“INDIAN PAINTBRUSH”

The tranquil atmosphere of a steep mountain meadow concealed the beauty of these dazzling Indian Paintbrush. This display of Paintbrush exhibited some of the largest flowers I have seen.
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“LOOKOUTS”

It is truly a unique experience to share the wilderness with its inhabitants. When we venture into the Rocky Mountains, we are guests of mountain lions, bears, elk, moose, deer and hundreds of other wild animals. Crossing Cameron Pass one January morning we spotted a herd (perhaps 30 – 40) big horn sheep laying in a meadow. After twenty minutes of photo “opps” the herd headed back into the rocky high country, while these two lookouts provided security.
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It is truly a unique experience to share the wilderness with its inhabitants. When we venture into the Rocky Mountains, we are guests of mountain lions, bears, elk, moose, deer and hundreds of other wild animals. Crossing Cameron Pass one January morning we spotted a herd (perhaps 30 – 40) big horn sheep laying in a meadow. After twenty minutes of photo “opps” the herd headed back into the rocky high country, while these two lookouts provided security.
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“MAGENTA BELLS”

Trails through Aspen groves can yield remarkable surprises. These vibrant purple/magenta wildflowers were growing horizontally near the groundcover that spread over floor of the grove.
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The large piece of granite in the foreground of this image has been branded with a brass geographical or boundary marker of a survey team from long ago. It is the only exposed rock in this meadow that is surrounded by brilliant fall foliage.
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“MORNING LIGHT”

To find Colorado’s state flower growing in the wild in the mountains and meadows of Colorado’s high country is a treat at any time, and to find the stunning specimen preserved in this image of the Columbine in morning light is truly exceptional. As I walked through the moist under-growth of rich green ferns beneath towering Aspens, I spied this Columbine in all it’s majesty as the slanting light filtered through the leaves of the surrounding Aspens.
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“MORNING STILLNESS”

The Rockies are covered with a white blanket of snow from mid-September through mid-May. January and February lend their extreme cold temperatures to a morning stillness that you have to experience personally.
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“NEON”

In the chill of the morning when the temperatures are still low, passionate pilots inflate their balloon envelopes with hot air, lifting them silently high above the surface of the earth. As voyagers have done for centuries, these adventurers float in the cool air and beautiful morning light. Modern balloonists capture this feeling and bring to the sport magnificent patterns and colors. When dozens of balloons ascend together the spectacle is an overwhelming exhibition of brilliant color and picturesque mountain sky, clouds and scenery.
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“NO TRESPASSING”

Early mornings bring surprises in the Rocky Mountains. On this March morning the trek was through the Ten Mile Range of the Arapaho National Forest. I happened upon this pristine outlook manned by a family of evergreen trees, and couldn’t bring myself to climb this unspoiled precipice.
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“ORNAMENTS”

Evergreens, pine and spruce intermingle with Aspen throughout the Colorado Rockies. As fall colors brighten and eventually fall from Aspen trees the leaves frequently find their resting place among the arms of neighboring evergreens.
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“PAINTED LADY”

This flowering crabapple tree called my name for several weeks before I succumbed to its call. When I finally set aside time and lugged my gear, I was pleasantly surprised by the family of Painted Lady Butterflies making this tree home.
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“PARTY OF FOUR”

Aspen groves are found everywhere in the picturesque Colorado mountain ranges. These groves are a family of trees that spread from one “father/mother” tree through an intricate root system, virtually connecting all Aspens in that grove to one another. This grove, located in the Routt/Medicine Bow National Forest area, north and west of Steamboat Lake, was special to me visually because of straight trunks and an abnormally long limb sticking from one of the foremost trunks. One of my children sees a “wizard” in the grove. Can you find him?
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“PATHWAY”

The Colorado Rockies are a rich ground for hundreds of plants and trees. The Evergreens, Spruce and Aspen of the mountain hillsides intertwine to form extraordinary mosaic patterns throughout the forest. When Aspen change color in the chilling fall season the resulting patterns can be breathtaking.
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“PATTERNS”

In the chill of the morning when the temperatures are still low, passionate pilots inflate their balloon envelopes with hot air, lifting them silently high above the surface of the earth. As voyagers have done for centuries, these adventurers float in the air in the cool and beautiful morning light. Modern balloonists capture this feeling and bring to the sport magnificent patterns and colors. When dozens of balloons ascend together the spectacle is an overwhelming exhibition of brilliant color and picturesque mountain sky, clouds and scenery.
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As spring gives way to summer more and more wildflowers spread their beauty across the floors of mountainsides and meadows. The bloom in this image is from the White Paintbrush.
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“PINK RHAPSODY”

Springtime brings rebirth from long, cold winters. Wild animals give birth to their young, grasses grow green and wildflowers and trees begin to bud and bloom. While your thoughts may go toward vivid wildflowers, some flowering trees are spectacular. The bloom in this image is from a flowering crab-apple tree.
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“POSTCARD”

Framed by evergreen branches, Hallett Peak stands like a beacon in the early morning light. Notice that the angle of the light draws attention to a natural rock formation on the side of the mountain resembling the letter “H”.
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While Colorado is known worldwide for its majestic Rocky Mountains, it is also home to the vibrant and plentiful plains that have been a source of food to much of the West. This wistful scene is a nostalgic reminder of times gone by.
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“QUACKER”

In the chill of the morning when the temperatures are still low, passionate pilots inflate their balloon envelopes with hot air, lifting them silently high above the surface of the earth. As voyagers have done for centuries, these adventurers float in the air in the cool and beautiful morning light. Modern balloonists capture this feeling and bring to the sport magnificent patterns and colors. Some pilots fly sculptures of ducks or chickens and animals of all kinds. When dozens of balloons ascend together the spectacle is an overwhelming exhibition of brilliant color and picturesque mountain sky, clouds and scenery.
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“RAINBOW METEOR”

The weather in the Rocky Mountains can change in minutes. After a day of shooting fall foliage we were caught in a snow and sleet storm that materialized out of no where. We decided it might be a “good idea” to start down the mountain immediately. We hadn’t gone but a short distance when the snow stopped and the sun began to shine. Obviously you can’t plan for a rainbow, but when one presents itself as beautifully as this, you can’t pass it by. We had about two minutes to grab our gear and shoot. I got six shots before this unique color show disappeared and it started snowing again.
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“REFLECTIONS OF SUMMER”

This delightful mountain lake is tucked away in the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow National Forest. Evergreens surround blue waters and its rocky shoreline opens onto peaceful mountain meadows.
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“RIPPLE EFFECT”

Quaking Aspen is the term used most in referral and description of the Aspen trees in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. If you’ve ever stood in or near an Aspen grove when wind blows through the leaves and branches, then you’ve experienced Quaking Aspen. Watching this phenomenon from a distance generates ripples in the ocean of Aspen and in the fall season a wave of changing and undulating colors.
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“ROARING PASSAGE”

Spring in the Colorado Rockies brings warmer temperatures and melting snow. The spring melt turns rivers, streams and creeks into roaring cascades of swift moving water. The sights, sounds and incredible power of this dazzling display are truly extraordinary.
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“ROCKY MOUNTAIN WATERFALL”

When hiking in the mountains, I see surprising and creative images everywhere. The clouds, mountains, streams, trees, granite formations and sun light are all open for interpretation. This particular granite outcropping attracted my attention enough for me to preserve its image. After a closer look back at my studio, I realized its patterns resembled that of a waterfall.
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“SENTINELS”

These stalwart pines stand guard along the shoreline of Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. These rugged and sturdy masters of the mountain seem to provide protection from any of the severe Colorado elements that may come your way.
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“SKY FLOWER”

In the chill of the morning when the temperatures are still low, passionate pilots inflate their balloon envelopes with hot air, lifting them silently high above the surface of the earth. As voyagers have done for centuries, these adventurers float in the air in the cool and beautiful morning light. Modern balloonists capture this feeling and bring to the sport magnificent patterns and colors. When dozens of balloons ascend together the spectacle is an overwhelming exhibition of brilliant color and picturesque mountain sky, clouds and scenery.
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“SPRING BLOOM”

Springtime brings rebirth from long, cold winters. Wild animals give birth to their young, grasses grow green and wildflowers and trees begin to bud and bloom. While your thoughts may go toward vivid wildflowers, some flowering trees are spectacular. The blooms in this image are from a flowering decorative pear tree.
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“SPRING SILK”

Springtime brings rebirth from long, cold winters. Wild animals give birth to their young, grasses grow green and wildflowers and trees begin to bud and bloom. While your thoughts may go toward vivid wildflowers, some flowering trees are spectacular. The blooms in this image are from a flowering decorative pear tree.
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“STANLEY HOTEL / LUMPY RIDGE”

The Stanley Hotel, know for its architecture, was built by F.O. Stanley (the Stanley Steamer) in 1909. It is said to be one of America’s most haunted hotels, and may best be known for its inspirational role in Stephen King’s novel “The Shining”. Stephen King stayed at the Stanley while writing his novel. The mountain behind the Stanley is Lumpy Ridge.
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“STANLEY HOTEL / MacGREGOR WING”

The Stanley Hotel, know for its architecture, was built by F.O. Stanley (the Stanley Steamer) in 1909. It is said to be one of America’s most haunted hotels, and may best be known for its inspirational role in Stephen King’s novel “The Shining”. Stephen King stayed at the Stanley while writing his novel.
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“STANLEY HOTEL / MAIN BUILDING”

The Stanley Hotel, know for its architecture, was built by F.O. Stanley (the Stanley Steamer) in 1909. It is said to be one of America’s most haunted hotels, and may best be known for its inspirational role in Stephen King’s novel “The Shining”. Stephen King stayed at the Stanley while writing his novel.
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“STANLEY HOTEL / VERANDA & PORTICO”

The Stanley Hotel, know for its architecture, was built by F.O. Stanley (the Stanley Steamer) in 1909. It is said to be one of America’s most haunted hotels, and may best be known for its inspirational role in Stephen King’s novel “The Shining”. Stephen King stayed at the Stanley while writing his novel.
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“STEAMBOAT BARN I”

The world famous Steamboat Barn has long been a symbol of cowboys and the old west in Northwestern Colorado. Over the last several decades, the barn has been a central image in the marketing of the Steamboat Ski Area.
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“STEAMBOAT BARN III”

The world famous Steamboat Barn has long been a symbol of cowboys and the old west in Northwestern Colorado. Over the last several decades, the barn has been a central image in the marketing of the Steamboat Ski Area.
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“SUMMER CASCADE”

Spring in the Colorado Rockies brings warmer temperatures and melting snow. The spring melt turns rivers, streams and creeks into roaring cascades of swift moving water. The sights, sounds and incredible power of this dazzling display are truly extraordinary.
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“SUMMER FLAME”

Summer in the Colorado Rockies is a showcase for hundreds of species of magnificent wildflowers. A wide range of brilliant color carpets Subalpine and Alpine slopes most summer months. The Indian Paintbrush is unique for it’s vibrant color and diversity of form.
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“SUMMER GIANTS”

Aspen groves can spread over wide areas. As you walk in a grove and look upward, the tree tops tower 75 to 100 feet above you. The higher the Aspen grow, more foliage grows at the tops to gather the sunlight, leaving bare trunks below. This growth pattern truly gives you the visual perception of walking among and under giants.
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To find Colorado’s state flower growing in the wild in the mountains and meadows of Colorado’s high country is a treat at any time, and to find the stunning specimen preserved in this image of the Columbine in morning light is truly exceptional. As I walked through the moist under-growth of rich green ferns beneath towering Aspens, I spied this Columbine in all it’s majesty as the slanting light filtered through the leaves of the surrounding Aspens.
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“SUMMERTIME BLUES”

Mountain meadows are home to clusters of exquisite still life settings of delightful wildflowers. This granite outcropping is accented by vivid Blue Bells and bright Goldeneye (Aster family).
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“SUNLIGHT EXPLOSION”

Mountain meadows are home to enchanting clusters of delightful Rocky Mountain wildflowers. These brilliant yellow mountain daisies stood against an undergrowth of rich vibrant greens.
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“SUNNY SIDE UP”

The patterns created by the ice and snow gathering around the boulders in this Rocky Mountain stream give the impression of a favorite breakfast plate.
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“THANKSGIVING”

This image of evergreens in a snow storm was created the day after Thanksgiving. This calm scene invites you to walk out among these towering Ponderosa Pines exploring the treasures that await you.
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“THE HIDING PLACE”

Fall brings a wide variety of color to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The Aspen are the focus of the color with vibrant hues covering the mountains. The leaves eventually fall, blanketing the forest floor with a rich mosaic in shades of red, orange and yellow. Some leaves seem to be trying to find a hiding place to preserve their colors into the severe Colorado winter.
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“THE MEETING PLACE”

Fall brings a wide variety of color to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The Aspen are the focus of the color with vibrant hues covering the mountains. The leaves eventually fall, blanketing the forest floor with a rich mosaic in shades of red, orange and yellow.
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“TOGETHER”

Aspen groves are found everywhere in the picturesque Colorado mountain ranges. These groves are a family of trees that spread from one “father/mother” tree through an intricate root system, virtually connecting all Aspens in that grove to one another. This grove, located in the Routt/Medicine Bow National Forest area, north and west of Steamboat Lake, was special to me visually because of straight trunks and an abnormally long limb sticking from one of the foremost trunks. More...

“TWILIGHT SERENADE”

The sunlight, temperature, cloud cover and wind can transform abruptly in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. You can never be quite sure what to expect any time of year. This late afternoon promised an exceptional sunset, but suddenly a fast moving fog bank stretched through the mountains creating this exquisite abstract.
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“WAITING”

Anyone who has hiked in the Rocky Mountains will tell you that the “wildlife” can be very elusive. Deer, goats, big-horned sheep, moose and elk don’t always stick around for that Kodak moment. As a snow storm continued to build we stumbled upon this magnificent bull standing on a rock out-cropping. He stood in this traditional “elk pose” while I was fortunate to preserve this moment in time.
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“WILDERNESS”

The Routt National Forest covers a vast area in northwestern Colorado. The Steamboat Lake / Hahn’s Peak Area is some of the most scenic in Colorado. The Aspen turn striking hues of reds and yellows while the willows lose greenery and shift to rich purple and orange tints.
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“WINTERBERRY”

As the fall turns to winter in the Colorado Rockies, some plants and berries hold on as long as possible before winter arrives. The color of these vivid red berries was vibrant against the white of the first snow and the muted colors of the fast disappearing fall season.
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