Western Slope
I apologize for the lack of posts recently. Life has been busy and blessed!
Here’s a view of the mountains near Ouray, Colorado, with spring snow still clinging to their faces. There are so many stunning views along the western slope of the Rocky Mountains…
Snowy paradise
The last picture from my spring trip to Grays and Torreys Peaks. Or is it the last?
On the left is Grays, and towards the center is Torreys. This peaceful photo belies just how windy and harsh the day really was, but stays true to the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Windy Edwards!!
Here’s the photo I promised of blowing snow on Mt Edwards… wow!
This photo was taken from most of the way up neighboring Grays Peak.
Early spring visit to Grays Peak
April 2, 2011
I had never given much consideration to climbing a 14er outside of the summer season, until a friend called up (okay, actually he texted) and said “Hey, wanna go up Grays and Torreys this weekend?”. Of course I did!
The winter trailhead is just off of I-70 at the Bakerville exit, only about 50 miles west of Denver. We hit the trail shortly after sunrise at 7am and enjoyed a rare chance at climbing a 14er ‘standard’ route without sharing it with 100+ other people. Priceless! We didn’t make it up Torreys Peak because it took us so long to summit Grays Peak (14,278 feet), but it was still a near-perfect day. Curse you, high altitude!
Here you see a view back towards Grays and Mt Edwards in the mid-afternoon. Edwards is just to the left of the center in the picture, while Grays is towards the right side – where my tracks are coming from. Later on I’ll share a picture showing the incredible winds blowing snow from the south face of Mt. Edwards. Enjoy!
Preserving the peace
A blissful February afternoon at the Betasso Preserve.
In only a couple short months, this same scene would be painted with wildflowers.