Posts

Showing posts with the label juniper

Juniper Pass, Colorado

Image
Juniper Pass, Colorado Halfway up Squaw Pass Road, Juniper Pass is a rugged link connecting the towns of Evergreen and Idaho Springs. The harrowing highway has steep drop-offs on both sides as the expansive Mount Evans Wilderness is stretched out as far as the eye can see. The view from the pinnacle is classic Colorado as the wide expanse of endless forest is crowned with snow-capped peaks. A narrow strip of spruce and fir trees clings to the sheer headwall while stately cypresses of juniper decorate the edge of this rocky realm. Often ignored on the way to Echo Lake, these seldom seen crags are secretly hidden in a beautiful, sub-alpine setting. Situated just below the Continental Divide at 12,00 feet, this wonderful watershed of imposing cliffs is a must-see overlook.

Juniper Pass - A Lofty Nemesis

Image
Juniper Pass, Colorado "Always do what you are afraid to do." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson At the pinnacle of Squaw Pass Road there's a crossways notch in the landscape known as Juniper. Often overlooked on the way to Echo Lake, the route is garnished with dangerous cliffs, perilous drop-offs and extreme vertigo. Here, the Mount Evans Wilderness is a wide expanse of pristine terrain, timber and terror. Crowned with snow-capped peaks, the dramatic composition is classic Colorado. It's a solitary confrontation with a lofty nemesis. A narrow strip of spruce and fir forest clings to the sheer headwall while stately cypresses of juniper decorate the edge of this rugged realm. Scrambling across this exposed ridge in the open air is a harrowing experience. Trekking through the forbidding gap will challenge your strength, athleticism and acrophobia but during these times of turmoil and chaos, an indispensable courage will be summoned from places unknown. Fortunately, ...