Impression Evergreen

The San Rafael Swell “As we approached the river yesterday, the ridges on either side of its banks to the west appeared broken into a thousand forms - columns, shafts, temples, buildings, and ruined cities could be seen, or imagined, from the high points along our route” ~ John Williams Gunnison, 1853 Gunnison had arrived in Mormon Territory, leading a survey team in a futile attempt to chart a route through unforgiving land for the transcontinental railroad. They had followed the Spanish Trail and just crossed the Green River before encountering the remarkable San Rafael Swell. Unable to find a plausible passageway through the maze of cliffs, spires and slot canyons, the dogged crew skirted the barrier and headed west. Soon after leaving the swell, things turned tragic as Gunnison and his group were attacked by Pahvant Indians on 26 October 1853 while camped beside the Sevier River. Gunnison and seven of the eleven men in his party were massacred. Today, the uninhabited reg

Queen of the San Juan Mountains, Colorado East out of Ridgeway, Colorado, the quiet countryside is a subtle landscape of lower hay fields that give way to a riot of colorful wildflowers and quaking aspen. Rising above tree line is a sweep of rugged terrain composed of sharp pinnacles and serrated ridges. A scenic sub-range of the San Juan Mountains, this confusion of untidy crags is an everlasting remnant of an ancient volcano. Positioned majestically amongst these picturesque peaks is Mount Sneffels, also known as the "Queen of the San Juans". I've photographed Mount Sneffels from every direction, during different seasons and in all kinds of weather so attaining the summit was an awesome experience. This region is one of the most beautiful destinations in the west and probably my favorite place on earth.

Flatirons, Colorado The Flatirons are a unique rock formation set in the Front Range foothills. Originally called the Chautauqua Slabs or the Crags, they were ultimately named by pioneer women who thought the uplifted peaks resembled the flat, metal irons used to press their clothes. Their rugged beauty attracts hikers and photographers while curious geologists say the arrangement was forced upwards and tilted about 45 million years ago. It’s a Mecca for climbers as some of the world’s best have honed their skills on the rocky outcrops. Mornings at the the park are just perfect as the Flatirons appear golden yellow and a lush, green meadow is dotted with colorful wildflowers. Furthermore, those five, peculiar pinnacles certainly form a fitting backdrop for the quirky town of Boulder.