Autumn and golden aspen leaves grace the slopes of magnificent Pikes Peak Colorado this time of year, but with all the chaos from the move I was starting to think I was going to miss the whole show. Finally though, my truck is finally roadworthy and a day off of work coincided with a sunny morning. I decided it was now or never and readied my equipment for a morning shoot.
I wanted to catch the beauty at first light so I set my alarm for an early morning, which proved to be unnecessary… I was awake long before dawn, which to me was a fortuitous excuse for a trip to Bronco Billy’s for some biscuits and gravy :) After some coffee and breakfast I was on my way around the gold mine and headed toward Victor. Didn’t see much color yet by that time so I continued my journey.
As I neared the ghost town of Goldfield an amazing scene appeared in rear view mirror… The silhouette of one of the historic mines from the old west boom days was highlighted by a beautiful cloud bank filling in the valley below. A few deer grazing in the mountain grass also graced the scene and can be viewed on my website by clicking the buttons on the left or in the menu if you are on a smartphone.
From there I continued north for a great view of Pikes Peak and the vista that spread before me was breathtaking! Clouds and mist were spilling over the mountain and filling the golden valley and mountainside with a mystical mantle that was begging for a camera!
Several stops were needed along my way to Gillette Flats before I took the turn south on highway 67 and back to Cripple Creek. By this time the sun was burning brightly, creating a blaze of glory in the golden aspen leaves lining the route. One grove was particularly inviting, requiring a little hike to capture.
Be sure to visit my print site to see all the images from this outing as I get them posted.
