IntrepidXJ's Adventure Blog

Here’s a photo I took on Saturday that I really like. It’s a reflection of Sheep Mountain in Lizard Lake over by Marble, Colorado in the Elk Mountains.

Three stages of the Partial Eclipse of the Strawberry Moon early this morning. Click on the image for a larger view over at Flickr.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

It’s been awhile since I’ve hiked to the arches in Rattlesnake Canyon and I have wanted to return again so that I could try and get some better photos of them. I figured that sunset would probably be the best time to go, and that I should have plenty of time to reach them after work before the sun went down. Last week I had originally planned on hiking to them after work on two separate occasions, but as I left work on those days the sky was completely overcast which wouldn’t have made for any good photos, so I cancelled the hike. Finally on Tuesday the conditions were looking good, so I grabbed a quick dinner and drove to the upper trailhead after work. I actually arrived in about an hour, which was quicker than I thought it would take. I got on my pack and started hiking into the canyon. There was no one else around and I would not see anyone else all evening…I had the place to myself. It’s great to be able to get to places like this not far from home to enjoy some solitude in the middle of the week.

Start of the trail.

Ratlesnake Arches Trailhead by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

View from the trailhead over the Grand Valley in the distance.

Above the Valley by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I made it to the end of the trail rather quickly which left me with plenty of time before sunset to take some photos. I went right to Rainbow Arch, also known as Cedar Tree Arch, at the end of the trail since I knew the light on that arch would be better earlier in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I was too late to catch it at the right time. I might have to return to this arch in the fall or winter for better light.

Cedar Tree Arch by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Sunday, May 6, 2012

After a nice night sleeping along Indian Creek, I was awake again the break of dawn and having some breakfast. I packed up camp and then headed back into The Needles for another day of exploring. I was soon driving the rough road over Elephant Hill into the heart of the Needles. I ended up doing a little hiking and searching for some new rock art sites as I explored this beautiful area once again.

Driving through Elephant Canyon after crossing over Elephant Hill.

Elephant Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Squeezing my Jeep through this tight section into Devil’s Pocket.

Devil’s Pocket by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Interesting black handprints along the road.

Black Hands by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Great view in Devil’s Lane.

Devil’s Lane by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Here’s a photo I took at North Coyote Buttes on Saturday in Sand Cove. I sure wish there had been some clouds in the sky, but I guess there’s always next time! The white stripes in the sandstone were very prominent here.