Scenic Winter Vista

I first discovered this point several years ago when I was hiking up Huntsmans Ridge in the summer.  After reaching the ridge, I saw a game trail leading down it, and followed that out to the end, where one is treated to a nearly 360 degree view.  To the north, you can see Mt. Sopris, and to the south, the North Fork (of the Gunnison) valley.  This shot is taken to the southeast, with (from left to right) Treasure Mountain, Ragged Mountain, and Chair Mountain most prominent.  You also get a nice view of the Crystal River Valley at the bend where the settlement of Placita used to exist.

I never dreamed of being able to enjoy this view in winter, but was able to reach it by snowshoes this weekend.  I broke a lot of trail on Saturday, so when I returned on Sunday, was able to go even higher.  I would have liked to shoot this from closer to the edge, but didn't want to risk having the cornice give way, and take me on an express ride to the bottom.

Huntsmans Ridge can be reached from McClure Pass, near Marble and Redstone, Colorado, a half hour north of Paonia.  The trail runs north of the pass, while to the south is Ragged Mountain Road, an easier and thus more traveled route.

Snowshoeing fun!

Combining ten photos into a gif file made this interesting "mini movie" of Mark and Angela descending on snowshoes.

Click on the image if it's not animating for you.

Snowshoeing up Huntsmans Ridge

After crossing this clearing, I heard some voices behind me, and descended a few yards so I could capture this photo.  Despite temperatures just below freezing, the sun and hard work of climbing a thousand feet through deep snow warm you up quickly, making a t-shirt the only thing you need to wear.  When I return to the ridge today, I'm bringing a dry shirt to put on when I get to the top.

I broke several miles of trail yesterday, and see no reason not to take advantage of that by following in my own footsteps today.  I'll probably seek out some fresh snow for part of my descent, as running down a snow-covered mountainside in snowshoes is almost as much fun as skiing down it (and much easier when the snow is thick and heavy).

Snowshoeing on Huntsmans Ridge

Midway between Redstone and Marble, Colorado, in the Crystal River Valley, is the road to McClure Pass.  From the top of the pass, Forest Service roads run north and south.  The southern route is Ragged Mountain Road.  To the north is Huntsmans Ridge.  The latter offers great views of the Crystal River valley, Chair Mountain and the Raggeds (as well as Treasure Mountain, just outside of Marble), and continues around the south and west sides of the Coal Basin.

Most foot traffic, including skiers and snowshoers, follows the easier Ragged Mountain Road.  While pleasant enough of a hike, the views and experience, in my opinion, are superior on Huntsmans Ridge.  Climbing about 1,000 feet per mile, it's relatively steep, but that's just what my friend Dana calls "efficient."

Today, I was able to follow the tracks of backcountry skiers who had skinned up much of the way.  From then on, I was breaking trail, which wasn't too bad, because I didn't sink so much in the heavy snow that fell this past week.  The trees were blanketed in snow, which made for some interesting photos.  The views were spectacular.  I think I'll go back up there tomorrow.

Winterscape with mountain and river

Chair Mountain, lit by the morning sun, is reflected in the Crystal River one winter day in Colorado.

One of my favorite places to shoot, this bend in the river is known as Placita, and is midway between Redstone and Marble, Colorado.