Shrine Mountain and Shrine Ridge

A few miles southeast of Vail, Colorado, and a short distance off of I-70, is Shrine Mountain and Shrine Ridge.  Because of it's proximity to the main tourist corridor, it's a very popular hike.

The photo above is the namesake feature as seen from the top of the trail.  It's a relatively easy hike through fields of wildflowers, and the ridge offers long views in all directions. 

The Crystal River Valley

Connecting Marble to Redstone to Carbondale, Colorado, the Crystal River Valley is one of the most scenic areas in Colorado.  A snowstorm last night gave everything a fresh white coating, and the parting clouds this morning stand out great against the blue sky.

I love this view!

Of course there are thousands of views I love.  Colorado is one of the most spectacular places to hike, backpack, ski, snowshoe.... or just live. 

The scene above is looking southeast towards the Ragged Mountain chain, with Chair Mountain on the right.  I took this from just below McClure Pass, on Highway 133, between Redstone and Marble, Colorado.

The longer days mean more photo ops, and I may be coming in late to work if the conditions warrant it.  Spring is a time for fog in the Crystal River valley, and foggy mornings can produce incredible landscape images.