I just returned from a rejuvenating, nature-fueled trip out to Colorado. This was definitely more of a vacation and less of my usual mode of immersive travel. Though I've been to the Denver-Boulder area several times, this was the first time I actually got to venture into the Colorado Rockies. My family and I stayed in Glenwood Springs and most of the hiking and exploring we did was in Glenwood Canyon and around Aspen. I've been to many beautiful parts of the world and this is in my top 5. The air is so fresh and clean, the sun so bright at these elevations—being surrounded by such pristine nature is deeply restorative. The American West really is a marvel. I'd love to spend more time out there, just taking it in.
All these images were captured on a Sony A7RII with Leica M mount primes, most notably the 21mm Super Elmar, an outstanding lens for nature photography.
The hike up to Hanging Lake, Glenwood Canyon.
The hike up to Hanging Lake, Glenwood Canyon
The famous Hanging Lake. Short but vigorous climb up. This hike was one of the highlights of the trip.
The view from the top of Hanging Lake.
Glenwood Canyon. So many great hikes in here and an amazing bike trail along the Colorado River the whole length of the gorge.
The Colorado River running through Glenwood Canyon. It splits off into the Rio Grande in Glenwood Springs where you can pick up another bike path that takes you all the way down to Aspen. This part of the country is an outdoor lover's paradise.
Rifle Falls.
Rifle Falls.
There happened to be some wildfires when we were out there, on the other side of the mountain where we stayed so no real immediate danger.
The Maroon Bells shot on my Leica 90mm Summarit.
Trippy geography around the Maroon Bells. At this elevation the clouds appear to move much faster than usual, if you just sit and stare at the changing light on the mountains, it's as satisfying as your favorite movie.