IntrepidXJ's Adventure Blog

Christmas Eve | Monday, December 24, 2012

On Christmas Eve it snowed all day which is a little unusual for the Grand Valley. When I got out of work, I thought it would be a good idea to drive up to the Colorado National Monument and take some photos in the snowstorm. I knew the road on top was closed because of the weather, so I went in via the Fruita entrance so I could at least drive to the Independence Monument Viewpoint. Some may find these photos boring and bland and much different from my typical ‘colorful’ images, but I was trying to create something more unique from these locations that I frequently visit and photograph. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the following images in the comments section.

As I drove up the snow-covered switchbacks, I had to pull over and stop for a photo of Balance Rock in the snow.

Balance Rock Snowstorm by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

My first stop was at the Independence Monument Viewpoint.

Tracks by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Independence Monument in the snow.

Independence Monument Snowstorm by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Friday – Sunday, December 7-9, 2012

This weekend I decided to stay home for a change. I figured that I could spend some quality time photographing the Colorado National Monument since I would be around. After work on Friday, I drove up to the Monument to try and catch a sunset that looked promising. It turned out to be a decent sunset, but not over the Monument. Instead, it was colorful over the Book Cliffs across the valley.

A portion of the Book Cliffs across the valley turns pink.

Red Book Cliffs by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The following morning I was up at the Monument again. This time I was there well before the sun came up so I could try and catch the glow that sometimes happens 15-20 minutes before sunrise.

Before the sunrise the monoliths lit up with the glow I was hoping for. This is a view down Wedding Canyon towards Fruita.

Fruita Beyond by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The early morning glow lights up The Island.

Island View by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Tuesday & Wednesday, October 16-17, 2012

Just a few short days after returning from my adventures in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, I was ready to get and photograph some of the fall colors here in the Grand Valley. I ended up driving up to the Colorado National Monument two consecutive days after work to take a few photos.

I first went over to Ute Canyon to see the cottonwood trees along the stream in the bottom. The canyon was already in the shadows, but the top of the mesa and the Book Cliffs were still receiving direct sunlight.

Ute Canyon Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The Book Cliffs across the Grand Valley near sunset.

Book Cliffs Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The Grand Mesa in the distance glows pink beyond Rim Rock Drive.

Evening Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A lone yellow leaf on the bark of a large cottonwood tree.

Leaf on Bark by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Monday, August 13, 2012

The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

This evening I headed west on the old Highway 6 to the Colorado – Utah state line to see about photographing the sunset. It seems there was some smoke in the air from wildfires burning in Idaho which helped add some interesting color to the setting sun.

Sun rays radiate out from behind the clouds along the old highway in Colorado.

Old Highway by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I liked the way this lone tree contrasted with the yellowish grasses around it. I could have tried cleaning up the noise in this photo, but I kind of like the way it looks as is.

Between the Fences by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The sun get closer to setting over the Book Cliffs in Utah. Smoke in the sky helps add color to the scene.

Flaming Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A lonely and neglected road leads toward the Book Cliffs and the setting sun.

Road to the Sun by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Old Highway Sunset Photo Gallery

Sunday – Tuesday, July 29-31, 2012

Since the afternoon monsoons were still around this week, I headed out a few evenings to try and take some more photos during sunset.

On Sunday evening, after returning home from the Paradise Divide, I left again and went to a new area in the Colorado National Monument. It must have been the weekend of rainbows, because when I arrived another one showed up.

Devil’s Point Rainbow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

This photo has it all! A nice curve in Rim Rock Drive as it exits a tunnel, warm sunlight striking the top of the sandstone canyons, nice clouds in the sky, and even a rainbow!

Curve by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The monsoon rain had filled up some large potholes on Devil’s Point, so I went looking for reflections.

Water by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr