Saturday, June 2, 2012
Today I decided to take a day trip up to the Elk Mountains near Crystal and Lead King Basin. I had heard that most of the back-roads up there were opening up (earlier than usual) and I hadn’t been up that way in a few years, so I thought it would be nice to get back up there again.
As I was driving up to McClure Pass, I noticed the nice light on this large section of green aspen trees.
Spring Aspens by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
I ended up visiting the ‘Crystal Mill’ twice during the day hoping to get some good photos, but the sky never really cooperated with me on this trip. Here are the best photos I was able to get. I’ll have to return another time to try again.
Crystal Power House by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Crystal River & Mill by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Driving up into Lead King Basin.
Springtime Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
I stopped a few times along Silver Creek to take some photos of the flowing water.
Silver Creek Falls by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Falling Water by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
My Jeep in Lead King Basin.
Lead King Basin by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
I had planned to hike up to Geneva Lake, but once I got about a half mile up the trail some dark clouds rolled in with thunder and lightning, so I turned around and got back in my Jeep. I guess I will have to return in the future and try again.
Geneva Lake Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
On my way back to Marble I stopped at Lizard Lake to get a few photos of the reflection of Sheep Mountain.
Lizard Lake Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Sheep Mountain Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
When I made it back to the highway I decided to head home through Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. I stopped in Carbondale for some dinner before finishing the drive home. It was a nice day getting back up into the Elk Mountains.