Monument & Juniata Sunsets

Monday, Tuesday & Friday, July 23,24 & 27, 2012

Since the monsoon season here on the western slope of Colorado is in full effect, I went out to photograph a couple of sunsets this week after work. On Monday I drove up to the Colorado National Monument right after some heavy rain had passed through the area. The road up to the Visitor’s Center was covered with debris and rockfall from some flash flooding, so I had to drive extra carefully. I decided to stop at the Book Cliffs View to take a few photos.

The potholes were full of water, and the light was striking the tops of the monuments in the distance.

Highlights by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A rainbow formed over the Grand Valley, and the Grand Mesa was lit up nicely, too

Rainbow Over the Valley by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A touch of pink is added to the clouds in the sky above Monument Canyon.

A Touch of Pink by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Just before the light completely disappeared, the rainbow over the valley turned bright pink in color…along with the clouds.

Monsoon Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

On Tuesday night I thought I would try something a little bit different and hiked out to the Juniata Reservoir at the base of the Grand Mesa. I was hoping the clouds that were above the Grand Mesa would light up with spectacular color as the sun set. That never really happened, but the clouds above the reservoir were still very interesting.

Clouds above the Juniata Reservoir.

Juniata Shore by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The Grand Mesa and distant shore are lit up with late afternoon sunlight below a canopy of clouds.

Juniata Sky by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Just a little bit of color above the Mesa.

Juniata Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The best of the color in the sky was in the opposite direction that I was setup, so I turned to my right and took this photo.

A Little Color by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

On Friday, I loaded up the Jeep with camping gear for the weekend, and then drove back up to the Monument to catch the sunset from Otto’s Trail.

There were nice clouds in the sky again this evening as I looked across towards Independence Monument.

Independence by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The Kissing Couple and other nearby spires were lit up nicely for a few minutes.

Spires by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Another hole in the clouds briefly put the spotlight on Independence Monument.

Shadow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Of course, when the sky did start changing colors, it wasn’t in the direction I was facing. I quickly ran across the peninsula I was on and took this photo before the light had faded.

Wedding Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The end of the light…

The End by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Book Cliffs View Sunset Photo Gallery
>> Juniata Sunset Photo Gallery
>> Otto’s Sunset Photo Gallery