Press "Enter" to skip to content

Christmas Eve Monument Snowstorm

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.

8306204148_d389d87b90_z.jpg
Balance Rock Snowstorm by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

My first stop was at the Independence Monument Viewpoint.

8354329201_335a6671b3_z.jpg
Tracks by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Independence Monument in the snow.

8305172731_fd3bf42dc4_z.jpg
Independence Monument Snowstorm by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Then I made my way over to Otto’s Trail.

8306235254_eb4a077dc1_z.jpg
Otto’s Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I hiked through about 6-7 inches of fresh snow to the end of the trail at the overlook. Since I came straight from work I wasn’t really dressed properly for the weather, so I got pretty soaked. Luckily, it wasn’t too cold out.

8331131427_0b05057a05_z.jpg
Powder Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The view down Wedding Canyon as I hiked along the trail.

8311947149_84b6678c77_z.jpg
Wedding Canyon Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Looking down on the Pipe Organ.

8355487156_1de431be3c_z.jpg
Pipe Organ by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Then I hiked along the rim of Monument Canyon.

8305200911_82146c1540_z.jpg
White Monument by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

8313034864_0b116a8ae6_z.jpg
Monument Canyon Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

8355410422_a1027405b2_z.jpg
On the Edge by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I stopped at my favorite dead Juniper tree and tried a few different compositions.

8340958760_02e5998964_z.jpg
Sentinel by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

8355445822_c7c1c39bf7_z.jpg
Touch of Winter by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

One last view of the Sentinel Spire before I hiked back to my Jeep and drove back home for the evening.

8308175553_25b8ace7f2_z.jpg
Silent Storm by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Christmas Eve Monument Snowstorm Photo Gallery

One Comment

  1. Zack Keys
    Zack Keys January 8, 2013

    Great scenery, even in the snow, is great scenery. Keep them coming Randy!

Leave a Reply